Well it's not that often you head out for a walk in fairly bright conditions and then a few hours later return in almost darkness. And were not talking about the evening, but lunchtime when the skies just went black for the rest of the day. So I'll get the apologies out the way for the dire photos below.
However it wasn't all gloom and doom, as Penns Wood was the place to be again, with both the Yellow-browed Warbler returning after a short break away and the "Eastern" Lesser Whitethroat still hanging on in the wood. The latter for its 5th day or 6th day. I've lost count.
Also in the wood were 3 Chiffchaffs, a couple of Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests and my largest flock, this Autumn, of around 35 Long-tailed Tits, which burst in at the top of the wood, before heading down the slope. Going back to the Yellow-browed Warbler, I've got a feeling it has tagged itself with this large flock of Long-tailed Tits. So worth keeping tabs on the flock.
Here is a breakdown of the birds recorded today:
Penns Wood: 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 "Eastern" Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest and 35+ Long-tailed Tit
Church Ope Cove: 14 Rock Pipit
Wakeham Railway Cuttings: 3 Redwing, 5 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Goldcrest.
Portland Museum: 5 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Firecrest and 1 Goldcrest
Here are a few images from today:
The "Eastern" Lesser Whitethroat in its favoured spot in Penns Wood.
I told you the photos are dire today. A male Blackcap, honest.
And the photos don't get any better I'm afraid. Here is a Firecrest and......
...........the second bird. Both in Penns Wood.
And one of three Chiffchaffs also at the top end of the wood.
On the beach at Church Ope Cove, one of the 14 Rock Pipits.
Along the Wakeham Railway Cutting were 3 Redwings and 4 Blackbirds feeding on the Cotoneaster
Both the Common Wasp and this German Wasp nest are still active. A bit of a squeeze as one enters and another leaves.
Next years Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum), already in leaf in the grounds of St Andrew's Church.
Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel
Birds Recorded: 1 Shag, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 14 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 3 Redwing, "Eastern" Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, 40+ Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch
Wasps Recorded: German Wasp (Vespula germanica) and Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Flies Recorded: Kelp Fly (Coelopa frigida)
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Today's Sightings Here.
2017
Today's Sightings Here.
Birds Recorded: 1 Shag, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 14 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 3 Redwing, "Eastern" Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, 40+ Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch
Wasps Recorded: German Wasp (Vespula germanica) and Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Flies Recorded: Kelp Fly (Coelopa frigida)
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On this day..........
2018Today's Sightings Here.
2017
Today's Sightings Here.