6 Jan 22

Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadow, The Windmills, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove, Rufus Castle and the Museum

Today's weather forecast was for a heavy belt of rain heading our way for around midday. And they weren't far off, as the rain began to fall around 12:30pm. Which was fine, as by that time, Ted and I were on our way back from a good walk on my local patch. It certainly makes a change, as I normally time it wrong and get a good soaking.

There were some good highlights on our walk, with a female Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding in Pennsylvania Castle Woods, a Goldcrest in the grounds of St Andrew's Church, and 6 Rock Pipits, a Pied Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail on the beach.

Birds Recorded:
Gannet
2 Oystercatcher
Herring Gull
Razorbill
Guillemot
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
6 Rock Pipit
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Grey Wagtail
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
1 Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tit
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Raven
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch

Just off Portland's east coast were several Gannets, plus a few Guillemots and Razorbills

It's not often I can keep up with a Gannet flying.

One of the 2 Oystercatchers that flew across the cove before landing on the rocks further south.

I had some great views of this female Great Spotted Woodpecker in Pennsylvania Castle Woods with my binoculars. Not so much with the camera though.

Mind you the video isn't too bad.

Do you know, of all the birds I have ever photographed, Rock Pipits must be one of the few species that not only let you get pretty close...........

.........but also stand still for you.

The Pied Wagtail, also on the beach, is another obliging bird. The opposite can be said for the Grey Wagtail, which remains as elusive as ever.

Next to Rufus Castle was this Raven making quite a commotion. That is until I started to video it. I guess it didn't want anyone to know what it was saying!!


Ted:
Someone is in a hurry to get somewhere.

Ahh of course his new friend "Bonnie"


Ships Today:

This is the Maltese LNG Tanker "Bonito LNG" on its way from Milford Haven to an unknown destination. More on this vessel Here.