There was a refreshing breeze this morning which was responsible for the rustling of leaves. Despite this several butterflies were active. Marbled Whites were most obvious, whilst many Gatekeepers were visiting Old Man’s Beard flowers (long linear “eye lash” petals). Six Spot Burnet Moth cocoons were found whilst a pair were seen mating upon a Scabious flower. Skippers were seen struggling with the wind whilst a Dark Fritillary was briefly seen in South Field. The very dark and plain butterfly that paused upon the diagonal path I took to be a Ringlet.
Yellow flowers included some remnants of Hay Rattle and Agrimony; however, the invasive Ragwort and Bristly Ox Tongue blooms were also present. Pyramidal Orchid flowers were still looking good, and although the meadows showed dry grass seed heads, the stems and growth below were still green. A downland Ant Hill wore a wig of Red Fescue and Lady’s Bedstraw. Wild Parsnip, in places, had seeds to dispense via the wind. Much of the Field Maple mast had been shed but a few were getting drier upon their host. The bounty of white Bramble flowers suggested a good Blackberry crop might follow!
One Carrion Crow called from the telephone wire perch, but soon was joined by another that emerged from the downland sward below. Initially it was one then a few more Herring Gulls that followed the coastline and headed west. I heard the calls of a Peregrine Falcon which I saw to be interacting with at least one Herring Gull. A couple of Shag were upon the sea near the cliff foot, but the absence of the breeding seabird colony was felt. I admired the brand-new handmade Tilly Whim gate which will need a coat of protective oil today. Greenfinches and Stonechats made appearances as I ascended the diagonal path. Taking a sneaky short cut, I crunched over a carpet of dry Holm Oak leaves.