So today's the day I have a new Aortic Valve to replace the replacement one I had in October 2024. So there definitely won't be any write up today.
Tomorrow I will most likely be in intensive care, so there won't be anything tomorrow either.
20 Nov 25
Southampton General Hospital
So today's the day I have a new Aortic Valve to replace the replacement one I had in October 2024. So there definitely won't be any write up today.
So today's the day I have a new Aortic Valve to replace the replacement one I had in October 2024. So there definitely won't be any write up today.
19 Nov 25
Wakeham to Southampton General Hospital
So my journey to Southampton General Hospital starts all over again. Hopefully this time I wont end up staying for several weeks as I did last year.
En route:
So my journey to Southampton General Hospital starts all over again. Hopefully this time I wont end up staying for several weeks as I did last year.
En route:
Birds Recorded:
Cormorant
1 Great White Egret
1 Little Egret
2 Grey Heron
4 Mute Swan
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose
1 Sparrowhawk
6 Buzzard
1 Kestrel
2 Pheasant - deceased
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
19 Long-tailed Tit
Magpie
Rook
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
House Sparrow
The Fleet
The Fleet looking towards Portland.
18 Nov 25
Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadows, Wakeham Wildlife Site, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Glen Caravan Park, The Mermaid Track and Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east)
So today was my last walk with Ted, as tomorrow I head off to Southampton General Hospital until the end of the month. He will still be getting his walks with the family. Plus a neighbour asked if she could take him. Ted you're going to be spoilt!
Today was a very quiet day bird-wise with just two Chiffchaffs noted along both sections of the railway cuttings.
The only other things of note were a Grey Squirrel in the caravan park, 2 Gannets heading towards Portland Harbour and 5 Common Wasps on Ivy flowers along Quarry Lane.
Ships today:
So today was my last walk with Ted, as tomorrow I head off to Southampton General Hospital until the end of the month. He will still be getting his walks with the family. Plus a neighbour asked if she could take him. Ted you're going to be spoilt!
Today was a very quiet day bird-wise with just two Chiffchaffs noted along both sections of the railway cuttings.
The only other things of note were a Grey Squirrel in the caravan park, 2 Gannets heading towards Portland Harbour and 5 Common Wasps on Ivy flowers along Quarry Lane.
Mammals Recorded:
1 Grey Squirrel
1 Grey Squirrel
Birds Recorded:
2 Gannet
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
2 Chiffchaff
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
2 Gannet
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
2 Chiffchaff
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
This male Blackbird is really enjoying this Newton Wonder
Escapees, Ferals, Possibles Etc.
Feral pigeon
Wasps, Ichneumon Wasps, Parasitic Wasps and Gall Wasps Recorded:
5 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Feral pigeon
Wasps, Ichneumon Wasps, Parasitic Wasps and Gall Wasps Recorded:
5 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded:
A few unidentified flies
Locust Blowfly Stomorhina lunata
Root-maggot fly Anthomyiidae family
Blue Blowfly Calliphora vicina
Orange-bellied Housefly Phaonia rufiventris - possiblyA few unidentified flies
Locust Blowfly Stomorhina lunata
Root-maggot fly Anthomyiidae family
Blue Blowfly Calliphora vicina
On this Yarrow Achillea millefolium is a Locust Blowfly Stomorhina lunata
Also on the Yarrow was this Root-maggot fly Anthomyiidae family
On this Ivy leaf is a Blue Blowfly Calliphora vicina
An Orange-bellied Housefly Phaonia rufiventris or something similar
Ted:
Wow, I don't think I've ever seen Ted run so fast
Ships today:
This is the British Offshore Support Vessel "Stirling Castle" just off Portland's east coast. More on this vessel here.
17 Nov 25
Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadows, Wakeham Wildlife Site, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Glen Caravan Park, The Mermaid Track and Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east)
Blue skies and lots of sunshine, but wow, what a nip in the air. There has been quite a drop in the temperature since yesterday, but despite feeling brrrr there were quite a few highlights including 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebees and a Marmalade Hoverfly.
On the bird front I couldn't locate the Long-tailed Tit flock, and their entourage, but I did record 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Goldcrests in Wakeham Railway Cuttings, whilst on the east side of the road bridge there was a male Blackcap and a lone Chiffchaff.
Birds Recorded:
1 Sparrowhawk
Herring Gull
1 Great Black-backed Gull
Stock Dove
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
2 Meadow Pipit
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
1 Blackcap
3 Chiffchaff
2 Goldcrest
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Escapees, Ferals, Possibles Etc.
Feral pigeon
Bees Recorded:
2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris
Wasps, Ichneumon Wasps, Parasitic Wasps and Gall Wasps Recorded:
4 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Hoverflies Recorded:
1 Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus
Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded:
A few unidentified flies
Bugs and Beetles Recorded:
Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis - Pupae
Aircraft today:
Blue skies and lots of sunshine, but wow, what a nip in the air. There has been quite a drop in the temperature since yesterday, but despite feeling brrrr there were quite a few highlights including 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebees and a Marmalade Hoverfly.
