Me and My Girl

As usual this morning I was plodding the familiar beat, and with a thicker 'crust' on the pond today considered it a little colder, even before reaching the sea-front. Radipole produced very little this morning, and I'm wondering what has happened to deter even the Pochard from the lake this winter. OK, I haven't been here for much of the time, but others tell me counts have been extraordinarily low, my own maximum being just 6.

Pochard (adult male) one of just c3 seen today. A note for the non-birders across the 'pond', this duck is the equivalent of your Redhead or Canvasback.

Reaching the promenade, the full force of the icy, easterly wind was felt and although only about 20 knots it was cutting. The sea was also looking angry and as expected produced nothing in the way of birdlife, so I hurried on to Lodmoor taking a few photos of town features on the way. On the moor the Spoonbill of Friday had been joined by a second, the Black-tailed Godwit remained, while everything else seemed to have disappeared. Never dull, but this morning a little less interesting than usual, there was little of note so unusually I walked back via the Country Park. This area of amusements and attractions has been built leaving much of the original woodland in tact and turned out to be the best decision of the day. A dozen or so Song Thrushes were feeding along with a similar number of their more northerly close relative the Redwing, and there were also probably 3 Green Woodpeckers. These last 2 were both additions to the 'year list' which now stands at 92.

Some of the common British Birds encountered today.

Wood Pigeon

Song Thrush, seemingly more numerous so far this year? Let's hope that is the case!

Redwing, a close relative of the Song Thrush but breeds much further to the north.

To continue the introduction, mainly to overseas readers, of my locale and the second of the 3 Monarchs who have left a mark on our Borough. Queen Victoria (1819 - 1901) didn't so much leave a particular mark on our area, but as the longest living and serving Sovereign ever had a massive effect on the whole country. Arguably the most popular of the line, at her death just about every village in the land erected a monument of one kind or another in her memory, Weymouth & Portland being no exception.

Familiarly know as the Jubilee Clock (standing central on Weymouth promenade) this, as the plaque below states, was erected in 1887 to celebrate the 50th year of her ascension. On the south side it also notes that monies were provided by 'public subscription' and the clock given by Sir Henry Edwards.

Victoria succeed William IV in 1837 and was followed after her death in 1901 by Edward VII.

This broze statue, errected after her death is sited in front of

Saint John's church at the east end of Weymouth Seafront.

and leaping back to George III and his popularisation of sea bathing, this contraption is a 'Bathing Machine'. It would be rolled onto the beach, His Majesty would step inside, disrobe and don a swimming costume before it was rolled into the sea. Once at a discrete distance from onlookers, he would step out straight into the ocean.

Now the final plans have been laid, I can announce that my 'lady friend' Ille will shortly be paying us another visit. She has recently completed an exhibition of her artwork in the Estonian capital Tallinn, where she lives for much of the year, so is taking leave from her employment with UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund) for a much needed holiday in the south of England. There is a large itinerary but the pace must be slow and relaxing, so much may go unfulfilled but hope to report through these pages as usual.

I crave a small indulgence to present 3 of Ille's works as recently featured in the exhibition.

and Today the First 'Proper' Twitch of the Year

A photograph from yesterday of a (white-winged) Carrion Crow which has frequented my local area in the past couple of years. This is only an anomaly and not a true species.

The only word on the mind of the majority of Dorset 'birders', and many, many from further afield, over the past 24 hours has been Bufflehead, as a result of a most bizarre report received around noon yesterday. I was at the Portland Bird Observatory enjoying a coffee when the news of a 'probable' Bufflehead was received, from what I considered to be a most reliable source. Alan Barrett a long time birding mate was watching his local patch at West Bexington, a few miles from Weymouth, when he saw what he suspected to be an adult male Bufflehead. I know the feeling when you find a bird of this magnitude, and start thinking was it really that, have I got the identity right etc, etc. Unfortunately, no more was heard until dusk when it was re-located at Abbotsbury, a short distance to the east, and confirmed as such. A few locals were able to get there before darkness fell, but the main thrust was always going to be this morning when a further search would be made.

Please note, the following photographs do not relate to today's bird.

Adult male Bufflehead

Having chosen many years ago not to be a car owner, I would be reliant on others if the bird should be re-found this morning, but among an army of like minded friends there was no shortage of a volunteer. A little after 09-00, I was having yet another cup of coffee with Joy, my next door neighbour, when the news came through that it had been seen even further east on The Fleet near the tiny hamlet of Langton Herring. My informant, Paul Harris, was by chance close at hand and quickly popped round to pick me up, then came the decision of where to park. The unmade road leading to the bird is 'private' and the village small, so out of respect for the locals most parked at the top of the track leaving just a mile or so to walk. Even half way down the incline several people had already picked it up by telescope, associating with a small group of Red-breasted Merganser, so entered the log before closer views from the foreshore.

Bufflehead female left, male right.

What is a beautiful small sea Duck the Bufflehead Bucephala albeola originates, mainly, from the USA and Canada and is part of the Goldeneye group. It ranges from 32-40 cm long (12.5-16 inches) at between 270-550 g (.6-1.2 lbs), with the drake larger than the female, it rivals the Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) as the smallest American duck. Adult males are striking black and white, with iridescent green and purple heads with a large white patch behind the eye. Females are grey-toned with a smaller white patch behind the eye and a light underside.

They are migratory and most of them winter in protected coastal waters, or open inland waters, on the east and west coasts of North America and the southern United States, and is an extremely rare vagrant to western Europe. Their breeding habitat is wooded lakes and ponds in Alaska and Canada, almost entirely included in the boreal forest or taiga habitat. They have evolved their small size in order to fit the nesting cavity of their 'metabiotic' host, a woodpecker, the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). Due to their small size, they are highly active undertaking dives almost continuously to sustain their high metabolism. They do not tend to collect in large flocks; groups are usually limited to small numbers, where one duck will serve as a sentry, watching for predators, as the others in the group dive in search of food. They are amongst the last waterfowl to leave their breeding grounds and one of the world's most punctual migrants, arriving at their wintering areas within a narrow margin of time.

