Friends on the Foreshore

It was warmer from the start today, and with just light clouds covering half of the sky and the wind now a mere zephyr it looked like it would stay that way. Plenty of (common) bird life in the cemetery with a small 'fall' of Robins having joined yesterday's throng, in addition there were also singing Chiffchaff and Coal Tit (both plural).

Over at Radipole Lake it was more or less a case of same, same with the large influx/emergence of Red Admiral Butterflies continuing from yesterday as well. There were also plenty of Sand Martins passing through but very few Swallows and House Martins,

while what looked like the Arctic Tern, present here for a few days now and far better captured by Dave Chown, was today in company with Cormorant and Mallard.

Always a delight to record, via their easily identifiable 'pinging' calls, let alone to see are

Bearded Tit which today were both visible and audible either side of the path at the north end of The Loop.

It seemed the Carp anglers were not even out of bed yet, but feel sure that if their 'bite alarms' activated they would soon be in attendance.

There was some time to check on the progress of the Mute Swan cygnets before heading to Portland, and with c5 at the Concrete Bridge and the usual c7 close to the Visitor's Centre this was the highest total personally recorded this year.

Even in this juvenile state, some are looking serene already

while most are showing plenty of white in the wings when outstretched.

Looking back north from the seaward end of Barleycrates Lane, the West Cliff and West Bay had taken on a tranquility not seen over the past week of stormy weather.

A lone Kestral was perch a little further along, but it wasn't until arriving at The Barns that anything else of note was spotted.

There, a male and

female/ juvenile Common Redstarts were seen together, the photographs being a couple from this Spring.

Things remained very quiet throughout the return walk across Top Fields, Culverwell and down to the Observatory, probably adequately endorsed by resorting to photographing Flies?

However, on the way to the bus this bold Rook seemed unperturbed at my presence, while at

Secret's house a single Common Darter allowed just one shot.

By the time I reached Ferry Bridge, the Ebb was almost over so just a short stop only to find my friends John Gifford and his sister Maggie searching the exposed sand. Just a little journalistic licence here John, but I know the secret will be safe with you both - don't tell them your name Pike!!!!