The rain and gale force winds of yesterday and last night, eventually moved away to leave a sunny but cooler day. No sign of the Hoopoe, no doubt it used the northerly winds to get itself over the channel and onwards to warmer climes.
There was an increased number of Pied Wagtails this morning and they were everywhere, in the lower horse paddock, in the upper horse paddock and flying about overhead. In amongst them were lots of Meadow Pipits and Linnets.
In the lower paddock there were 2 Stonechats and a Chiffchaff.
Away from the fields there were 4 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcap along Broadcroft Quarry Lane. I was hoping for Yellow-browed Warbler as there were reports of two on Portland. Not this morning though, but it wont be long I'm sure.
A different call overhead today was the sound of Skylarks heading north, with at least 5 individuals recorded. Heading in the opposite direction were 3 House Martins and 2 Swallows, making their way down to The Bill and beyond.
Here are a few images from this morning:
A different day today. You can actually see the sea down Broadcroft Quarry Lane, unlike yesterday.
A Chiffchaff picks away at the insects along the lane.
Its a wasp I know, but they are really distinctive markings on the abdomen.
Probably just a Common Wasp!!
In the horse paddocks plenty of Meadow Pipits and linnets.
A Meadow Pipit in flight.
And one of the many Pied Wagtails in the lower horse paddock.
Birds Recorded: 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 5 Skylark, 3 House Martin, 2 Swallow, 50+ Meadow Pipit, 80+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Stonechat, Blackbird, 3 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, 30+ Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, 20+ Linnet and Goldfinch.
Also recorded: 3 Red Admirals and several wasps sp.