Today’s commute saw House Martins as they flew over Langton House. On the approach to Spyway a charm of Goldfinches kept ahead. Amongst cow pats a dead Shrew was spotted then a Yellow Hammer scampered on the bare soil path only metres ahead.
At Durlston a Peregrine Falcon’s calls were heard and a trio of birds observed heading east along the close, possible one being the prey. Today was to be Gatekeeper galore as they were found amongst Bramble (pink and white versions) and Old Man’s Beard flowers. A sweet scent arose from cow pats although their creators where not seen upon the coastal slopes.
Flowers were represented by the yellow Lady’s Bedstraw and Hops Trefoil, the pink of Restharrow and the purples of Dwarf Thistle and Greater Knapweed.
Amongst the soundscape were Skylark vocals and the passage of wind through a sea of grass. For a change I turn inland away from the coastal views noting Bittersweet fruits & flowers and Gorse loaded with seed pods, beside the ride through scrub. Hard, pale, and bristly fruits were seen to be developing as Blackberries. Corky Fruited Water Dropwort flower heads were only marked by their insect lures. Lords & Ladies fruits were seen at field edge, some pale others in full orange red. Small Blue, Marbled White and Meadow Brown and a Skipper put in appearances. In 8 Acres the meadow looked dry and showed few flowers although plenty of seed. A neighbour’s fields showed lines of rake hay set up for baling. An abandoned Six Spot Burnet moth cocoon bulged upon a grass stem. Heading down the ride that is the East West Drive the calls of Greenfinch and Whitethroat rang out. In Saxon Fleabane plants and cattle hoof hollows indicated that the ground had been wet. Nearer the wildlife garden one Fleabane flower resembled a cartoon sun. Enchanters Nightshade showed white flowers under the canopy of the Large Copse, whilst Garlic Mustard heled elongated seed pods.