Just spent 21st-25th September at the annual Dorset Field Course on Animals and Environments. At Longleat, they have added Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and Warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) to the collection. A Griffon vulture (Gyps coprotheres) sunbathed whilst the Tiger (Pathera tigris) still paced the fencing. Arrived at Portland Heights hotel with its view of Chesil's shingle beach and the Fleet lagoon. Next day on the shingle, found a dead male Blackcap (Gramma melacara) and noted (pictured together) the growth of Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) and Thrift (Armeria maritima) on the bank. At Abbotsbury Swannery, there was an impressive late blooming of Water forgetmenot (Myosotis scorpioides) and hoped that we didn't get a wave to rival the new high water mark sign. At Radipole RSPB Reserve, the escaped Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) seen last year still seemed to be around along with a Great-crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) posted themselves, like sentries, in front of the reeds! At Weymoth Sealife Park, Amazone catfish huddled together and, in the grounds, a wild European eel (Anguilla anguilla) weaved its way through the location. At Broadcroft Quarry, a late Silver-studded blue (Plebeius argus) lurked and, amongst the range of flowers, identified Yellow wort (Blackstonia perfoliata). On to Dorchester Museum, where we took in the natural history dioramas. At Monkey World (where you are not allowed to publish pictures of monkeys), noted the sponsored 'Walk of Thanks' to commemorate the late Jim Cronin who set the place up. The next day, sailed from Poole to Brownsea Island where we took in the resident Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus vulgaris) and, less predictably, a Small emerald moth ( Hemistola chrysoprasaria) and the bristly larva of a Vapourer moth (Orgyia antiqua). Took the group photo near the 'castle' before briefly taking in Studland Heath with Little Sea on the mainland.
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