31 Oct 20

Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadow, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove, Penn's Weare, Penn's Copse, Rufus Castle, Bumpers Lane and Lower Horse Paddock

After this morning's monsoon, it was a huge relief to see the sun come out later. The main highlight was my first Great Spotted Woodpecker this autumn, a female feeding high up in the tree canopy in Penns Wood.

Other highlights were the "long-staying" Black Redstart at the cove where there were around 10 Rock Pipits, a Chiffchaff and Goldcrest at St Andrew's Church, and at least 1 Stonechat (heard not seen) in the Lower Horse Paddock.

Here are a few images and videos from today:

A very busy Penns Wood this afternoon, as lots of birds made their way down the slopes. And as I neared the entrance to St Andrew's Church a........

.......a female Great Spotted Woodpecker flew in.

A very difficult bird to keep tabs on as she continually flew from tree to tree looking for insects under the bark.

Here is a short video of her chiselling away at the bark.

And a very busy Church Cope Cove not so much with the birds, but with visitors enjoying the Half-term break.

Fortunately all the beach activity hasn't put off this long staying Black Redstart from leaving

Here are a few more photos.

And another.

Last one.

Okay not photos but a couple of.........

..........videos.

Also up in the safety of the northeast corner of the cove were around 10 Rock Pipits and..........

..........this very photogenic Wren.

This very small moth is a Common Nettle-tap (Anthophila fabriciana). It has been quite sometime since I've seen one this year.

Butter wouldn't melt. But I'm not sure....

.........what upset Ted here on the track down to the cove.

Birds Recorded: Gannet, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10+ Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 1/2 Stonechat, 1 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Siskin and Goldfinch

Butterflies Recorded: 2 Red Admiral

Moths Recorded: Common Nettle-tap (Anthophila fabriciana)

Wasps Recorded: Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)

Hoverflies Recorded: 1 Syrphus sp.

Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: Kelp Fly (Coelopa frigida)

Ships Today

This is the Cargo Ship "Tomaros" flying the flag of the Bahamas. It is on its way into Portland Harbour from an unknown destination. More on this vessel Here.

This is Cypriot Cargo Ship "Rix Flevo" on its way from Belfast to Thamesport. More on this vessel Here.

This is the Maltese Passenger Ship "Marella Explorer" just off The Bill. More on this vessel Here.

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On this day

2019
Today's Sightings Here

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

2017
Today' Sightings Here.

30 Oct 20

Radipole Nature Reserve

Yet again another gloomy and wet day, though this time the precipitation was a fine drizzle as opposed to heavy rain we have experienced over the past few days. As I had to drive to Littlemoor for some logs and coal, on the way back, Ted and I dropped off at Radipole for a walk around the Reserve.

No real highlights, but it was good to revisit the reserve after a long break. So what did we come across, well for starters there was absolutely nothing at the North Hide. So next location was the Buddleia Loop, where I came across at least 5 Chiffchaffs, Cetti's Warblers, a few Goldcrests and lots of squealing from the Water Rails.

On the waterways were plenty of wildfowl, along with 6 gull species.

From the Buddleia Loop we headed up to the visitors centre and came a cross a single Bearded Tit.

Here are a few images and videos from today:

Lots of feeding going with Gadwall and Shoveler along the edge of the reed beds.

This is a drake Shoveler

A few Cormorants out on the island, with at least 1 immature bird.

I couldn't quite get a Great Black-backed Gull in with these 5 species of gull. From left to right and back again, we have 1 then 2 Black-headed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 4 then 5 Common Gulls, a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull and finally a Mediterranean Gull.

So in this photo we have a Black-headed Gull far left and bottom right, a Herring Gull second from left, 5 Common Gulls and far right a Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Mediterranean Gull was further to the right and out of shot.

An adult Winter Mediterranean Gull.

This on the other hand is a 1st Winter Mediterranean Gull. I used this this website Here to determine the age. Pretty close I would say.

It's the end of October and the Blackberries are still flowering. Somehow I dont think we will see any berries coming from these though.

And a few fungi I need to ID.

And another.

And this one.

And this green lichen was on one of the Sallows. Another one to ID.

Oh my goodness, I wished I had videoed this. Ted was looking into the stream, when all of a sudden.....

..........these 3 Mallard came swimming through. The shock that Ted and the Mallard shared was so funny. Neither Ted or the ducks knew the other was there and the ducks momentarily took off under Teds nose, whilst Ted nearly fell in by the surprise he got. Words really dont describe how the events unfolded.

Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel

Birds Recorded: Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Siskin and Goldfinch


Wakeham

Well the moth trap went out last night, and this morning there were just these 3 moths. I'll ID them later.

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On this day

2019
Today's Sightings Here

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

2017
Today' Sightings Here.

29 Oct 20

Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadow, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Penns Wood,  Lower Horse Paddock, Broadcroft Quarry Lane and Broadcroft Butterfly Reserve

Phew, what an awful day, no sun, very very cloudy and a stiff westerly gale blowing across the island. My walk was in two halves and after a quick look in Penns Wood, I made my way back up to the Lower Horse paddock.

Only highlights were a pair of Stonechat in the Lower Horse Paddocks, 3 Fieldfare in Broadcroft Quarry Lane and a lone Chiffchaff in the Wakeham Railway Cuttings.

