10 Dec 17

Church Ope Cove

With gusts up to 60mph it was a bit blowy to say the least. At least it was dry so it was off to the cove to see if the Black Redstart was about. Sadly not, but then it could well have been sheltering behind the huts as the waves were crashing onto the beach and the spray covering absolutely everything in its path.

The only birds on the beach were 10 Rock Pipits and the resident pair of Pied Wagtails. There wasn't a Wren in sight which came as no surprise.

Behind the huts a small party of Long-tailed Tits passed by, with a single Firecrest and 2 Goldcrests following behind.

Here are a few images from this morning:

A sunny day.........

.....but extremely windy with the waves crashing onto the beach.

The waves on Church Ope beach

Where there was a bit of shelter a few Rock Pipits were feeding on small black flies.

Here another Rock Pipit is searching for food.

This is the "resident" male Pied Wagtail striking a lovely pose.....

....and then his attention was drawn to a dozen or so black flies buzzing around his head.

Out to sea and fairly close-in a Gannet

Behind the huts the Firecrest put in an appearance again as did this White-tailed Bumblebee on the Hebe.

Birds Recorded: 2 Gannet, 2 Kestrel, 12 Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 10 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Robin, Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, 1 Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch.

Ships Today


This the Chinese Heavy Load Carrier, Hua Yang Long which is taking refuge in Weymouth Harbour.

Once the weather improves it will be on its way to Las Palmas, Spain. Not sure which port it left as that detail seems to have been omitted. More on this vessel Here.