26 Nov 18

Rufus Castle and Church Ope Cove

A late afternoon walk down to Church Ope Cove, where for the first time in quite awhile there was a Black Redstart under the cliffs at the north-east corner of the cove. Also here were 3 Rock Pipits, a Pied Wagtail, 3 Wrens and 2 Herring Gulls.

Out to sea a fishing boat was heading back to Weymouth with a good 20+ gulls at the rear and a couple of Cormorants heading in the opposite direction.

No sign of the Firecrest from yesterday, but on the steps half-way up to Rufus Castle there were 2 Goldcrests, a Great Tit, Blue Tit and a Robin in the small copse on the right in Penns Weare Here.

Also on the steps I came across the headless corpse of a Kestrel. There were 3 Kestrels here on 14 Nov having a right dispute. Is it possible they had a fight to the end!!

Here are a few photos from this afternoon:

The Black Redstart appears to be back.

Not venturing far from the large boulders.......

......it stayed here for awhile before heading off to the southern end of the beach.

One of the 2 Herring Gulls lurking on the shoreline.

Just the 3 Rock Pipits here today.

Not sure why this Kestrel died, possibly the result of a fight with a rival. Who knows!!

A fishing boat returns to Weymouth with gulls for company.

Dawn, Ted and Benji at Rufus Castle.

And another pose for the camera.

Ted the rock climber.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day..........
2017
Today's Sightings Here