12 Feb 20

Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove Wood and Church Ope Cove

A much drier start to the day and a definite dip in the wind. The lull before the storm, as it appears that Storm Dennis is just around the corner.

Today's one and only highlight was a single Firecrest in Penns Wood, no sign of the second bird here or the the third bird at the back of the cove.

The 10+ strong Long-tailed Tit flock still remains in Penns wood and there is a bit of a Spring feeling here as the male Chaffinches are in good voice. There is also a bit of argy-bargy with the female Chaffinches, with quite a few chasing off other females. Not sure what that is that all about.

On the beach its was great to see 12 Rock Pipits, the highest number I have seen here this year. Also with them a Grey Wagtail, whilst just off the beach the adult Winter Black-headed Gull was still lingering.

Whilst the sun was out there were several Wall Lizards soaking up a few rays.

Also noted today were a few Buff-tailed BumblebeesEarly Bumblebees, a couple of Marmalade Hoverflies, a Migrant Hoverfly and a Common Dronefly.

Alongside the steps behind the cove was a Common Green Shieldbug on the Alexanders.

Here are a few images from today:

For a change the beach was busy with 12 Rock Pipits feeding on the millions of Kelp Flies.

In fact in most cases they didn't have to move far to catch their meal.

These flies are so small its going to take awhile to fill that stomach.

Another Kelp Fly is dispatched.

At least you dont have to put in too much effort for a meal.

I've not seen too many Grey Wagtails on the beach this year. This one like the Rock Pipits is on the hunt for a meal.

While the sun is out the Wall Lizards will show.

And adult and juvenile

Another juvenile. Can they get any smaller!!

A slight variation in colour.

A very distinct fly with an orange abdomen a Muscid Fly (Phaonia subventa)

And a Common Green Shieldbug in winter colours.

Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel

Birds Recorded: 1 Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 12 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 15+ Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch

Reptiles Recorded: Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)

Bees Recorded: Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) and Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

Hoverflies Recorded: Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus), Migrant Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis) and Common Dronefly (Eristalis tenax)

Flies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: Kelp Fly (Coelopa frigida) and Muscid Fly (Phaonia subventa)

Bugs and Beetles Recorded: Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina)

Ships Today

This is the British Fishery Patrol boat "Ocean Osprey" on its way out of Portland Harbour. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Frigate "HMS Lancaster" just off Portland. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Destroyer "HMS Daring" just off Portland. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Replenishment Ship "RFA Tideforce" out in Weymouth bay. More on this vessel Here.

Note

Out of view but along with HMS Daring and HMS Lancaster were also HMS Mersey, HMS Montrose, HMS Northumberland and HMS Dragon. Obviously a big training exercise.

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On this day..........
2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today's Sightings Here.