Take A Walk On The Wild Side - Lou Reed

With just a few wisps of high cirrus cloud in an otherwise clear blue sky and the wind little more than light airs it was another great day for a wander. In the cemetery once again 'young birds' were to the fore, with none more so than 3 broods of fledged Robins but none of the speckled breasted juveniles allowing a photograph. Starling and Blue Tit were also represented, while at the bye-pass 'the' (?) male Blackcap was still singing but today a female was also seen carrying food. I startled a Common Sandpiper from the concrete bridge at Radipole, and further on a

Sedge Warbler was singing atop a Buddleia bush not many days away from flowering, and a Reed Bunting vocalised in the background.

There was little else of note except to say numbers of Black-headed Gull seem to be increasing daily, but this small group were more interested in preening than posing.

At Ferry Bridge the Little Terns continue their feeding duties, under the watchful eye of the RSPB, as what may well have been the long staying Whimbrel plus another Common Sandpiper fed in an exposed sandbank.

Continuing the bus journey to Barleycrates, Portland it soon became obvious that birds were once again in short supply, with Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock and Swallow about the only representatives of the Passerines. My attention turned to Butterflies, Moths and flowers with this little gem

Yellow-Wort.

Detail of Yellow-Wort which I don't remember seeing before (overlooked) but so beautiful.

A break from the blooms as this Roe Deer put in an appearance, but only partially!

Sheepsbit Scabious

and detail with feeding 6 Spot Burnet.

The only 'maritime movements' today were the flotilla of Charter Fishing Boats and, here, the Cutlass taking 'divers' to the west of the Island.

Thought to be Sea Pea.

While this female Kestrel was playing havoc with the young Rock Pipits on the East Cliff.

Ex son in law Andy, me, Julie & Nigel

The day finished with a fantastic belated Father's Day treat with Julie & Nigerl and a chance meeting with Andy, who it's been too long since our last meeting. The Tapas were terrific, so see you there soon.

and finally the RSPB response to my letter. At least this represents some 'positive' direction unlike that of local officials. I will of course keep you updated of progress or otherwise.

Dear Captain Baker

Thank you for your response to our email, which Sarah has forwarded to me.

As you remain unconvinced of our assurance that all our work has been done fully within the law and with the approval of Natural England, and based on the seriousness of the allegation in your blog (28^th June), we would suggest that in the spirit of openness and transparency, we meet with you at Natural England’s offices in Dorchester. Here you can raise your concerns with the relevant NE officer and police Wildlife Crime Officer, and we can set out the agreements and licences in place for the work.

We have been in contact with Natural England and John Snelling, Police WCO, who have agreed this is a suitable course of action. If you are agreeable, I will arrange a meeting when John Stobart (Natural England) returns from leave, so that we can both reassure you and move on positively from this.

Yours sincerely

Dante Munns

RSPB Dorset Area Manager