Today at last I did achieve
A goal I’ve long declared
To win you must of course believe
But fortune favours the prepared
The park was blooming beautifully as I crossed the Car Park this morning. In addition to Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Horse Chestnut showcasing their blossoms we have Dog Rose and Elder in flower as well. Turning my attention down to the freshly cropped grass I saw that much of our Medic and Speedwell had escaped the haircut. Not to worry folks, there are plenty more fresh flowers on the way.
I had a strong intuition that today was going to be the day. I’d received my spotting lessons from the master and I now had a location to investigate. Taking the scenic route along the Clifftops I stopped off at Caravan Terrace, passing under an Ash tree with boughs drooping under the weight of its seeds. Enchanters Nightshade was rapidly colonizing beneath the exposure, nestling in alongside Woody Nightshade and Dog Violets. I noted all this down and continued across the Coast Path, malevolent tendrils of Wild Clematis creeping over the wall between equally nefarious Red and White Valerian. I have strong feelings about certain members of the plant kingdom.
The moment of truth had arrived, I began my ascent of the upper slope of the gulley, Stonechats, Dunnocks and Blackbirds calling from the undergrowth as I approached my goal. From a distance, I fancied I could spy a yellowish object perched there, waiting for me. Sadly, when I arrived it proved to be wishful thinking. There was nothing there. I was about to leave when I heard the voice of Katie echoing in my mind. “Doug, if you want to birdwatch then you need to go to where the birds are, then stay still.” I sat down to wait. Two minutes later, a pair of Yellowhammers alighted a few metres away from where I was sitting. Victory at long last. I watched the birds with great pleasure, happy to see a bird so synonymous with the Dorset landscape in the flesh once again.
I completed my victory lap back to the Learning Centre past swaths of Horseshoe Vetch and rows of Ribwort Plantain saluting the sun. Passing the Quarr those two blasted Yellowhammers were right there, hopping and pecking amongst the grass in full view. When it rains, it pours.