June has welcomed a wave of purple petals with Greater Knapweed and Pyramidal Orchids in flower across the park. We are enjoying a fantastic showing of Ox-Eye Daisies across the Meadows as usual, whilst the downs are covered in the white umbelliferous Wild Carrot. Much of the Horseshoe Vetch and Birds Foot Trefoil has gone to seed. Yellows replaced by the later Agrimony and Kidney Vetch.
Amongst the higher sward, the grasses hum with wheezing Crickets and Grasshoppers. I don’t manage to identify any as they hop and fly as I approach. Crane Flies also numerous and distract as they take flight in a similar manner. Atop a bindweed flower, the distinctive and aptly named Thick-thighed Flower Beetle. The day-flying Mother Shipton Moth in flight and not to be mistaken for a butterfly.
It’s a balmy 17.8 degrees Celsius at 0800 this morning, which is enjoyed by a number of butterflies. Small Skipper, Meadow, Large White, and Speckled Wood all noted along the woodland coast path, fluttering wings akin to the last of the Holm Oak leaf fall. Temperatures set to soar later this week.
In the woodland glades, Hemp Agrimony and Willowherb grows up and up and up, with the flowers just beginning to develop. An understorey dominated by Privet has blossomed and covered in fluffy clusters of cream-coloured flowers. Honeysuckle intertwines through, along with Bittersweet, and Bramble; reaching thorny stems over the dry stone walls.
My walk is filled with bird song; Chiffchaff repetitions, melodious verses from Robin, a quicker succession of notes from Chaffinch, and Wren an explosive series of high-pitched trills. All the while, Herring Gulls caw from high above the canopy. Out of sight, but you can picture them soar, wings outstretched patrolling high above the coast.