Ted and I had a very late afternoon walk down to the cove, where there was just enough sunlight to watch the Black Redstart in the far northeast corner of the cove.
In fact most of the highlights, as they were yesterday, came from the cove, with 15 Rock Pipits feeding in amongst the Kelp, a Black-headed Gull just beyond the 2nd breaker, a few Gannets and dozens of Great Black-backed Gulls further out to sea.
Even further out than the gulls were several Cormorants and Shags heading down the coast and 2 Canada Geese. The latter I guess were doing a circuit of the island.
And this afternoon, 3 Chiffchaffs. One along the Old Quarry Lane, one at the back of the cove and the third in Penn's Copse.
Other birds of note were a few Siskins and a Redpoll heading over Wakeham Meadow, and 2 Goldcrests by the Museum.
Here are a few images and videos from today:
Just beyond the breakers a familiar head popped up from behind the waves. An adult Black-headed Gull with its Winter head.
A lot further out to sea, there was a constant passage of birds moving down the island, like this Cormorant and.......
I can't recall seeing Canada Geese flying around the island since I moved here. But why not. The ship on the horizon is the RFA Tidespring.
And good to see a few more Ivy Bees about in the sun. After only seeing a few yesterday there were many more out today.
And unsurprisingly with the gale force winds and torrential rain we have had of late, a large chunk of rock fell off the south facing cliff with a large section of Ammonite attached.
Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel
Bees Recorded: Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) and White-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum)
Wasps Recorded: Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Another very sunny afternoon at the cove
In the far northeast corner the Black Redstart remains
And it even kept still longer than yesterday's video. Only by a few seconds though.
And more Rock Pipits today with 15 counted.
They were either hanging out on the Kelp or on the side of the cliff.
Mind you they.........
.......were all very aware of the threat high above them.
Yep the local Kestrel.
And he looks ready to pounce. We shall never know what he caught as dropped well out of sight.
...........these two Canada Geese.
The sun even brought out a Lesser Mimic Hoverfly. Its been quite awhile since I saw my last one this year.
And of course Ted who just wants to keep walking and not stopping every minute!!
Birds Recorded: Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, 2 Canada Goose, Kestrel, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 15 Rock Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, 1 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Raven, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Lesser Redpoll, Linnet, Siskin and Goldfinch
Bees Recorded: Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) and White-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum)
Wasps Recorded: Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Hoverflies Recorded: Dead Head Hoverfly (Myathropa florea), Common Dronefly (Eristalis tenax) and Lesser Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella inanis)
Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: Kelp Fly (Coelopa frigida)
Ships Today
This is the RFA Replenishment Ship "Tidespring" on its way from Plymouth to Poole. More on this vessel Here.
This is the RFA Replenishment Ship "Tiderace" just off Portland Bill. More on this vessel Here.
And I'm guessing here, but possibly a Frigate, which unfortunately didn't show up on the Marine Traffic Website.
This is the Liberian Cargo ship "Rix Plato" ................