This morning Durlston sits in a cloud, with the mist gently rolling through. It obscures the view from one side of a field to the other. The water droplets catch upon the Sycamore leaves and fall as raindrops through its canopy. Dew decorates the spider webs and covers the grasslands; soaking my boots and through to my socks.
The first few Greater Knapweeds have appeared in flower, adding purple to the mosaic of colour in the meadows; magenta pink Red Clover, yellow Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Pale Blue Flax, and the raspberry-ripple Common Spotted Orchids (to name a few!).
More species of butterflies have now emerged, with Meadow Browns, and Lulworth Skippers recorded on our weekly butterfly count.
There’s an eerie feeling along the woodland coast path where the usual expanse of sea view looks onto a wall of white cloud. Both Oystercatcher and fog horns blaring out from within. Very apt for the Jurassic Park themed Parkrun this morning, with almost full car parks, and dinosaurs appearing in all directions; Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops.
Amongst the bird song (Blue Tit, Robin, Chiffchaff, and Blackcap), the continuous high-pitched squeaking from some fledgling Great Tits. They follow their parents with trepidation, through the Black Poplar, and onto the Holm Oak. Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat caught by the volunteer bird ringers.
Amongst the glades some lovely displays of Creeping Buttercup, and blossoms of Dogrose atop the scrub. Horsetails have formed dense little forests and swathes of Fleabane prepare to flower.
Last night we enjoyed an excellent Seabird Boat Trip with visitors enjoying views of 4 Puffins, 2 Peregrines, good numbers of Kittiwake, Cormorant, and Shag, and plenty of Guillemots.