All the action was on and around the beach today with over 50 Rock Pipits, 3 Pied Wagtails and 4 Wrens all enjoying the sudden influx of Kelp Flies and smaller unidentified flies in amongst the pebbles and rocks.
On the rocks to the north of the beach, there were 2 Oystercatchers feeding on Limpets; great to see them chisel away under the shells and then flick them over to eat the meat inside. Also here a 3rd Winter Herring Gull watching there every move for the chance to grab a free meal. Also here an overwintering Robin and Black Redstart.
Elsewhere a single Bumblebee on the Hebe's at the back of the beach huts, where there was also a small flock of Long-tailed Tits, Great Tits, Blue Tits and a Chiffchaff.
Here a few images from a very sunny afternoon:
My one and only shot of the Black Redstart on the rocks at the northern end of Church Ope Cove.
Also here a Robin.
A nice group shot of 2 Oystercatchers, a Rock Pipit, Herring Gull and a Pied Wagtail.
The Herring Gull looks good for a 3rd Winter bird. Another example or two Here.
Here it is again with a Rock Pipit for company.
Another Rock Pipit but with a difference............
..........check out that right leg with a ring on it. I did try zooming in but alas couldn't get any details from it.
Another Rock Pipit......
..........in fact a lot more.........
............and more..........
.........others on the cliff top.............
...........and 2 more...........
........and another. In fact there were well over 50 birds and they are all here because of these..........
.......Kelp Flies. Love the shadow bottom left!!!!
Rufus Castle from the cove.
Its hard to imagine, looking at that calm sea, but yesterday the wind gusted to 82mph on Portland. Here
Good boys again on their daily walk.
Ships Today
This is the Cypriot Cargo vessel "Samskip Endeavour"on its way from Rotterdam, Holland to Dublin. More on this Container Ship Here.
This the Maltese Cargo vessel "Neptune Aegli" on its way from Southampton to Portbury. More on this Vehicles Carrier Here.
This is the Liberian Bulk Carrier "Greek Seas" on its way from Tees to Portland. More on this Cargo vessel Here.
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On this day..........
2017
Today's Sightings Here