The overnight frost eventually cleared late morning as the sun came out, though in a few sheltered spots it was still evident.
Main highlight today had to be a 3rd Black Redstart at Church Ope Cove. A few weeks ago I had a feeling I had spotted a 3rd one then, but on subsequent visits there were just the two. Until today that is.
The two "resident" birds know their boundaries (to each other), however the interloper doesn't and was chased relentlessly by the other two birds whenever it ventured into their patch. There could well be just the two birds tomorrow!!
Other birds of interest were the overwintering Stonechat, the Grey Wagtail, male Pied Wagtail, 11 Rock Pipits and 5 Wrens all on the beach.
Elsewhere I was watching a Chiffchaff at the bottom of Penns Wood, when a second bird joined it. And great to see 6 Greenfinches in Wakeham Wood, where there was also a single Goldcrest and a Song Thrush.
Here are a few images. I say a few as I couldn't decide which photos of the Stonechat and Black Redstarts to leave out, so I put them all in!
Black Redstart number 1
Black Redstart number 2
And Black Redstart number 3.
One of Black Redstarts was doing well on the cliff face picking off caterpillars/larvae.
Always on the look out.
I suspect this was the interloper as it was very alert to what was going on around it.
Even the overwintering Stonechat was on the cliff face.......
...........but more for a bit of sunbathing and......
a rest in the winter sun.
The Grey Wagtail is still here as is..........
..........the male Pied Wagtail.
Always a Rock Pipit around.
And another.
Beyond the walls of St Andrew's Church is Penns Wood.........
.........there wasn't just one Chiffchaff but..........
............two "Chiffs"
And there are still a few berries about as well.
Japonica berries
Robins Pincushion. More Here.
Birds Recorded: Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 11 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, 8 Wren, Dunnock, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Stonechat, 3 Black Redstart, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and 6 Greenfinch.
Ships Today
Cosco Shipping Andes is gaining on Mol Truth...............
............and passes the Panama vessel with ease just off The Bill.
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On this day..........
2018Today's Sightings Here