This morning one Buff Tailed Bumble Bee visited the flowers of White Clover, near the car park. Another visited Wild Thyme upon the downland. Whilst switching off and cover two moth traps, for others to inspect, I disturbed a red bodied Ichneumon Fly Ophion luteus . More investigations required! The only other insect clearly seen was one of the Skipper butterflies flying alongside the cliff top coast path.
Arriving from Long Meadow onto the coast path I was delighted to find a male Bullfinch near a Thistle stand. I was impressed at the increased professionalism of or Park Run organisers, equipped with new barrier to safely direct runners. Passing through the shade of castle wood I enjoyed the greens of the broad fronds of Harts Tongue Fern. Lords & Ladies showed ruby fruit clusters that resembled a giant raspberry, not to be eaten! In front of me a Long-tailed Tit flew over the diagonal path into a Sycamore. Path side were the yellow “pom poms” of Hops Vetch. A small cluster of Ox Eye Daisies were the only obvious flowers within the Goat Plot. Offshore, there were the sights and sounds of a Herring Gulls over the sea. Ultimately there were forty plus such birds with a few Black Headed Gulls as well as Great Black Backed Gulls. Later, from the downland slopes, I would hear Common Terns call and watch an adult and immature Gannet amongst the throng. Today pot fishing vessel FY851 had two crew on board that headed east along the cliff foot.
I began to observe a Kestrel that appeared near the gully mouth; however, I was disturbed by two cyclists arriving on the coast path. Fortunately, they were pleasant and did stop when I explained not cycling at Durlston or indeed upon the coast path in most places. Ascending via the downland I passed Centaury beside Bee Orchid flowers. The sound of a light aircraft added to the summer mood, albeit cooled by a breeze. Selfheal had opened its blooms upon the slopes. Amongst the sward a quartet of Jackdaws were seen as they foraged, however, a dozen flew off together. The remains of a spent (spores broadcasted) dry, brown Common Earth Ball were seen upon the ground. Large white buds of Water Lilies were seen upon the pond.