Will You - Hazel O'Connor

Without an iota of change in the weather or bird situation locally today, I took a little time to stroll through the cemetery paying more attention to the monuments than anything else. Tucked away in a corner, I noted the tomb of these 2 eminent Royal Navy Officers who, despite their rank, appear to be little known on Google.

Radipole produced nothing outside of the expected, so before taking the bus directly to Portland Bill there was a little time to wander

Weymouth Sands & Seafront

now devoid of the Summer (or even Indian Summer) tourists. Apart from the continuing keen westerly wind, there were only a few Swallows and Siskins heading out into the English Channel,

and the now seemingly established resident Little Owl in the Observatory Quarry, seeming a little bashful today. Even at PBO nothing seemed to be stirring with only about a dozen birds on the 'ringing list' today. On the walk to Southwell I did encounter this other local!

Obviously not familiar with the Highway Code, this Kestrel saw fit to stop despite the Clearway sign. It is unusual to be able to get this close to any bird of prey, but unperturbed by my presence it allowed close approach and this series of photographs.

Kestrel

A shot from the bus at 'low tide' Ferry Bridge, showing exposed Oyster Beds and the sand bar (complete with a number of Mediterranean Gulls) close to the Small Mouth entrance.

Probably? the final photos from Venezuela?

Yellow-crowned Parrot

Yellow-headed Caracara

Yellow-knobbed Curassow

finally, it would seem that my choice of an 'All Time' Top Twenty Pop Songs Chart has generated quiet a bit of interest, especially concerning "Will You" by Hazel O'Connor. There is even something here for the 'naturalist' as I know of no other music link that kicks off with Six-spot Burnet on Knapweed!

Sometime, especially when listening to this exceptional song, I want to re-jig the chart and put it firmly at No1, but then I'd have Jimi to contend with. Described as 'exceptional', not only for the haunting voice of Ms O'Connor, and the naivety of the lyric but the whole structure of the piece. Clocking in at a meagre No8 in the Pop Chart of 23 May 1981, the first time listener may think it just another 3 minute bauble joining many thousands before it. On the contrary, there is far more to this than just a pop song. At precisely 2 minutes and 42 seconds into what is a pleasant enough madrigal, it sounds to be coming to an end before the stix are cascaded across the whole drum kit, bringing back to life what is without question the finest saxophone break in the whole of pop/rock music. To say it outshines Rafferty's Baker Street and The Saxophone Song from the Kate Bush album The Kick Inside would be a bold statement indeed, where it not 100% plausible! You have the link, so take a listen, and weep!

You drink your coffee and I sip my tea
And we're sitting here playing so cool, thinking "What will be, will be"
But it's getting kind of late now
Oh I wonder if you'll stay now, stay now, stay now, stay now
Or will you just politely say goodnight?

I move a little closer to you, not knowing quite what to do
And I'm feeling all fingers and thumbs, I spill my tea, oh silly me!
But it's getting kind of late now
I wonder if you'll stay now, stay now, stay now, stay now
Or will you just politely say goodnight?

And then we touch much too much
This moment has been waiting for a long long time
Makes me shiver, it makes me quiver
This moment I'm so unsure
This moment I've waited for
Is it something you've been waiting for, waiting for too?

Take off your eyes, bare your soul
Gather me to you and make me whole
Tell me your secrets, sing me the song
Sing it to me in the silent tongue
But it's getting kind of late now
I wonder if you'll stay now, stay now, stay now, stay now
Or will you just politely say goodnight?

Caribbean Queen - Billy Ocean

The Netherlands Antilles (our 14th Caribbean Island [Group])become the 154th country to join the readership today, and in traditional fashion we extend a warm welcome and hope if you enjoy the read that you will pass on the 'link' to many others. Thank You!

Otherwise, with absolutely no changes in the weather or bird scene whatsoever, it has been by and large a dull day. Given the state of the tides recently (an early morning ebb) I have somewhat neglected the cemetery and Radipole lately, but that was redressed this morning.

Little but a few Goldcrests at the former, there is now a good show of 'berries' on various bushes that should help our feathered friends in weeks to come. This Holly looked well laden, while

a Cotoneaster, growing up a gravestone, looked more aesthetic that fruit barring.

The Yew Trees, synonymous with graveyards in the UK, are looking good too, but it was now time to cross over to Radipole. Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail could both be heard long before arriving on the Reserve, while withing a few yards

these 2 Eurasian Wigeon hove into view

along with good numbers of Mallard, Teal, Gadwall and Shoveler. In addition there were still good numbers of Siskin flying overhead as a lone Kingfisher announced its presence with a piercing 'peep'!

Along the approach path to the Visitor's Centre a number of Bearded Tits could be heard 'pinging' away in the reeds, with c11 flying across the path and others staying put. Total number not known. On the still exposed mud there were c2 Black-tailed Godwit along with this Little Egret,

but it was this unusually 'rufous' Snipe (Species) that caught my eye! Luckily Bob Ford was on hand to provide not only a telescope but also some help with identification,

with the most likely call being Common Snipe. However, I am still not sure about this, so have past the photos on to others who might be able to sort it out one way or the other.

Arriving at Ferry Bridge, there were probably as many as 70 Brent Geese feeding the falling tide, but most took to flight and headed off down the Fleet before I even made it to the Bridge. In addition there were c3

Sandwich Terns,

an Arctic Tern, a single Bar-tailed Godwit and without an accurate count would have to say in excess of 30 Mediterranean Gulls.

