Another Good Day In The Field, and Elsewhere

Despite the wind having backed into the north east, it was a little less chilly this morning but it was altogether more blustery. It may well have been the strength of the wind that laid most of the bird life low, with barely a tweet coming from the cemetery and even the Gulls had completely abandoned the north end of the lake at Radipole.

Not so the car park further on, as I found this still maturing Great Black-backed Gull among the small flock of Black-headed Gulls, but there was nothing more to keep me here.

With the blow directly in my face the walk to Lodmoor was bit of a struggle, but as it turned out well worth every pace. This extremely striking Lesser Black-backed Gull, appearing 'all legs' was just the start, as meeting up with Daragh he whetted my apatite with the prospect of

Little Ringed Plover which, according to his account of things, were found by fellow birders Niel and Christine Arnold yesterday. There were in fact c2, my first of the year, while only a few feet away a Water Pipit, still in winter plumage, was an addition to the Dorset annual total. c2 Marsh Harriers were also seen, and as if to try and keep some symmetry

c2 Spoonbills were also there. Before leaving the Moor c3 Bearded Tits and a single Common Buzzard were recorded while this

lone Moorhen made for a decent picture.

At Portland Bill there were even leaner pickings, and while the Hoopoe of recent days was still there it didn't come into my view. There were however c2 Goldcrest in the Obs garden as was this Bumble Bee.

Returning to Radipole in the hope of a Sand Martin it was a case of photographing anything that presented a decent image. This bathing Coot was fair game

as a male and

female Gadwall past by within 'clicking distance'. Another female Marsh Harrier was quartering the reeds in the vicinity of North Hide,

and this Black-headed Gull, swooping for bread was also worthy of a shot, as was

a far more obliging Small Tortoiseshell than the one yesterday.

From here I headed for the Weymouth Pavilion where there was an exhibition and explanation of the proposed 'wind farm' intended for an off-shore site between Purbeck and the Isle of Wight.

On the way the Police helicopter was seen in action, apparently monitoring an accident somewhere in the town, and at the event also had a long overdue meeting with a lady I met on the beach at Swanage 2 years ago. Annie and I enjoying a nice cup of tea and an all too short chat, but it was great to see you again nonetheless!

The 'GB Year List now stands at 189

Some Might Say - Oasis

that getting shat on from a great height by a Herring Gull is lucky so, just 100 yards from home and wiping the 'daisies' from my bright red coat, I started to believe that today was the day for a serious rarity?

Not as sprightly as in days of yore, great care is always taken when crossing the bye-pass to Radipole, but the maniac hurtling around the curve in the road very nearly ended my days - the gesticulations are not repeatable! At the concrete bridge, intending to make a note of Bearded Tit, the end of my Biro flicked from my grip and disappeared into the lake, as you can imagine I spent the rest of the day wandering around with that 'pen-top' feeling? Finally, continuing along side the grassy area close to the Gurkha restaurant, feeling that perhaps I should have left the 'bird muck' in place, I was attacked by c2 Jack Russell terriers. The one that bit into my boot received a sharp kick while it was now difficult to decide whether it was the other dog, or the owner 'yapping' the loudest. Considered 'my own fault' (as a previously innocent passer-by) by the elderly, male owner the first dog ran off across the main road, forcing a motorist into an emergency stop, as he chased after it. Even when I pointed out that the c2 leads slung around his neck might be better deployed around the necks of his 'out of control' animals (which I would have gladly helped him tighten, before buying a third) it was still me responsible for his charge running off. So, as it seemed the bird shit wasn't working I got the bus to Ferrybridge.

However, before all of that it had been noted that Robins were most vocal today, and that the number of Chiffchaffs had also increased in number. Spread across two of the reed-beds there must have been double figures of Bearded Tit, but difficult to be accurate, while once again the Hooded Merganser was too much of a temptation, so here he is again!

A Graphic Illustration of Mediterranean Gull Take-Off Technique

Radipole Car Park

Up, Up and Away - The 5th Dimension

At the Bridge, apart from about a dozen

'first winter' Herring Gulls the only other bird on the fore-shore was

this single Ringed Plover.

