An extended walk today in the hope of tracking down a Yellow-browed Warbler. There have been two reported on Portland in past few days, so I checked out Broadcroft Quarry Lane, Penn's Weare and Penn's Wood today as these were 3 good spots last year. There were none today but hopefully one will turn up soon.
Broadcroft Quarry lane did however turn up the Great Spotted Woodpecker again, it does like this area, and also here were 5 Chiffchaffs with 1 singing, with another singing bird in my back garden. There were 2 Blackcaps along the lane along with 3 Robins, Blue Tits and Great Tits.
In the lower and upper horse paddocks, the usual Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails, with numbers considerably less than of late.
Along the South-west Coast path towards Rufus Castle were several House Martins and Swallows making there way south, and also here a large flock of Linnets which now total 50+.
Just past The Cuttings 1 of the 3 Ivy Bee colonies is inactive, but another has been created close to the path Here.
Along Penn's Weare the first Autumn flock of Long-tailed Tits with 2 Chiffchaffs in tow. Hopefully they will attract a Yellow-browed Warbler and a few Firecrests in the future.
In the grounds of St Andrews Church there were 2 adult and at least 4 juvenile Wall Lizards, whilst further up the slope in Penn's Weare another small flock of Long-tailed Tits and 3 Goldcrests.
Other highlights on this beautiful warm sunny day were a Wall Brown in the upper horse paddock (an unusual spot!!) and a Clouded Yellow by The Cuttings. The latter a great disappointment as my camera wouldn't focus on it.
Here are a few images from today:
One of the many Meadow Pipits in the lower horse paddock
There are a lot of insects here.
A Meadow Pipit comes into land on the brambles as another watches on.
You will often see Meadow Pipits on brambles and fences.
And another.
Starlings.
.......which it devoured in seconds before flying off in search of another meal.
The Linnet numbers are definitely growing on a daily basis. There are certainly a good 50 or more.
This was a splinter group of 4.
One of the many Ivy Bees still out in force.
An adult with tail intact.
Birds Recorded: 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, House Martin, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff (2 singing), 3 Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, 50+ Linnet and Goldfinch.
Butterflies Recorded: 1 Clouded Yellow, 1 Wall Brown, 4 Red Admiral, 3 Large White, 2 Green-veined White.
Also recorded: 6 Wall Lizards, Ivy Bees, Common Drone Flies and wasps.
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