6 Feb 20

Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove Wood, Church Ope Cove, Rufus Castle and Mermaid Track

A bright sunny day and feeling warmer than the 9.0°C on the outdoor thermometer.

Main highlights today were singles of Firecrests in Penns Wood and another at the back of the cove.

Surprisingly very few birds about, with Chaffinches being the most abundant bird with 10+ in Penns Wood and the same along the Mermaid track.

Also seen today were 2 Wall Lizards at the back of the cove close to the Hebe bush. A spot that I have never seen them before. In fact I nearly stood on one as it sat on a stone inches from the footpath.

The sun brought out the bees and there were dozens of Early Bumblebees and several Honey Bees on the Mahonia at the top of Penns Wood and also on sunlit Hebes around the cove.

Joining the bees I came across at least 8 Common Droneflies, 4 Marmalade Hoverflies, 2 Migrant Hoverflies, plus several flies. The ones I recognised were Phaonia subventa and Phaonia tuguriorum, both members of the Muscidae family.

Here are a few images from today:

One of the 2 Wall Lizards out at the back of the cove.

A Marmalade Hoverfly

This is a Migrant Hoverfly Meliscaeva auricollis. I first recorded this species on 27 Dec 17, so obviously a hoverfly like the Marmalade and Common Dronefly that doesn't mind the Winter sun.

Muscid Fly (Phaonia subventa)

This is another Muscidae Fly (Phaonia tuguriorum) and is one of the first flies to appear in the year. More on this fly Here.

This is the handiwork of the Golden Pygmy Moth caterpillar (Stigmella aurella) "mining" on a bramble leaf.

Ted enjoying the sun.

Birds Recorded: 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, 20+ Chaffinch and Goldfinch
Reptiles Recorded: 2 Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)

Bees Recorded: 7+ Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) and 10+ Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum)

Hoverflies Recorded: 4 Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus), 2 Migrant Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis) and 8 Common Dronefly (Eristalis tenax)

Flies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: Muscid Fly (Phaonia subventa), Muscid Fly (Phaonia tuguriorum)

Wakeham

5:20am this morning and a Barn Owl flew over the Cottage.



Ships Today

This is the Dutch Cargo Ship "Alizee". It is on its way from Klaipeda (Lithuania) to Portland Harbour. More on this vessel Here. In the background St Aldhelm's Head.

This is the British yacht "Mintaka" on its way from Hamble Point into Weymouth Bay. Here it is just off St Aldhelm's Head. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British yacht "Cest Si Bon" on its way from Weymouth to an unknown destination. Here it is just off St Aldhelm's Head. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Law Enforcement Ship "Solent Guardian" heading up Portland towards Weymouth Bay. More on this vessel Here.

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On this day..........
2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

5 Feb 20

Lodmoor RSPB Reserve

I spent a couple of hours at Lodmoor this afternoon, in the hope of seeing/hearing the Penduline Tit that has been around for a week or so. I say Tit, as when I arrived it was apparent that birders were talking about 2 birds here and possibly another at neighbouring Radipole. Anyhow I didn't see or hear any of them, so I guess it didn't really matter how many there were.

I did however come across 3 Chiffchaffs and also watched 2 Spoonbills coming into land at close to the west Scrape.

The most numerous bird here today had to go to the Lapwings. I reckon there were probably in the region 500 birds, maybe more. I'm not quite sure why it kept happening, but ever so often they would all rise up from the ground, do a couple of laps around the reserve and then come back down to earth. Maybe they just like flying.

All around the reserve I came across small parties of Bearded Tits, and there are certainly more Reed Buntings about, especially a a few singing males. Still no sign of any Black-tailed Godwits, and it appears there are fewer Snipe.

The Water Rail are very vocal with their pig-like squeals and I did manage to see one bird flying across open water to get to another reed bed where it immediately started calling.

Another vocal bird which I think could have been a Little Grebe was at the north end of the reserve by the new bridge. Recording below.

Here are a few images from today:

Lodmoor RSPB Reserve which sits in the Lorton Valley Nature Park.

Two Spoonbills come into land.

Not quite synchronised but not far off.

A short clip of the Spoonbills.

