With the prospect of seeing the Yellow-browed Warbler for a 4th day it was off down to Church Ope Cove this afternoon. It was another nice day, albeit a bit cooler than of late, which might have explained why it took me nearly 90 minutes before I located the Long-tailed Tit flock at the top of the steps by Rufus Castle. With the colder weather it appears the tit flock is growing larger with 23 birds now and definitely more mobile than ever covering ground further afield.
In with the flock were 2 Goldcrests and a Great Tit. Another smaller flock was also located in Pennsylvania Wood which also included 2 Goldcrests and a Firecrest.
Another Firecrest was also located on its own feeding the Hebe's behind the beach huts.
On the beach at Church Ope Cove, an impressive number of Rock Pipits with 24 birds counted, as I was counting them I came across a Black Redstart, which appears to be a different bird than the individual I saw here 10 days ago on 30 Nov.
Also here just 5 Wrens, the "resident" pair of Pied Wagtails and lone Grey Wagtail.
Here are few photos from this afternoon:
The female Pied Wagtail
One of the 24 Rock Pipits here this afternoon.
And today a Black Redstart
This one was very mobile.
More so than the individual which was here on 30 Nov.
This bird looks a lot darker than the one I found on 30 Nov.
Or is just down to the light conditions!
One of the 5 Wrens here in the cove.
Here is a Firecrest which appears to be a long-stayer.
I have seen a Firecrest at the back of the huts several times now.
This one was picking off insects in a Hebe.
An unmistakable looking bird.
And a short video of it feeding in the Hebe.
This one has been "resident" on the beach for a few weeks now.
One of the two Goldcrests at rufus Castle which was following a large flock of 23 Long-tailed Tits.
Birds recorded were: Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 24 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 1 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, 23 Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 10 Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Ships Today
Just the one this afternoon:
