First an update on the Herring Gull nesting 2 days down in between the chimney pots. I recieved an email from Paul Stewart from The Severn Estuary Gull Group.
Martin,
I am most grateful for this sighting, particularly with the three chicks. Since we ringed this bird at a landfill site in Gloucestershire there have only been sightings from Portland via a local resident; the bird entering her house regularly to feed from her cat's bowl.
We knew the bird was breeding somewhere locally but you have now provided the essential evidence.
Blue 771 was just one of 34 Herring Gulls we caught and colour-ringed on the 16 December 2006. We caught a total of 182 gulls on this day including the first ever record of a Glaucous-winged Gull for the UK.
Blue 771 was actually born in 2004 according to it's plumage on capture but the age shown against your sighting is the time lapse between ringing and your sighting 10 years and 173 days (true age being 12 years and around 173 days old).
All future sightings of this bird would be most welcome.
My thanks again and best wishes.
Peter Stewart
Image from 7 Jun 17 Here, showing the leg ring.
Blue 771 - Recapture History
Weymouth
Other news today another bird species to add to my list a Reed Bunting singing away in the reserve at Radipole, heard from the car park by Aldi.
Broadcroft Quarry, The Grove, South West Coast Path and Bumpers Lane
A lovely late afternoon walk with Benji and Ted, along the track behind the cottage to the Butterfly Reserve at Broadcroft Quarry and then onto The Grove and then back down the SW Coast Path and then across to the back of the cottage alongside Bumpers Lane.
I can see why its a Butterfly Reserve with lots of Buddleia for them to feed on. Not too many out in flower but still quite a few butterflies about with at least 12 Speckled Woods seen along one 10 metre track alone. Also about was worn Meadow Brown and a tatty Painted Lady.
A Mother Shipton moth escaped the camera as it flew off into the brambles and there was a "white" micro moth to ID later.
A Common Lizard was a nice surprise as it sat very still on a piece of wood soaking in the last of the suns rays for the day.
In amongst the brambles a very smart looking black and yellow Xanthogramma pedissequum hoverfly.
A Bunny was seen in the horse fields behind The Grove and as I approached the cliffs along the SW Coast Path there were at least 30 Jackdaws enjoying the updraft. Along the cliffs were a pair of Fulmars and in the distance I could just make out a Peregrine Falcon, whilst a bit closer a Sparrowhawk swooped over my head and into the quarry behind me.
Birds recorded: 2 Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Swallow, Dunnock, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet and Goldfinch.
Butterflies recorded: 12+ Speckled Wood, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Meadow Brown
Moths: 1 Mother Shipton and a micro sp.
Also seen: 1 Bunny and a Common Lizard
A few images from this afternoon:
Broadcroft Quarry now a Butterfly Reserve
The terrain here is a mixture of rock, buddleia and Sedum
A Painted Lady warms itself up...........
.......on the rock. This is quite a worn specimen.
Not so with this Speckled Wood which was in pristine condition........
A micro moth sp. One to ID later
A very colourful hoverfly.............
Still windy!!!
Hmm a R*****t. Taboo to some people. The taboo is at the bottom of this page Here.
I'm sure this metal railing is leaning over even further than it was 10 or more years ago........
.....sure wouldn't want to be resting on it.The view from Grove Cliff looking northeast.
A Fulmar below me............
.......and its mate calling from a ledge in the cliff.
Portland Goats - Heading south along the coastal path.
En route yet another caterpillar of The Lackey moth. Certainly a lot of them about.
The view looking down from the cliff edge.
Really scenic along this coast line.
And Bumpers Lane where very shortly there will be a housing estate to the rear of the gardens.