Lyme Regis Birding - or an even quieter Backwater

[Roger Boswell]

Hi,

It is always nice to drive over to Seaton and see the many different birds in the Axe valley. However, without climbing into a car I can walk along the Lim, visit the Cobb or beaches in Lyme and explore the countryside around Uplyme or Ware cliffs and the Undercliff.

I am not an expert, but am beginning to look a little harder at anything that flies past and have been quite surprised how many different species I have found in this area.

This year in particular I have seen Sanderling, Dunlins, Knot, Turnstones and Ringed Plovers on Monmouth beach as well as the Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb. There have also been Razorbils, Guillemots and Great Crested Grebes in the sea with Buzzards, Kestrels, Stonechats and Willow Warblers in the scrub behind Monmouth Beach. On the Lim there have been Dippers and Grey Wagtails, with Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits on the shore. There has even been the occassional Wheatear posing on the Cobb. Ware cliffs supports a good collection of woodland birds, and I am sure there are many more that I miss.

One advantage of birding at Lyme is that you can often get very near to the birds. Purple Sandpipers are often not more than 6ft away and by sitting on Monmouth beach all the waders can be pushed towards you by the incomming tide - all ideal for photography.

Although only 7 miles away from Backwater Birding I think this is far enough to warrant a new local patch, and would appreciate contributions from anyone else who lives in or visits the Lyme area. It might even turn out that some of the Gulls on the Cobb are not just Herring!


Today there were 5 Purple Sandpipers on the Rock Armour of the Cobb - very difficult to see when not feeding. There was also a flock of over a dozen Oystercatchers on the rocks near Church cliff, the most I have seen at Lyme. No Dippers to be seen today, but two bright male Grey Wagtails were on the Lim.

[andrew grinter]

Hi Roger
Had a pair of Dippers on the Lim on Sunday. 6 Purple Sands on the Cobb Wall/Rocks, 9 Oystercatchers and the usual Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails.

Andy

[Roger Boswell]

Hi Andy - good to have another contribution, I hope there will be some more.

Not very exciting today, high winds making it very wet along the Cobb this afternoon. Wasn't even worth the effort - not a single Purple Sandpiper to be seen, just a few Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails. Even the Dippers were out of sight today.

[andrew grinter]

Roger
Only minor news I know but I forgot to mention 4 Blackcaps (3m & 1f) in gardens between the Angel Inn and Town Mill on Sunday. I am sure there are some good birds to be found in your 'neck of the woods'. Possibly an under watched area?

Andy

[bob hastie]

Good to see you starting this thread Roger. I'll be keeping an eye on it, who knows I may even be able to contribute to it occasionally.

[Roger Boswell]

A bright start and off to a Jurassic Coast U3A bird group meeting - the first in Lyme. At least it shows that there are more people interested in birds in Lyme, but probably not willing to go to Cley!

The location visited was a garden on the western side of Lyme with fields beyond. The garden was full of Great Tits, Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits and a Cole Tit. There were also a large number of Goldfinches, some Greenfinches and two pairs of Siskins - and a Nuthatch made a brief flypast.

Walked down the Lim afterwards but nothing to be seen, but the perfume from Winter Heliotrope was quite powerful in places. The mimosa by the Town Mill is also coming into flower. There have been quite a few reports of a Kingfisher being seen near the Lower Mill, so will have to keep looking.

Very blustery on the Cobb with only 1 Purple Sandpiper visible on the rock armour. While watching it, it flew off to rocks on the outside of the Cobb to join two others feeding there - a new place to look a low tide.

Back in our garden a male Blackcap made a brief second appearance.

[MSA]

Hi Roger

I shall be checking your thread regularly; I have fond memories of my first "find", an adult Grey Phalarope at Charmouth in June 1977, at the ripe old age of 13!! Out of curiosity, do you submit records to the Dorset Report? It's certainly an underrecorded area, and as editor I have a vested interest! Please PM me if you'd like to know how to submit.

[Roger Boswell]

I 'chased' a Dipper down the Lim from just below Post Bridge, until it finally gave up and perched on its favourite stone behind the houses. However, further down on the Leatway there were 2 Dippers down on the river; are there now 3 Dippers on the Lim? There was also a Song Thrush in the trees and two Grey wagtails near the waterfall.

Along the seafront were several Pied Wagtails running in front of people on Marine Parade and quite a few Rock Pipits round the harbour.

There were 13 Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb - 12 in the wall and the 13th on the end of the Cobb. The latter posed for me for about 20 minutes, allowing me to get within 6ft of it; it only flew off when some people approached.

