After last night’s excellent Rude Mechanical Theatre Company’s performance we were treated to the sight of two female Glow Worms near the centre. One was in the uncut grass tight again a limestone slab seat and another in the longer vegetation near a dog bin! Both Theatre Company and beetles performed admirably against a strong breeze and sea mist!
This morning I thought I had a slug struggling to cross dry tarmac, but no! Perhaps it was a strange smooth skinned caterpillar. Nope, instead it was an inch long unidentified Beetle Larvae instead!
As I approached that castle through the woodlands I heard Jackdaws above the trees and Great Tits within the trees. I headed for caravan terrace where regular Warren had reported a bald headed Dunnock, not a new species a bird with challenges. Instead I saw and heard Chiff Chaffs, Speckled Wood and a dozen Meadow Brown taking advantage of the sunlight of the otherwise flowerless Bramble and Old Man’s Beard covering the rock face. In scanning the rock face hopeful for reptile or butterflies I was surprised to see a vivid red / pink flowering climbing Rose. Meanwhile catkin like flowers dangled from Holm Oak.
In Durlston Bay fishing Vessel E499 was laden with pots to be dropped, hence limited Herring Gull interest. Approaching Durlston Head I was hit by the dazzling reflection of the sun’s rays upon the sea. Rounding the head the wind was refreshing and strong. A pair of Greater Black Backed Gulls were rather active and vocal above the cliff tops whilst another sat perch two thirds up the cliff face near the observation point. Upon the sea were over on hundred Guillemots with a good dozen Razorbills too! Of course the Fulmars graced the cliffs as well.
I cut through the castle tree cover (where Holly and Hawthorn sapling crept skyward where the Holm Oak had less influence) to reach and view the Wares. Despite the wind butterflies were active such that I was treated to seeing a Marbled White. At least three Goldfinches flitted overhead whilst the reassuring songs of Skylarks were still to be heard over the meadows. The distinct seed head ball of Chervil was noted near the walling centre.