September Migrants - September 2014

Northern Wheatear

We went to Middlebere in the evening and it didn't disappoint. Full of migrants, we wandered up to the flooded grass area having to stop along the way several times due to birds just waiting to be photographed.

Whinchat

But, the sun had the better of us with Whinchats perching with the sun in front of me, making it hard to photograph the birds.

Meadow Pipit

However, when the sun is behind you, it's a whole different story. This Meadow Pipit flew into what looks like floating heather.

Northern Wheatear

We went to Portland the other day and didn't manage to see much apart from this Wheatear. I took the majority of a page worth of pictures of this bird so it was a job choosing the best one.

Wow! - 6th September 2014

Bottle-nosed Dolphins

There were actually dolphins at Durlston past the dolphin watching point. First, there was a circle of white water near a fishing boat and seconds later a pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphins rose to the surface.

It was quite unusual to see them as close as they were, so I was very fortunate. But unfortunately, there was one boat that felt the need to drive along side the dolphins scaring the life out of the poor creatures. Then more boats came, a diving boat, a Sunseeker, you name it, and followed them up the coast. Furious!

There were at least two calves in the pod.

The blowhole is visible in this shot.

Kestrels and Hawks - 18th to 21st August 2014

Kestrel

This is the last Portland blog, what will I post about now! Don't worry, I will find something. This Kestrel was being ringed at the Obs. But I have been commended for my stalking skills before though!

Juvenile Kestrel

I did sneak up on this juvenile bird.

Adult male Kestrel

This male Kestrel was perching all around the fields near Portland Bill, this was the best picture that I took.

Red Arrows Hawks

These Hawks of the RAF Red Arrows display team gave an awesome display at Weymouth. This is the new fly-by at the end of the display.