The weather forecast was for fog everywhere, so in an irrational spirit of optimism I headed off to Weymouth, hoping that the fog would lift by the time I got there. No chance of that - as I wandered through Radipole, typical views were like this (black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus)...
Nevertheless, I lugged the camera around in the hope of getting something out of the day. Two bitterns flew over, providing good views, but the highlight was a pair of bearded tits (Panurus biarmicus), visible through the Phragmites feeding on reed mace.
Not much else to show, apart from this robin (Erithacus rubecula; I hadn't realised just how displeased with the world they look!) and the traditional shot of the resident hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus).
After Radipole, next stop was Lodmoor, where the fog was turning to heavy drizzle. It was difficult to pick out much that was more than a hundred yards away. There were good numbers of duck and lapwing, as well as a small flock of dunlin (Calidris alpina). In among the dunlin the long-staying long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) finally showed. I managed a few record shots in the rain, but the views were worth the discomfort.
As the drizzle intensified, and the visibility declined, the sensible thing to do would have been to call it a day, but instead I aimed for Portland Bill, for a view of the sea and perhaps a black redstart. No black redstart, but instead some superb views of a purple sandpiper (Calidris maritima; and a turnstone, Arenaria interpres) feeding on the rocks at the end of the Bill. Accompanied by the chest-vibrating sound of the Portland lighthouse fog-horn, the fog lifted a little and the sandpiper foraged among the crevices.
An excellent end to the day, which while the weather was foul, turned up some really special species - well worth the gamble.
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Some cracking shots Mark, despite the awful weather conditions.
ReplyDeleteLove that Bearded Tit, and the Hooded Merganser.