Hurray some decent weather at long last and with the temperature reaching the dizzy heights of 5.5°C, it was nice to get out of the house and enjoy a bit of winter sun. My walk took me along Bumpers Lane, Rufus Castle and down into Church Ope Cove, where I was greeted by 2 Rock Pipits, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Wrens. At the back of the huts there were 2 Firecrests, a Goldcrest, Song Thrush, Blackbird and a Dunnock. The latter singing away, as were many birds.
From the cove I walked up to the ruins of St Andrew's Church and it was lovely to see 4 Wall Lizards out basking in the sun. Through the arches into Penns Wood butterfly shot past me, but as I turned I was temporarily blinded by the sun so couldn't identify it. I needed of worried as a few steps up the path I came across another butterfly, a Peacock. Was it the same one, we'll never know.
A Firecrest and 2 Goldcrest were present in the wood and as I was watching a Goldcrest a male Blackcap flew along the hedgerow and disappeared into one of the gardens. Also here were several Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Wrens, Great Tits and Blue Tits.
Here are a few images from this afternoon:
A sunny day at Church Ope Cove
The new look Pennsylvania Castle with the trees cut back in the centre.
A closer view of the Pennsylvania Castle gardens now opened up.
On the beach at Church Ope Cove 2 Wrens hopping about on the rocks.....
.....and pebbles.
In the cracks and crevices of the ruins of St Andrews Church there were 4 Wall Lizards out sun bathing.
Here's another......
....and the 4th one which was a bit shy.
A lovely surprise in the sun a Peacock butterfly, especially when the temperature didn't rise much above 5°C.
In Penn Wood there were several Chaffinches including this male.
Also here a few Goldfinches......
......and a friendly Wren.
This Wren flew down next to me before flying off.
My first Peacock Butterfly of the year.
Birds recorded: 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Also seen: 4 Wall Lizards, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 3 White-tailed Bumblebees, 1 Common Drone Fly and dozens of Bluebottle Flies.
Wakeham
A very cold morning here on Portland and the female Blackcap, having been here for 2 weeks, decided to have a change of "scenery" and was on the fat balls this morning, until that was she was chased off by a Robin. Also on the feeders a Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush, 2 Great Tits, a Blue Tit and a second Robin.
The female Blackcap on her 14th day here in the back garden opted for the fat balls this morning.
An unusual sight, a Song Thrush feeding on fat balls in the back garden. In the background one of the two over-wintering Robins singing.