Butterflies now fill the air
Painted colours dark and fair
They flutter on without a care
At least that’s what my human eyes perceive
The blossom covered Blackthorn trees around the Learning Centre were very pleasing this morning as I made my way to the woodland path down to the Castle. The customary chatter of Chaffinches, Blackbirds and Wood Pigeons providing the backing music to my stroll. A Painted Lady fluttered past as I entered the shade of the Holm Oaks, and the strains of a concealed Chiffchaff met my ears.
The logs lining the path were hosting a couple of bright Yellow Brain Fungi, but I think we’ll need more rain in order to get a really good display from our mushroom population.
The Isle of Wight was shrouded in mist as I started along the Clifftop Trail, like something out of a fairy tale. Our very own Isle of Avalon. I caught a brief glimpse of a yellow winged butterfly flapping past. A Brimstone perhaps? A little further on I spotted a Peacock. Rather more conspicuous.
Stopping to look out over Durlston Bay, I noticed the Tamarisk was absolutely covered with cuckoo spit. It was if a tremendous giant had risen out of the sea, sneezed all over the cliff then disappeared back into the depths. Further along the path, Fulmars and Jackdaws circled above the water, spots of black and white mingling together in a spiral.
Sea Campion, Thrift and Wild Carrot provided a pleasant floral covering to the banks over the cliffs. On the waves, a fishing boat made its way slowly west, flanked by an escort of Common Gulls and Herring Gulls. Four Guillemots and two Razorbills bobbed on the water beside their nesting ledge. I didn’t observe for long, the smell there is quite overpowering.
A Rock Pipit flitted past me as I approached the Tilly Whim caves, arcing over the Gorse and up the hillside. Birds Foot Trefoil and Horseshoe Vetch added to the yellow carpet beside me. I returned to the Learning Centre via the Mile Marker Hill, hoping to spot some Early English Gentian on the way. I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there.