Unexpectedly, I journeyed in via Priest Way and Grey Seeds Farm such that I discovered new to me quarry works west of California Farm. Several fields had already been cut for hay meaning Durlston was one of few sanctuaries for small mammals. Upon Belle Vue one Giant Puffball was the size of two fists. I heard the calls of a male Stonechat as I observed a pot fishing vessel head west.
Durlston’s coastal ridge retained a good show of Early Spider and Early Purple Orchids along with Chalk Milkwort, Common Daisy, Red Clover, Bulbous Buttercup and Hawthorn Blossom.
A lightly rippled sea gave potential good Marine Watch conditions. At 2pm this afternoon, potential Marine Watchers are welcome to join a training session at the Learning Centre. A solo Gannet circulated offshore west of Anvil Point. A trio of Herring Gulls headed east whilst a flock of gulls were upon the sea of the Gully Mouth. Despite keeping to a well-trodden path, I set up three Skylarks from the lush Tor Grass. Strangely, plump, shiny Black Slugs reminded me of liquorice! Hay Rattle flowers had made it onto the downland. Near the quarry hollows spikes of Wild Clary bloomed. Cocksfoot was amongst the grasses flowering. Soggy Sycamore Corner contained fresh Dock and Burdock leaves. There were some bald patches, due to Ant excavations, upon otherwise Red Fescue covered ant hills. Both Horseshoe Vetch and Birds-foot Trefoil held yellow flowers near the Hay Rake. One Kestrel was being seen off by two Carrion Crow over the grazing Hereford Cattle. The cows were easy to count but the calves were obscured by vegetation. Together these mammals had exposed patches of Old Mans Beard, Bramble, and Blackthorn. Speckled Wood butterflies flew in the dappled shade along castle wood path.