2 Dec 17

Broadcroft Quarry Lane, Rufus Castle, Church Ope Cove and Bumpers Lane

A very grey and overcast day, but at least it was dry and windless. Main highlight was coming across 3 Firecrests in Broadcroft Quarry Lane, which were tagging along with 3 Goldcrests and 8 Long-tailed Tits. I also came across another Firecrest halfway down the steps from Rufus Castle to Church Ope Cove.

There seemed to be an increase in Great Tit numbers with at least a dozen recorded on my walk and the highest number of birds seen today had to go to the 18 Long-tailed Tits at the back of my garden as I was setting off.

Other highlights were a Grey Wagtail at Church Ope Cove and and 3 Rock Pipits. Sadly though no sign of the Black Redstart and the number of Wrens on the beach has dropped to just 3 individuals.

An Oystercatcher flew north across the bay at Church Ope Cove and a Cormorant was seen flying in the opposite direction.

In the horse field to north of Bumpers Lane a single Redwing with two Song Thrushes.

Here are a few images from today:

Firecrest. One of three along Broadcroft Quarry Lane today.

Also in BQL this Song Thrush with another in the horse field opposite.

Down on the pebbles on the beach at Church Ope Cove this Rock Pipit.

Also here on the beach huts a Grey Wagtail.

Behind the huts a Long-tailed Tit.

An adult winter Herring Gull........

.....with its dusky streaks on its head

Birds Recorded were: 1 Cormorant, 1 Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 3 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Firecrest, 30+ Long-tailed Tit, 12+ Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.