Summer has arrived at last
Winter and Spring now both have passed
But when I checked the weather forecast
I saw Spring had one last trick up it’s sleeve.
I walked into the park this morning just as a light rain began to fall. Based on the foreboding look of the sky I made the executive decision to head into the woodlands. Crossing the car park was a quieter affair than usual, with only the hushed calls of a Wren and Chaffinch audible over the sound of the wind. Ox Eye Daises and Red Clover were growing on the grassy verges as I entered the shelter of the Holm Oaks, Wood Pigeons fluttering away from me as I approached. Cowards.
Stopping at the Anne and Ken bench. I looked out over Durlston Bay, calmer than expected considering the wind. A Greater Black Backed Gull glided lazily past, followed a few seconds later by a Herring Gull. Further into the woods, a single Meadow Buttercup was growing out of a section of dry stone wall. It must have gotten lost.
A Carrion Crow flew past and out over the sea, its primary flight feathers spread wide like fingers gripping the air as it slowly sunk out of sight over the cliffs. In the trees, Great Tits and Blackbirds were singing as I walked past a few patches of Herb Robert and Three Cornered Leek. A single Magpie fluttered up off the path as I approached, with a Grey Squirrel bouncing along behind it. Everything’s running away from me today.
Returning past Long Meadow, I took in the spectacle of the Grassland in full bloom. I walk past it most days, so it’s nice to spend a moment really looking at it from time to time. Yellow Rattle, Birds Foot Trefoil, Pale Flax, Common Spotted Orchids, Pyramidal Orchids and many, many more create a fabulous display. If you want a picture of a meadow for an encyclopaedia, you should take one here.
At the observation point I got a face full of the weather as I scanned for seabirds. A Jackdaw gracefully rode the updraft from the sea breeze beside me. Four Fulmars wheeled and circled below, whilst on the water a group of 45 Guillemots bobbed gently ahead of the gathering storm.