A Walk On The Wildside - Lou Reed

So, what would be the odds on taking a photograph from the window of a moving bus of a 'windsurfer' flashing past in Portland Harbour, and it being one of our readers? I'd have risked a 'tenner' on it, and referring to the Stormy Monday (10th June) Post the 'comments' will revel that this did happen.

Another sunny day in prospect, but thankfully I hadn't let the scene outside mar my judgement as to wearing a coat. It was still chilly enough but walking the Rodwell Trail, most of which is the redundant railway cutting under a cathedral arch of tree offered some lee from the breeze. Very often filled with birdsong, this morning was no exception as the likes of Wren, Blackbird, Chaffinch and Chiffchaff had been heard before the first photograph

 

a SONG THRUSH also in good voice.

This is one of Weymouth most picturesque walks with 2 red brick road bridges sharply contrasting with the green of the trees, and this the very spot where

 

this male BLACKCAP, the first of about 6,

 was first heard, then seen, then photographed.

As the vast expanse of Portland Harbour opened to view with the backdrop of The Isle itself and the sandy coloured strip of Chesil Beach to the right,

a GREENFICH, also singing, simply sat and posed. 

 

As ever there is plenty of VIPER'S BUGLOSS

 

along with HOUSE SPARROWs, this one seemingly still building a nest.

Arriving at Portland Bill around 10:30 it was quickly noted what other effect the recent high winds had thrown up. An 'armada' of sailing boat, all presumably delayed,

 

had finally managed to leave the shelter of Weymouth for the open sea. There were in fact 15 in all.

Then probably the best moment of the day, meeting this young Australian couple at the Obelisk. Having received so many 'warm welcomes' on my recent grand tour, especially in Aus, how nice it was to be able to do the same with visitors to our shores, especially the Magic Island, quite a buzz! It was lovely to meet you people, hope you are tuning in and continue to have a successful holiday - ALL the BEST!

Last to round the point of the Bill was TSK 645 of which I can find nothing on the web.

  Next to hove into view was presumably the same large ATLANTIC GREY SEAL that visits this part of the coast with some regularity,

while in the Bird Observatory garden there had been a small emergence of LARGE RED DAMSELFLY.

A few more Butterflies on the wing in the noon-day sunshine, including SMALL WHITE, Red Admiral while The Warden was alone in seeing a Clouded Yellow. A search was made in the direction it had flow but nothing was found.

The better weather had also encouraged the opening of some of the 'mist nest', and while there were no great numbers of birds caught there was a slow trickle throughout the morning. Included in this was a fine looking male LINNET

and this juvenile STONECHAT.

This was the first young Stonechat I have seen 'in the hand' so something a little special to end the day!