Last night we were delighted to receive the GOLD award for “Accessible and Inclusive Tourism” in the National Visit England Awards for Excellence 2020. Although a virtual ceremony through the media of the web there was much anticipation and excitement for the announcement. A huge thank you to all who help at Durlston who have made this possible.
A grey morning – a pleasant change to late! As the drizzle increased and my binoculars became covered in water I was less keen on this rain stuff.
Over my head a Peregrine Falcon glided, the body looking quite rotund and the wings short and pointed, the pale chest just visible in the mornings light. There was a marked contrast with the brown Sparrowhawk which zipped around the bushes a few moments later, more delicate and longer winged.
The ‘seep’ of a Bullfinch drew my attention to the gully, where I was able to see the pink chest and black head of the wonderful bird, a second Bullfinch arrived flashing its white rump before landing amongst the rambling bright green leaves and white flowers of the Wild Clematis.
Walking up the hill the ground is still covered in the purple heads of Knapweed, mostly on short stems providing a lovely looking carpet. Scattered across the grassy hill the tiny flowers of Squinancywort and Bastard Toadflax, Wild Carrot and Burnet Saxifrage and the occasional Centuary and Yellowwort. There are also a few sprigs of Horseshoe Vetch to be spotted with many many purple flowers of the Dwarf Thistle also in evidence (beware of these when you sit upon the ground for they are very prickly!).
Two Wheatears captured my eyes on the top of Round Down, their slender sandy coloured bodies well hidden against the backdrop of dead grass, while as they took flight the brilliant white rump flashed, making them very obvious.
Back through the woods and our third white rumped bird the Jay gently flying through and landing on the branch of the Horse Chestnut. Disturbing a Wood Pigeon who as it took flight disturbed a snoozing Grey Squirrel.