This morning dawned wet and grey, so a big change from recent patrols, however once the steady drizzle was disregarded it was wonderful out on the Park.
First off to check the cattle, the herd of mums and calves were busily munching in Saxon field, they are tasked with eating the newly emerging Tor Grass in an attempt of controlling its spread.
A Skylark was singing loudly, despite the rain, but my binoculars were so wet I couldn’t spot it in the sky.
Sliding across the grass were numerous Snails, including the Garden Snail and Brown-lipped Snail, plus the slug Arion Ater while on many of the walls the easily recognised flattened shell of the Lapidary Snail (Helicigona lapicida) was evident, the abrupt edge most unusual.
The strong wind on the top of the ridge sent me to find shelter on the inland slopes where I noticed Twayblades, these Orchids are all green with large leaves and tall green flowers – a quick count made 46 in 2 patches.
Near to these the Horseshoe Vetch is now abundant, a wonderful golden yellow carpet mixed amongst them the vivid blue of Chalk Milkwort and the white spikes of Eyebright.
As I proceeded along the downs the remains of Early Spider Orchids were still about, while the tall spikes of Early Purple Orchid are looking magnificent.
Hidden deep within the grass was the largest Oil Beetle, the abdomen of this deep blue beetle over 1 ½” in length, probably full of eggs – of which they can lay over 1000!
A Stonechat was perched on the top of the patch of Blackthorn, its white collar spotted as it flitted up and down.
Yesterday’s Butterfly Transect along the downs provided great views of 10 species including the predominantly brown and silver Small Blue, the lilac Common Blue and some magnificent vivid Adonis Blue. Also Dingy Skipper, Small Copper, Small Heath and Wall Brown.