Hovering above the fields, a Kestrel, the quivering of the wings and tail enabling the head to remain perfectly still as it gazed down in search of a morsel for breakfast. Moving to another spot it swung down allowing me to admire the two-tone brown of the back and wings.
Swooping overhead a scattering of Swallows, and perched on the top of a round hay-bale was a Wheatear, a lovely sandy colour, and brilliant white flash as it flew – this white rump is supposedly where it got its name from!
Although the most of the meadows have now been cut and baled for hay, there are plenty of flowers to enjoy along the hedgerows and downland.
The round swirls of dirty pink flowers of Betony, alongside the darker Hedge Woundwort. The tall, hairless, square stemmed Figwort has very deep red flowers while the striking blue of Green Alkanet also spotted.
Out on the downs some of the specialities are still on show, from Eyebright, Wild Thyme, Stemless Thistle, Centaury, Yellowwort and the golden brown Carline Thistle.
However the highlight for me at present is the Autumn Gentian – a deep purple spike whose flower only properly opens in bright sunshine.
Also now just emerging the last orchid of the year – the Autumn Ladies Tresses, a spiral of small white flowers winding up the greyish green stem, to be found on the short turf.
In the long grass a Fox moth caterpillar, about the size of my little finger, furry black with a ginger fringe, this will not turn into the flying stage of moth until next spring.
A vey poor moth trap last night, despite the warm evening, but a few species included Broad- bordered Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and a Straw Underwing. Also Angleshades, Vines Rustic, White Point and Setaceous Hebrew Character. To see the entire variety of moths we have at Durlston, pop into the café and look at the glass panels on the walls!