On the bird front I couldn't locate the Long-tailed Tit flock, and their entourage, but I did record 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Goldcrests in Wakeham Railway Cuttings, whilst on the east side of the road bridge there was a male Blackcap and a lone Chiffchaff.
Birds Recorded:
1 Sparrowhawk
Herring Gull
1 Great Black-backed Gull
Stock Dove
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
2 Meadow Pipit
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
1 Blackcap
3 Chiffchaff
2 Goldcrest
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
A couple of photos of the local........
...............Sparrowhawk as it looks for its next prey.
A male Blackcap along.................
..................Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east).
And a Goldcrest along Wakeham Railway Cuttings (west).
Goldfinches really are stunning looking birds.
Feral pigeon
Bees Recorded:
2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris
Wasps, Ichneumon Wasps, Parasitic Wasps and Gall Wasps Recorded:
4 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
1 Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus
Despite the chilly conditions this hardy Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus was out in the sun.
Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded:
A few unidentified flies
Bugs and Beetles Recorded:
Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis - Pupae
The pupae of a Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis
This is the Boeing 747-8R7F..............
..........Registration LX-VCL on its...........
.........way from Miami to Luxembourg. More on Cargolux here.
This is the Boeing 777-FS2...................
..............Registration N891FD on its............
16 Nov 25
Wakeham
No walk today as I spent most of the day in the back garden, tidying up before I spend a few days away. Only highlight during daylight hours was a Sparrowhawk upsetting the local Goldfinches, and at 9:45pm a Curlew was heard calling as it passed over the cottage.
No walk today as I spent most of the day in the back garden, tidying up before I spend a few days away. Only highlight during daylight hours was a Sparrowhawk upsetting the local Goldfinches, and at 9:45pm a Curlew was heard calling as it passed over the cottage.
The nocturnal call of a Curlew courtesy of xeno-canto.
15 Nov 25
Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadows, Wakeham Wildlife Site, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Glen Caravan Park, The Mermaid Track and Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east).
Today was a much better day in all respects. Especially weatherwise and bird-wise, with the main highlights being:
Old Quarry Lane: 3 Chiffchaff
Wakeham Railway Cuttings: 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest
Glen Caravan Park: 1 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest
Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east): 7+ Chiffchaff, 6+ Goldcrest, 12+ Long-tailed Tit, 5 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit
The railway cuttings to the east, proved to be the hotspot on my walk, especially around 3:45pm - 4:25pm, when a large party of Long-tailed Tits passed through. With them was an impressive number of followers and as the sun began to set, many of these birds sort roost in the bushes in this area. I might have to visit this area a little earlier next time.
Mammals Recorded:
Grey Squirrel
Birds Recorded:
2 Gannet
Herring Gull
1 Stock Dove
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
1 Blackcap
12+ Chiffchaff
10 Goldcrest
12+ Long-tailed Tit
8+ Great Tit
8+ Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Linnet
30+ Goldfinch
Escapees, Ferals, Possibles Etc.
Feral pigeon
This is the British Fishing Charter Boat "Spartan" on its way back to Weymouth. More on this vessel here.
Today was a much better day in all respects. Especially weatherwise and bird-wise, with the main highlights being:
Old Quarry Lane: 3 Chiffchaff
Wakeham Railway Cuttings: 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest
Glen Caravan Park: 1 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest
Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east): 7+ Chiffchaff, 6+ Goldcrest, 12+ Long-tailed Tit, 5 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit
The railway cuttings to the east, proved to be the hotspot on my walk, especially around 3:45pm - 4:25pm, when a large party of Long-tailed Tits passed through. With them was an impressive number of followers and as the sun began to set, many of these birds sort roost in the bushes in this area. I might have to visit this area a little earlier next time.
Mammals Recorded:
Grey Squirrel
Birds Recorded:
2 Gannet
Herring Gull
1 Stock Dove
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
1 Blackcap
12+ Chiffchaff
10 Goldcrest
12+ Long-tailed Tit
8+ Great Tit
8+ Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Linnet
30+ Goldfinch
One of the 3 Chiffchaffs along Old Quarry Lane
And one of the several Chiffchaffs seen along Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east).
Feral pigeon
Wasps, Ichneumon Wasps, Parasitic Wasps and Gall Wasps Recorded:
6 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded:
A few unidentified flies
6 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
A few unidentified flies
Ships today:
This is the Singaporean Container Ship "Seaspan Adonis" on its way from Antwerp to Singapore. More on this vessel here.
14 Nov 25
Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadows, Wakeham Railway Cuttings and Glen Caravan Park
I don't know why I trust the weather forecast to be accurate. Just before I headed out, it was supposed to be dry for a short spell. However by time I reached the end of Old Quarry Lane, the rain began to fall again.
Knowing there would be a bit of shelter along the railway cuttings, I headed there as quick as I could. What I didn't expect though, was to narrowly miss standing on a well camouflaged Woodcock.
Looking back up Wakeham Railway Cuttings, where the Woodcock was on the left as I was coming down the track.
Bearing in mind that it had been raining for most of the morning, it probably thought it was in a quiet spot, until I came along that is. As soon as it sensed I was about to stand on it, with my size 10 wellington boots, it was gone.
