A beautiful sunny day which saw many people out walking, especially at the cove. I didn't quite get there as early as I wanted, but still managed to see the Black Redstart before it disappeared around the north-east headland. No sign of the Stonechat, which I presume was up on Penns Weare, however both the Grey and Pied Wagtails were feeding at the north end of the beach.
Also here were 33 Rock Pipits, which spent most of their time on the cliff face waiting for the beach to clear before heading back down to the seaweed and feeding on the hundreds of Kelp Flies flying about. A few Wrens again and the "Rock" Robin was very prominent by the cliff, and was making sure that everyone saw him as he chose to stand on the tallest rocks and boulders here.
The "Hut" Robin was busy especially around the flowering Hebes, where I came across a Common Drone Fly and 2 Meliscaeva auricollis hoverflies.
Having left the beach I headed back to Penns Wood, where I had originally walked down through. Earlier there was nothing here but on the return trip I came across 2 Chiffchaffs, a small party of tits and Goldcrests, but no Firecrest on this ocassion.
Here are a few images from this morning:
The Rock Pipits spent most of the time this morning on the cliff top. This one has just seen a Kelp Fly in front of it.
When it was safe to do so the Rock Pipits finally came back down onto the beach.
The Grey Wagtail was back here again.
As was the male Pied Wagtail, with the "Rock" Robin keeping an eye on him.
The "Hut" Robin was enjoying the sun and feeding on flies on the flowering Hebe.
One of the beach Wrens on a washed up car tyre.
The flowering Hebe at the back of the huts was attracting hoverflies and houseflies.
A Common Drone Fly
A Meliscaeva auricollis hoverfly.
Its interesting to note that I also had the same hoverfly on this day in 2017, which I wasn't able to ID until today that is.
One of 2 Chiffchaffs in Penns Wood.
Birds Recorded: Cormorant, 20+ Herring Gull, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 33 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Carrion Crow, 5 Wren, 2 Dunnock, Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Black Redstart, 5 Robin, 1 Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Chaffinch.
Also Recorded: 1 Common Drone Fly and 2 hoverflies sp.
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On this day..........
2017Today's Sightings Here