Wow, what a difference it makes when the fog disperses. After yesterday evenings fog which drifted through most of the night, it eventually lifted by early morning. The fog horn was still blaring away at 10:30am at The Bill, but further up the island at Church Ope Cove the sun was shining very brightly.
Main highlights from the cove were both the female Black Redstarts, the pair of Pied Wagtails (she has returned), the 'resident' Grey Wagtail, 4 Wrens and this morning 12 Rock Pipits with at least two males singing.
Other highlights were the 'Hut' Robin singing away at the back of the cove, a Fulmar which passed overhead and at least 9 Wall Lizards just coming out to bask in the very warm sun.
The Hebes at the back of the cove were covered in Honey Bees, Buff-tailed Bumblebees and at least 1 Common Drone Fly.
Here are a few images from a very pleasant morning.
The 'Hut' Robin is becoming quite approachable.
And he even had time to sing a few bars.
One of the 2 female Black Redstarts still present on the cove.
And the second female keeping her distance.
The male Pied Wagtail.............
...........and the female
Still here the overwintering Grey Wagtail
Not for the first time a Fulmar heading back over the cove towards the nesting site at Grove Cliffs.
One of many Honey Bees on the Hebes this morning.
Despite coming across several Wall Lizards, this one at Rufus Castle was the only one to be out basking.
The sea off Church Ope Cove is still quite rough, with waves crashing onto the beach.
And finally Penns Castle from the grounds of st Andrew's Church.
Birds recorded: 1 Fulmar, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 12 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Black Redstart, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Also recorded: 9 Wall Lizards, 12+ Honey Bees, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebees, 1 Common Drone Fly.
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On this day..........
2018Today's Sightings Here