Durlston to Dancing Ledge coast path 20/4/16 -

A superb 5 mile coast path walk from Durlston Head to Dancing Ledge and back over the top path fields and meadows.  A Glorious sunny day but with a gale force wind.  Our mission was to find the Early Spider Orchid and the fields didn't disappoint the rough grassland had hundreds of them. A beautiful orchid which lived up to its name and looked just like a spider complete with eyes.

We had some great views of Guillemot, Razorbill and Fulmar from the cliff top near the castle info centre as well as gulls and Raven flying overhead.  A male and female Peregrine were seen at regular intervals along the coast path and again we had some great views.  The top meadows towards Durlston were filled with Cowslips an amazing sight.  These meadows were roped off as the location is ideal for nesting Skylarks.  The combination of the Skylarks melody and the thousands of Cowlips was just magic.  As we approached the end of our walk we were rewarded with a beautiful male Redstart flitting round the scrub, fantastic to see but impossible to photo!

Key species for the day were Fulmar, Razorbill, Guillemot, Kestrel, Raven, Peregrine, Stonechat, Linnet, Rock Pipit, Whitethroat, Skylark, Redstart, Gannet, Wheatear, Yellowhammer.  Not forgetting the Early Spider Orchid and a Spotted Bee-fly.

  Guillemots from the cliff top

               

                  Fulmar looking graceful even in the gale force wind

   Fulmar

                

                   Guillemots and rough seas

   Guillemots and a Razorbill

                

                   Razorbills

   Stonechat

                

                   Linnet

   Early Spider Orchid

                

                   

                

                   Really looks like a spider!

               

                

                   So over the moon to see these beautiful orchids in their hundreds

   Stunning views along the coast path

                

                    

   Oil beetle

               

                   Small Tortoishell

   I know there is pollen in there some where

               

                    'Pollen fly'

   Spotted Bee-fly

               

                   So pleased to find this Spotted Bee-fly

   Cowslip meadows - cowslips as far as the eye could see and fields for Skylarks

RSPB Arne, Dorset 18th & 19th April - Dartfords etc

We paid two visits to Arne one a short afternoon visit only to return the next day at 8:30 in the morning for a full day of exploring the area.  We were able to cover both the walks across Coombe Heath and the Shipstral Trails both areas stunning in their own way.  Sika Deer were seen all across the reserve and we had some great views.  A beautiful vixen came really close to us in the car park. As usual we had some great views of Siskin and Nuthatch from the feeders.  Quite a few Dartford Warblers were seen never keeping still long enough for a good shot.  Not too many photo opportunities but a good amount of wildlife was seen and observed.  This together with the stunning views and unique pine tree and heathland coastal environment makes Arne a special place to visit.

Highlights for Arne were Siskin, Nuthatch, Mistle Thrush, Black tailed Godwits, SandwichTern, Dartford Warbler, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Brent Goose, Whimbrel, Redshank, Great black backed Gull, Raven, Fox, Sika Deer and an undentified lizard.

This vixen surprised us by getting close in the car park

               

               

                   Probably the same vixen seen the following day in the field

   Nuthatch 

               

                  Siskin in fine colour

    Sika Deer protecting the 'white one'

                

                   

              

    Sika - not native but beautiful deer to see

                

                   Mistle Thrush

    The early bird gets the worm

               

                  Corfu Castle view

    Dartford Warbler

               

                  Dartford Warbler a fleeting view 

  Wood ants - quite a few huge nests across the reserve

               

                  Sandwich Tern

   Whimbrel

               

                   Whimbrel from the hide

   The beautiful Wren

               

                  Mistle Thrush