The Geese and the Ghost - Anthony Phillips (ex Genesis)

After yesterday's mini disaster the Moth Traps were once again deployed in far more favourable conditions. Definitely cooler but dry and only a light breeze which continued throughout today along with a good coating of sunshine.

 LARGER WAINSCOT
has been caught here before but not

 BRICK

 which is common and has been expected.
Given the conditions it was thought worthwhile to take the 20
minutes drive to Mudeford Quay and try for a look at the

ROSEATE TERN (archive)
which must have been there for all of 3 weeks now.
 Afterwards and on the way back a very quick look at a swollen

 RIVER AVON
where it could be seen immediately that all the Geese had once
again departed. There were a few Canada Geese along with c8

GREYLAG GEESE

Singles of LITTLE EGRET and

KINGFISHER were welcome additions, while continuing the
journey a short stop at Sopley Common paid dividends with what
might be considered a late migrating Hobby (small falcon).

The church, of no known dedication, dates from the 12th century,
the chancel and tower are from the 15th and 16th centuries.

17th Century TITHE BARN

SECRET taking a wander.

No idea what secrets this most interesting grave holds.

NAVE

NORMAN FONT

and MASONRY

It would have been of interest to know the
original function of these steps?

Between 1847-85, the poet William Barnes held the living,
and he preached his first and last sermons in the church.

'Fine' 13th century Wall Paintings of
St Christopher carrying Christ (?)

and Frieze.

and what could easily be Medieval Graffiti?

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Walk on the Wild Side - Lou Reed

There was more than one way to take a 'Walk on the Wild Side' here today, you could either simply step outside and get blown off your feet or sit indoors and pay tribute to Lou Reed (Velvet Underground) who passed away yesterday. Of the latter, I was never a great fan but to sing Perfect Day after a 'perfect day' was always a 'perfect' way to end a day! As for the weather, the predicted gale arrived right on time with maximum wind and rain being recorded here at 04:30 this morning. At about that time a gust of 99 Miles Per Hour was recorded at The Needles Lighthouse, Isle of Wight which is just 14 miles from here as the crow flies! Anything else WILD were a few remaining shots from my short stay on Portland, all involving Birds at their ablutions!

In the moderately rough seas off Portland Bill

RAZORBILL - Splish, Splash - Bobby Darin

On the nearby 'Ledges' a

ROCK PIPIT
first took a drink, then a paddle before getting

fully immersed in a

Bath and Dhoby

Little bit of Foo-Foo under the wing coverts
and off ashore - I know the feeling!

Just a little further along one of two

TURNSTONEs

was also making a meal of it.

Finally, and harking back to the gale, who was the mug who decided to risk one of the Moth Traps in the storm, I feel the fingers pointing! Despite placing it under the sheltered part of the house it was blown across the lawn, all parts cast asunder and all egg trays wet as a Shag, otherwise nothing broken. that's what happens in the name of 'passion'.

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Windy - The Association

With the threat of even more rain accompanying high winds it was considered best not even to set the Moth Traps last night. Early morning however saw some 'blue sky' peaking through spurring Secret and I to head just a short distance east to search for arriving Winter Birds

First Port of Call was the WATERCRESS BEDS

at WADDOCK CROSS

where we had hoped to find the likes of Water Pipit and Green 

Sandpiper. Neither were seen, but there was a second bite of the 

cherry as we headed for similar 'beds' at Tincleton just a mile away.

Works were in progress there so we drove a little further to try for

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at

OAKERS WOOD

with the same result,

but there was just a small compensation just above an abandoned

Woodpecker's Nest Hole, this

black BRACKET FUNGI.

The great thing about this particular corner of Dorset is there

are also plenty of alternatives if the Wildlife is absent.

Hard 'a Starboard and to

This special place has featured on the Blog before,

but as I have done time and time again over the years it is well
worth a re-visit.

The main feature here being the splendid and possibly unique

ETCHED (not Stained Glass) WINDOWS
by Sir Laurence Whistler younger brother of
celebrated artist Rex Whistler of 'Whistler's Mother' fame.

Detail on the windows include
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL,

COMMON BUZZARD

MORETON HOUSE
and much else.

One of the many Dorset 'Brasses' my daughters and I took
'Charcoal Rubbings' of when they were children.

UNIVERSAL GALAXY

FISHING BOAT

Not unusually, the HASSOCKS (Kneeling Cushions) are all
Hand Stitched and of different design.

The FONT
Read More About This Unique Place

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