Initial observations were that of warm sun, despite the cloud, with a strong cooling breeze. Chiff Chaffs Skylarks and Chaffinches were heard.I was delighted to see the Castle Elm in leaf such that I could finally identify it as Wych Elm from its distinctive asymmetrical base leaf base. A determined Grey Squirrel had squeezed between the cage bars of the castle bird feeder. Above an otherwise quiet Durlston Bay and altercation between Carrion Crows took place giving me a view of those wonderful finger- tipped wings!
Three different colours of Valerian were growing out of different walls; white at the castle, Pink on the coast path walls and more of a purple on the cliff tops. Soon these flowers will attract many insects! Beside the coast path below the globe a Greater Periwinkle flower can still be seen, these have been around for months! A few Stinking Iris flowers, the wonderful Thrift upon the thin coastal soils and Bittersweet were also noted. Upon the Tamarisk there were a few catkins which a setting seed to the wind. Whilst taking in the abundance of sail vessels upon the sea a Peregrine Falcon appeared from below the cliff tops spending a short while “hawking” about the castle before moving on. Over one hundred Guillemots were on the water amongst which I counted four Razor Bills. Three Fulmar performed their elegant cliff face manoeuvres whilst two Cormorant passed by.
Today “cuckoo spit” (with which Shield Bug larvae are protected) was observed upon Blackthorn, Cleavers (or Goose grass), Madder and Bramble. Yellow Wort has yet to flower; however, it is my belief that its distinctive leaf stem that pierces its pairs of conjoined leaves deserves a better name. However, Cross Wort and Spear Wort have already been claimed!
Within the gully three Rabbits braved the open ground briefly. Overhead three Swallows went about their business. The moth trap in Katy’s garden revealed: Privet Hawk, Fox Moth, Pebble Prominent, Treble Lime and Light Feathered Rustic.