In my back garden here in Wakeham this morning, a Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli) and a first me. This moth is predominantly a migrant and watching it fly about I can see how it made its way here, using those powerful wings. More on this moth Here.
Wakeham Wood, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Pennsylvania Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove, Penns Weare, Penns Copse, Rufus Castle and Portland Museum
A wet miserable grey day, but the rain wasn't as heavy as forecast, so it was off out this morning to see what was about.
I had a good start with a Firecrest, 2 Goldcrests and 3 Chiffchaff in Wakeham Wood, followed by another Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Grey Wagtail along the Wakeham Railway Cuttings.
Over the Cuttings 2 Swallows heading south and also a pair of Peregrine Falcons which were "holding" themselves in the wind and then in a flash both birds did an extreme dive in the direction of the Windmills.
Next stop was Penns Wood and at the top of the slope were 2 Goldcrests, another Firecrest and 4 Chiffchaff. Also here were good numbers of Chaffinches, Great Tit and Blue Tits. Overhead 2 Swallows passed by and a Raven
It was very quiet in the church grounds, apart from the German Wasps which are still busy around their nest.
At the cove just 8 Rock Pipits and a Carrion Crow, whilst out to sea 3 Swallows and a lone Gannet made their way south along the coastline.
Here are a few images from today, in very poor light I might add.
Birds Recorded: 1 Gannet, 2 Peregrine Falcon, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 7 Swallow, 8 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch
Butterflies Recorded: 2 Red Admiral
Wasps Recorded: German Wasp (Vespula germanica) and Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
This is the American Cargo ship "Honor" on its way from Southampton to Portland Harbour. More on this vessel Here.
Choppy seas but these are tough anglers battling the elements. Takes me back many years when I used to do this 2 or 3 times a month off the Norfolk Coast.
Just a guess but looking at the anglers they are all wearing yellow vests, which I know they wear for competitions. Braver souls than me.
Next stop was Penns Wood and at the top of the slope were 2 Goldcrests, another Firecrest and 4 Chiffchaff. Also here were good numbers of Chaffinches, Great Tit and Blue Tits. Overhead 2 Swallows passed by and a Raven
It was very quiet in the church grounds, apart from the German Wasps which are still busy around their nest.
At the cove just 8 Rock Pipits and a Carrion Crow, whilst out to sea 3 Swallows and a lone Gannet made their way south along the coastline.
Here are a few images from today, in very poor light I might add.
A Chiffchaff along the Railway Cuttings and...............
..................overhead two Peregrine Falcons.
A close-up of one of the Peregrines
Despite the atrocious conditions today, these German Wasps are still busy around their nest in the church grounds.
On the beach at the cove one of the 8 Rock Pipits.
Out to sea a Gannet heads south.
Birds Recorded: 1 Gannet, 2 Peregrine Falcon, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 7 Swallow, 8 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch
Butterflies Recorded: 2 Red Admiral
Wasps Recorded: German Wasp (Vespula germanica) and Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Ships Today
This is the British Fishing Boat "Offshore Rebel IV" fishing just off Church Ope Cove. More on this vessel Here.
This is the British Fishing Boat "Fish On 2", also off Church Ope Cove. More on this vessel Here.