Well in the hope of some better wildlife news, I have put the moth trap out tonight. Lets see what what tomorrow morning brings.

Here are a few images from today:

I think this is as bright as it got this afternoon. So gloomy.

Unfortunately my camera doesn't cope to well in poor light, but at least I managed to capture this female Stonechat and....................

...........and her mate in the Lower Horse paddock. Looks like they are overwintering here.

Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel and Bunny

Birds Recorded: Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Stonechat, Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Raven, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch

Wasps Recorded: Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)

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On this day

2019
Today's Sightings Here

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

2017
Today' Sightings Here.

28 Oct 20

Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadow, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove, Penn's Weare, Penn's Copse, Rufus Castle and Portland Museum

When someone points out that there is a big black cloud heading our way, maybe next time I will take notice. Needless to say that when I bumped into Erin (Assistant Warden at Portland Bird Observatory), she did point out that rain was imminent. Having foolishly ignored her warning I can only say that Ted and I got absolutely soaked.

Even though we tried getting off the beach and head home quickly, the rain absolutely poured down. It was so heavy there was a waterfall coming over and down the 151 steps from Rufus Castle to the cove. And with a very bright flash of lightening and a loud clap of thunder, we knew we were in for a soaking!!

However we did have a good walk up until then and the sea watch was amazing, especially the Gannets as they came right in close to the cove. In the 30 minutes I was there, I must have counted over 50 going up and down the coastline.

There was no sign of the Black Redstart today, perhaps it saw the rain coming, and this afternoon there were 25 Rock Pipits, up 4 on yesterday. I did try looking for the ringed individual, but no joy on this ocassion.

At the back of the cove a small flock of Siskins landed in the Sycamores, whilst in Penns Wood there was a good gathering of Great Tits, Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinches, Goldfinches and 2 Goldcrests.

Here are a few images and videos from today:

There were some very large waves hitting the beach at Church Ope Cove

The shape of the beach has definitely changed over the past few days.

Here are a few Gannet shots and videos, plus a few that show just how rough it was out there.

On the beach were 25 Rock Pipits......

..........sadly I couldn't relocate the ringed bird from yesterday or the Black Redstart.

There were no bees or hoverflies seen today but........

...............there were certainly plenty of Common Wasps about.

And Ted, who like me 10 minutes after this photograph was taken, was absolutely soaked

Mammals Recorded: 2 Grey Squirrel

Birds Recorded: 50+ Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 25 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, 3 Raven, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Siskin and Goldfinch

Wasps Recorded: Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)

Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: Kelp Fly (Coelopa frigida)

Ships Today

This is the British Passenger Ship "Britannia" doing "circuits" out in the English Channel. 

The weather was horrendous  and eventually it.........

..............returned to Weymouth Bay. More on this vessel Here.

This is the Cypriot Oil Tanker "Naxos II" anchored up in Weymouth Bay. More on this vessel Here.

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On this day

2019
Today's Sightings Here

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

2017
Today' Sightings Here.

27 Oct 20

Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadow, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove, Penn's Weare, Penn's Copse, Rufus Castle and The Mermaid Track

Another wet start to the day, so yet again another late afternoon walk down to the cove. At least it was dry and sunny, and once the visitors had left the beach, the Black Redstart came out of hiding in the northeast corner of the cove.

Also on the beach were 21 Rock Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails and a Wren, whilst out to sea dozens of Great Black-backed Gulls and a few Gannets & Cormorants.

Other highlights were a Chiffchaff along the Old Quarry Lane and another bird in Penn's Copse. Close to Wakeham Railway Cuttings were 5 Redwing and several Blackbirds feeding on the Cotoneasters. Well they were until I inadvertently spooked them.

Here are a few images and videos from today:

Well this Black Redstart seems to be settling in well at the cove, despite the continuing disturbance of visitors on Half-term holiday here.

Here you can see how it got its name redstart. Start or "steort" as it was originally called meaning red tail.

Not one for sitting around for long periods.

It was continually looking out for flying insects.

And the Black Redstart wasn't alone with Pied Wagtail........

...........keeping it company along with.........

...........21 Rock Pipits. That's five up on yesterday.

This Rock Pipit is sporting a leg ring. One to check out again tomorrow, if it's still around. Mind you weather forecast isn't looking brilliant!!

And here's Speedy "Ted" Gonzales. He never ever stops bombing about.

At least in the setting sun I can still see him in his reflective waterproofs.

Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel

Birds Recorded: Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 21 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 1 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and 50+ Goldfinch

Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: Kelp Fly (Coelopa frigida)

Ships Today

This is the Container Ship "Aldebaran J" flying the flag of Antigua Barbuda. It is on its way from Liverpool to Southampton. More on this vessel Here.

This General Cargo Ship "Jade I" flying the flag of Panama. It is on its way from Rouen (France) to Douala (Cameroon). More on this vessel Here.

This is the Dutch Anchor Handling Vessel "Bylgia" on its way from Rotterdam to Hamburg Cove Landing (Connecticut, USA). More on this vessel Here.

This is the Passenger Ship "Aurora" flying the flag of Bermuda. It is possibly returning to Weymouth Bay. More on this vessel Here.

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On this day

2019
Today's Sightings Here

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

2017
Today' Sightings Here.