Return of the Bus Pass Birder

Today's weather was just about 180 degrees different to yesterday, with the wind in the west, clear blue sky replacing dull overcast and the sun shining brightly. All that remained from previous days was the chill, and while my pond was covered by a thin veneer of ice at Longcroft Cemetery the frost had already gone. Although this beautiful, wooded area in the middle of suburbia is offering up its treasures slowly and singularly, a Coal Tit was seen this morning thankfully having survived the cold spell.

Moving on to Radipole and stopping for a chat, one of my company called "Bittern" but too late for me to see it drop into the reeds. Arriving at North Hide, the Ducks at this time of year never cease to amaze me in resplendent colours, and searching among the Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall etc found a sleeping bird of more interest. It took a full 15 minutes before it raised its head, allowing me to identify it as a male Pintail. This really is a cracking bird and all too infrequent these days at the reserve. Later, while standing in what I refer to as Edward's Folly (the shelter built by my friend Lorne 'Bowie' Edwards) the Bittern obliging left cover, gained an altitude of some 40 to 50 feet and flew right over my head.

Male & female Pintail (photo blagged from the Internet) to give our overseas readers a chance to see this fine Duck.

Bittern - not the best of photographs but an image nonetheless.

With 3 'year ticks' in the notebook I caught the bus to Ferry Bridge, to catch the falling tide, to be reminded of just how cold it still is in such an exposed place. Already an hour into the ebb, a few Brent Geese had already arrived to feed on the Zostera Grass with the only other avian activity being 27 Mediterranean Gulls and double that number of Black-headed Gulls. Here, a fellow 'birder' told me how obliging the Firecrest at Easton, Portland had been this morning, so hoped onto another bus to pursue it. A hour without sight or sound of this tiny bird was enough, so on yet another bus headed home. The Year List currently stands at - 84.

After yesterdays depiction of the first lighthouse to built at Portland Bill, today's photo is of the other two. The all white structure left, originally opened in 1769 and subsequently rebuilt several times, has also had a chequered history. Starting with a 'coal burning' lamp, this was replaced during one of the reconstructions by an Argland Lens the forerunner and basic design of all lenses in use today. Once redundant, it was for a time utilised as a private dwelling, then in 1961 opened by Sir Peter Scott as a Bird Observatory.

The present 'active' light was constructed and opened in 1906 with the tower standing at 41 meters. It was automated in 1996 (in line with all lighthouses around the coast of UK) and shows a 'group flash 4' warning to mariners every 20 seconds, can be seen at a distance of 25 miles on a clear dark night and also sounds a 3.5 second blast every 30 seconds during periods of low viability.

Seeming a Little Colder

It felt as though the wind had backed towards the north a couple of 'points' or three (a 'point' on a mariners compass being eleven and a quarter degrees) this morning, and with no change in strength plus very little cloud it also felt colder. A good start to the day at Longcroft where at least 6 Goldcrest were in full song and added to the list, while Radipole Nature Reserve produced nothing new among the small numbers of everything especially Ducks. The walk along the sea front to Lodmoor was a blustery one, and as a result all the waterfowl there seemed to have left. During the week there have been as many as 40 Great Crested Grebes, but these like the pair shown are surely heading for breeding grounds now.

At Lodmoor 3 species joined the Year List in quick succession, Little Egret, Curlew (surely a migrant) plus Raven, and as I completed the full circular walk a fly-over Common Buzzard joined them. Before departing a Chiffchaff was calling from the bushes adjacent to the sea, so this too could easily have just arrived from the near continent?

That's when I had to get on with the really interesting part of the day - shopping! Apart from having to replace some household items, there was the small matter of my Mammut walking boots which started to disintegrate just 3 weeks into my last trip. I tell you this as, returning them to Great Western Camping in Dorchester and received some of the best service I've had (in this country) for many a day. Not having the exact replacement, I was offered a far more expensive pair, at no extra cost, and when these didn't suit the cheaper pair I opted for was accompanied by a credit note for the difference. Couple this with the polite and attentive service of the staff, here's one kid who'll be heading back when the need arises.

