I browse for brows and those that browse amid the spindly twigs
That leap and creep and peep and cheep where berries grow in sprigs
The brows allows those with know how’s to tell what birds they be
That browse and drowse above the cows in shelter of a tree
As I ascended the well-worn path to Durlston this morning I noticed a few Grape Hyacinths gracing someone’s front garden. Lo and behold, I found a patch of the very same gracing one of the grassy verges in the Car Park. Another colourful spring addition to sit beside our already pleasant array of Lesser Celandine, Shepherds Purse, Primrose and more.
Dunnocks and a Green Woodpecker were in voice as I pondered my next destination, eventually settling on a coastal trajectory. At the Dell I spent a few minutes birdwatching, Chaffinches, Goldfinches and Blue Tits the fruits of my labours. I’d speculate on a few other species by sound, but I’m not sure enough to commit anything to print. I did happen upon a lone Conical Brittlestem at the entrance to the Woodlands in who’s identity I am somewhat more confident.
Down at the Tilly Whim Caves I was extremely pleased to see a beautiful broad Adder basking in the warm morning sunshine, its black-brown colour scheme well contrasted against its green bedding. A few strides and a pair of Rock Pipits later, I was at the bottom of the gulley and regarding a Chiffchaff through my binoculars. Whirling on the spot to track a brown blur my vision settled on a Sparrowhawk alighting in an uncharacteristically prominent perch atop an Ash tree. It stayed there for some minutes before departing with its signature flap-flap-glide movement pattern.
Out on the Downs I caught sight and sound of a few Skylarks and Stonechats, treading the boggy ground which had been covered by a full-blown river last time I was there. It seems it has run its course.