Nantucket Sleighride - Mountain

To describe things as 'quiet' in both the cemetery and at Radipole would be an understatement, with the only thing of interest was the start of the aggressive courtship ritual of the local Mute Swans. Regardless of that, it was much more mild than of late, the sun was trying to peek through a grey sky and by the time I reached Ferrybridge it was shaping up to be a fine day.

This week sees the highest tides of the year which didn't seem to deter the divers at the 'diving school' Fathom & Blues based at the Ferrybrige Inn.

Today the predicted height of tide was given as 2.6 metres, adequately illustrated by the water pushed right up against the sea wall, a course that I would normally walk.

At the top of the tide water was also flooding into the car park and given the prediction for Monday is 2.8m we should be seeing some more of this! There are rarely many birds during this period, but it's a good time to arrive as the water drops back reveling a fresh food supply for many.

There were however about 50 Dark-bellied Brent Geese in the malls beyond the Visitor's Centre with among them c2 Black Brant (3rd from left).

Wikipedia says, the Black Brant or Pacific Brent Goose, Branta bernicla nigricans, is a sub-species of the Brent Goose that breeds in Alaska and winters in Baja California.

There are an estimated 115,000 Black Brant in the world and about 14,000 are taken each year by hunters. Fox predation of eggs is thought to be significant and, in 2006, the U.S. began a 5-year fox removal program.

The population has been as high as 200,000; in 1981, and as low as 100,000; in 1987.

There was also a bit of yacht movement in the direction of the National Sailing Academy at Portland with, I believe this larger class racing this week pre-Olympics.

I made a point of calling into the Fleet Visitor's Centre to find if there was any more news

on the proposed extension to the existing building.

There are now 'artists impressions' posted there and apart from looking pretty impressive,

the construction has to be complete before the start of the 2012 Olympic Games.

As the tide dropped back, well over 100 Mediterranean Gulls dropped in plus

a single Little Egret

which didn't stay for long.

The plumage of this 'second winter' Herring Gull was a joy to capture by the lens,

and further up the beach there was a cluster of Common Whelk egg cases.


Woe Be-Tide

We have some of the highest tides of the year over the next few days, and I don't know what 'rate' these 'spring tides' reach, but I wouldn't want to be swimming against it!

and during my Cecil B DeMille period, my dear mate Tracey Baker happened along continuing her training for the Iron Man Challenge later in the year. Best of luck Ady & Tracey!

On the way to the bus a few Starlings were feeding on the grass verge and seemed worthy of a shot.

Yesterday's selection of mammal photographs seemed to have 'hit the spot' with a few who sent e-Mails, so might as well push my luck again with a few more from my various travels.

American Marmot (Woodchuck), Yukon, Canada

Birchell's Zebra, Swaziland

Cape Striped Mouse, South Africa

Agile Wallaby, Australia

After a nice bottle of wine last night, I resurrected this fantastic album from the back of the CD cupboard and felt it should be shared with you. Mountain, a US west coast blues unit did progress there music to another genre and were credited with being the first Heavy Metal Band. Featuring Leslie West on lead guitar and vocals, Laurance 'Corky' Laing on drums, Steve Knight keyboards and Felix Pappaladi on bass, The 'Best of Album' features several tracks from their best and most famous offering

Nantucket Sleighride (NS), is named from the short journey 'hand harpoonists' would take in their small boats when first spearing a whale, including the title track and the signature 'Theme From An Imaginary Western'. The latter was penned by Jack Bruce (Cream) and Pete Brown (Piblokto), while NS was co-written by G Collins and Pappaladi.

Goodbye, little Robin-Marie
Don't try following me
Don't cry, little Robin-Marie
'Cause you know I'm coming home soon

My ships' leaving on a three-year tour
The next tide will take us from shore
Windlaced, gather in sail and spray
On a search for the mighty sperm whale

Fly your willow branches
Wrap your body round my soul
Lay down your reeds and drums on my soft sheets
There are years behind us reaching
To the place where hearts are beating
And I know you're the last true love I'll ever meet

Starbuck's sharpening his harpoon
The black man's playing his tune
An old salt's sleeping his watch away
He'll be drunk again before noon

Three years sailing on bended knee
We found no whales in the sea
Don't cry, little Robin-Marie
'Cause we'll be in sight of land soon

Rock 'n' Roll trivia:-

Felix Pappalardi wrote many of the songs recorded by English legends Cream, but only until his wife shot him to death!

Piblokto is a condition suffered by Eskimos and those who spend much of their lives in darkness.

The 'instrumental break', especially the keyboard riff, on NS was used as the signature tune to the long running BBC TV Current Affairs programme Weekend World.

Edith Florence Penny 1916 - 2011

What a day! We said goodbye to our dear friend, neighbour and incredible 'human being' Edith Penny. We, that is Joy and I, have been her friend for the past 16 years and both reminisce about our visits to her house where, despite her years, the conversation was volatile. Lashings of tea and the odd tot of whisky, Edith and I spent a good deal of time reminiscing over past year, particularly as her niece, Stella, lived only 2 doors away when I was nought but a lad. She will be missed, but not mourned as a special personality and as her grand-daughter gave birth to her first Great Grandson Josh just before she passed away, there is another generation who will remember her. I look upon Josh as her 'relief''!

