Despite yesterday’s rain, last night’s Glowworm Walk was a success. Whilst 19 glowing females flightless were recorded, one winged male was drawn to a light trap! Of course, when you have only a few weeks in your adult stage, no mouth parts, you go out to find a mate whatever the weather.
This dry morning with sun, breeze and dew was delightful. Rather good for butterflies too. In the sky sat a Waning Gibbous Moon. Tiny white crucifix flowers were seen in group clusters upon Dogwood. Meanwhile, tiny finger like protrusions were upon Lime leaves. These were Lime Nail Galls caused by Gall Mites Eriophyes tiliae. Gatekeepers were active but a flurry of half dozen would be near my walks end. Here pairs circled in a mating flight. Outside the castle upon Buddleia were a Red Admiral and two Large Whites. Eyelash like purple with white tipped petals were upon Burdock. Sycamore masts hung over and were scattered upon the Dell Bridge. Movement amongst Hemp Agrimony stems suggested a Small Mammal; however, it was a Wren that emerged. It was not until I was on the coast path that I encountered a Marbled White. Offshore pot fishing vessel PE1124 was heading towards Swanage. Despite the cliffs being rather quiet, other than Feral Doves, Herring Gulls and two Shag, I still picked up the fishy scent of a mass of Guillemot droppings.
It was a Kestrel was hunting over the tall grass on the gully slopes. Several dives were observed, but nothing caught. As I passed the upper Mile Marker, a Kestrel came within metres of me. Beyond a second one was noted. I left the pair hunting close to each other, siblings perhaps.
Upon the coastal ridge the Hereford Cattle were on the wrong side of the electric fence. On this occasion it looked as if they had dislodged the rail gate bars.