Last night bit was a delight as a Stargazing was held with clear sky. Nevertheless, Bob and his presentations were no longer to be with us. Tawny Owls called as I left. I thank the Great Dorset Beach Cleaners, and especially Beach Buddy Dave, for yesterday’s efforts. Little waste suggested a clean beach.
Outside the office Shepherds Purse showed delicate flowers. I picked and crushed a leaf and the nettle like scent confirmed the plant in flower to be Ground Ivy. Field Maple showed its inflorescence whilst on the ground a Blackbird hopped amongst a Cowslip cluster. As the sun pierced cloud behind me my shadow stretched out in front of me. In sweeping flight, a Swallow passed alongside a hedgerow.
In Saxon, I again saw a trio of Skylarks with at least two fighting. On the ground Fleabane leaves were amongst a damp patch. Amongst Blackthorn blossom a Chaffinch paused. Resting in a Sycamore was one Carrion Crow, whilst a Pheasant made noises in the background. In a corner of Centenary, the two planes of symmetry growth were that of a group of Elms, just taller than me. Basking upon a dry-stone wall was my first Hoverfly of the year. The bird that dove into wall side scrub was a Whitethroat. I caught sight of a Roe Deer buck, that upon seeing me appeared to take the route of the rough ancient steps associated with the Napoleonic signal station.
Over the Meadows a Kestrel hovered as it scanned the ground for small mammals. Due to the clusters, I was able to see the tiny flowers of Crosswort, our first bedstraw to flower.
In Lighthouse Field, an Early Purple Orchids, 15cm tall one with tongue like flowers, was most memorable. Despite a Cranefly passing close to the seed pods of Hairy Bittercress, no seed explosion was trigger upon the ant hill. Fresh Teasel leaves were out, and a male Bullfinch was seen before reading the weather.