Otherwise, I once again have to rely on the archives for any semblance of interest, and thought a few mammals that have come into camera range during my travels should do the trick!

Leopard, Sri Lanka

Marmot, Spain

Black-necked Hare, Sri Lanka

Coyote, United States of America

Asian Jackal, India

Coati, Costa Rica

Moroccan Squirrel

Humpbacked Whale, Antarctica

Grizzly Bear, Canada

Three-toed Sloth, Panama

Vervet Monkey, The Gambia

Asian Elephant, Sri Lanka

and finally, while a myth exists that each generation has it easier than the one before, it was interesting to view the shenanigans of the crew of HMS Manchester on the TV last night. Deployed on a 3 month operation which took the crew away from friends and family, I can only observe that their predecessors spent that amount of time on a single wave. When it came down to the Nyrex (de-salination plant) crapping out, I had to feel so sorry for the 'giant matelot ' (6 feet & 7 inches) who had to take what he described as a 'Submariners Shower' due to a surfeit of fresh water. Yes, things have changed (thankfully) since my departure in 1970, but surely the expression 'Submariners Shower' is a contradiction of terms? During my brief 6 years in the service, I never clapped eyes on a shower, except at Base, and my personal record for going unwashed was 32 days. During which time, each member of the crew was allowed a 'bird bath' (sink only) once a week, and face and hands, plus teeth, once a day, and no change of clothing throughout the trip. Woe betide he who decided a splash of Phoo Phoo (after-shave lotion) might enhance his standing! Which neatly brings me on to the 'Brum Franks Famine Cruise', but that will have to wait for another day.

Enjoy it! It's later than you think!

All Along the Backwater, Through the Rushes Tall

Ducks are a'dabbling up tails all.
Duck's tails Drake's tails yellow feet a'quiver
Yellow bills all out of sight busy in the river

A second fine morning on the trot, and under a half covered sky with sun peeping through and little in the way of wind, it was going to be another hard day in the office for me. First visit of the day, not unusually, was the cemetery where all birds were singing not least a small party of Greenfinch absent for most of the winter. Given the past severe conditions and the fact that some sort of virus has reduced the local population it was fantastic to see them back on my 'patch' and next I'll be hoping to see them displaying.

Vocals were the highlight at Radipole as both Cetti's Warbler and Reed Bunting were busily trying to attract a mate, but for them a positive hindrance must have been the Song Thrush that was drowning them out! There were c3 Bullfinches at the 'kissing gate' and c2 mates at the bridge, fellow birder Ian Stanley and long time ex-diving mate Roger (Chippy) Chippendale - good to see you both gents!

Teal, especially males such as this, are a sure fire target for the camera

and while the female is much less colourful she holds no less charm.

Like most duck species they are ever alert and timid, but there is always an exception to the rule as I approached this 'lady' to within 6 feet - sweet dreams.

The Coot was also obliging, so 'click'!

Featured on this Blog before, I think there is a certain charm about this mutant duck which to me looks like a Mallard/Gadwall hybrid?

With no hurry I took a walk around the Inner Harbour looking over the armada of small boats ranging from rowing boats to 'gin palaces', and of course the ever present charter fishing boat that in the past I've enjoyed so much. Must get out and catch a Bass or two later in the year.Ferrybridge produced nothing out of the usual, except for former 'shipmate' John Kirby who I hadn't seen for many a year, so off to Portland and a walk from Southwell along the East Cliff to the Bill. Along the way there was a single

Turnstone on the ledges while just a little further on I came across

c4 Purple Sandpiper.

As regular readers will know they are resident on the rocks here during the winter months,

but doubtless it will be long before they

'take to the wing'

and head for their breeding grounds in Iceland and other northerly sites (no not Dorchester).

This shot was a case of 'the Snapper taking a Snap of the Snappers', as this group of trainee photographers honed their skills close to the fishing boat crane.

I had noted this coach earlier in the day as 'white van moron' overtook it on the Ferrybridge, blasting his horn and nearly causing an accident. The driver had just dropped off a party of tourists from Nottinghamshire a few of which I had already bade good morning, with one lady I spoke to living on the very estate where I lived as a child. They and the driver seemed interested in a little local knowledge and even more as I pointed out some of the birds above. After our chat the driver offered me a proposition, to do a short talk for his passengers on forthcoming trips. Well, he said he would only be able to pay me £120K per annum and not wanting to drop to those sort of wages said I would do it for free. When you read this 'drive' I was deadly serious and would love to share our Magic Island with you on your next visit.

By this time I had already received intelligence of the presence of c2

Black Redstart in the Bill Quarry

and it was a lovely couple from the tour who located them for me.

We all enjoyed these splendid little birds together along with c2 Pied wagtail and a few Rock Pipits. Lovely to have met you all, and thanks for your company!

