At long last some sunshine. Still on the breezy side, but at least the grey depressing clouds have moved on. Other than 15 Chiffchaffs recorded on my walk, with one singing bird, the main highlight had to go to 2 Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies. Last year I didn't see a single one, but along Penns Weare I found two together on Wild Cherry blossom. Sadly no photos!!
Also along Penns Weare 6 Meadow Pipits passed overhead and a Siskin for my Portland Year List.
On the beach at the cove there were 8 Rock Pipits, and both the male and female Pied Wagtails.
Lots of bees out in the sun with Buff-tailed Bumblebees, a Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) and Honey Bees.
Also out in the sun lots of Wall Lizards with most seen in the grounds of St Andrews Church and the Common Green Shieldbug was in its usual spot in amongst the Russian Comfrey in Penns Wood.
Here are a few photos from today:
Church Ope Cove
Penns Weare looking south
One of the 8 Rock Pipits at the cove.
A Cormorant on the rocks along Penns Weare
In Penns Wood the 'resident' Common Green Shieldbug on a Russian Comfrey.
Kelp Flies on an Alexander.
A Wall Lizard enjoying the warm sunshine.
This is Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) which I first discovered in exactly the same spot on Penns Weare on 11 Apr 18
Also recorded: 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 10+ Wall Lizards, Buff-tailed Bumblebees, Honey Bees, Red-tailed Bumblebee, Common Green Shieldbug and Kelp Flies.
Ships Today
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On this day..........
2018Today's Sightings Here.