Silent death patrols the skies, its purpose terribly clear
For the hapless prey
That dies today
It’s the last thing it will never hear.
On the approach to the park I spotted a Jay alighting on the hedgerow. The car park was supporting a pleasant array of plant life, with Teasels growing tall and a few Poppies emerging from the grassy verges. Chiffchaffs and Magpies made themselves heard as I headed out to the meadows.
Burdock plants dotted the landscape and in the distance I could see a young Hereford calf galloping down the slope above the lighthouse. As I approached Ox Eye Daisy field the familiar strains of Skylark FM were being broadcast from our favourite aerial DJ’s. The meadow itself had a good dusting of Rough Hawkbit flowers.
Centenary Meadow was well endowed with Birds Foot Trefoil and Crosswort. A Whitethroat sang out from the margins, and Marbled White butterflies fluttered from flower to flower. Two Carrion Crows perched on a bare Hawthorn at the far end in a suitably ominous fashion.
Crossing over to the downlands I caught sight of a Lulworth Skipper on the wing, as well as a Yellowhammer, a host of Pyramidal Orchids and the first young sprouts of the dreaded Ragwort. There will be more. The Lighthouse field supported a single Ox Eye Daisy growing beside the path.
Passing around the lighthouse the familiar medley of Wild Carrot, Sea Campion and Thrift decorated the ground. A Rock Pipit and a single Greater Black Backed Gull graced the air. Returning to the L.C. via the diagonal path, a Peregrine Falcon passed overhead, its stocky frame clearly setting it apart from the birds it preys upon. It moved completely silently, and I watched it pass from my view.
Ali was also out in the park this morning, and was much more observant than me. Also to be seen are Dyers Greenweed, Meadow Vetchling, Knapweed, Wild Parsnip, Yarrow, Speckled Bush Crickets, Emperor Dragonflies and Kestrels. Now that’s a good set of sightings.