Portland Bill and Lodmoor Visit

Yet another really dull miserable day to watch nature. 

When are we going to see some sun?

I intended to visit Portland Bill to look specifically for Purple Sandpipers.

 Not seen any this Winter yet at this location, which is unusual.

iPhone Image

There were the usual Gulls (Greater and Lesser Black-backed) and a few Rock Pipits.

A lonely Dunnock

A  Cormorant at low level over the sea.

Having been blown around and getting cold I then moved on to Lodmoor in Weymouth.

A view from the Southern end of Lodmoor.

It is a common and regular sight for various birds to get airborne and then land again not always for an obvious reason.

Starlings

Over two hundred Lapwings were located around the Reserve.

Most of them suddenly got airborne when I was half way along the side path.

There is one Black-tailed Godwit amongst this flock that also decided to join in.

There are three Dunlin amongst this flock of Lapwings.

You can also see two Dublin in this flock.

The Grey Heron is quite non-plus about the activity preferring to hide in the lieu of this bush away from the wind.

This was the cause of the sudden leap to the air by Lapwing etc.

One of two Marsh Harriers.

They flew up the centre of the Reserve and was about 400 metres from my position and flying away from me.

Another gull we see plenty of is the Mediterranean Gull.

Two were observed amongst a flock of the Black-headed variety.

A sight always worth seeing is Canada Geese flying over the reserve from one point to another.

More sensible birds here sheltering from the cold wind.
Male and female Shovelers and  more Lapwing.

Starlings are always around somewhere and constantly fly short distances.

Below are typical views of the bird life on the Reserve.

You may be able to pick out the Common Sandpiper.

Shelduck are resident on the Reserve at this time of year.

 

There are always plenty of Teal Duck around.

A Coot 'grazing' amongst the grass on one of many small islands.