There were several Black-backed Gulls in the harbour in the afternoon, looking superbin the bright sun.

Image 1 one of the Dippers (forgot to turn the IS on!)
Images 2 & 3 The poser
Image 4 The feasting BBG

[Wendy Morris]

I'm rather a long way inland from Lyme (near Sherborne), but reading this makes me sure that I shall be paying a few more visits through this year.

[Roger Boswell]

Is this the first victim of the Ice Prince, or is the Napoli still spilling oil?

This Guillemot eventually landed on the beach behind Victoria Pier. The winds were gale force and it seemed to struggle to get ashore. It didn't look too bad from this angle but I couldn't get to see the other side, which it seemed to be trying to clean.

Purple Sandpipers still on the rock armour. Yesterday one was bathing in a pool of water on the rocks below an intermittant power shower provided by the waves breaking over.

[Roger Boswell]

Not good for birds today!

The Lim was a torrent of brown water, with no stones left for the dippers to stand on. Only a flock of Long-tailed Tits in the trees on the way down to Lyme.

There were a surprising number of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails on the main beach, but it was impossible to get near the end of the Cobb to see if the Purple Sandpipers were there!

[paulwfromtheden]

Not good for birds today!

The Lim was a torrent of brown water, with no stones left for the dippers to stand on. Only a flock of Long-tailed Tits in the trees on the way down to Lyme.

There were a surprising number of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails on the main beach, but it was impossible to get near the end of the Cobb to see if the Purple Sandpipers were there!

Hi Roger,
I walked from West Bexington to Charmouth on Saturday along the costal path, highlights were about 10 Buzzards, a pair of Ravens and a smashing view of a Peregrin up on Golden Cap.
One of my favorite parts of the world...
Paul

[Roger Boswell]

Hi Paul,

I have seen the pair of Ravens on the beach but haven't seen a Peregrin for a couple of years. Will have to look up instead of down on my next walk along Charmouth beach - if there is not too much wood piled up there!!!

[Roger Boswell]

Another dismal day with waves again breaking over the end of the Cobb. At first I couldn't see any Purple Sandpipers, but looking down from the path behind the aquarium there were 13 hidden in the crevices of the wall. I am sure they turn a darker colour in dull weather - they blended in very well with the colour of the wall.

The Lim is still flowing very fast, but I saw one Dipper flying down towards Jericho.

First daffodil nearly out along the Lim - just needs some sun for a change. Winter heliotrope still giving off a heady perfume.

[Roger Boswell]

Quite rough weather over the last few days with Purple Sandpiper numbers varying from 13 to 1! Today 5 were seen on the rock armour.

Also plenty of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails, some of the latter being almost jet black and white - even in today's dull weather. No rare gulls to be seen, just a few Great Black-backed and Black-headed among the large number of Herring Gulls.

A couple of Oyster Catchers on the ledges east of Lyme.

The most exciting sighting was a female Black? Redstart on the rocks at the mouth of the Lim, competing with the Wagtails for the flies on the rocks. Can anyone confirm that it is a female Black Redstart?


Images taken with Canon S3 with Olympus 1.7TC 1/25 at f3.5 max telephoto

[Steve Waite]

Yes Roger, a Black Redstart. Nice photo!

[sideshow bob]

Quite rough weather over the last few days with Purple Sandpiper numbers varying from 13 to 1! Today 5 were seen on the rock armour.

Also plenty of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails, some of the latter being almost jet black and white - even in today's dull weather. No rare gulls to be seen, just a few Great Black-backed and Black-headed among the large number of Herring Gulls.

A couple of Oyster Catchers on the ledges east of Lyme.

The most exciting sighting was a female Black? Redstart on the rocks at the mouth of the Lim, competing with the Wagtails for the flies on the rocks. Can anyone confirm that it is a female Black Redstart?


Images taken with Canon S3 with Olympus 1.7TC 1/25 at f3.5 max telephoto

Roger,

That is indeed a female Black Redstart - good find. I would expect a few wintering along that stretch of coast, but they're always a pleasure to find. I love watching them feed, all flicking wings and quivering tails. Good photo's too.

When my Dad had a static van at Burton Bradstock a few years ago, I used to love visiting West Bex/Cogden Beach. In five years of wandering this coast I only ever saw two other birders. I wish my Dad had kept the van, because I absolutely love that part of Dorset, and bird-wise, I think it's brilliant undiscovered country.

In 5 years, I found 2 Wrynecks, a Dartford Warbler, a few Marsh Harriers, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Merlin, and one one memorable September morning at West Bex, experienced wonderful viz-mig - a constant stream of wagtails, pipits, hirundines, finches, all following Chesil Beach down towards Portland (so going east).

