Another murky day, which saw the fog linger until about lunchtime when the sun came out briefly. Later the fog returned and as I write up this blog, it doesn't look like its going anywhere fast.
The beach was very quiet and with a few holidaymakers clambering over the rocks in the northeast corner of the cove, it took awhile before I found the 2 female Black Redstarts. They were really close to the bottom of the cliff face, but eventually moved up and then around the headland.
The Rock Pipits were back, albeit just 4 of them and the only missing bird today was the 1st Winter female Pied Wagtail. The Grey Wagtail was still here and it looks like the male Pied Wagtail is going through a bit of a moult himself.
There were 4 Wrens busy bombing about on the beach, whilst out to sea a pair of Oystercatchers crossed the bay.
Elsewhere there were singles of Chiffchaffs at Wakeham Wood and by Rufus Castle.
At the corner of Bumpers Lane and Broadcroft Quarry Lane there were 2 Greenfinches in the buddleia bushes and close-by a female Sparrowhawk gave concern as it flew right over the bush they were in.
Here are a few photos from a murky day.
Regardless as to how many people are on the beach the 2 female Black Redstarts will be on the cliff here somewhere.
Black Redstart number 1 on top of the cliff.
And number 2 directly below on the rocks.
The 'resident' Grey Wagtail
And just the male Pied Wagtail here today. Looks a bit scruffy today, moulting maybe!
The sun did come out briefly.
One of the local Kestrels along Bumpers Lane.
The berries of the Japonica are really ripe now.
I believe this mass of green foliage is Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)
Here is a close up of it. The guide books suggest it flowers in March. Well it is very mild!
Birds Recorded: 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 4 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
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On this day..........
2018Today's Sightings Here