I dont think I've ever seen so many Lapwings here before. They were constantly taking off and........

................then landing again.

They are sunning birds when you see them close-up.

A rare sight but I managed to see a Water Rail today. In most cases though you hear them, like this very vocal bird.

And it wasn't just the Water Rail calling, but what I can only assume is a Little Grebe singing.

And the Black Swan is still entertaining the visitors at Lodmoor.

And finally no walk would be complete without Ted having a buzz up and down the path. So much energy.

Birds Recorded: 1/2 Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, 2 Spoonbill, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, 500+ Lapwing, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, 9 Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Reed Bunting

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On this day..........
2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

4 Feb 20

The Bill, The Slopes, West Cliffs, Top Fields and Crown Estate Fields.

A late afternoon trip to The Bill and the local fields. The weather was dry, for a change, but it was bitterly cold with a strong westerly breeze cutting across southern end of Portland.

By the Red Crane there were 5 Turnstone feeding in the shelter of the rocks there.

Further around I just managed to catch a flock of 11 Purple Sandpipers as they headed west around the Pulpit. I did see them briefly on the west facing ledges, but when I found a better viewing platform, they had moved on. Still lots of Guillemots and Razorbills out to sea, as well as a few Gannets.

On the West Cliff, just north of QinetiQ, I had absolutely amazing views of a Fulmar which popped up above the cliff within 6 feet of me. It did this 3 times, but it was very difficult to get a decent photo, it was just too close.

Next stop was the Top Fields to see the Short-eared Owl, which Erin (The Assistant Warden at the Obs) had seen flushed earlier by a Peregrine. I found the Peregrine plus its mate, 2 Buzzards and a Kestrel, but sadly no Shortie.

As I made my way back to the Obs via the Crown Estate Fields I watched a small murmuration of Starlings as they circled over the fields and around the Obs Lighthouse. Well I say murmuration, there were just 23 birds, but still good to watch despite the small flock.

Here are a few images from today:

Five Turnstones on the sheltered side of the Bill.......

..........busy feeding in the pools.

Seven of the 11 Purple Sandpipers that landed briefly to the west of the Pulpit before flying off.

Two of the 4 Fulmars flying alongside the cliffs

I did manage one shot of this Fulmar which was about just feet away from  me.

And I attempted to video it as well, until it moved off at speed.

And a mini Starling murmuration of 23 birds, flying around Obs.

Birds Recorded: 5 Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, 2 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel, Pheasant, 11 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Turnstone, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Razorbill, Guillemot, Wood Pigeon, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, 1 Stonechat, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Raven, 20 Starling, House Sparrow and Chaffinch

Ships Today

This is the British Destroyer "HMS Dragon - D35" in Weymouth Bay. More on this vessel Here.

This is the British Frigate "HMS Lancaster - F229" just off the Bill. More on this vessel Here.

This is the Dutch Tanker "Sefarina" on its way from Fawley to Milford Haven. More on this vessel Here.

This is the French Fishing Boat "Maribelise" fishing in the English Channel a few miles off Portlnad. More on this vessel Here.

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On this day..........
2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

3 Feb 20

Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove Wood, Church Ope Cove Wood, Rufus Castle and Portland Museum

A late morning walk down to Church Ope Cove via Penns Wood. Highlights today were 2 Firecrests and a Goldcrest in Penns Wood and 2 more Firecrests at the back of the cove.

Also noted were 3 Early Bumblebees, a Buff-tailed Bumblebee and several small flies of 5 species.

The first fly was a Yellow Spear-winged Fly (Lonchoptera lutea), the second a Muscidae Fly (Phaonia tuguriorum), third a Dark-winged Fungus Gnat (Sciarid sp.), fourth a Scuttle Fly (Phorid sp.) and as yet 1 unidentified fly sp.
 Also seen a Common Green Shield Bug in winter colours.

Here are a few images and a video from today:

A better shot of one of the two Firecrests in Penns Wood.

Here is the second bird.

Not a brilliant photo I'm afraid, but at least you can see the distinct difference between this Goldcrest and the Firecrests in the above photos.

A Common Green Shieldbug in Winter colours. Well at least I think it is. There's just something about it. Could it be a Red-legged Shieldbug.

