Mid March, Radipole and Portland

Forecast grey and breezy but dry, so I risked it for a biscuit hoping for dancing Great Crested Grebes, Sand Martins that had been seen coking in over Portland in the previous couple of days, and maybe a Bearded Tit or two (but I was sceptical on that coz of the wind).

Overhead, in the car park, a number of gulls wheeled about, mainly black headed and herring, of varying ages

Across the far side of the first bit of water a Heron was looking for a suitable place to stop

Along the pathway various "woodland" birds were singing and feeding

Robin

Mrs Blackbird

Dunnock, more skulky than normal

Probable Chiffchaff, but warbler ID's not my forte

A different Mrs Blackbird gathered some material from the path, then flew into the trees

Around the Buddlea Loop, and on this bit of lake... "It was THIS big, honest"

A lot of Tufted Ducks were afloat

And the Mute Swans were unperturbed by me on the path.... uncropped portrait

Not sure if I've fluked a Cettis here.... (my 1st thought was Wren, but seems to be no patterning of brown)

Definitely spring-like flowers popping up

I wandered round to where the viewing screen is adjacent to the Sand Martin Wall (I still preferred the old North Hide), and a crow was shouting the odds

There were several Shoveller on the pools

And a few Gadwall keeping behind the reeds

A Little Egret was determined in it's stalking of the waters

There were a very distant pair of Marsh Harriers

A trespassing Whirlybird flew over

Whilst a group of four Dunnocks whizzed and flitted between the trees and bushes

As I crossed the bridge back toward the car park I felt I was being watched!

As it was still fairly early, and I not seen anything I'd hoped to, I headed up to Portland where there were reports of a few Wheatear having arrived, and the Little Owls had been seen day flying recently. I headed to the end of the Bill, where I'd seen Black Redstart last time I was there, but there was nothing to see on land. Out to sea there were Guillemots/Razorbills (too distant to discern by my poor eyes) and Cormorants/Shags, again too distant, so I headed around passing the lighthouse, wondering if I'd see anything.... Finally...a Pipit... Meadow by odds, but Water by Google Lens!!

More corvid action, with a very handsome Jackdaw

I headed across the green towards the Obs Centre, and flashing white movement caught my eye.... the back end of a Wheatear!

Looking very smart in their new plumage

I headed on to where the Owls had been seen

So with one one long term mission (seeing the Owls) accomplished I headed home a happy boy.

Thanks for reading and sticking to the end, and help with ID's is, as always, gratefully received

Stay Safe All