Another good soaking overnight, so the meadow are still awash with puddles and muddy patches. On the ground a smattering of Daisies in flower, the small yellow centred flower showing up well against the green grass. From the longer rougher grasses emerged a Skylark, a view of the streaky markings was accompanied by a snatch rendering of its song.
A yellow lichen encrusted Elder, completely bereft of leaves, was being perched upon by a couple of Blue Tits who were chatting and calling to each other, the sun’s rays catching and brightening the blues and yellows of the feathers.
The hedgerows are still covered in fruiting bounty, with the dusky purple sloes of the Blackthorn, in places still plump, in others becoming shrivelled. Splashes of red from the large hips of Dog Roses stand proud of the bushes, topping a very prickly stem, while the ropes of Black Bryony are still providing their red berries. Providing a covering over the top of these is the rambling fronds of Old Man’s Beard with a dusting of white flowers to cap it.
The squeaking call of a Bullfinch attracted my attention skywards, 3 of these birds spotted just before the landed on the old Wild Pear tree. The white rumps flashing as they arrived, and once perched the dull pink colour could be seen.
The Cattle have now moved out of the lighthouse field to the meadows at the west end of Durlston, as part of the conservation grazing plan. As I admired their work, a Rabbit was to be seen, these animals are becoming an increasingly rare sight having been badly affected by myxomatosis.
The strong smell of Stinking Iris – some say its marmite, others roast beef – wafted up and I crushed the tall leaves while removing a rogue Holm Oak sapling from the downland.