Over on Portland things were similarly quiet and with no intentions of looking at the still present Hoopoe, it obliged by flying across the road right in front of me. No, from here it turned into more of a 'people day' starting with Melvyn Gilham who stopped half way down Sweethill for a chat. I'd barely made the top before 'shipmate' Terry Why stopped similarly, while at Culverwell Mark Hill did the same as he was driving home. At the Portland Bird Observatory there were some of the usual visitors, but the highlight of my day was being introduced, by Ian Lewis, to his step daughter and his 2 Grand-daughters. Well, to enjoy such stimulating conversation, including tales of their extensive travels, from 2 young girls the oldest only 13 was a joy to behold. Thank You all for that!

It is rare I retrace my tracks on the way home, but today crossing Radipole the resident

Carrion Crow with part 'white wings' was seen after a short absence,

my first Celandine's of the year were in bloom while slightly better shots

of Great Crested Grebes passing vegetation

and displaying were taken, albeit through the reeds.

c3 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies appeared whirling through the air together,

only alighting briefly for a couple of poor shots.

This is a little more what they look like.

At the cemetery a Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling, and on investigating I found another photographer usurping 'my patch'.

Unable to resist the urge to poke my nose in, it still isn't quite clear what they were doing

but one most attractive young lady was photographing her equal in the beauty stakes, ably assisted by a young man. PS - none of my business anyway, but I did invite them to read this Blog entry, so here's hoping.

Hear, Hear the Pipes Are Calling - Scotland the Brave!

The predominant feature of today's weather was the 'cold' as this morning cars were once again covered in frost while I was very soon wishing I'd "ne'er cast a clout" (ref:- ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out, meaning don't remove any clothing until the May blossom is in bloom - arguable). However, it wasn't long after 07:00 that the sun started burning through the light cloud and things got a little warmer, but leaving the lee of Radipole for the sea-front and the easterly wind it was Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

Difficult to say exactly how many Goldcrest there were in the cemetery, but after about half an hour trying to count the different birds singing, the conclusion was at least double figures.

At Radipole the counting became a little easier as there were 4 male and 1 female Bullfinch, c6 Chiffchaff and c10 Greenfinch. Both Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler were also vocal with the latter becoming less reluctant to leave cover.

At the concrete bridge this Great Crested Grebe was just crying out for a photograph

as was this most obliging Dunnock.

This small 'mob' of Coot looked quiet sedate posturing with beaks in the water and tails held high,

until breaking into a fighting fury attempting to attract a mate.

Absolutely nothing of note along the promenade, not even a ship in the bay, but on arrival at Lodmoor I immediately met up with Darragh who quickly pointed out this

distant Sandwich Tern (second from right) my first for the year. He had also seen the

Spoonbill, that has been here a few days now, which was also some way off. Together we continued around the reserve noting an increase in numbers of

Shelduck, some seemingly arriving as we spoke, plus one particularly obliging

Robin. As we continued along the north perimeter we witnessed a fantastic avian sight, although again too far away.

This pair of Great Crested Grebe at first close together, neck stretching and posturing before swimming apart, each collecting a bill full of marine growth then closing again at great speed.

At this point, breast to breast, there was much head shaking, crest erecting and exchanging of gifts,

much of the weed clinging to their plumage, before parting company again. Wonderful stuff, just a pity the pictures weren't a little closer.

The bad news arrived just a little further on as I viewed the handiwork of the week-end vandals who set fire to the main reed-bed. There may be more to be said about this as the week draws on and we get the opinion of others?

So, it was on to Portland where at the Top Fields my first sighting was of

my friend the lovely Horse Lady Annie. Also an ex-Royal Navy rating we have much in common and always lots to talk about. Great to see you again my dear! At the Observatory I had a small duty to perform as requested by e-mail from New Zealand. Denise Rathke , sister of Mike Munro who feature in yesterday's post, complete with Barn Owl box, wrote to say how pleased she was to see the photo and asked if I could give him a big hug for her. I can report Denise that Mike got all 'hugged up' this morning, and also reciprocated - but "I'm not in love, so don't forget it, it's just a silly phase I'm going through" - 10CC.

The good news was that the Hoopoe was still in attendance (here complete with Grub), plus they had caught and 'ringed' a Firecrest (along with Goldcrest our countries smallest resident bird) both of which I went looking for.

The 'Crest' was once again not to be, but as can be seen from these images

the Hoopoe was putting on one hell of a show.

Finally, on the way to catch a bus home, this

Chiffchaff stopped catching flies

long enough for me to capture these shots.

All else of note is the finalisation of my next trip away, with coach, flights, car hire and some accommodation booked and paid for prior to heading to Scotland for a week at the beginning of April. I will endeavour to bring you daily reports as ever.