A mystery sound from round the corner, perhaps some new bird call
Never mind it’s just a dog chewing on a squeaky ball
Another delightful morning today (we seem to get a lot of those). The ocean view stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Durlston bay and beyond was capped by a low band of Cumulous cloud, with a single yacht bobbing beneath. I was joined by our current full time volunteer, Ken, who regaled me with tales as we journeyed together across the park. Take it away Ken:
I woke up early to accompany Doug on the diary walk, but had to scour the car park for litter. Anyway, there was none, but I was pleased to spot a Wheatear, Only identifiable for me thanks to a close encounter with one yesterday with Katie. These walks are a really pleasant and informative start to each day. I’m thoroughly enjoying them and would recommend them to any volunteer.
A few Willow Warblers tumbled from bush to bush as we made our way to Large Copse, with Great Tits rattling their alarm calls from the treetops ahead. Jack in the Pulpit stems littered the forest floor, but I didn’t spot any interesting fungi today. Next time perhaps.
Saxon field was dominated by the yellows of Fleabane, but a second glance revealed a gentle under layer of Eyebright. As usual, I had to get on my hands and knees for a closer look at this miniature marvel. I suggest you do to if you haven’t already. Contrasting this plant’s delicate beauty were the homely charms of a few Garden Warblers. You don’t have to be garish if you don’t want to.
A pair of Swallows skimmed over our heads, and we followed a few chirrups to find a Whitethroat perched atop a Hawthorn tree. A Speckled Wood alighted in the sunshine, a pleasant splash of variety amid the fleets of Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers filling the air. A few purple Bittersweet Nightshade flowers decorated the hedgerows and as I approached Brian Johnson Meadow I thought I caught the strains of a Green Woodpecker in the distance.
Returning to the Learning Centre I saw a bird on the downlands, bathed in morning sunshine. It was some way away and the way the light caught it made it very hard to gauge its colour and features. A bird of mystery.