9 Dec 17

Church Ope Cove and Broadcroft Quarry Lane

Another walk down to the cove this afternoon, and great to see that the Black Redstart was still present. The Rock Pipits numbers were down to 15, but there are a few more Robins about, which is causing a few disputes, except for one that followed me about in the hut area within a couple of feet at timeds. The resident Pied and Grey Wagtails are still about and the Wren numbers were back up 10.

There was a small Long-tailed Tit flock just below St Andrew's Church, but only Goldcrests and Great Tits in attendance.

The only Firecrest found today was in Broadcroft Quarry Lane with just 2 Goldcrests.

Here are a few images from today:

The Black Redstart at Church Ope Cove today.

It could be a long-stayer, this is now its 2nd day here.

A very flighty bird, which is using the whole beach as a feeding ground.

And using several high points......

........to see what is about.

Back on the beach and more foraging.

And in flight showing off those red tail feathers

The Black Redstart feeding on the beach. Apologies for the jerky video, not the easiest of birds to follow.

The resident Grey Wagtail.....

....and female Pied Wagtail. Her mate wasn't far away.

One of the 15 Rock Pipits here today.

And a very friendly Robin which followed me around the hut area. I'll have to bring it some treats tomorrow, weather permitting. Weather forecast is for 70 mpg gusts!!!
Behind the huts a Goldfinch foraging.

Another shot. No Firecrest here today!!

However I did find this Firecrest along Broadcroft Quarry Lane on the way home.

In the previous photo it looks like there is a tick below its bill. Not so obvious in this shot.

And less so in this one. Was it just an insect hanging out of its beak!!!

A Kestrel over the pool area.

Birds Recorded: Cormorant, 2 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 15 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 1 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.

Ships Today

There were quite a few ships today. This was the only clear shot I got of one, as all the others were way out in the main shipping lanes.

This is the Dutch Container Ship, Helga on its way to Belfast from Southampton. More on this vessel Here.