A few further 'common' bird images for our overseas friends.

The Robin is not only common but has the most incredible song, and as the National bird is recognised by all.

2 of the Great Crested Grebes that may well have overwintered in Weymouth Bay are now displaying (trying to attract a mate) on Radipole Lake. This includes bill fencing, the same as sword fencing only with bills,

Crest raising and

head nodding.

Followed by a few local scenes.

This is West Cliff, Portland with the village of Wyke Regis in the background and West Bay to the left. There are some strange names associated with Portland, such a Blacknor Point (shown), Clay Ope plus Tar & Pulpit Rocks.

As you walk from Blacknor towards the camera you come across The Old Higher Light. Portland may be unique in having 3 lighthouses all within a mile or so of each other, this was the first, built in the 18th century. The owners since 1981 have lovingly restored the property from dereliction, part of which now serves as holiday accommodation, but built originally as a lighthouse it was sold off into private ownership in 1906 when it was superseded by a new one. It has had several owners the one of most note was Dr Marie Stopes who was the pioneer of birth control, but many famous names have visited here. G.B.Shaw, Thomas Hardy, H.G.Wells, Margot Fontayn. Last but not least King George lll who came to see “This new lighthouse I have heard so much about”. In addition it was also once a fine restaurant.

while adjacent to the Old Light stands Her Majesties Coast Guard Lookout, keeping a vigilant eye across the English Channel and West Bay.

The First 'Cold' I've Felt This Winter

The idea of 'scoping Portland Harbour today was most definitely a bad one, although at the onset and in the shelter of the built up area, things seemed OK. Longcroft held nothing but the usual candidates, which pleasingly were all again in full song, while the only addition to the Year List came soon after reaching the Rodwell Trail. What used to be the railway line between Weymouth and Portland, has now been tarmaced and apart from irresponsible dog owners and litter louts (bring Draco back that's where my vote goes) it is one of the most pleasant walks in the borough. Amid the singing of Robin, Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit et al as I reached Rodwell Halt there was the plaintive call of a number of Bullfinch, which were soon pinned down and thought to be c5 in number, bringing the total to 76. Unfortunately, it seems nowadays the once resident Grey Wagtails have gone, and neither wintering Chiffchaff or Blackcap were seen. All the way from home the weather seemed relatively still and while a little colder than yesterday most birds were seen well. That was until Sandsfoot, when the shelter of the trees and high bank gave way the the open expanse of Portland Harbour and the very fresh easterly wind. At the castle and yacht club the telescope was brought into play with little result, so I stepped it out to the sanctuary of Ferry Bridge. There, the spring tide was still press right up to the car park so with just c3 Little Grebes & Mute Swan (shown) plus a handful of Red-breasted Merganser considered the rest of my day would be better spent at home.

A none too happy looking Mute Swan

It looks as if somewhere it has had its neck caught?

The Little Grebes were busily feeding but,

between dives seeking the shelter of a boat pontoon and mooring buoy.

Continuing the look around our local area, today shows 2 pictures of the Inner Harbour at Weymouth. The first is taken from the redundant railway embankment (where the Bullfinch were) and show the novelty of the Town Bridge in the open position. This happens every 2 hours, during daylight, on most days, and despite having seen it thousands of times I'm still intrigued to watch.

The second is taken stood on the bridge and shows on the left the Town Council Offices, on the right old warehouses, now converted into apartments, plus a variety of boats at there moorings. Those in the right foreground are part of the charter angling fleet.

Another novel feature of Weymouth is a full scale railway line which runs from the town station, along the road shown, to the ferry port. In days gone by, flowers and tomatoes particularly were imported from the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey etc) by sea to our town. Gone are the days! The lines can be seen by clicking on the image to enlarge it.

