I walked about the living meadow
A good man at my side
A little slow was this old fellow
Slow, yet sure of stride
We spoke of Vetch and Chalk Milkwort
And the Orchid family’s members
To us by him much joy was brought
And this young man remembers
The calls of Swifts abounded this morning on my approach to Durlston, the wildlife of Swanage town blending in smoothly with the park. The Woodlands were in a state of flux again with the Three Cornered Leek and Ransoms dying back to make way for new growth. I cast a suspicious eye at a patch of Bamboo that I passed. I swear it’s getting bigger.
Long Meadow was positively verdant, finally exploding into full bloom like a swimmer coming up for air after a deep winter dive. Common Spotted Orchids jutted out between Fleabane, Meadow Buttercup and Yellow Rattle. I was also pleased to spy a little patch of Fairy Ink Caps in a shady corner, though they were on their last stipes.
Heading for the Small Copse I directed my attention to the birdsong in the air. Chiffchaffs and Chaffinches stood out plainly, as well as the musical tones of Blackbirds and insistent calls of Whitethroats. Goosegrass was abundant, covered with a generous serving of Cuckoo Spit. I was hoping for some exiting fungi finds as well, but all I could find were some King Alfred’s Cakes. I had better luck with butterflies, spotting and Orange Tip, two Common Blues and a Small White fluttering about over the meadow.
I made for the rolling Downlands next, hoping to spot a certain specific yellow bird. I was disappointed. I did catch a glimpse of a striking Adonis Blue butterfly, no doubt drawn by the abundant Horseshoe Vetch growing about my feet. A few Ox Eye Daises swayed in the gentle breeze and I made my descent to the Lighthouse Field past mats of Chalk Milkwort.
Crossing the Clifftops a Peregrine Falcon streaked past, flapping its wings rapidly before settling in to a smooth glide. I finished up by counting the Guillemots, just as the good man always did. Around 230, a fine showing.