With the return of the Hereford cows and new calves now imminent, I went off towards the downland to check on the newly mended water supply and fences. As I passed the quarr a flash of yellow captured my attention, spotted again this small bird was a female Yellowhammer, which I was able to compare to the Cirl Bunting spotted lower down the gully – which was more green and striped.
Along the verge the bright yellow Horseshoe Vetch is abundant as is the vivid blue of Chalk Milkwort and the larger yellow-orange pea flowers of Bird’s-foot Trefoil.
Out on the downs a patch of tall Early Purple Orchids, growing amongst some yellow Cowslips, many of which are now beginning turning to seed.
The single pinky-purple flower of Common Vetch, clambering up and over the grass, while the bright pink spike of Sainfoin now blooming in the meadows.
A wonderful male Yellowhammer was perched on the top of the Gorse patch, the bright yellow head, alongside it was a Stonechat, dark head and orange front, two of my favourite birds.
Along the cliffs the Thrift flowers are appearing, pink patches on a soft mat of thin leaves. Below on the water a raft of Guillemots bobbing up and down, in amongst these a couple of Razorbills to be spotted (much darker black and with a thicker bill, striped with a white line).
Yesterday there were sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins in Durlston Bay, sadly I didn’t spot them this morning, but you never know.
As I returned along the path, a report of an Iberian Chiffchaff, identifiable by its call – so I am told!
On the cliff camera the Guillemots are sitting on their eggs, with much bustling around – see them live on the website.