29 Dec 18

Church Ope Cove, Penns Wood and Wakeham Paddocks

A mid-morning walk down to Church Ope Cove and good to see that the Stonechat was back again, but sadly no sign of the Black Redstart for the second day running.

On the beach were 9 Rock Pipits and the Grey Wagtail, whilst out to sea a Fulmar flew north and a Cormorant in the opposite direction. Under the north cliff the "Rock" Robin was asserting his authority and was making the Stonechat knew whose patch the rocks belonged to.

On the Hebes, behind the huts were 2 Meliscaeva auricollis hoverflies and a Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) and also here the "Hut" Robin.

There were quite a few Robins about and I came across a "Church" Robin, "Castle" Robin, "Penns Wood" Robin and a "Garden" Robin. (Locations linked to names in "Brackets").

On my return trip through Penns Wood, a small flock of Long-tailed Tits passed through with 3 Goldcrests. No Chiffchaffs here today, but I did come across one in Wakeham Paddocks Here.

Here are a few images from this morning:

This overwintering Stonechat spent most of its time on the beach, but from time to time would fly up to the bushes on the north cliff.

The "Rock" Robin. So territorial!!

One of the 9 Rock Pipits feeding on the Kelp flies.

And another eyes up its next meal.

This Hebe in the hut area was attracting a few Meliscaeva auricollis hoverflies............

......whilst on the Ivy berries a Marmalade Hoverfly takes a rest.

The view looking south.

A fishing boat returns to Weymouth Bay.

And finally the Mahonia at the top of Penns Wood is well in flower.

Birds Recorded: 1 Fulmar, Cormorant, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 9 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Wren, Dunnock, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Stonechat, 6 Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.

Also recorded: 2 Meliscaeva auricollis hoverflies and a Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus).

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