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 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.
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.