Gypsy Moth - Steve Hackett

After the Spring-like day in Lyme Regis on Tuesday, the following day was spent on a little less sunny Portland but none the worse for that. It was high tide on arrival so little point in stopping at Ferry Bridge, so straight on to Portland Castle to take yet another look at the 'over-wintering'

 BLACK GUILLEMOT

(no closer and no better picture)

Since my last visit a second has arrived but unfortunately only the one was seen, but by way of a bonus Great Northern Diver and Black-necked Grebe were also present there.

As ever during such prolonged and tempestuous weather the tiny village of Chiswell, at the foot of Portland's north facing cliffs, and nuzzled close to the world famous Chesil Beach, has taken a mighty battering and along with it many sea birds. Most of the casualties have been Guillemots but among them has been the odd, unseasonable, Puffin carcass with others seeking shelter including Kittiwake, Little Gull and Great Skua. Best then to make a stop at the sea wall overlooking Chesil Cove where all to be seen were c2 Guillemot (alive) and what looks like the Army augmenting the Local Council in repairing damaged sea defences.

A few familiar faces and time to catch up at the

 PORTLAND BIRD OBSERVATORY (Link)

before heading towards the Bill Common where in recent days a Great Skua had been seen. Again no luck with that but one of the resident  

 LITTLE OWL

 was perched in a favoured spot, but not for long!

 PEREGRINE,

one of two on the day, was seen before reaching the sea where just one

of a report 4

 PURPLE SANDPIPER

was on view but unusually flighty. Close by were c7

 TURNSTONE

plenty of

 SHAG

and

 ROCK PIPIT

and how good to hear

SKYLARK

singing again.

Another small stroke of luck on leaving the Observatory, the

Warden pointed out a passing

 

RED-THROATED DIVER (archive)

No visit to Portland can be complete for me without paying a visit to my Ol' Shipmate the Secret Lemonado Scupperer who had a mighty surprise awaiting me. There, flying around his garage was this

HUMMINGBIRD HAWK-MOTH

undoubtedly induced by the spell of slightly warmer and sometimes sunnier weather to forsake its period of hibernation. From there it was lunch with my friends Lesley, Wendy and Mike, a GREAT time being had by all. Yesterday will take very little reporting as the morning was marred once again by heavy rain, slowly clearing to milky sunshine all accompanied by fairly high winds. However, there is always a 'bright side' and again lunch with friends including Lesley, John Gifford (mentor and informant) and his sister Maggie. Good to see you as ever and here's to the next time!

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