A July morning full of Skylarks singing, least 3 different ones were proclaiming from above the meadows, whilst another 3 were to be seen flying and hovering above the long grass – just wonderful.
In the meadows a scattering of delicate blue flowers of Pale Flax amongst the more vivid purple Tufted Vetch and yellows of Goatsbeard and Bristley Ox-tongue.
Low down Restharrow is creeping its way across the ground, where Selfheal, Hop Trefoil and Black Medic can also be found.
As I went to fix a small water leak, Dyer’s Greenweed was the dominant plant, the bright yellow pea type flowers contrasting with the dark green leaves, to add more colour the pink Pyramidal Orchids were blooming alongside.
Fluttering around the fields the day flying, brightly coloured red and black Six-Spot Burnet Moth, plus lots of Marbled White butterflies, and Meadow Browns and Ringlets. Many Small Skippers also attracting attention with their buzzy flight and unusual way of perching showing all four wings at an angle. The Lulworth Skippers also do this and were to be seen across the downland.
The chirping of Grasshoppers catching my attention, these Meadow Grasshoppers are the most common species of the 10 orthoptera (grasshoppers and bush-crickets) that can be found here.
A sudden burst of activity and a Red-legged Partridge whirred away, its bright red legs dangling out behind it – not what I expected to see at all.
From the patches of Gorse, Stonechats were calling, the ‘chat-chat’ sound ringing across the downland. Every now and then a Common Whitethroat appeared and did a flock of Linnets and Goldfinches.
Overhead a few Swallows to enjoy as well as a Buzzard slowly winding its way upwards on the thermals.