Meadow ants build their sandy fort
Where the ant queen holds her court
Her subjects may be very short
But their home shows what teamwork can achieve
Heading out from the Learning Centre into bright sunshine another fine day dawns at Durlston. Hidden in the trees a Chiff-Chaff calls out. Red Admiral and Speckled Wood butterflies rest on the bramble bushes. The Bristly Ox-Tongue is dotted with Froghopper spit. Honey Bees buzz in Skipworth Meadow. Heading further in a riot of colour assaults the senses – an abundance of Yellow Rattle, Pale Blue Flax and Red Clover swaying in the gentle breeze.
Entering Taskers meadow, Common Spotted Orchids were liberally spread, along with a few Ox Eye Daisies beside the path edges. A Chaffinch darted past back towards Large Copse. There was a pause, then its song rang out faintly from the trees. Those birds just can’t keep their beaks shut. As we made our way to the end of Saxon field the strains of Skylarks met our ears, and a Speckled Wood alighted on the mud beside the gate.
Along the hedgerows spider-webs glistened with morning dew. The scratchy call of a Whitethroat was heard as it stood proudly at the top of a tree. A pair of Goldfinches serenaded each other. More butterflies appeared as the heat intensified. A Small Blue landed on Horse-Shoe Vetch and a Speckled Wood was observed egg-laying as an Adonis Blue basked in the open.
Up on the Downland, we spotted a Song Thrush emitting a few hesitant chirrups. Perhaps it was warming up its voice. A Dingy Skipper was resting on the bare ground, and a Yellowhammer fluttered past and perched on a nearby bush.
Towards the sea the sun glistened on the ripples as a yacht sailed past and a Cormorant was seen flying low over the water. We stopped for a moment to enjoy this peaceful scene before returning to the learning centre, dodging manure and clouds of flies on the way. Somewhat less serene.