4 Mar 22

Ferrybridge and Hamm Beach

Well it was a definite improvement with the weather, with almost wall to wall blue skies. So instead of visiting the cove Ted and I had a walk around Ferrybridge and then Hamm Beach.

The tide was well out in the Fleet and on the exposed sandbanks were 5 Curlew, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, a few Oystercatchers, several Dunlin and some very vocal Mediterranean Gulls. Also here was a Little Egret feeding close to the bank.

Next stop was Hamm Beach and as I got out of the car, I was greeted by the Skylark singing above me. Spring is nearly here. On the beach were 11 Turnstones, 3 Oystercatchers and dozens of Black-headed Gulls, a few Mediterranean Gulls, Herring Gulls and a presumed pair of Great Black-backed Gulls. On the way back to the car a Meadow Pipit flew across the beach and a Pied Wagtail was catching flies on the car park embankment.

Birds Recorded:
Cormorant
1 Little Egret
8 Oystercatcher
7+ Dunlin
5 Bar-tailed Godwit
5 Curlew
11 Turnstone
Black-headed Gull
Mediterranean Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
40+ Feral Pigeon
1 Skylark (singing)
1 Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Carrion Crow
Starling

This Little Egret was close in shore and then decided..........

............to look for another fishing spot.

Here it is again edging its way slowly through the shallow water for a meal.

One of several Oystercatchers also looking for a snack. Either side are Black-headed Gulls

In the foreground is an Oystercatcher and a few Herring Gulls. In the centre are 4 of the 5 Curlew I came across. Also running about were several Dunlin.

Here we have 5 Bar-tailed Godwits and 2 Oystercatchers.

At Hamm Beach there were 11 Turnstones. Believe it or not there are six in this photo plus a "tail" shot. They are certainly well camouflaged.

Here's another in the open.

In the centre a Mediterranean Gull in full breeding plumage with Black-head Gulls either side of it..

Another Mediterranean Gull, still moulting into to its Summer black head.

Here we have four Herring Gulls sat on the water with an adult "ringed" Mediterranean Gull taking off.

Two more Herring Gulls. An adult taking off and a 3rd Winter just landing.

An adult Herring Gull.

A presumed pair of Great Black-backed Gulls. The male on the right, maybe!

And now passing the female with its head held high. Must be surely.

General Shots:

A photograph which will never be taken again as it is now.........

...............just rubble. What was sad to see were the Feral Pigeons sat on their old "home".

As is very typical of Feral Pigeons, once they have established a breeding site, they will keep returning to it. Eventually the 40+ displaced birds will find a new location, but for the time being, they just keep flying around their old haunt.

On a sunnier note, this is the southern end of The Fleet with Portland in the far distance.

Ted:

Ted of course and still with his pom-pom head. I wonder how long that will last!!

Ships Today:

This is the British Sailing Ship "Tenacious" leaving Portland Harbour for Worbarrow Bay Here. More on this vessel Here.

This is the Portuguese Crude Oil Tanker "Nordic Anne" anchored up in Portland Harbour. It is also goes by the name of "Pataris". More on this vessel Here.

Moored up in Portland Harbour we have on the right the American Replenishment Ship "USNS Patuxent". However as I write, the "Patuxent" has left Portland Harbour and is making its way east up the English Channel Here. Unfortunately the British RFA Replenishment Ship on the left, has also left and I can't locate it on Marine Traffic Tracking website to find out what it was!

This is the Swedish Chemical Tanker "Bit Viking" anchored up in Weymouth Bay. More on this vessel Here.