18 Feb 24

Portland Bird Observatory, Obs Quarry, The Slopes, Portland Bill and Hut Fields

Today was a better day, with blue skies and sunshine, which meant only one thing on a Sunday, at that was a visit to The Bill.

Main highlights were 15+ Gannets, a Turnstone, dozens of Razorbills/Guillemots and at least 12 Rock Pipits, with one individual with a metal BTO ring.

On the Slopes were a pair of Stonechats.


Birds Recorded:
15+ Gannet
Cormorant
Shag
2 Kestrel
1 Turnstone
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Razorbill
Guillemot
Wood Pigeon
2 Meadow Pipit
12 Rock Pipit
Dunnock
Robin
2 Stonechat
Blackbird
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Raven
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch

An immature Gannet making its way out into the English Channel

I couldn't find any Purple Sandpipers, but I did come across this Turnstone to the east of the Lighthouse

A procession of auks with two Guillemots leading a Razorbill back to the West Cliffs.

And out of the 12 Rock Pipits noted, there was this one sporting a metal BTO ring.

The Bill is a pretty good place to find Jackdaws, especially by the Lobster Pot Cafe.

Ted:

Ted waiting for a treat.

Ships Today:

This is the Lithuanian Passenger/Ro-Ro Cargo Ship "Optima Seaways" on its way from Dunkirk to Rosslare. More on this vessel here.

This is the British Fishing Boat - WH296 "Portland Isle" on its way back to Weymouth Harbour. More on this vessel here and here.

The ship on the left is the Danish Offshore Tug/Supply Ship "Maersk Handler", towing the Bahamian Pipe Burying Vessel "Castoro 10". They are on their way from Rotterdam to Lyme Bay Shelter. More on "Maersk Handler" here and "Castoro 10" here.

Aircraft Today:

This is the Piper PA-28-181 Archer ll, registration G-BMIW flying around Portland this afternoon. More on its flight here and a few more photos of it here.