I left it a bit too late to visit the cove today and by the time I got down there, the holiday makers were dispersing the birds left right and centre. I did manage to track down the Stonechat which despite its friendliness towards humans, found the numbers a bit to much for it and it disappeared over into Penns Weare.
The Black Redstart was a bit more confiding and as per normal was hugging the bottom of the north cliff. Both the Grey and Pied Wagtail were here as well as 20+ Rock Pipits, which became fragmented as the beach became busy with visitors.
The "Rock" Robin was still about as was the "Hut" Robin. Out to sea a big surprise was a Fulmar heading down the coast towards The Bill. I know they breed hereon the Grove Cliffs, but I'm not sure they are a winter bird here. Or maybe they are!! Also an Oystercatcher on the rocks.
Penns Wood was a real disappointment and may well have been down to my lateness in arriving here. The best time it appears is when the sun catches the uppermost parts of the tree canopy. Once the sun drops I guess the number of insects drops off and the birds move onto pastures new.
The best I could find in the woods today were 2 Goldcrests, a few Chaffinches and a couple of Great Tits.
Here are few images from this afternoon.
I'm sure its not unusual, but this is my first winter sighting of a Fulmar here on Portland.
Lovely to see that the Black Redstart is still present.
A cursory look over its shoulder.
Not the Black Redstart but the "Rock" Robin looking quite defiant.
And not to be left out the male Pied Wagtail.
The Rock Pipits......
.........and another, chasing the Kelp Flies.
Its not just the pipits, wagtails, chats and starts here on the beach but several Wrens.
They look almost like leaf litter as they flutter across the beach.
Birds Recorded: 1 Fulmar, 1 Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 20+ Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Magpie, 1 Raven, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, 8 Wren, Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Stonechat, 1 Black Redstart, 5 Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
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On this day..........
2017Today's Sightings Here