5 Feb 21

Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove, Penn's Weare, Penn's Copse, Rufus Castle and Mermaid Track

Another day of dodging the showers, but at least Ted and I are getting it right and enjoying our walks in the sun, even if they are a bit rushed at times.

And at a long last a new species for this years bird list. Today I came across, not one but two Blackcaps at the back of the cove, its been a long time coming.

Elsewhere there were just 11 Rock Pipits on the beach, plus the 2 Pied Wagtails and the Grey Wagtail. The latter flying up and away over Penns Wood as we arrived.

Out to sea, and a long way out just a few Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls. There was nothing close in.

And with the sun out, so a juvenile Wall Lizard put in an appearance in the church grounds. And yet again there were dozens of Honey Bees on the Mahonia at the top of Penns Wood and in a couple of locations I came across a few Spotted Meliscaeva hoverflies.

Here are a few images and videos from today:

My first Blackcap of the year and this.............

................is the second male with that distinct call they have.

When the sun is out long enough, there's always a chance of coming across a Wall Lizard, especially juveniles, like this one in the grounds of Church Ope Cove


Not much left of the finches roost from yesterdays removal of the brambles and buddleia.

Who's that on top of the hill.

No guesses really. A really muddy Ted.

Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel

Birds Recorded: Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, 10 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 2 Blackcap, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch

Reptiles Recorded: Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)

Bees Recorded: Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

Hoverflies Recorded: Spotted Meliscaeva (Meliscaeva auricollis)

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

Wakeham

At around 23:20  a male and female Tawny Owl were calling to each other for a good 40 minutes before they flew off and their calls were very distant.

Ships Today

This is the British Fishing Boat "Loyal F" fishing just off Church Ope Cove. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Fisheries Patrol Ship "HMS Severn" just off Portland's east coast. More on this vessel Here.

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On this day..........
2020
Today's Sightings Here

2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today' Sightings Here.