This is the Muscidae Fly Phaonia tuguriorum and is one of the first flies to appear in the year. More on this fly Here.

This is a Yellow Spear-winged Fly (Lonchoptera lutea) on an Alexanders. More on this fly Here.

Just as I took a photo of this fly it....................

.................began "dancing" around on the leaf of this Alexanders and flashing its wings in an upwards motion. This is a member of Phoridaea family. Small, hump-backed flies resembling fruit flies. Sometimes known as the Scuttle Fly (Phorid sp.) due to its habit of running rapidly across a surface, rather than fly.

This is a Dark-winged Fungus Gnat (Sciarid sp.) of which there are many species.

I did well today identifying 4 flies, but sadly not with this one!!

And a Leafhopper (Empoasca vitis)

Mammals Recorded: Grey Squirrel

Birds Recorded: Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow and Chaffinch

Bees Recorded: 3 Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) and 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

Flies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: 1 Muscidae Fly (Phaonia tuguriorum), Yellow Spear-winged Fly (Lonchoptera lutea), Dark-winged Fungus Gnat (Sciarid sp.),  Scuttle Fly (Phorid sp.) and as yet 1 unidentified fly sp.

Leafhoppers Recorded: Empoasca vitis

Bugs and Beetles Recorded: 1 Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina)

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On this day..........
2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

2 Feb 20

Portland Bill

Another trip down to the Bill today to catch the Purple Sandpipers before they depart, but yet again I chose the wrong tide to visit, as the ledges between the Obelisk and Pulpit were submerged by the high water, not helped by a very strong southerly wind. Still time yet.

A noticeable difference today was the increase in Stonechat numbers with 3 pairs between QinetiQ and the Obs Quarry.

On the slopes there were also 7 Meadow Pipits.

Out to sea plenty of Guillemots, Razorbills, Gannets and a large flock of Herring Gulls & Great Black-backed Gulls just off the Pulpit. There must have been a shoal of Whitebait and the gulls knew it, as they followed the shoal out into the Races.

Here are a few images from today:

One of the local Buzzards in the Crown Estate Field

A male Stonechat on the Slopes. The female was close by, as well as two other pairs.

There was a real gull frenzy just off the Pulpit. Whitebait maybe!!

Spot the Gannet in amongst them.

There was a lot of toing and froing, especially with the Guillemots heading back and forth from the West Cliffs
 
This is Field Blewit (Lepista saeva). It is an edible Mushroom, but must be cooked and never eaten raw. More on this mushroom Here and Here.

A Wallflower in flower.

Cherry Plum and one of the first Prunus species to flower in spring. This one was by the Obs. 

And a rare sight Benji joining us for a walk with us.

And Ted running on EverReady batteries. He never stops running.

Benji and Ted

Birds Recorded: Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Buzzard, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Razorbill, Guillemot, Wood Pigeon, 7 Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, 6 Stonechat, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, 200+ Starling, House Sparrow and Chaffinch

Fungi and Mushrooms Recorded:  Field Blewit (Lepista saeva)

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On this day..........
2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today's Sightings Here.

1 Feb 20

Wakeham Railway Cuttings, Penns Wood, St Andrew's Church, Church Ope Cove, Rufus Castle and Mermaid Track

All the action was in Penns wood this morning with 2 Firecrests, 2 Goldcrests and a Blackcap. Elsewhere a Gannet was just off Church Ope Cove and with that warm sun I came across a Common Green Shieldbug, Marmalade Hoverfly and a Muscid Fly.

Here are a few images from today:

Back to two.......

..............Firecrests today in Penns Wood. Also here were 2 Goldcrests and a Blackcap.

Up the steps to Rufus Castle and I came across this Common Green Shieldbug.........

..........a Marmalade Hoverfly and this........

Muscid Fly, Phaonia subventa

Birds Recorded: 1 Gannet, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch

Hoverflies Recorded: 1 Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)

Bugs and Beetles Recorded: 1 Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina)

Flies, Gnats and Midges Recorded: Muscid Fly (Phaonia subventa)

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On this day..........
2019
Today's Sightings Here.

2018
Today's Sightings Here.
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