It was a very warm day and deciding to venture out in the early afternoon probably wasn't the best time to go for a walk. Having said that there were quite a few butterflies about, including 4 Marbled Whites in the Cuttings Quarry and along the Mermaid Track.
I also came across my first Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) of the year, along the south facing slopes at the cove.
Here are my sightings from today.
Here are my sightings from today.
It's amazing what a bit of rain can do to a woodland. I dont think I've ever seen Penns Wood so green.
In the woodland glades were a few Speckled Woods, with a few looking a bit worn now.
And I think this is Dryad's Saddle (Polyporus squamosus). However dont take my word for it. If it is then it is edible, if it isn't, then not worth taking the risk. You've been warned More on this possible Bracket Here.
From the wood it was down into the ruins of St Andrew's Church, where to be honest there was very little about. It was pretty hot in this area and most of the insects were hiding in the shade.
However I did come across a couple of Meadow Browns and also a Large White here.
Plus this Orange-belted Hoverfly (Xylota segnis)
As I was saying a lot of insects were looking for shade and here a Common Green Shieldbug, is doing exactly that on a Buddleia
A very sunny Church Ope Cove, though not to sure whether that sea is warm enough to swim in though.
And the overgrown track leading down to the beach along the south facing slope.
On the way down to the beach I came across at least 5 Pyramidal Orchids........
............and several more on Penn's Weare as I headed towards the.........
.........steps up to Rufus Castle and then onto.........
...........the Cuttings Quarry.
In the quarry were three species of skippers, a Lulworth Skipper, this Large Skipper and...............
...............3 Dingy Skippers. Also here were a pair of Common Blues.
And then of course we have the Ted pose, to which he just couldn't make.........
...........his mind up which side was best, but opted in the end to pose.........
...........for the more traditional head on shot.
This was the start of the walk, plenty of energy to do a Buzz
And then later it was a case of finding a bit a shade
Birds Recorded: Kestrel, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch
Reptiles Recorded: Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Butterflies Recorded: Dingy Skipper, Lulworth Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Marbled White and Common Blue
Moths Recorded: Several micro moths seen but not ID'd
Bees Recorded: Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum), Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius)
Hoverflies Recorded: 1 Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) and a Orange-belted Hoverfly (Xylota segnis)
Bugs and Beetles Recorded: Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina), Swollen-thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) and Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata)
Ships Today
This the British Offshore Supply Ship "Ocean Osprey" on its way out of Portland for Fishery Patrol. More on this vessel Here.
Here both Patrol Ships head out into the English Channel
