What a beautiful way to start the week! In the overflow car park the sounds were coming from everywhere and every height. High in the clear blue sky a plane rumbled across the sky, Herring Gulls called from down by the seashore, cows mooed from far over in the meadows, a Chiffchaff sang from an Ash tree, Tall Fescue swayed gently and Crickets crocked from below the grass line.
There was a crunch of Holm Oak leaves underfoot as I wondered through woodland and towards the sea, while up in the trees Wood Pigeons flapped there, what seem like uncontrollable wings. I took a minute to admire the view out over Peveril Point and Old Harry Rocks, it is a tremendous viewpoint. Much to my surprise as I gazed out watching the coastline for any movement, I spotted our resident ‘Ron’ Seal bobbing near the water’s edge.
I have over the last 4 months been trying to get better at identifying butterflies, however I find this a very frustrating task as they move so incredibly quickly. Today on my walk I saw Wall Brown, Gate Keeper, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Adonis Blue, Lulworth Skipper, Painted Lady and Comma.
Along the coastline 3 Cormorants sat on a ledge at the water’s edge, while Rock Pipits played around hopping around the rocks. The warmth of the morning sun penetrated through the sea making it crystal clear and incredibly inviting. A Buff-tailed Bumble Bee enjoyed its morning feast on the protruding purple Knapweed. Overlooking the gully, the red berries of the Hawthorn and the lime green of Ivy were bright and prominent. To end my walk I had a wonderful fly-over and display by the resident Kestrel.
Meanwhile in the wildlife garden the bird ringers had a slow morning, but with a lovely array of Warblers; Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler, as well as Blackcap, Whitethroat and the first Red Start of the season.