A definite dampness to the ground after yesterday 18mm (3/4") of rain, the grass stems and flowers also wet and without the sun the insects were yet to emerge in numbers.
However the Marbled White butterflies caught the attention as they flew wafting between the dark purple heads of Greater Knapweed and the pale yellow of Bristly Ox-tongue.
Entering the tubular flower head of Woody Nightshade was a Buff-tailed Bumblebee while clambering over the off-white umbel of Wild Carrot was an orange Soldier Beetle.
From just off Durlston Head came the screeching call of Sandwich Terns, as I stood and looked over the Tamarisk 40 of these amazing seabirds passed by all heading in a westerly direction up channel. Their black caps and long beaks showing well and as a couple of Black-headed Gulls flying alongside the differences in shape and colour was obvious.
After a successful breeding season the Guillemots have now left the area for the summer, the final 3 chicks leaving on the same evening, the ledges now bare only the smell of guano reminding of the presence of 400+ birds.
The bright pink chest of a Bullfinch made me look twice at a Willow tree, another of these gorgeous birds then arrived, its white rump flashing as it turned and the black head so smart.
There is still a wonderful selection of Wildflowers to find including Yarrow, Burnet Saxifrage, Wild Thyme, Squinancywort, Yellowwort, Centuary, Eyebright, Small Scabious, Hop Trefoil and White Clover all on the downs.
In the meadows Marjoram is showing in large lilac clumps with a few Ox-Eye Daisies, Black Knapweed, Wild Carrot and Field Scabious all mixed amongst the grasses.
Fluttering over the meadows 3 Skylarks and perched in an Elder a flock of Linnets with a Common Whitethroat and a Stonechat nearby.
Even though we are still in July the fruits of autumn are starting to form on Brambles, Apple, Sloe and the red berries on the Wayfaring Tree