Before the light disappeared all together this afternoon, I popped down to the Observatory to see if anything was about.
There was no let up in the wind, which was a good Force 6 to 7 and as I stood by the gate overlooking the Estate Fields, you could feel the gusts hitting you. I don't think the finches were impressed and as a small flock took off, it took them back 20 metres before they could make any headway.
However the wind did make it slightly easier to ID the finches and in the small flocks of Chaffinches battling the elements, I did at least record at least 3 Brambling possibly 5, but 2 possibles dived in to cover before I could positively ID them. 5 or 3 they are my first this Winter.
Also here were Goldfinches, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, 2 Ravens, 5 Pheasants and a few Wood Pigeons.
In the hut area I came across 4 more Ravens, 2 Carrion Crows, 2 Magpies and a Kestrel. It appears that someone has thrown a huge meat bone onto the grassy area and the corvids were having a field day, until I disturbed them that is.
Out to sea there were a few Shags and Cormorants heading south.
Two Ravens wait for me to leave the hut area.
And another is making a right raucous. Hopefully not at me.
A Kestrel also looks on.
The sun setting over The Bill.
Wakeham
Another windy day here on Portland, with squally showers and the occasional burst of sunshine. I moved the feeders the other day, 20 feet closer to the back of the cottage and adjacent to the Cherry Tree. It certainly hasn't put the birds off, as there were 5 Chaffinches (4 females and a male), 3 Great Tits and 2 Blue Tits, all squabbling over the bragging rights.
A Chiffchaff calling from one of neighbours garden was a pleasant surprise.
The change in the feeder positions hasn't put the bird off.
Here we have 2 Great Tits, 2 Blue Tits and a female Chaffinch.
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On this day..........
2017
Today's Sightings Here