A bit more of a breeze to enjoy today, with the sound of it rustling in the grass and the trees. Slowly walking through the Tor Grass, Tall Fescue and Cocksfoot patch of long grass was a male Pheasant, the bright red head the only bit that could be seen before it emerged completely.
A movement across the sky, and my attention was drawn upwards were I was able to get a really good view of a Merlin as it moved right across the sky. This, is our smallest bird of prey, breeds mostly on the upland moorland, mostly in the north of the UK, and then starts to move elsewhere, often following the flocks of migrating small birds.
Down by the lighthouse green a pale chestnut coloured Roe Deer walked, seemingly unperturbed by my presence, allowing me great views of its short antler prongs, and of its black nose. A second male was seen earlier on the meadows.
An old Hawthorn tree, which had been shaped by the wind, was big occupied by a small brown-capped Blackcap, as it moved from branch to branch another couple were also seen.
However my attention was drawn by the activities of a Hereford Cow, who was stretching her neck upwards as far a possible and using her very long tongue to reach an Ivy leaf, as it eluded her she shuffled closer and stretched again, her tongue even longer this time just touching the leaf but not enough to grab and eat! Further persistence and the Ivy was enjoyed.
A Greater Bloody-nose Beetle wandered slowly across the grass, while a Fox Moth caterpillar was always walking across the path. The back end of this brown and black furry, finger sized caterpillar supported on its prolegs while the front on its true legs.
A quick chat with the Bird Ringers and they reported that there were lots of birds including Sparrowhawk, Reed Warbler, Great Tit, Goldfinches and perhaps the most exciting a Nightjar. This bird likely to be on the beginning of its migration, but whether it was a local Studland bird of from further afield is guesswork!