Monogamous, the females return to the same breeding site, year after year and nest in tree cavities, primarily aspens or poplars, using mostly old Flicker nests, close (usually <25 style="font-style: italic;">Sialia currucoides), Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), and European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) There was one recorded instance of a female Barrow's Goldeneye killing a Bufflehead adult female and her brood, so smaller cavities are preferred because of less competition with these larger ducks. Females may be killed on the nest by mammals, such as weasels (Mustela spp.) or mink (Mustela vison), and by Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) over nest competition.

Male Bufflehead in flight.

Average clutch size is 9 (range 6-11), and eggs average 50.5 by 36.3 mm. Incubation averages 30 days, and nest success is high (79 % in one study) compared to ground-nesting species like the Teal. A day after the last duckling hatches the brood leaps from the nest cavity. The young fledge at 50 - 55 days of age. Predators of adults include Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) and Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii).

These diving birds forage underwater, preferring water depths of 1.2-4.5 m (4 to 15 ft). In freshwater habitats they eat primarily insects, and in saltwater they feed predominantly on crustaceans and molluscs. Aquatic plants and fish eggs can often become locally important food items as well. It's name derives from the North American Buffalo who bulbous head is similar, especially when the drake puffs up its head feathers giving the impression of greater size.

This is not an addition to the Great Britain Life List for me as, along with many of my peers, saw the Colwick bird in Nottinghamshire in 1994. Since then I have been fortunate to encounter many during wanderings through the USA and Canada, especially during a long stay in 2008 when all of the photographs above were taken. Much of the information shown was taken from Wikipedia - with thanks.

First 'Twitch' of the Year

First of all today I'd like to welcome Fabian M to our happy band of 'Followers' and say how nice it is to hear from you. I met Fabian at the Portland Bird Observatory in the early Autumn, a 14 year old, keen Dutch birder who was helping out and gaining experience as a 'ringer'. I think I can say without fear of contradiction that we got on very well together, as he seemed to with all those at the Obs. I hope we get to see each other again this year, in the meantime keep reading the Blog!

Today started much the same as the last 2, except the wind had returned to its former direction in the eastern sector, and the bright sunshine didn't last as long either. While I'd be loathed to complain about the sun it does make for easier birdwatching when the glare is eliminated. Plan A for today had been to bus to Portland first and then visit my usual haunts later, but news late yesterday afternoon of a Spoonbill at Lodmoor changed all that. A minor 'twitch' in the great plan of things, but the first of the year got me off to a little earlier start. Longcroft was simply a 'walk through' which might have been the same for Radipole, except arriving at the concrete bridge (just 50 yards onto the reserve) I got a second decent view in 2 days of a Bittern. That was enough to divert me from my track, thinking it worthwhile investigating where it had landed. No joy there, I hurried on to catch a bus at the King's Statue the first of which was a Dorchester Road service. This is good for access to the west route onto Lodmoor and the mud flats where my quarry was most likely to be. A calling Curlew flew overhead, alerting me to its presence, and as I cleared the reed bed, got straight onto the Spoonbill which was a fine adult complete with full crest. My mate Daragh (Mr Lodmoor) informed me later that this wasn't the same bird that has been seen on the moor over the past few weeks, but a much finer specimen.

A photograph that really doesn't do justice to this fine adult Spoonbill, but distance took its toll.

Before meeting Daragh I caught up with a single Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit in the area familiarly known as 'The Hump', then joined him to 'scope Weymouth Bay from Preston Beach. With nothing to report from there, we both returned to the moor where he immediately got me onto a juvenile Marsh Harrier, my 4th 'year tick' of the day.

Black Redstart

2 aspects of what is a real favourite with me.

It was now time to head off further afield and continue what had been Plan A and as the day was so still decided another try for the Firecrest at Easton might be worth it. Half an hour and no sign, so onward to Barleycrates, (single Stonechat) Reap Lane, (nothing) Top Fields (singles of Lapwing and Common Buzzard) and the Bill where I found a group of c7 Stock Dove and got information of a Black Redstart. Calling in at the Obs for what has become a regular coffee break, I met up with another good mate Edwin Welland, which by definition means more talking than birding, but always great to see him. Tony Conway delayed me further but again these are people I just love bumping into. The Redstart was not only easy to find but also allowed a couple of shots before flying off towards the Coast Guard Lookout, while the only other sighting of note were c2 Turnstones at the Obelisk.

One of the c2 Turnstones at the point.

While it must be difficult for many of you readers to get the geographical layout of the places mentioned, I will endeavour, as we go along, to make some sense of it for you. The King's Statue mentioned above is one of the focal points in Weymouth and where many of the local bus services run from. 3 British Monarchs have left a lasting legacy in Portland and Weymouth, not least George the Third. Despite being clinically mad in his later years, and not considered overall a shining light as far as our 'rulers' go, he did almost singlehandedly put Weymouth particularly on the map. Credited with being 'the' person to popularise bathing in the sea, he built a hunting lodge here (now the Gloucester Hotel on the sea front) and along with his retinue brought thousands of people to the borough. It was interesting to note that when they made the feature film 'The Madness of King George', it was titled just that and not 'The Madness of King George III'. It was considered foolhardy by the makers to add the III as when it reached the American market no one would go to see it, waiting instead to see I and II first!

The recently refurbished and re-painted King's Statue, now also fenced off against vandals.

'Bust' detail of King George III.

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