Well after a wet miserable start to the day, which saw me at Portland Marina checking on our boat "Star", it didn't turn out too bad by the afternoon.
Main highlights today was a Firecrest in Penns Wood, a Black Redstart at the cove, a pair of Stonechats in the Lower Horse Paddock and singles of Chiffchaff at the back of the cove and one at Rufus Castle.
Along with the Firecrest in Penns Wood there were also were 2 Goldcrests and 15 Long-tailed Tits.
At the cove there were 3 Rock Pipits and a Grey Wagtail
Here are a few images and videos from this afternoon:
The shadows climbing up the cliffs at Church Ope Cove...
As the sun finally dipped this Black Redstart appeared on top of the cliff.
On the beach along with 3 Rock Pipits was the male Grey Wagtail again.
A very busy bird and very......
.......proficient at catching the flies.
Another fungi........
...........which I am attempting to ID.
Look at that snout going. Ted is on the trail of something. Most likely a dead fish buried in the pebbles.
Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel
Birds Recorded: Cormorant, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Stonechat, 1 Black Redstart, Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 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)
Portland Marina
A few birds about with Cormorants, Shags, a single Oystercatcher, Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls on the Breakwater. On the shoreline there was another Oystercatcher and a Pied Wagtail.
Here are a few images from this morning:
Cormorants, Herring Gulls and a Great Black-backed Gull all gathered together on the breakwater
This is an adult Great Black-backed Gull.
And this is a 1st Winter Great Black-backed Gull.
Two Herring Gulls at different stages in their lifecycle. The one on the left is a 3cy and on the right a 1cy.
In this photo from left to right the 3cy, 1cy and adult Winter Herring Gull
One of the two Oystercatchers in the marina this morning.
Ted's definitely not a boat dog. He couldn't wait to get off.
Birds Recorded: Cormorant, Shag, 2 Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Pied Wagtail.
Ships Today
This is the British Tanker "Stolt Greenshank" ................
...............on its way from Barry to Antwerp. More on this vessel Here.
In the foreground the British Sailing Vessel "Faux Pas" on its way from Eastbourne to an unknown destination. More on this vessel Here. On the horizon is the Passenger Ship "Explorer of the Seas" flying the flag of the Bahamas. It is doing a circuit off the Isle of Portland. More on this vessel Here.
This is the British Tug "SMS Shoalbuster" on its way from Maassluis (Holland) to Clydeport Greenock. More on this vessel Here.
This is the British Fishing Boat "Quarter Bell" fishing around Portland this afternoon. More on this vessel Here.