Well mid January and its the same old story of another day, another downpour. Hard to recall a more gloomy and damp winter. If the weather had been half decent I’d have headed over to Derbyshire to see the over-wintering Parrot Crossbills but a long walk in wet snow doesn’t hold much appeal.
Still on the brighter side it’s good to recall a day walking along the Jurassic Coast in mid September.
Not a bad start to the day with a pair of Ravens soaring across the woodlands and heading out across Durlston Bay.
Magnificent birds and great to see them slowly making a comeback to lowland England.

Painted Lady, Durlston Country Park
As the sun rose the sheltered paths above the cliffs revealed a surprising number of Butterflies nectaring on the Ivy and late Summer flowers.

Red Admiral on Common Ivy, Durlston Country Park

Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on a thistle

Adonis Blue on Greater Knapweed close to the Lighthouse at Durlston Country Park
Heading around the Lighthouse and uphill along Round Down our walk looped back through the chalk meadows. Despite the cool breeze great to see several of the rare Adonis Blue’s. Also a few of the closely related Small Coppers.

Adonis Blue basking in the early Autumn sunshine.

Small Copper in one of the meadows above the Lighthouse, Durlston Country Park

A very tired and worn Adonis Blue somehow still managing to feed.
Unfortunately our view of a Clouded Yellow was far too brief and with the Small Tortoiseshells refusing to allow it to settle on this occasion no photograph. Hmmm… I guess one day we’ll have to go back.