The morning seemed still and quiet at Durlston, barely a breath of wind, but from overhead came the loud croaking of a Raven, followed by the twittering of flock of Swallows as they flew over.
Many of the meadows have now been cut for hay, but around the margins flowers still in bloom, such as the Red Bartsia providing a dull pink colour to the edge, also the deep purple Tufted Vetch, Fleabane and Marjoram.
On the short downland turf look out for Eyebright, Squinancywort, Wild Thyme, and the spiralling late orchid Autumn Lady’s Tresses.
In the hedgerows a smattering of Redstarts, at least five of these gorgeous migrants having arrived to feed up, before heading south. Flashes of red spotted as they flit along the bushes, dashing down and up onto the newly cut hay.
Although the sun had yet to emerge a few butterflies on the wing, with Meadow Brown and Small Heath, a Speckled Wood and a Red Admiral, plus Gatekeeper, a single Marbled White and a Small Tortoiseshell. Added to this a brilliant blue Adonis Blue flashed its wings before closing up again.
The tinkling calling of a flock of Goldfinches, came from the red berry laden Hawthorn, and perched on top, almost like decorations were 12 of these lovely gold striped birds.
A black-capped Blackcap also in the scrub, as was a Chiffchaff while a Spotted Flycatcher popped into view.
A most unusual Bank Holiday yesterday with first a report of a single Dolphin swimming past the observation point, followed shortly afterwards by 3 reports of a Tuna leaping from the water, if this wasn’t enough another visitor took photos of a Praying Mantis on a grass stem in the meadows – a first for Durlston for this non-native insect.