December 10, 2006
Sunday 10th December
WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND
We expected the forecast rain and high winds, but a white frost and clear skies greeted us this morning. The colder weather attracted a larger number of birds to the garden feeders than of late. Fifteen Lapwings flew over, a female Blackcap was in the back hedge, and three male Yellowhammers, the first of the year in the garden, were in the back hedge.
By the time we arrived at Portland it was windy, and the cloud had arrived, but at least it stayed dry until lunch time. A Shag was feeding close to the shore at Portland Castle, where we had close views of at least two of the reported ten Great-northern Divers, although neither was close enough for a decent photograph.
A Purple Sandpiper showed well below the Obelisk at Portland Bill, where numerous Auks, mainly Guillemots, flew past. Calling in at Chesil Cove on the way off the Island, a Black Redstart was on the rocks between the sea wall and the car park. By the time we arrived back at Weymouth the wind speed had increased and the rain had set in, so we came on home.
Shag
Great-northern Diver
Purple Sandpiper
Black Redstart