PS
I'd like to welcome Argentina's own 'Frenzo' to the gaggle of 'Followers' knowing his 3 amigos will be tuning in as well. Hope your all well guys and snorkeling in La Plata - ha ha!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

I'm beginning to wonder if all the stories of adverse weather during my absence have been true, given the gorgeous conditions since my return. Told you I'd bring some back with me! The same again today, after a night when Jack Frost had been busy, very early the ice disappeared to be replaced by 'warm' sunshine, even before leaving what may be described as my 'local patch'.

I recon on mainland UK it is extremely difficult to have what might be described as an exclusive local patch, so the Longcroft Cemetery is about as close as it get for me. Having been used to the luxury of birding a North Sea Oil Rig this tiny patch of Dorset has become a bit of a bolt hole. On Saturday I reported the sighting of a Jay there, to be followed today by an increasing scarcity, a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Over the years Hoopoe, Black Redstart, Great Grey Shrike and even a stray Ring-necked Parakeet have been recorded, but usually common species such as Mistle Thrush, Coal Tit, Goldcrest and Tawny Owl have not shown themselves so far this year.

Early morning Longcroft Road Cemetery

Leaving this mornings cacophony of bird song behind, I arrived at Radipole Nature Reserve to a completely different range of vocals with, of particular note, more Reed Buntings singing than I have heard for a number of years. A hat-trick of new birds for the year, Long-tailed Tit, Stonechat and Wigeon, soon entered the log before starting the walk to Lodmoor. Progressing along Greenhill, already a good number of water-birds could be seen in Weymouth Bay and on closer inspection there turned out to be at least c33 Great Crested Grebes, c7 Black-necked Grebes (another year tick) plus c3 Common Scoter. On the moor things were very quiet with just a few Common Snipe, a couple of Oystercatcher, a few Lapwings etc, but despite a report of the returning Spoonbill yesterday afternoon, nothing was seen of it. The only other addition, and a relative scarcity since the authorities blasted most of them out of the water, was a female Ruddy Duck, the exact location of which will remain undisclosed.

A few more images are added today, mainly to give our friends in the Americas an idea of some of the avian delight to be found this side of the 'Pond'.

Bearded Tit

Eurasian Wigeon (male left)

Stonechat

Long-tailed Tit

Long-tailed Tit detail

The 2010 UK Year List now stands at - 75

The Delights of Birding Weymouth & Portland

Purple Sandpiper

What a day weather wise, so a golden opportunity to get a few species on the 2010 GB Year List. After yesterdays run out to Martinstown for lunch with Bob & Anne, the list increased to 45 with the afore mentioned Woodpecker, Lapwing, Rook and a Sparrowhawk at home. Today saw another 24 enter the log with the best, of what were all relatively common birds, being Great Northern Diver, Purple Sandpiper and Mediterannean Gull. I can also report catching up with both Robin and Grey Heron.

Shelduck

It was also a good day for catching up with people not seen for quiet a while, with predictably Daragh Croxson at Lodmoor, Martin Cade at the Portland Bird Observatory and John Lucas on the West Cliff. I caught up with Hugo Wood-Homer at the Obelisk looking for Purple Sandpiper, the same as me. There were also some most welcome comments from many of you regarding this Blog, in general seeming that it has brightened something of a severe winter so far, I thank all of you for that.

Shag

I am also continuing to publish photographs of birds seen during my wanderings back here in England, as promised to many new found friends in the Americas. Additionally, there will be some images of our local surroundings, bird sites and places of interest here in Dorset over the next few days.

Black-headed Gull

Ferry Bridge

What is often refered to as the Island of Portland is in fact joined to the mainland by an 18 mile long bank of stone pebbles known as Chesil Beach. There is also a road bridge connecting which is where these 2 images were taken, both to the west of the main road.

Looking north west along 'The Fleet', a streatch of sheltered water vitally important for migrant and resident birds, many species of breeding fish and other marine life, plus a wealth of aquatic and terrestrial plants.

A view in the other direction, almost south, shows the tidal foreshore so important to Gulls, Terns, Wading Birds, Geese etc, etc. A real 'hot spot' for birdwatchers, myself included.

Finally, an amendment to a statement I made some days ago. It was in fact John Martin and not Paul Harris who was Grahame Walbridge's contact to Steve Howell. Apologies to those concerned.

