This long dry sunny spell is getting a bit boring! However as I wandered westwards across Durlston I was accompanied by a charm of Goldfinches, their flashes of gold and red and white as they flew and the constant tinkling a wonderful sight and sound. Also lovey to watch as they all drop suddenly into the tops of the Bristly Ox-tongue and Wild Carrot.
Ahead of me on the path, a small bird, the stripey yellow head and chestnut chest marking make it unmistakable, a Cirl Bunting. However as I watched a squeaky call went overhead and I turned to watch a stunning bright pink-chested Bullfinch as it landed in the tops of the Elder bush – what a bird!
Out across the downland and a Raven croaked as it flew overhead, the large black making sure I didn’t miss it. Later I was delighted to see a Kestrel gliding above me, I feel they have been in short supply this summer.
With the grasses in the meadows all brown, some of the flowers are showing very well – especially the Wild Carrot and Lesser Knapweed, while patches of thick green leaves, covered in pink and white pea like flowers are often those of the Restharrow.
Using one of the stones stiles as a perch, I was able to enjoy the sight of a Greenfinch (bright green with the sun reflecting of its feathers), also a super view of a Redstart as it moved along the Bramble covered hedgerow. The flashes of the red tail catching my eye, then able to see the greyish body.
The tall stems of Wild Parsnip being used by a couple of Chiffchaffs as they feed up before they too continue their long migration south. Later a Grasshopper Warbler and a Sedge Warbler flitted in the scrub, plus 4 Yellowhammers.
Last night the moth trap was put out and upon opening a plethora of Jersey Tiger moths took off, as well as these spectacular red bodied moths, we also had Tree Lichen Beauty, Brimstone, and Rosy Footman.
Returning to the centre, it was intriguing to see a bird pellet on the picnic table, the elongated mass full of beetle parts and spiral snail shells.