Holy Diver - Ronnie James Dio

A note for any readers visiting this site via the links on the
Portland Bird Observatory website.
As 'birders' you may find interest in the posts of Tuesday 4th October and 14th July 2011 ref
'dark phase' Long-tailed Skua!

Another great start to the day, as not only did a Grey Wagtail fly overhead at the exact same spot as yesterday but a Firecrest was also letting out its gentle call from the bushes at the north end of the Rodwell Trail.

This, the smallest of all Great Britain's breeding birds, surely has to be in the Top 5 of every bird watcher in the land. Photo from the archive.

A close relative is the same size, Goldcrest which was also represented by about half a dozen along the full length if the trail. Another reasonable day weather wise still on the mild side, with short bursts of sunshine breaking through an otherwise overcast sky while the fresh breeze still lingers in the westerly quarter.

As stated before the Rodwell Trail follows the course of the now (unfortunately) redundant Weymouth to Portland railway line along which rail workers must have grown a variety of fruit trees plus other plants. This example, loaded with fine fruits, is inaccessible so should provide a good supply of food for Redwing and Fieldfare when they arrive from their northerly breeding grounds.

In addition there were a couple of Bullfinches, always a treat to clap eyes on, small parties if Long-tailed Tit, while on the wing and seemingly migrating south were Swallows, Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails and

good numbers of Siskin unfortunately too high to see let alone photograph.

At Ferry Bridge, for the third day running, I was greeted by a small skein of Brent Geese, this time 7 and a little further on

19 Mediterranean Gulls in a feeding frenzy, catching I know not but there was a good deal of squabbling going on over whatever it was.

Portland was once again very quiet, but this Kestrel did pose for a couple of shots, while down at

the Bill both Turnstone and

Rock Pipit were also content to linger.

The report of Condor around here only ever refers to the Cross Channel Ferries which ply the route from Weymouth to the Channel Islands on a daily basis.

On the way home I once again called in to see my mate The Secret Lemonade Drinker, who allowed me to liberate this Hummingbird Hawk-moth from his garage. Unfortunately, before I had time to photograph this extraordinary 'flier' it succumbed to a severe case of death - Amen!

Before leaving, Gary showed me this fine 'resin cast' of this Hard Hat Diver meticulously correct in every detail.

Of mutual interest to us both, as at one time or another we have both been professional divers ourselves, although neither of us ever used this equipment known as Standard Diving.

Walk Like An Egyptian - The Bangles

A note for any readers visiting this site via the links on the
Portland Bird Observatory website.
As 'birders' you may find interest in the posts of Tuesday 4th October and 14th July 2011 ref
'dark phase' Long-tailed Skua!

Arriving onto the Isle of Portland proper, the first place you encounter is Victoria Square which bounds the north end of Chiswell (pronounced Chisel) Village before starting the long and steep climb through Fortuneswell and onward to Top Hill. As I ascended this morning all that had been seen were 2 Grey Wagtails, and given that the wind had 'backed' to the west with the sky still looking grey and the wind a little more than a breeze it seemed likely that this would be all the bird-life likely to be encountered this morning. But there's much, much more to Portland than birds!

Almost at the top of New Road stands 'The Spirit of Portland' a tribute to the 2 traditional industries on the Island. Facing north, a Fisherman hauls his crab pot

while looking in the opposite direction the Stone Mason wields his hammer.

Only a few short steps further on at Priory Corner you realise the climb was hardly worth it - yeah alright. Still my favourite view in the world despite having looked across the Iguassu Falls, Taj Mahal, Nazca Lines et al, show me anywhere to top this!

Apart from the expanse of West Bay and Chesil Beach on the left, Wyke Regis nestles in the background, with Portland Harbour middle distance and Fortuneswell & Chiswell underfoot.

Ride the Scree - Genesis is what the quarry spoil here reminds me of as it tumbles down the cliff-side.

However, the target of my desire today was Tout Quarry and more particular the southern end.

On the way you have to pass by Lano Bridge said to have been built by the Quarry Man during his meal breaks. There is a plan afoot to refurbish this simple but magnificent feat of hand built stone craft.

The whole area of this now redundant quarry, owned by The Portland Stone Company, has been kindly given over to the public at large and has been utilised by budding masons, sculptors and visitors alike.

The Stone Circle is used for religious ceremonies by Dolmen, Druids and the Elfin to name but a few

making quiet and peaceful homage at this Arthurian style site.

You don't have to walk far to find some of the sculptures, with children well entertained looking for the likes of The Bear,

Elephant and

Bison. It would be impossible for me to visit the Island without calling into the Portland Bird Observatory, and while on the way all I saw were a pair of Blackcap today was more about Moths. Long before reaching the gates, the 'jungle drums' had rattled out a message of a RARE find in the Moth Traps overnight.

Rare indeed, this Egyptian Bollworm should be no closer to Portland than the Mediterranean and is only the second specimen of this insect to visit the Island, and I think only the 6th for Great Britain. Other, more common, Moths caught overnight included:-

Shuttle-shaped Dart

Beaded Chestnut

The Delicate

Common Marbled Carpet (all by kind permission of the PBO Warden)

while The Vestal was caught by Richard Lambert in his Weymouth garden.