Whilst I went specifically to Long Meadow in search of orchid basal rosettes I was delighted to find Adders Tongue Fern. Small but healthy vivid green frond stood erect sheltering an upright tongue like spore laden spear. These were to be found right beside the footprints of a well-trodden desire line. On further inspection I found rather discrete spotted leaf orchid rosettes nowhere near as impressive as last years, at least as yet).
Only briefly did I see a Jay flit between Holm Oak cover. Attempting to colonise the meadow were delicate Field Maple sapling and occasional tiny Sycamore with their plain seed leaves. Hay cutting will halt this succession! The palmate leaf fingers of Horse Chestnut drooped down whilst the inflorescence stood proudly upright. Beside the Tabersham Bench English Oak leaves had begun to unravel from their buds. Both English and Wych Elm have produced flowers.
Beside the Aviaries “woodchip” path a few of the Ramsons had come into flower but there was not sufficient to give a strong garlic aroma.
A pair of Blue Tits performed a flight dance before landing and exploring the fresh leaves of a Silver Birch. Witches burrs within the branches gave the false impression of well-built birds’ nests! Meanwhile, Blackbirds searched beneath the picnic tables for food. One Great Tit transport either lichen or Old Man’s Beard seed head presumably for nest building. By the Reynolds bench on the coast path a Blackcap burst into song whilst a slender Black Slug made its way across the limestone surface towards grass cover.
This morning the Ravens were active between the Castle and Durlston Bay undercliff. Eventually I saw them take off from a Black Pine to fly towards Peveril Point. Chiff Chaff were amongst the show of blossom below caravan terrace. Although garden escapes the three Greater Periwinkle flowers decorated the coast path below the glove.
Alistair reported Whitethroat, Redstart, Wood Warbler and flowering Pale Flax on his walk in via the Meadows. As we talked a pair of Wheatears landed in the neighbouring centre scrub.