Given recent weather condition, the
time of year (between migrations) and other difficulties I have for a
full 7 days now been going to suggest the Ted Heath solution - A 3 Day
Week. However, each time I sally forth there seems to be an endless
supply of interesting things all around me, so maybe we can put the idea
on hold!
Looking across Radipole Lake to the north from Pottery Lane at 07:30.
Yet
another day that started with a good deal of sunshine, little in the
way of cloud and the wind down to a mere zephyr but still bringing a
little chill early morning. Despite a gloomy forecast there seemed to be
many more people at the Bill than of late, so as usual I was hoping to
meet some of them.
It
is often said "leave the best 'till last" but that doesn't take into
account fate as arriving at the Obelisk the best came first. This group
of special needs children and their carers were already enjoying the
seascapes and next thing you know I'm right amongst them - one of the
gang. I don't quite know what defines 'special needs' but I can tell you
each of these youngsters had something to say and were a great interest
to me. Time doesn't allow all the anecdotes, but for one the little
girl (centre pink skirt) told me how, at only 12 years, she had already
visited 3 places including Newcastle, Birmingham and Portland. Well, at
that rate and pro rata she should catch me up very soon. Bless her, her
friends and the real SPECIAL people who take care of them. What a
pleasure!
As we stood there a small party of COMMON SCOTER passed by
so along with a few Gannets there were birds to see as well.
At
the Lobster Pot Restaurant another lady approached and simply said,
"you're Bagsy", Fay then when on to tell me that she and her family are
avid readers which I have to say is a fillip indeed.
Talking
of Lobsters, there was soon to be another encounter, but first a sight I
had not beheld for many a day, a boat being hoisted on the sheer-legs.
Immediately seeing this my thoughts turned to 2 other friends Micheal
Munro and Ricky Lambert who were sure to be in attendance if this sort
of activity was in progress.
Portlanders
by birth both have had a life long affinity with the sea, Ricky having
held a number of 'shore caught' record fish (mainly Conger Eel) and Mick
a fine boatman. Today he had taken a couple of spear-fishermen of to
the edge of the ledges where they had taken these 3 fine COD,
4 LOBSTERS and a large EDIBLE CRAB which must have recently shed its shell so (commendably) was returned to the sea.
Two
most interesting things about the Lobsters were this individual which
had shed or lost its claws, was in the process of growing a new pair
which were still tiny and in the soft 'jelly' state.
The
other was seen to have a type of fungus on its right side which could
be parasitic, marine growth or who knows what, which we all found most
interesting.
On closer inspection the pattern would have been worth an award if devised by man,
like tiny sea urchins or jellyfish??
Not
a lot of avian activity at the Bird Observatory today, except for a few
young Blue and Great Tits being caught, but the CREAM SPOT TIGER MOTH
found in the trap this morning bought a little colour to the day.
Portland
in general doesn't support very many trees or bushes, with this the
southern end of the Island being particularly sparse. Worrying then that
the recent high winds have already turned the leafs brown which look
like they could fall at any time.
Heading towards the bus, a Common Buzzard put in a brief appearance while this KESTREL was far more obliging,
as
were a small flock of juvenile STARLINGs. At this time of year these
feeding parties are always worth more than a second look as they are
occasionally joined by the much rarer Rose-coloured Starling from Asia,
always a good find.
SKYLARKs also continue to be very vocal and as this one decided to
land directly in front of me, showing front, back and sides it was time
to snap away again.
It
was only this very afternoon that I got to hear of the MEMO 2012
PROJECT and so will not be able to enlighten you in full. Suffice to say
there is a web-site, but like the documents published here there has
not yet been time to read it all. There are also some photographs in
existence, which it is hoped will reach the 'in tray' in time for
tomorrows post, of today's Striking of the Bell Ceremony.
I cannot identify your latest boat but have 2
comments.
1) The London to Portland Small Ships race took
place from 9th June (now finished). These boats are on the following web site
(including TSK 645).
2) They were meant to continue on 15th June racing
round Weymouth Bay but this was cancelled cos of the weather.
I can only think they are now sailing home or to
other places - ie dispersing.
The next small ships race is at Cowes on 6th
Oct.
and finally, an e-mail from Brad and Karen Mear
Hi Bagsy,My wife Karen came across this photo of what maybe a impostor
of your fine self on Tresco, Isles of Scilly(minus your bins) hope you
don't mind.We are both big readers of your blog and can't wait to read
it each evening.Keep up the good work and hope to bump into you very
soon.Best wishes Brad and Karen Mear,Yeovil.
While
we have never met, surely you can see Brad and Karen that I am far
better looking than that. Personally, I think it world renown guitarist
Peter Green who at every gig tries to convince people he is ME!
