High - The Lighthouse Family

It seems a little strange to be publishing posts one day in arrears, but with the large number of photographs from the National Sailing Academy taking up 2 days, it is hoped we will soon be back on the rails.

One of the now presumed 'winter resident' Kingfisher (can you see it yet?) at Radipole, perched on the tall reads behind a small number of blurred Mediterranean Gulls in the foreground.

Cormorants are also here in good numbers,

and as my Old Mate put in an appearance I felt obliged to capture an image or 2

of the delightful male Hooded Merganser now in full 'winter plumage'.

On arrival at the Bird Observatory, our first sighting was of this wing that was once part of a Short-eared Owl, before the Fox got it!

My friend Pat Shearing from Reading has been visiting for the last 2 days, and has been mightily impressed with both Weymouth and Portland. A visit to the Old Lower Lighthouse, which is the Portland Bird Observatory was a must but not before seeing the 2 Little Owls in the Obs Quarry. Climbing the tower was indeed a novelty, especially as we reached the summit

this Common Kestrel was perched on the

windowsill to greet us.

The views from here are spectacular and given the dark clouds there was also a dramatic look, across part of the Common, the Hut Field, Obs Quarry and the Bill (active) Lighthouse.

Pat taking in the view.

A very overcast English Channel.

Looking north east up the Bill Road

and up towards the Higher Light

Now back at the top of the Island, having walked St George's Church and tout quarry, we looked back on ourselves to a gloomy scene.

There was time to admire the new sign before entering the village of Easton.

a beautiful example of local Stone Masonry,

by local man Martin Green.

Finally, we visited the Sailing Academy where, despite the lack of wind, a few were giving the World Sailing Record a go. Fish (Icelandic Cod) Chips & Mushy Peas at the Marlbro (best in Weymouth / Dorset) ended a great day, and bidding Pat a fond farewell in the hope she returns again soon.