As I begun my early patrol it was quite cool and as I walked through the woodlands it became almost chilly – sadly not to continue as the morning lengthened! Yesterday our maximum was 31.3C, our 2nd hottest after 31.9 on 23 June 2017 and above the third of 31.2 in 3 Aug 1990 (records since 1988).
A stunning Bullfinch, bright pink, grey, black and white, arrived onto the tall dead stems of the Black Mustard, as it perched I was able to have a really good view until distracted by the fluttering of a flock of Linnets which had been much better camouflaged amongst the uprights. As they emerged so did some Chaffinches and a Wren.
Scampering across the dry brown grass was a Weasel, the long thin body, tipped by short tail, it disappeared into the patch of rough grass to turn around and peer out again.
Very slowly trundling across the path, was a Dor Beetle, the legs swaying as it propelled itself forward, the action reminds me of a damaged clockwork toy! This large beetle had a small section of wing poking out from under its wingcase reminding me that they can actually fly despite their large cumbersome size.
For comparison nearby a Greater Bloody-nosed Beetle trundled along, both of these beetles were a bright violet-blue underneath.
Along the coast Rock Pipits taking flight, calling as they moved from rock to rock, their movements making it difficult to count, but at least 7 seen.
Along the rocks a few patches of the lilac coloured Sea Aster standing tall, as is the Golden Samphire, with its deep yellow colour, and the much more delicate Durlston Sea Lavender is still providing a reddy-blue hue.
Lots of other yellow flowered plants to discover from the common Bristly Ox-tongue, Ragwort and Wild Parsnip to the strange Ploughman’s Spikenard, and the tall Smooth Sow-thistle and lemon snapdragon Common Toadflax.
A few Autumn Ladies Tresses spotted, this small white flower the last orchid of the year. Nearby, Burnet Saxifrage, one of the more delicate umbellifers now showing its white crown.