Another cool sunny day, with a slight breeze coming off the sea. On the way down to the cove there was a Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercorariaa) in Penns wood, where there were 2 Goldcrests high up in the trees.
In the grounds of St Andrew's Church the Wall Lizards were all on top of each other on a small rock. Another Wall Lizard was on the wall on the right, just as you pass through the archway at Rufus Castle. The sun is certainly bringing them out. Overhead the Common Buzzards were back for the second day, much to the annoyance of the local Herring Gulls and over Penns Weare the local Kestrel was out hunting again.
Down on the beach there were a few holidaymakers about and it took awhile to find any birds as they were squeezed up into the north-east corner of the cove. As people started to leave, so the birds returned. In the end it was almost back to normal apart from a lower count of Rock Pipits with just 5 counted. The two female Black Redstarts were here along with the 2 Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail and 4 Wrens
On the Hebes behind the toilet block both the 'resident' Robin and Wren were picking off the insects swarming all over the bush. Also here were 2 Common Drone flies. Close by were 2 more Goldcrests.
Here are few images from this afternoon:
This is the second day on the trot that this Common Buzzard and............
..........its mate here have been circling over Church Ope Cove.
Perhaps looking for a potential nesting site!
A Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercorariaa)
This must be a very warm rock these Wall Lizards are sharing.
Church Ope Cove
The 'resident' Grey Wagtail is spoilt for choice with so many Kelp Flies buzzing around its head.
And the 2 Pied Wagtails seemed to be getting on alright with each other.
One of the female Black Redstarts flies up onto the old tyre............
............and then has a look for its next meal
Meanwhile the second female chooses a higher perch to survey the beach.
A pair of Oystercatchers on the rocks in the north east corner of the cove.
I suspect they are regulars here when its low water, as it was when I arrived this afternoon.
The local Kestrel above Penns Weare.
Looks like I'm getting an eyeful!!
A few shots along the beach and..........
........across the beach towards Rufus Castle.
Behind the toilet block, this Hebe is a real magnet for insects. A Common Drone Fly on one of the flowers.
On the wall on the left before the archway at Rufus Castle this.............
.......Wall Lizard was making the most of the mild weather were are having at the moment. Will it last!!
Birds Recorded: 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 5 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 4 Goldcrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Also recorded: 12+ Wall Lizard, 2 Common Drone Fly and a Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercorariaa).
