A Green Woodpecker flew off from the tarmac near the pedestrian crossing in the car park, it had probably been seeking out Ants! Heading towards the castle I saw a Small Copper the first of many butterflies. Three of the saprophytic Carrot Broomrape stems we seen in the shade beside the timeline steps. At the Castle I saw three Sunflowers which were eight feet tall and had flower heads the size of church clock faces, however, these were art installations!
Caravan terrace, in the sun, had one Peacock (butterfly!), two Large Whites and a quartet of Meadow Browns. Gorse seed pods popped as insects triggered them. Scores of Marbled Whites were seen on both the coast path and of course upon the wares. I was asked why so many male Lulworth Skipper males were seen and so few females observed. In part this id due for the needs for the males to fly, dances and impress the females.
Beside the coast path one Wayfaring Tree was bearing pale fruits whilst two Gatekeepers flew near the “Noon” bench. Fromm the castle turret two Jackdaw observed the scene below. Durlston Bay acted as a runway for a Shag taking off from the water whilst a Greater Black Backed Gull and two Herring Gulls passed overhead. Yesterday afternoon’s five Sandwich Terns were not seen or heard.
Today’s highlight had to be the Juvenile Peregrine Falcons again seen below the observation point. Whilst looking at the pair at their usual locations I was delighted to discover a third juvenile with thirty centimetres.
Katie reported having seen last night ten Glow Worms, two Badgers, a Fox and several unidentified Bats.