Portland Harbour
Another great afternoon out in the boat watching the divers and grebes and while we were out in the harbour "Danny", the young male Bottle-nosed Dolphin, came alongside us. A very playful dolphin and at times quite talkative as he chattered away to us.
Note. There is a Marine code of conduct which must be applied at all times especially to cetaceans. So if you do come across a dolphin, be mindful that you should not encourage it in any way to interact with you. Click Here for more info.
Note. There is a Marine code of conduct which must be applied at all times especially to cetaceans. So if you do come across a dolphin, be mindful that you should not encourage it in any way to interact with you. Click Here for more info.
Also in the harbour a Seal (not sure which species), and a Great Northern Diver, 1 Black-necked Grebe and a Great Crested Grebe we were looking for. Other birds recorded were Cormorants, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 30+ Great Black-backed Gulls on the breakwater, several Mediterranean Gulls and a Raven. Flying across the harbour were 2 pairs of Dark-bellied Brent Geese heading towards Weymouth Bay.
Here are few images of "Danny" from this afternoon:
This is "Danny" the young male Bottle-nosed Dolphin, videoed by Dawn Young.
He even had time for a chat. Videoed by Dawn Young
Captain Young at the helm
Just the one Red Breasted Merganser
And two Dark-bellied Brent Geese heading off towards Weymouth Bay.
Church Ope Cove and Penns Wood
A much fresher feel to today and the early morning sun gave way to another cloudy day. Highlights today were the Black Redstart and Grey Wagtail both back on the beach. Also here 9 Rock Pipits again and several Wrens. Out to sea 2 Cormorants heading south and my first Fulmar of 2019 heading up the coast.
Half way down the steps below Rufus Castle there was a Chiffchaff in amongst a small flock of Long-tailed Tits, Great Tits and Blue Tits. Also here a Song Thrush.
In Penns Wood there were several Great Tits & Blue Tits plus 2 Goldcrests.
Here are few photos and a video from this morning.
With very few people on the beach this morning, the overwintering Black Redstart was happy to pose for the video.
It was very confiding and sat on the rocks just a few metres away.
Seemed very content to pose for the camera.
The Rock Pipits were picking away at the Kelp Flies.
At the top of Penns Wood the same came out briefly just as this Robin landed on a wall.
This Grey Squirrel in Penns Wood was happily foraging away at ground level until Ted spotted him!!
Birds Recorded this morning: 1 Fulmar, 2 Cormorant, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 9 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Wren, Dunnock, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Black Redstart, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
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On this day..........
2018Today's Sightings Here