26 Jun 23

Portland Castle Beach to Portland Marina

It was quick walk this afternoon along the esplanade and back. There was very little to see, though there were plenty of Common Red Soldier Beetles about.

Birds Recorded:
5 Herring Gull
1 Wood Pigeon
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Wren

1 House Sparrow

A lone Herring Gull over Portland Marina. In the background is Nothe Fort, where unfortunately today a dog died from an Adder bite.

A Wood Pigeon has just spotted Ted.

There was a lot of noise coming from the "Mediterranean-type" flower beds. After a few minutes a juvenile Wren showed itself briefly.

A male House Sparrow sat in one of the Tropical Plants.

Bees Recorded:
Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

#1 - bee sp

#1 - bee sp.

Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded:

Broad Centurian (Chloromyia formosa)

A female Broad Centurian (Chloromyia formosa)

Bugs and Beetles Recorded:
Common Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva)
7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata)

Two Common Red Soldier Beetles

A 7-spot Ladybird

Plants:

Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus)

This is an Oxford Ragwort. More on this Ragwort Here.

General Shots:

One of the flower beds along the esplanade

Ted:

Unfortunately Ted had to wear his collar and lead, as the esplanade 

Ships Today:

This is the Dutch General Cargo Ship "Lady Alexandra" tied up in Portland Harbour. More on this vessel Here.

On the left is the British A139 Replenishment Ship "RFA Tideforce" tied up in Portland Harbour. More on Tideforce Here. I'm not sure what the ship is on the right.