Last nights boat trip was another great success and we had a good few who joined us from both Poole and Swanage for a Ranger led tour along the Jurassic Coast. There were many with us who really wanted a Puffin ‘tick’ to add to their lifetime spots and thankfully we saw 3 just past Dancing Ledge. At one point 2 of them were flying around the boat, being tailed by a single Guillemot.
This morning I am joined by one of our resident artists, Alison, who is exhibiting at the Fine Foundation Gallery. So I decided to head out across the Meadows and Downs to find some flora and fauna found inland. Particularly I was trying to track down the Cuckoo that I saw on the far reaches of the park at the top of the Downs. Alison also heard it in the same area yesterday but alas, no sight or sound! But one thing that did catch our ear was the Mistle Thrush calling on top of some Elder, its speckled chest ever so pronounced and clear. This bird is always a good indicator of rain or storms, hence its nickname ‘Stormcock’. And whilst I mention Elder, the sweet scent of it’s flowers float across the park producing a real musty smell of summer.
In the Meadows are delicate Common Spotted Orchids, fresh young purpley pink petals standing out in low clumps, in some places up to 60 in 2 square metres! Nearby the ebbing hulk of Early Purple Orchids still stand, though way past their best. Scattered were Yellow Rattle, Pale Flax, Clover, Birds Foot Trefoil, Oxeye Daisies and Wild Carrot. Zipping between Hawthorn were Lesser Whitethroats, 3 in total, with one bird flying from one Hawthorn perch and bird across the path to another Hawthorn perch and bird. Quite the socialite! A young Blackcap calls from inside some vegetation, slowly appearing to the side, its downy fluffed up feathers rippling from the morning breeze, its ‘kissey’ like call giving away its location. Further down the side of the Downs, out of view, the call of a Peregrine Falcon comes to our ears. Out to sea fishing boats head west with their rods clipped to their racks. I expect they are off to Dancing Ledge to enjoy catching some Black Bream and Mackerel. If I wasn’t working I would be joining them! Finally, just before we got back to Base there was a Yellowhammer sat on top of some Blackthorn, its bright yellow feathers glowing like a beacon. We can see you!