12 Nov 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

A much better day weather-wise and even though there was a small shower, whilst I was on my walk, most of the day was relatively dry and sunny.

I had a good couple of highlights today, the first being 2 juv/female Black Redstarts at the cove, where previously (over the past couple weeks that is) there has either been a juv/female or a male in the north east corner of the cove. The second highlight was also at the cove and occurred when I sat on the pebbles watching the Black Redstarts, and a Common Shrew appeared from nowhere and started feeding just feet away from me.

Also at the cove were 15 Rock Pipits, 3 Wrens and a very smart looking male Grey Wagtail.

Elsewhere it was a bit dire really, with Penns Wood being the only other spot where there appeared to be any birds, with a flock of 15 Long-tailed Tits passing through, accompanied by 2 Goldcrests, a Chiffchaff, a few Great Tits, Blue Tits and Chaffinches. There was no sign of the female Great Spotted Woodpecker today.

Here are a few images and videos from today:

Looking east over Wakeham and the rain clouds appear to be further north.

And once I was at Church Ope Cove it was quite apparent there was rain about.

In fact as I was sat on the beach looking towards the north east corner of the cove, another shower was passing over Weymouth Bay.

And in this corner of the beach there were two Black Redstarts present, though the second bird didn't stay long, when it realised this juv/female was present here.

And a very short video of one of the Black Redstarts, seconds before it flew off after another fly.

And this is the second Black Redstart

And also here was very smart looking Grey Wagtail.

There was a good turn out of Rock Pipits on the beach with 15 noted.

And whilst I was sat on the pebbles this little fella (under the feather) suddenly appeared and.....

......................was very busy looking for food in amongst the pebbles. It was pretty difficult tracking this Common Shrew, as I just didn't know where it was going to reappear, as it disappeared under the pebbles.

And there was enough of the Shrew out in the open to create a slo-mo video.

Butter wouldn't melt, but oh my goodness Ted, what........

.......are you doing!!!!

Two birders, who I met in Penns Wood, had left their bag of chips on the bench to watch a flock of Long-tailed Tits passing through. It wasn't until I had a look behind me that realised Ted had snuck past us all and was having a good munch. I was told that they had finished their chips, so no drama, but what a naughty boy.


Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel and a Common Shrew

Birds Recorded: 2 Shag, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 15 Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 15 Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch

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

Ships Today

This is the Maltese Passenger Ship "Marella Explorer" just off Portland's east coast. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Cargo ship "Celtic Endeavour" on its way from Grimsby to Teignmouth. More on this vessel Here.

Slightly earlier and when "Celtic Endeavour" was further out to sea, she was really riding the waves. I don't mind sailing, but that looks a bit rough.

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On this day
2019
Today's Sightings Here

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

2017
Today' Sightings Here.