I am often told that I am far too energetic in the morning, so today I took a deep breathe to immerse myself in the fresh Durlston air.
A slightly cooler start to my walk with a temperature of 17 degrees, creating a wave of rustling in the Holm Oaks above. Caravan terrace is quiet, the Buddleia filled my lungs with its sweet smell, while a Wall and Painted Lady flutted around in the still air. Down on the coast path the warmth of the sun created a beautiful sun trap. The Isle of Wight was a perfect silhouette against the blazing early morning sun across Durlston Bay.
The globe was a tranquil spot this morning ready for the many visitors we will have over the next few weeks and months. The Lulworth Skipper was definitely star of the Butterfly show today its orange wings catching the sun as it darted around the hedgeline. Not a single Guillemot around now, but two Great Black Backed Gulls sitting proudly on the cliff edge. Bindweed edges the path its little flowers like candy snack trumpets. A Shag skimmed with its vast wing span stretched out towards the cliffs where two Juveniles sat waiting. As I stepped down into the gully the Northerly wind picked up creating a lovely breeze. Gazing out at sea not even the sea was making a sound, only the distant croak of crickets further up the gully. A couple of Rock Pipits were pottering about on the cliff edge and 8 sailing boats floating out on the still water.
I admired a beautiful butterfly its wings out stretched giving me time to draw it and later identify as a Dark Green Fritillary. The gully bridge created a resting point to close my eyes and listen to the morning’s bird song. Over in the meadows the ever changing colours are now a subtle delight of pale purple Field Scabious, yellow Lady’s Bedstraw, white Burnet Saxifrage and a deeper purple Tufted Vetch.
I strolled across the freshly cut meadows the incredibly intense smell is enough to awaken all the senses, while walking alongside an uncut section the acoustics are dramatically different with the sound of Crickets, Bees and the flitter of Meadow Browns and Speckled Whites as I wandered on past.