At the Observatory (where new 'anti-aircraft' artillery is rapidly being deployed) I was met by this Wood Pigeon looking picturesque on the wall, but the Warden was just leaving so no time for a coffee and a chat. However,PBO Chairman Edwin Welland had just arrived and quick as a flash he invited me to join him for lunch. A little treat we afford ourselves when Ed pays his occasional visits, so it was off to see our mates Danny Fox (Landlord) and Andy (the Barman) at The Pulpit Inn, called The Devenish these days, but for my money far better named as formally The Pulpit as being just across the way from the famous Portland rock of the same name.

So here I am, full of 'fine' Dorset pâté, fish & chips and orange juice writing today's epistle. Best Wishes to you all and Spread the Word!

Haven't We Damaged Enough Of Our Planet?

We start with a little mirth, sent to me by my mate Harry Challenor, as this male House Sparrow seems to have had enough of Her Indoors' chattering?

I met up with Dave Tissington at 07-00 this morning and with more or less clear sky, little in the way of wind plus no sign of rain things were set fair for a wander around the

at Sherford Bridge. As we approached Wareham town the picture changed as the eastern sky was filled with very dark towering cumulus clouds, and surely heralding some rain. As we travelled I told Dave of my plan to search for Red-legged Partridge along the Fleet later in the week, an addition to my 'ongoing' February list (yes, I know but bare with me), and also not seen in Dorset so far this year. Arriving at our destination, Dave looked across the road saying he had just seen a large bird land in the bushes. At first glance all I could see was a Robin, but he said it was definitely much bigger as I locked on to a

Red-legged Partridge (that'll save a walk) the first I ever remember seeing at this location. Within minutes of starting our walk we had logged both

Great Spotted Woodpecker and

Green Woodpecker but one of our targets here was Lesser Spotted Woodpecker altogether a much more difficult to find member of the family. Dave had also received information that the Red Kite of the previous days had been seen on a few occasions on the field we were now traversing. Third on the list of hoped for birds was

Common Crossbill (this one, for illustration purposes only, was photographed 'for sale' along with cages full of Siberian Rubythroats, Mongolian Larks etc in a Chinese street market) which dutifully obliged as c6 flew overhead alerting us to their presence by 'calling'. This was the first 'year tick' since the first day of the month!

On our way we noticed how the hedgerows are now starting to sprout, especially these Hazel catkins. Unlike Monday, when I trod this same path with Bob Ford and his group, today the forest was full of bird song, and in very quick time we recorded c3 Fieldfare, probably as many as 30 Redwing, Song & Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Siskin in varying numbers plus at least a dozen Goldcrest, with the continuous song of Skylark in the background. Next to enter the list was one of probably 4 individual

Nuthatch and after photographing this

Bracket Fungi (possibly Razor Strop?)

Treecreeper started to appear, with at least 3 showing well. From time to time we took up station on a hillock viewing a big sky and farmland beyond in the hope of the Kite, but this was not to be. However, by way of a small bonus we did see c2 Common Buzzards, the same number of Raven and by way of a HUGE bonus a male Hen Harrier as it lopped off to the west. Having spent a little over 4 hours with still no sign of the Lesser Spot our attention was drawn to the singing of more than one

Woodlark, which we found, along with Dave & Anne Raishley, at the traditional site close to the power cables. Finally at 13-00 we gave up the ghost on both Kite and Woodpecker but one or two boxes had been ticked with the Partridge plus Crossbill in addition to which we also c2 Hare which extends the Mammal Year List.

GB Bird Year List = 178 GB Mammal Year List = 15

and finally, this is the photograph I've been waiting for from the 'Land Down Under'!

Proud father Bernard and my lovely daughter Lisa hold on to Frederick III left, and new arrival Alexander (The Great) - Bless 'em!

I know I said 'finally', but this most important note from The Portland Bird Observatory web-site has only just reached my attention. The PBO, an immediate neighbour to the site of the proposed flights, is one of a few National Bird Observatories along the coast of Great Britain and elsewhere. The location of these establishments is such that each is at the heart of not only bird migration but also Butterfly, Moth other insects et al. The vital and essential work carried out here is on the whole overlooked by much of the general public, but it should be noted that it is of 'World Wide Value', thousands of pounds and man hours (almost all voluntary) have been invested here to improve habitat, protect our wild creatures especially nesting birds. These include Peregrine Falcons and Ravens (not so long ago almost lost to the Island) plus Fulmar, Razorbill, Guillemot and Puffin which is almost on its last legs as a breeding species in the County. Of the latter, these flight will have to ply back and forth directly (or very close to) this colony which is now reduced to a maximum of 2 to 3 pairs, if that.

Whilst we hesitate to get involved in the usually messy business of local politics, we feel we ought to alert visitors to a proposal to operate helicopter pleasure flights over the Bill (up to 22 flights a day between April and September). As visitors to the area during the thankfully now defunct Portland Steam Fair will be well aware, the racket from flights of this nature verges on the intolerable and certainly has the most detrimental effect on birding activity (quite apart from being potentially damaging should the flights take place, as proposed, during the breeding season). Click here for further details of this planning application.

Write, Phone, E-Mail or personally approach your Councilor, but please do not delay or 'pussyfoot. I'll undoubtedly see you there!