One hundred and twelve Meadow Browns
Floating in the summer sky
With Marbled Whites upon the Downs
Too many to count, but I’ll give it a try
Lulworth Skippers and Large Whites too
From every corner they arise
And stage their multi coloured coup
Today belongs to the butterflies
I started a tally of Meadow Brown and Marbled White butterflies as I started my misadventures this morning. It began as a casual aside but soon grew into an all-consuming activity. Every time I attempted to observe another form of wildlife, I noticed another pair of black and white or brown-orange wings fluttering by. In between my counts I managed to spot a Green Woodpecker arcing close to the ground, as well as a few House Sparrows and my ears discerned the presence of a Wren or two.
Approaching Large Copse I passed the Durlston bollard beehive, back for its second year of operation. I won’t start talking about Honey Bees or we’ll be here all day, but if you want to know more, then do come along on one of our Minibeast Safaris (21st August). A Rabbit was hopping about in the shade as I entered the woods, the shade a welcome relief from the already oppressive eight o clock sun.
Beyond in Skipwoth Meadow, Field Scabious was making a strong showing and Saxon field boasted pleasant patches of Birds Foot Trefoil and my favourite Eyebright. As I passed the Drove a Skylark rose into the sky ahead, a beacon for me to follow.
I paused to examine the head of a Corky-Fruited Water-Dropwort, which had a Soldier Beetle crawling about in an aimless fashion. I expected more discipline from such a creature. Dry brown Yellow Rattle nestled beneath dry brown Tall Fescue, with the sounds of Meadow Grasshoppers blending together into a continuous hum.
A few Goldfinches braved the searing heat, flying between patches of shady foliage as I returned up the lighthouse road. Blue Tits and Great Tits were also scattered around, occasionally tweeting an alarm. As I frantically tried to keep my butterfly tally a Kestrel floated close to the path, giving me a great view of its plumage. The final count when I returned was 97 Marbled Whites and 112 Meadow Browns. Today is the day of the butterflies.