Entering the gates at Sunnydale I am greeted by two Blackbirds which scurry into the undergrowth of Nettle, Dock, and Garlic Mustard. A display of white flowers adorn the Cow Parsley and Elder, where a little Dunnock hops across the branches.
Following the meandering path and crossing old stone bridge, I pass some lovely purple flowers – Foxgloves just by the Cherry Laurel, and the ostentatious blooms of Rhododendron overhanging the ever-growing carpet of Creeping Comfrey.
Flowering Sycamore trees rustle around the Aviary Glade; now filled with Daisy, Buttercup, and an array of towering grasses – very apt for no-mow-May! I am able to identify Meadow, Rye, and Cocksfoot amongst them.
Stepping through to the coat path I am exposed to the cool Easterly breeze which rattles the Pampas Grass as it rolls up over the slopes of Durlston Bay.
Three Ravens circle below the Observation Point. These birds dwarf the nearby Jackdaws in every sense – from their sheer size to their low ominous caw, which makes the Jackdaws squeak almost comical. A single Fulmar is also in flight above the cliffs, its fringes speckled fantastically purple; Mallow and Sea Thrift.
Stonechats ‘chak’ as I cross the Gully mouth. They move their wings so quickly they appear almost erratic as they land on the spindliest of stems. Here, the Thrift is interspersed with yellows – Kidney Vetch, Horseshoe Vetch, and Bird’s Foot Trefoil. On recent sunnier days these plants have welcomed an abundance of Common Blue and Adonis Blue butterfly.
Returning up the slope, I enjoy watching a couple juvenile Magpies test out their wings, and hear Goldfinch, Skylark, and Greenfinch along the way. Yesterday another young Magpie was found dead in the car parks, likely mauled by a Dog – a stark reminder to keep your dog on a lead over the nesting season.