5 Oct 17

Bumpers Lane and Quarry

A lovely evening walk around the lane and quarry, with the main highlight being another sighting of the Lutino Peach-faced Lovebird I saw on 21 Jun. This time it was in the quarry sat in a Crab Apple tree and then it flew up onto a rock face and went to sleep. It appears to be in good condition and obviously taken to living in the wild. There are certainly a few Crab Apples around and lots of berries, so it should be okay.

Other sightings this evening were 30+ Pied Wagtails in 3 separate flocks all heading to the horse field alongside Broadcroft lane. A couple of raptors out this evening a Kestrel and then a Sparrowhawk being chased down the East Weares by a Carrion Crow.

A large flock of Linnets and Goldfinches headed north with a good 60+ birds. Also about a few Red Admirals and out to sea 2 Gannets and a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls.

A few images from this evening:

A Lovebird peering through a Crab Apple tree in Bumpers Quarry

A few seconds later he flew across the lane and settled on the rock face opposite.

After a bit of a preen........

......a quick look to see what's about.......

........and then its head tucked into wings and a little nap.

Peach-faced lovebirds are a species of lovebird native to arid regions in southwestern Africa such as the Namib Desert. They are very popular cage birds and this one has managed to escape.

Not much fun being a Sparrowhawk especially when an angry Carrion Crow spots you coming through.

Durdle Door from the East Weares.

The Border Patrol boat out and about again.