Lower Paddocks, Upper Paddocks, Broadcroft Butterfly Reserve and Bumpers Lane.
A change of scenery today and as the gates at Broadcroft Quarry Lane are closed on Sunday's, it is a peaceful and dust free walk in this area. There was a noticeable change in the weather today, with a cold wind from the east, but at least the sun is still shining.
A change of scenery today and as the gates at Broadcroft Quarry Lane are closed on Sunday's, it is a peaceful and dust free walk in this area. There was a noticeable change in the weather today, with a cold wind from the east, but at least the sun is still shining.
Not much in the way of birds with the main highlights being 15 Meadow Pipits in the Lower Paddock and 4 Greenfinches along Broadcroft Quarry Lane.
For me the main highlight was a Small Tortoiseshell along the lane, and my first photo of one. Its only taken me 22 months to photograph one here on Portland. And I still haven't as what I thought was a Small Tortoiseshell, is in fact a Large Tortoiseshell.
Here are a few images from today:
The Lower Paddock behind Wakeham, awash with Daisies.
In the paddock I came across 15 Meadow Pipits. In this photo there are 5. Honest!!
I nearly missed this juvenile Herring Gull in the Daisies. Certainly well camouflaged.
In the brambles more Brown-tail Moth caterpillars in their cocoon
The brambles in the Lower Paddock is also home to several House Sparrows.
Very confiding birds........
.............and totally unphased by me walking by.
A very small bee. One to ID
.........a very pretty plant and quite abundant this year.
Common Dog-violet, Viola riviniana
Always good to see Greenfinches and today there were 4 in the lane.
This female Greenfinch has nesting material, so the signs are good.
Sallow in flower and its attracting.......
.......Buff-tailed Bumblebees and........
Birds Recorded: 1 Buzzard, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 15 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, 5 Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet and 4 Greenfinch.
Reptiles Recorded: 2 Wall Lizards
Butterflies Recorded: 6 Peacock and 1 Large Tortoiseshell.
Also Recorded: Buff-tailed Bumblebees and hoverflies sp. and Brown-tail caterpillars
Note: I'm not sure which Sallow we have on Portland there are two which are quite common The Grey Willow Here and Goat Willow Here. The one thing they do have in common though is that when they are both in flower they are called Pussy Willow. Not that the joint name really helps! More on Sallows Here.
Wakeham
In the kitchen this morning an Early Thorn, Selenia dentaria
Today's Sightings Here.
Wakeham
In the kitchen this morning an Early Thorn, Selenia dentaria
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On this day..........
2018Today's Sightings Here.