We had tried to visit Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck a couple of weeks ago, but the accommodation was not up to scratch so we came home. Subsequently Helen and I found a small studio flat in Swanage and were able to get a booking for this weekend. I was keen to show her the cliff walk at Durlston, so we decided to head there first before going into Swanage.
It was a glorious morning when we arrived. Clear blue skies and a nice breeze to cool what would probably be a warm sun. As we left the car park there were several Lulworth Skippers on the bramble by the car. Walking down the path towards the main track Marbled Whites moved amongst the grasses and nectared on the Knapweed. Their flight time is just about coming to an end, but these still appeared to be in good condition.
Passing the maritime markers a Raven was perched on the top.
With help from Helen we managed to find some of the Lulworth Skippers settled on the Knapweed and vegetation.
Easily identified by the light semi circular markings on the hind wings.
A Ringlet in the green bushes by the side of the path.
We reached the cliff path and set off to the west. Peregrines could be heard calling from below the cliff and a pair of juveniles passed overhead screaming for their parents.
Ian and I had visited in early April, and while it was a little warmer today, the conditions were still very dry as we had experienced then. A find back in April was a couple of Wall Browns, so it was nice to find what was probably butterflies from a second brood, in almost the same place.
A luminous beetle caught our eyes as it flew amongst the grass, once settled we were able to get a good look.
This is a Rose Chafer, found mainly i grassland and woodland, being scarce, but widespread in England. It feeds during the summer on Dog Rose, but here appeared to be partial to the Teasel.
Another Lulworth Skipper on a Knapweed flower head.
Misty cloud hung over the cliffs and it kept the temperature down, there was also mist out to sea which was throwing shadows on to the sea.
The teasels were an attraction to the butterflies and it was nice to see this Dark Green Fritillary that was in good condition nectaring along with a Gatekeeper.
A closer look at the Dark Green Fritillary.
There were several Wall Browns seen along the path, this one settled on one of the exposed rocks by the side of the path.
We didn't go as far as the Dancing Ledge, but turned back and made our way around to the Lighthouse.
Helen found this large cricket in amongst the grass stems. It is a Great Green Bush-Cricket. It lived up to its name as it was about four inches in length. It is by far the largest Bush-cricket in the UK and has an orange brown stripe on its back
Like all crickets it had very long antennae, although one was damaged.
Approaching the lighthouse there were more Wall Browns, this one sitting nicely in the vegetation.
We climbed the cliff path at Tilly Whim Caves, the view looking back towards the lighthouse now looking really nice in the sunshine.
Birds werte far and few, all the auks now having left the cliff ledges. A lone Rock Pipit appeared below the path.
We decided to have lunch at the castle cafe and were watched very closely by the resident Herring Gulls.
From Durlston we headed back down into Swanage and our accommodation, much better than the previous debacle.
In the evening we walked into Swanage and had dinner on the roof Terrace in the evening sunshine. Walking back Swanage Bay was quiet and calm, lets hope it lasts throughout the weekend.
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