With the sun hidden partially behind the clouds, I was lulled into thinking it would be cooler for my patrol – but without the wind of recent days it was very sticky! However I did enjoy the wonderful view of a Yellowhammer, this male was perched on top of a stunted Hawthorn bush, the yellow head gleaming.
Across on the meadows butterflies galore, a flurry of black and white wings as Marbled Whites flitted from plant to plant looking for nectar. Looking marvellous as they alighted on the purple Greater Knapweeds.
Buzzing alongside them Small Skippers, these bright tan coloured butterflies (with a dark line on their wing) almost as numerous – a quick count across that field reached 35, a couple of which were on a Pyramidal Orchid.
A handsome Peacock, some deep chocolate brown Ringlets, plus Small Heath, Painted Lady and Meadow Brown butterflies also in flight. Alongside these a few red and black Six-spot Burnet Moths whirring and some Silver-Y Moths.
A rambling patch of glorious purple Tufted Vetch caught my eye, the flowers attracting a variety of insects including Bees – at least 3 different varieties and some Beetles – the red Soldier being one of them.
Above me the sound of a Skylark in full voice, while between patches of Blackthorn a group of Goldfinches moved, flashes of gold, white and as they perched the red faces.
Our last guided Seabird boat trip of the year last evening, despite the strong winds and tides, the 100 or so people on board had great views of Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Shag, Cormorants, Fulmars and of course Puffins. Gannets, Great-black Backed Gulls and Herring Gulls, plus Swifts a Peregrine Falcon also put in an appearance as we travelled along the amazing coastline between Old Harry and Dancing Ledge.
As I come back to look at the Guillemot ledge this morning, the number of chicks has diminished as some of them took to the water last night, with a flying leap, to paddle of out to sea with their male parent.