The Bill, The Slopes, West Cliffs, Top Fields and Crown Estate Fields.
By the Red Crane there were 5 Turnstone feeding in the shelter of the rocks there.
Further around I just managed to catch a flock of 11 Purple Sandpipers as they headed west around the Pulpit. I did see them briefly on the west facing ledges, but when I found a better viewing platform, they had moved on. Still lots of Guillemots and Razorbills out to sea, as well as a few Gannets.
On the West Cliff, just north of QinetiQ, I had absolutely amazing views of a Fulmar which popped up above the cliff within 6 feet of me. It did this 3 times, but it was very difficult to get a decent photo, it was just too close.
Next stop was the Top Fields to see the Short-eared Owl, which Erin (The Assistant Warden at the Obs) had seen flushed earlier by a Peregrine. I found the Peregrine plus its mate, 2 Buzzards and a Kestrel, but sadly no Shortie.
As I made my way back to the Obs via the Crown Estate Fields I watched a small murmuration of Starlings as they circled over the fields and around the Obs Lighthouse. Well I say murmuration, there were just 23 birds, but still good to watch despite the small flock.
Here are a few images from today:
Five Turnstones on the sheltered side of the Bill.......
..........busy feeding in the pools.
Seven of the 11 Purple Sandpipers that landed briefly to the west of the Pulpit before flying off.
Two of the 4 Fulmars flying alongside the cliffs
I did manage one shot of this Fulmar which was about just feet away from me.
And I attempted to video it as well, until it moved off at speed.
And a mini Starling murmuration of 23 birds, flying around Obs.
Birds Recorded: 5 Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, 2 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel, Pheasant, 11 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Turnstone, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Razorbill, Guillemot, Wood Pigeon, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, 1 Stonechat, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Raven, 20 Starling, House Sparrow and Chaffinch
Ships Today
This is the British Destroyer "HMS Dragon - D35" in Weymouth Bay. More on this vessel Here.
This is the British Frigate "HMS Lancaster - F229" just off the Bill. More on this vessel Here.
This is the Dutch Tanker "Sefarina" on its way from Fawley to Milford Haven. More on this vessel Here.
