The rain on my early patrol was a bit of a change from the recent weather, but it does allow other wildlife to shine, including the snails and slugs – of which there are 33 species at Durlston!
Today the Garden Snail (Cornu Aspersum) and the White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis) were prevalent and care was need to avoid treading on them, while on the stone stiles the flattened disc shaped shells of the Lapidary Snail (Helicigona lapicida) slid.
Towards the cliffs the swathes of Kidney Vetch and Thrift are producing a spectacle of yellow and pink, with the occasional patch of white Sea Campion adding to the vision.
Near the lighthouse, the tall elegant stems topped with vibrant deep pink Gladiolus, wild but not the rare version.
Along the path edge dark purple flower heads of Bittersweet, also known as Woody Nightshade are out, as is Herb Robert, Green Alkanet and Cow Parsley.
Lots of Southern Marsh Orchids now emerging as are the paler Common Spotted Orchids in the meadows. On the downs I was surprised to find a Bee Orchid in flower, my first of the year, this delicate pink flower hidden amongst the long Tor Grass.
Zooming overhead a small group of Swifts, their dark bodies and swept back wings making them easy to identify, as were the Swallows which floated by heading eastwards.
The twittering of Goldfinches caught my attention, a strange buzz being emitted by them as they chased above the Gorse. Perched watching was a Common Whitethroat, which every now and then gave a blast of it scratchy song.
Horseshoe Vetch, Chalk Milkwort and Eyebright are looking brilliant on the short turfed slopes, and if the sun comes out look out for the Adonis Blue turquoise jewel of a butterfly as well as Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Blue.