Chiff Chaff, Chaffinch and Song Thrush vocals rang out near the centre. Dew carpeted the ground and the lightest of breezes was occasionally felt. Visibility was restricted to the reclaimed landfill and Ballard Down today.
I passed Bluebells amongst field margins and drove edge, whilst I was to learn that it was a Sparrow Hawk that passed me near the Small Copse as I saw it fly back again latter. A Green Woodpeckers was twice seen, first in Sycamore near the hay rake and latter near the Upper Gully / 3 boundary. It was a delight to see some 30 Early Spider Orchids, in a 50cm square, near eye level when walking the undulating path beside the shallow quarr. Dew help show up spiders’ webs whilst a male Stone Chat paused upon a thorn bush. Several individual Greenfinches were seen and heard saying “tzee”. Wayfaring tree showed composite collections of tight buds. Johnston Meadow was the best for Cowslips with centenary having a good carpet at the south end only. I was pleased to clock my first 2022 Durlston butterflies, being a pair of Speckled Wood upon the east -west drove. Somewhere a Cock Pheasant let its presence be known. Skylark song was about the meadows, but I thought I heard three at most at once.
I was especially happy to discover an Early Purple Orchid in flower amongst the recently cleared scrub edges / glades of the Lighthouse Field downland. I was shocked on seeing the time when I used my phone to take a photo. Luckily, my mobile had only gone it French time as can happen here! Stepping round the corner I found another six Early Purple Orchids out with their spotted leaves! Nearby the once familiar scratchy sounds of a Whitethroat had returned! Spring will certainly bring forth many more discoveries, go out and find your own!