How it managed to get airborne and over a garage in the caravan park, was pretty impressive. I guess if you were unexpectedly spooked, adrenalin kicks in.
With the rain really hammering down it was time to head home tout suite.
I don't know why I trust the weather forecast to be accurate. Just before I headed out, it was supposed to be dry for a short spell. However by time I reached the end of Old Quarry Lane, the rain began to fall again.
Knowing there would be a bit of shelter along the railway cuttings, I headed there as quick as I could. What I didn't expect though, was to narrowly miss standing on a well camouflaged Woodcock.
Bearing in mind that it had been raining for most of the morning, it probably thought it was in a quiet spot, until I came along that is. As soon as it sensed I was about to stand on it, with my size 10 wellington boots, it was gone.
How it managed to get airborne and over a garage in the caravan park, was pretty impressive. I guess if you were unexpectedly spooked, adrenalin kicks in.
With the rain really hammering down it was time to head home tout suite.
Birds Recorded:
1 Woodcock
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Blackbird
Magpie
Carrion Crow
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Escapees, Ferals, Possibles Etc.
Feral pigeon
1 Woodcock
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Blackbird
Magpie
Carrion Crow
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Escapees, Ferals, Possibles Etc.
Feral pigeon
13 Nov 25
Old Quarry Lane, Wakeham Meadows, Wakeham Wildlife Site, Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Glen Caravan Park, The Mermaid Track and Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east)
Blue skies, sun and no wind. Perfect conditions for a bit of birdwatching, except that I only found 2 Chiffchaffs and a single Goldcrest. Overhead I had two Skylarks and a two Siskins, but apart from that it was very quiet.
Blue skies, sun and no wind. Perfect conditions for a bit of birdwatching, except that I only found 2 Chiffchaffs and a single Goldcrest. Overhead I had two Skylarks and a two Siskins, but apart from that it was very quiet.
However the very mild conditions did draw out a few insects with a Speckled Wood, a Buff-tailed Bumblebee, a Honey Bee and a Harlequin Ladybird also seen.
Mammals Recorded:
2 Grey Squirrel
Escapees, Ferals, Possibles Etc.
Feral pigeon
Butterflies Recorded:
Wasps, Ichneumon Wasps, Parasitic Wasps and Gall Wasps Recorded:
3 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded:
A few unidentified flies
Blue Blowfly Calliphora vicina
1 Yellow Dung Fly Scathophaga stercoraria
Bugs and Beetles Recorded:
1 Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis - form succinea
Trees and Shrubs:
Ash Fraxinus excelsior
Bramble Rubus fruticosusa
Buddleia Buddleja davidii
Cotoneaster Cotoneaster sp.
Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus
Sadly the Dandelion which had 3 Marmalade Hoverflies on it yesterday, was nowhere to seen. Most odd. Consequently I didn't see any Marmalades along Old Quarry Lane, or anywhere else.
Mammals Recorded:
2 Grey Squirrel
These two Grey Squirrels were.................
.............in their favourite spot along the Wakeham railway Cuttings
Birds Recorded:
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
2 Skylark
2 Pied Wagtail
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
2 Chiffchaff
1 Goldcrest
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
2 Siskin
Goldfinch
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
2 Skylark
2 Pied Wagtail
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
2 Chiffchaff
1 Goldcrest
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Wren
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
2 Siskin
Goldfinch
A Dunnock
A male Blackbird
A Chiffchaff in Wakeham Wildlife Site
Along Wakeham Railway Cuttings (east) this Blue Tit............
.......was busy searching for insects.
And the Goldfinches are looking very colourful.
Feral pigeon
Butterflies Recorded:
1 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria
Bees Recorded:
1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris
1 Honey Bee Apis mellifera
Bees Recorded:
1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris
1 Honey Bee Apis mellifera
The warm sunshine was enough to coax this Honey Bee Apis mellifera out.
3 Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris
A Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris in amongst the Brambles.
Flies, Craneflies, Gnats and Midges Recorded:
A few unidentified flies
Blue Blowfly Calliphora vicina
1 Yellow Dung Fly Scathophaga stercoraria
A Blue Blowfly Calliphora vicina
On the Yarrow Achillea millefolium again, a Yellow Dung Fly Scathophaga stercoraria
1 Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis - form succinea
A Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis - form succinea
Ash Fraxinus excelsior
Bramble Rubus fruticosusa
Buddleia Buddleja davidii
Cotoneaster Cotoneaster sp.
Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus
Other Plants:
Common Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Ivy Hedera helix
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Viper’s Bugloss Echium vulgare
Ships today:
Common Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Ivy Hedera helix
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Viper’s Bugloss Echium vulgare
And this blue flowering plant is.....
.................Viper’s Bugloss Echium vulgare
This is the British Fishing Boat WH296 "Portland Isle" just off Portland's east coast. More on this vessel here.
This is the British Fishing Boat PO6 "Plan B" just off Portland's east coast.
This is the British Fishing Boat BL1 "Sole Trader II" also off Portland's east coast.
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