28 Feb 24

Portland Bill

With the forecast for rain around midday, it was a quick cup of coffee before setting off to The Bill before it arrived.

Unfortunately not too many highlights, on a visit where I thought I might see an early Wheatear or Swallow, as both have been seen in the past week on the mainland, with the latter seen at RSPB Radipole Lake a few days ago.

The best today were four Skylarks coming off the sea and heading inland, plus the female Black Redstart, which is still present on the small cliff face east of the lighthouse.

And as I was heading back to the car, before the ticket ran out for 10:35am, it began to rain. Seems I timed it just right.

Birds Recorded:
Cormorant
Shag
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
2 Razorbill
12+ Guillemot
Wood Pigeon
4 Skylark
5 Rock Pipit
1 Black Redstart
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling

An adult Herring Gull

And a 4th calendar year Herring Gull

Just off the Red Crane was this Razorbill.

And to the west of the Pulpit was this Guillemot with.....................

............other individuals taking off from the west cliffs.

A few Rock Pipits....

.....were about. But no sign of any plastic leg ringed birds.

And the female Black Redstart is still present to the easy of the lighthouse.

Ted and Theo:

No guesses as to which one of these is the puppy. I know Ted likes a good buzz every now and then, but Theo never stops.

Ships Today:

This is the British Fishing Boat WH425 "Quarter Bell" fishing southwest of Portland Bill. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Tug "Polmear"...............

............on its way from Poole to Portland Harbour via a location just off West Bexington. More on this vessel here.