A drizzly morning for the patrol, with the wind blowing the water through my trousers, some puddles and sticky mud to contend with after the 31.8mm of rain (1¼” in old measurements).
The flowers looking a little bedraggled especially the delicate Field Bindweeds which were all closed up. The more robust Ploughman’s Spikenard , Teasel, Ragwort and Hemp Agrimony not affected by the weather so in all their glory.
Low to the ground Wild Thyme, Lesser Centaury, Squinancywort and Eyebright all to be found as were the delicate white flowers of Fairy Flax.
Flying by the cliffs was a Peregrine, first brought to my attention by the high-pitched calling it was doing as it perched on the top of the rocks. As I watched a Feral Pigeon took flight but causing no interest to the Peregrine.
From behind me came the low croak of a Raven, this huge bird gliding along showing off the characteristic features of triangular tail, long wings and ruff.
On the rocks by Tilly Whim was a Rock Pipit, while on the downs a Meadow Pipit, one greyer and darker legged than the other.
In one of the meadows were 2 Roe Deer, (a male and a female), their chestnut pelage looking darker than recently as they have taken rain on board.
More flowers to enjoy include the tall yellow headed Wild Parsnip and shorter white Wild Carrot. Also Yarrow, Upright Hedge Parsley, Hogweed, Corky-fruited Water Dropwort and Rough Chervil – all part of the same Umbellifer family.
Once the rain stops and the sun comes out watch out for the many butterflies including Red Admiral, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Lulworth Skipper, Small Copper, Ringlet and Common Blue.