Walking paths well-trodden while searching for what is to see
One finds a close companion in the stout Wayfaring Tree
Through Shire and country roads it holds its vigil by the ways
Bearing blossom, leaf and fruit in spring and autumn days
For feet that ache or feet that itch this tree’s a welcome sight
For journey’s dawn or journey’s end, the Wayfarers delight
A House Sparrow fluttered silently away from me as I set out towards the Meadows this morning, deftly skirting the fence surrounding the Wildlife area and disappearing without a sound. An unusual start to an unusual morning.
With a stiff breeze rising and falling I headed to the shelter of the Large Copse, a Swift wheeling in tight circles above the Black Pines while Chaffinch and Song Thrush sounded off from the shrubbery. In the long grass beyond the five note chirps of Meadow Grasshoppers could be heard. Stooping down I managed to spot one leaping between blades. If you stay still for a moment or two, you may catch sight of their flea-like hops out of the corners of your eyes.
I left these green musicians to their breakfast among the Red and White Clover, Self Heal and Birds Foot Trefoil. Stepping into the Saxon Field I noted the continuing massing of Ladies Bedstraw in thickening clumps, as well as a Dark Green Fritillary resting in the lee of the wind.
Wending past a Wayfaring Tree I paused to try and smell a Honeysuckle bloom, the bouncing flower proving evasive as the breeze batted it back and forth. More butterflies were on the wing here, With Meadow Brown, Marbled White and a Small Skipper.
Turning left to the Downs I proceeded under a fractured layer of Stratocumulus, the clouds arranged like paving stones, laying out the path for me to follow. A Comma alighted on a dry-stone-wall as I passed through a gate and upwards, cresting the rolling terrain amid the calls of Linnets, Goldfinches and a Yellowhammer. With a full notebook, I returned to the Learning Centre. It seemed that Durlston’s residents are taking the wind well in their stride.