Another glorious morning with not a breath of wind, the sea flat calm with barely a ripple to be seen.
My first highlight of the day was the growling sound of Guillemots who were bobbing around on the water, only 13 plus another 3 on the ledge counted – soon there will be none. Amongst them were 4 Razorbills while another 6 of these dark black coloured auks floated just off Tilly Whim.
The loud piping call of an Oystercatcher caught my attention, this black and white wader flying westward, the orange beak leading the way. Gliding in the opposite direction was a chunky bodied Fulmar.
Many of the tall Sow Thistles were having their nectar drunk by Lulworth Skippers, these small rusty dull brown butterflies to be spotted all around the coast here at Durlston.
Other butterflies spotted included Marbled Whites and Meadow Brown in their droves, plus Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Small Heath, Ringlet and an early second brood Holly Blue.
However pride of place went to a magnificent Dark Green Fritillary. This fairly large bright orange butterfly landed on the purple flower of Greater Knapweed and proceeded to sup using its long proboscis into each individual flower. As it did so it turned allowing fantastic views of its markings, the hairy slightly greenish tinged body and orange tipped antennae.
Sometimes the unattractive pylons and wires catch the eye, and today this was because of the variety of wildlife using them! A young Kestrel, a Wood Pigeon, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow, plus Greenfinch on the wires, while a Green Woodpecker held on to the upright pole at one end and a Great Spotted Woodpecker at the other, its loud call bringing it to me attention.
A sudden crashing through the undergrowth and a Sika Deer emerged, small antlers, slightly spotted back, white rump and a loud bark as it turned to return to the scrub.
Last night 50+ Swallows and a few Swifts were zooming about, the chattering and screeching of these amazing fliers followed by the hooting sound of a Tawny Owl.