An early stroll across the wonderful meadows of this National Nature Reserve, with the grasses and wildflowers waving in the warm north-easterly breeze.
A family of Skylarks were rising and falling through the skies, 4 of them interacting together, while above other fields more Skylarks were to be heard and seen.
Pale Flax, Ox-eye Daisies, Sainfoin and vetches galore to enjoy, including a small patch of deep purple Lucerne and the sturdy golden yellow of Dyer’s Greenweed.
Along one of the Elder infused hedgerows House Sparrows were fluttering, after disappearing almost completely a few years ago these characterful birds have returned in last couple of years.
A flash of brown skitting across the ground and over a dry-stone wall was a young Weasel, only just bigger then a mouse. Behind me in amongst the Meadow Barley, Yorkshire Fog, Tall Fescue and Crested Dog’s Tail was a Fox, the rusty orange coat well hidden, it was the ears that I spotted followed by the large white tipped tail as it turned away.
Down by the cliffs the Guillemots are growling loudly as the breeding season is in full swing – the oldest chick is about 20 days old, so won’t be long until they start leaving the ledge for the open sea – if you want to watch them go onto our website www.durlston.co.uk and see the Guillemot page.
A Shag on the water, Fulmars circling the cliffs and a Razorbill on the cliffs added to the life on the cliff edge.
Fluttering in the wind a Red Admiral butterfly, a Speckled Wood and some Meadow Browns, most other butterflies were hunkered down in the vegetation.
Singing from the scrub a Song Thrush and a Blackbird, as was Common Whitethroat. In amongst the spiky thorns of Dog Rose and Blackthorn a Blackcap (female) and Lesser Whitethroat.
Just by the Learning Centre as few Linnets, Long-tailed Tits and Bullfinches added to the morning’s delights.