Lower Horse Paddock, Broadcroft Quarry Lane and Broadcroft Butterfly Reserve
Not the best of weather conditions to go for a walk, with a strong northerly wind and a wind chill factor hovering around 2.0°C. At least the sun was out, though we did have a couple of showers with a bit of snow mixed in for good measure.
Highlight of my walk was a male Wheatear in the Lower Horse paddock, which didn't go unnoticed by a Robin, which to my surprise chased it off. But instead of flying north, the Wheatear headed west and straight over my back garden. Now that would have been a good garden tick.
The Grey Sallows, despite the "cool" conditions were alive with bees again. The Buff-tailed Bumblebees, which had been on the "Pussy Willows" a few days ago, were nowhere to be seen, but the White-tailed Bumblebees have now been joined by Red-tailed Bumblebees. It must have been too cold for the Honey Bees, which none seen.
A Red Admiral was also in the Horse Paddock.
Here are a few images and videos from today:
Not the best of weather conditions to go for a walk, with a strong northerly wind and a wind chill factor hovering around 2.0°C. At least the sun was out, though we did have a couple of showers with a bit of snow mixed in for good measure.
Highlight of my walk was a male Wheatear in the Lower Horse paddock, which didn't go unnoticed by a Robin, which to my surprise chased it off. But instead of flying north, the Wheatear headed west and straight over my back garden. Now that would have been a good garden tick.
The Grey Sallows, despite the "cool" conditions were alive with bees again. The Buff-tailed Bumblebees, which had been on the "Pussy Willows" a few days ago, were nowhere to be seen, but the White-tailed Bumblebees have now been joined by Red-tailed Bumblebees. It must have been too cold for the Honey Bees, which none seen.
A Red Admiral was also in the Horse Paddock.
Here are a few images and videos from today:
I must admit when you are up close to a Starling, that sheen around the head is amazing. What a stunning bird.
Just lately there has been a small "influx" of Linnets on the butterfly reserve. This is a male.
The Broadcroft Quarry Bump. I'm not sure if it actually has a name, but.............
........Ted isn't bothered as he legged it up the slope and then......
..............flew back down it. I wish I had his energy.
And we do get snow on Portland. Very occasionally.
Birds Recorded: Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 1 Wheatear, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch and Greenfinch
Butterflies Recorded: 1 Red Admiral
Bees Recorded: Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) and White-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum)
Ships Today
This is the Maltese Cargo Ship "Laureline" on its way from Rozenburg to Dublin. More on this vessel Here.
This is the Cargo Ship "Fri Lake" flying the flag of the Bahamas. It is on its way from Llanddulas to Shoreham. More on this vessel Here.