It was a really busy day at home today, which meant a late afternoon walk with Ted to the Windmills and back. At this time of day, the majority of the birds seen were those returning to their Autumn roosts.
The Magpie roost, as far as I could make out, is in the trees by Wakeham Railway Cuttings, where I counted at least 12 birds coming in from the north and west. As for those flying in from the east and south, who knows, but I should imagine it's a pretty big roost. An interesting fact here, is that between 50 to 60 years ago, there were very few Magpies on the island as there were hardly any trees.
Another roost I came across, in the brambles and bushes alongside Old Quarry Lane, was mainly made up with Long-tailed Tits, with a few Great Tits, Blue Tits and at least one Goldcrest for company.
Other sightings were 2 Siskins overhead and 3 Meadow Meadows we inadvertently disturbed on the mound by the Windmills.
Birds Recorded:
1 Kestrel
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
3 Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
1 Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tit
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
2 Siskin
Goldfinch
A very agitated Blue Tit. Perhaps I have stubbled across its roost by the side of the track I was walking along..
Ted:
When you've got an itch, this sometimes the only way to deal with it.
Ships Today:
A few ships taken in very very lowlight conditions.
This is the Maltese Ro-Ro Cargo Ship "Vespertine" on its way from Dublin to Zeebrugge. More on this vessel Here.
This is the Norwegian CO2 Tanker "Helle" on its way from Terneuzen (Holland) to Warrenpoint. More on this vessel Here.
This is the Dutch General Cargo Ship "Lady Ami" on its way from Santander (Spain) to Portland. More on this vessel Here.