Are Friends Electric? Mine Are.

Our dear friend Sam Fowler passed away during my trip to South America, but in my absence it was soon decided to hold a tribute dinner in his name once I returned. Today was that day, and 16 of us gathered at the home in Martinstown of his daughter Anne and husband Bob (Clarke) to afford Sam a final farewell. After a most enjoyable lunch we got down to reminiscing about Sam, each of us given the opportunity to recall our favorite memory of this extraordinary man. Mine had to be a repeat of the 'sacking' of Pink Floyd in the early 60's, but other anecdotes included Prince Philip, Edward Heath and a multitude of jazz greats who Sam was a part of. During the meal we played his last album 'Just Friends', and as if to please the assembled a Great Spotted Woodpecker landed on the garden feeder to the delight of everyone.

There is one thing for sure, wherever Sam is now he will be pleasing his fans as he did in life - Bless you Mate!

Some of the assembled including his widow Camilia, center.

Bob & Anne center with ex Chickerell mayor and Paul White.

My son 'out-law' Nigel, Nick Tomlinson and my daughter Julie.

Sam, right on double base, with The Jazz Quintet'.

Sam playing Ronnie Scott's, thought to be 1950's?

Me and my eldest daughter Julie. Don't even mention the shoes, sore subject!

As if this fantastic party were not enough for one day, I had heard a rumour that Methane 57, the band who played my 60th birthday, had re-formed and were doing a practice gig at No6 on Queen's Street. The visit there proved very fortuitous as many of my mates had decided on the same idea.

Myself (fixed income pensioner), Sally Pearce (computer wizard and business woman), Megan (ex landlady of O'Flanagan's) and TV actor Dean Martin (The Bill, The Sweeney, Minder and latterly New Tricks).

The Boy's are Back in Town - Peter Smith landlord and rhythm guitar, Chris Whiteside drums ex Bad Reputation, Dave Phillips vocals / bass and Paul Sundt lead guitar / vocals.

Jon Storey, arguable the best guitarist Dorset ever produced, trying unsuccessfully to control the mixing panel.

Paul, recently graduated from the Guitar Institute, London gets heavily into Purple Haze! "Excuse me while I kiss the sky".

Only a 'Twitcher' When It's Pouring With Rain?

Most of my thoughts today have been for the people of Chile and more particularly those in Concepcion. To think that just a few short days ago I could have been stood within the shock zone, having been as near to the epicenter as 300Km. I know I put a hex on that taxi driver in Santiago, who saw me off for a fiver, but never meant it to be that severe.

Great Tit

Still champing at the bit to get my first bout of UK birding in, the early morning seemed to dog my chances because of heavy rain. However, this subsided and turned into bright sunshine soon after 08-00 so first made my way to the Longcroft Cemetery and then onward to Radipole nature Reserve. What I don't think I mentioned that in my desperation to get at least one species on the new Year List, I smuggled a sarnie off the flight on Thursday to entice a Feral Pigeon into the log at the Central Coach Station. No such sly tactics needed today, but the birds were a bit thin on the ground, but returned home with a total of 41. Bird of the day had to be a fine Jay at the first location and looking back through my records find it's the first there for 6 years. It was also good to see the Hooded Merganser, in fine plumage, still on site but a little bewildering to see neither Robin or Grey Heron. It is my intent to include some British Bird photographs, hopefully on a daily basis, as requested by quite a number of people on my travels.

Goldfinch

Water Rail

A visitor from America (or Whipsnade Zoo depending on your point of view) a fine male Hooded Merganser at Radipole Lake.

and finally, some good news on the Glaucous-winged Gull front. Since finding it I have been asking those far better placed for their opinion on identity. Grahame Walbridge through Paul Harris has sort the view of Steve Howell (someone I don't know) as an authority on Larids and he returned a positive verdict. The record has now been submitted to Cotinga the Ecuadorian records group, the feeling being if it's good enough for Howell there will be little if any argument.

2010 Great Britain Year List Total - 41