7 Jan 18

Church Ope Cove

With the chilly blast from the north-east, it wasn't surprising to find that many birds had moved off birds and were taking shelter in the north-west corner of the cove.

It's not often we get the wind from the north-east and the temperature drop was quite noticeable.

Main highlights were 3 Firecrests in amongst the Hebes in the north-west corner and the 15 Rock Pipits on the beach. Other than that it was very difficult to find any other birds, other than the "resident" Wrens that had moved off the beach and were in the bushes below the north cliff. Just the male Pied Wagtail here today, not sure where his mate was, and also here the Grey Wagtail.

On top of the cliff a Kestrel was taking in the view and it was good to record my first Peregrine Falcon of the year as it passed over Rufus Castle.

A few images from this afternoon.

The waves crashing onto the rocks at the southern tip of the cove.

The flag at Rufus Castle tells the tale. Normally it would be flying in the opposite direction.

The local Kestrel looks for its next prey.

And one of the 3 Firecrests here today feeding in amongst the Hebe.

And then the brambles.......

....and then back to the Hebes. This bird is the ringed bird seen here last week.

One of the 15 Rock Pipits feeding in amongst the rocks.

And another.

The "resident" Grey Wagtail searches for the flies hidden in amongst the rocks.

Further down Portland the waves crashing into the cliffs just off Southwell.

Birds Recorded: 1 Cormorant, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel, 5 Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 15 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, 2 Great Tit, Blue Tit, 8 Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch.

Also 1 White-tailed Bumblebee

Boats Today

Just the one boat seen today battling against the waves the Cypriot Vehicles Carrier, Main Highway, on its way from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Dublin. More on this vessel Here