Today I was joined by our Italian work experience placement Tomasso. He has come from Materana Regional Park and his visit is thanks to the Countryside Management Association. Our patrol route was set by our also having to undertake an observation visitor survey. Before us Mick & Barbara had seen only one visitor but a Badger walked across the approach road as they drove in a 6:50am! Mick reported Willow Warblers, Wood Warblers, Blackcap and Bullfinches amongst his sightings.
In the castle approaches Three Corner Leek was in flower (but not elsewhere) as was a large Spurge. Our ventures with Magpies and Carrion Crows began at Long Meadow. Crows called across the Meadow to each other whilst Magpies flitted betwixt trees and turf. A Jay had a fleeting appearance whilst unsurprisingly our Green Woodpecker’s “laugh” was only heard! Flitting in front of us were two Red Admirals whilst we studied a Blackthorn bush which had flowers and blossom peeping out between its crust of bushy lichen. Blossom petals decorated the path like confetti.
Within the aviaries only a dozen Ramsons were in flower amongst one carpet of leaves. A few more did appear but not flush as yet! Were heard a Blackcap signing possibly from a neighbouring garden. A trio of Carrion Crow were calling and flapping in a tree top as a Magpie loitering close by. We were unsure if this was a Crow argument or defending a nest from the Magpie. More intriguing the trio flew off still to be followed by the Magpie.
We were do see Speckled Woods where sunlight shone through the trees to reach the path surface. The old tennis courts aviaries lawn was peppered with yellow Celandine flowers. To find a red fruit on a Laurel was a surprise!
Likewise seeing a Fulmar round Durlston head then cross Durlston Bay to go towards Peveril Ledges was unusual. However, I believed I could hear the familiar call of Terns so perhaps there were fish off them there ledges! A Swallow passed by overhead then we counted twenty five Guillemots and Razorbills upon the sea. As we walked up the sun drenched diagonal path (where the scent of Gorse blossom filled the air) a Kestrel flew leisurely past and inland. I rescued an upturned Bloody-nosed Beetle which had lain stranded on its back.