I delighted in returning to the land of tall meadow vegetation. Both Blackbird and Robin investigated the dry cracked paths where mown grass had been scorched. Mustard coloured Wild Parsnip plants held flowers and seeds. Similarly, on the same Corky Fruited Water Dropwort there were flowers with insect mimic and closed dry “umbrella heads” also. Flowerless Agrimony was laden with seed burr packets, ready for passing mammals to transport.
I noticed that finally a new electric cable had been installed, unground to supply the Lighthouse. At least some walling stone has been “thrown up” as a result. Here in Lighthouse Field a Goldfinch pair fluttered by before I went to descend the mile marker slope. Dwarf Thistle and Red Bartsia flowers were amongst the ground cover. A septet of Jackdaws flew around Lighthouse Green. Again my morning’s dominant butterfly species was Gatekeepers, with over thirty being seen, along with solitary Clouded Yellow and Large White.
I entered the undisturbed Goat Plot specifically in search of reptiles. Here Agrimony spikes still held yellow flowers perhaps due to full sun? The water trough was completely dry, I suspected in part due to evaporation. Several “dog hair” like bundles amongst the vegetation were in fact nursery tents of hunting Wolf Spiders. Eventually I found one female Slowworm (legless lizard) underneath a forgotten water container left from a winter bonfire. I emerged onto the diagonal path where occasional Gorse flowers remained. Elsewhere I found odd cluster of Gorse seed pods yet to burst.
The sea was flat calm and the cliffs rather quiet, of course Feral Doves were active. Below the Great Globe and close to the waters edge rested seven Shags and / or Cormorants. Closer to me I could confirm were a definite three Cormorants also resting, non-spreading and drying their wings today. On Tilly Whims wave cut platform both Rock Samphire and Golden Samphire were evident.
Later two silent Jays were spotted amongst the scrubby gully bottom. Sycamores were holding masts that were paler than their leave I suspected I heard the calls of a Dartford Warbler amongst the Gorse, but no sighting to confirm. A silent Raven passed by.
Enjoy your day, be mindful of nature and other visitors.