Penns Wood, Church Ope Cove and Rufus Castle
Another sunny day, a bit on the cool side with the wind coming off the sea, but warm enough for a few butterflies to be out on the wing and for the Wall Lizards to be out basking.
Sadly and not unexpectedly there were no Black Redstarts at the cove. The beach was packed with holidaymakers and though the
Rock Pipits and
wagtails are pretty tolerant, the sheer number of people clambering the rocks, cliffs and walking up and down the beach has taken its toll on the two female Black Redstarts. Hopefully they have just moved around the point and will return soon.
The pair of
Common Buzzards were back again circling over Penns Wood and the local
Herring Gulls were voicing their disapproval. A
Sparrowhawk shot across the cove and flew up and over Penns Weare, where I found the remains of a fresh
pigeon kill mostly likely from a Peregrine Falcon along the cliff path.
At the back of the cove there was a single
Chiffchaff and once again the Hebes here were alive with dozens of
Honey Bees, a few
Buff-tailed Bumblebees, 1
Red Admiral and 2
Peacock butterflies.
Elsewhere there were more
Peacock and
Red Admiral butterflies on the wing plus a few more
Wall Lizards at Rufus Castle.
Here are a few images from this morning:
This Common Buzzard and .......
.......its mate here are becoming regular visitors to this part of the island.
The sun has brought out the Wall Lizards from every nook and cranny.
An adult and last years offspring in the grounds of St Andrew's Church
This one was behind the benches at the top of the steps by Rufus Castle.
And the same Wall Lizard maybe from a couple of days ago, by the archway.
On the beach the Rock Pipits are still picking off those Kelp Flies.
They are also pairing up, with males chasing off other males.
The male Pied Wagtail and..............
.......the female.
The ever present Grey Wagtail.
There have been a few butterflies out recently, but this is the first time I have seen them on the Hebes.
A bedraggled Peacock Butterfly and........
......a rather better looking specimen.
Lots of Honey Bees about.
The remains of a Pigeon on the cliff path above the cove. I suspect the work of a Peregrine.
Birds Recorded: 2
Common Buzzard, 1
Sparrowhawk,
Herring Gull, 3
Great Black-backed Gull,
Wood Pigeon, 12
Rock Pipit, 2
Pied Wagtail, 1
Grey Wagtail,
Magpie,
Carrion Crow,
Wren,
Dunnock,
Chiffchaff,
Robin,
Blackbird,
Great Tit,
Blue Tit,
Chaffinch and
Goldfinch.
Also Recorded: 12+
Wall Lizards, 3
Peacocks, 2
Red Admirals, Dozens of
Honey Bees, 4
Buff-tailed Bumblebees and 2
Common Drone Flies.
Ships Today
Through the sea mist you can just make out the Tanker '
Gerakas' flying the flag of
Panama. Its on its way from Ijmuiden, Denmark to Portland Harbour. More on this vessel
here.
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On this day..........
2018
Today's Sightings Here