[Roger Boswell]

It was quite dull when I set off down the Lim - a Dipper passed me flying downstream, rather higher above the water than usual. Onto the Cobb and 14 Purple Sandpipers were in the wall today. Two gulls were doing 'beak-wrestling' in the harbour; they were not fighting over a tasty morsel but had their bills locked together for quite a while.

Only Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails to be seen as I walked to the west end of Lyme. However, as I returned to Cobb Gate I saw the Black Redstart on the rocks in front of the car park. It gradually moved over the rocks to the mouth of the Lim and then spent a long time feeding from rocks just infront of the sea wall - too near to it - you could not see her from behind the wall. She eventually flew to a rock just below me at the mouth of the Lim - and just as quickly returned to the same place below the wall. Not wanting to miss a possible very close view I climbed onto the wall and looked over - to see her on a rock about 10ft away.

The same rocks also had a Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail searching for food on them.

[Roger Boswell]

A complete contrast to yesterday when, even 3 hours before high tide the waves were being blown over the Cobb and across the harbour - to wet to photograph.

Today it was dead calm! Despite this, only 2 Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb. Plenty of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails.

Walked down to the mouth of the Lym, but no Black Redstart in sight. However, one Pied Wagtail was so busy having a good preen that I watched it for ages and was able to move round it taking photos from all angles. I even had to zoom out to get it in the frame!

Grey wagtails on the Lim, but no Dippers. I then saw a small bird fly into the ivy of a tree beside the Lim; it eventually appeared - a Treecreeper. A first for me in this location.

[James Lowther]

Hi Roger,
was inspired by this thread to launch a short-range twitch to your local patch today in the hope of getting dipper onto my dorset list.
Walked pretty much the entire length of the lim from the devon-dorset border and after getting increasingly frustrated finally struck gold at the very last viewpoint next door to the shoe shop (rainbow?) in the town centre! So, cheers for that!
Got really excellent views of the same bird by moving back to the balcony next to cafe sol.
Also saw 2 grey wagtails on the river, a female blackcap in trees overlooking the town mill, and 6 purple sandpipers at extremely close range on the cob.
Keep up the good patch work!
James

[Roger Boswell]

James,

I have to admit that I have never looked for the Dippers that far down the Lim before - not quite so photogenic as further up! Glad you managed to see one, they have been evading me for a few days now.

According to 'Birds Britannica' it is not unusual to get close to Purple Sandpipers, it states "An old Scottish name 'blind dorbie', and the Shetland alternative 'deafie', derive from the bird's seeming inability to recognise danger".

[Roger Boswell]

Still gale force winds blowing along the coast - but being low tide, access to the end of the Cobb was possible. Just 2 Purple Sandpipers on the rock armour. Still plenty of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails round the Cobb and towards Cobb Gate. No sighting of the Black Redstart - just 11 Oystercatchers on the ledges to the east of Lyme.

Much calmer up the Lim valley. A Dipper was flying upstream from the road bridge towards the Town Mill - will have to keep a watch on this section in future. A flock of Long-tailed Tits further up the Lim and several Thrushes (Song?) and Blackbirds feasting on the ivy berries

[Roger Boswell]

Another U3A birding walk today - down the Lim. It was just an amble instead of my usual walk - and you see many more birds!

Starting at Horn Bridge there were a few Long-tailed Tits and Blue Tits in the trees; a female Bullfinch flew past. Below the waterfall the Dipper was on his stone behind the houses, and then flew into the sunlight, giving everyone a good display. There were two Grey Wagtails at Lepper's Well and a pair of Blackcaps in trees behind the Town Mill courtyard.

Returning through Slopes Farm a deer was seen in the woodland with Siskins and Greenfinches on the Alder trees.

[paulwfromtheden]

Another U3A birding walk today - down the Lim. It was just an amble instead of my usual walk - and you see many more birds!

Starting at Horn Bridge there were a few Long-tailed Tits and Blue Tits in the trees; a female Bullfinch flew past. Below the waterfall the Dipper was on his stone behind the houses, and then flew into the sunlight, giving everyone a good display. There were two Grey Wagtails at Lepper's Well and a pair of Blackcaps in trees behind the Town Mill courtyard.

Returning through Slopes Farm a deer was seen in the woodland with Siskins and Greenfinches on the Alder trees.

Would love to see a Dipper, Roger. Dont get them in my part of the world. I am coming down to Chideok in early March, any tips as to where to see them in that part of the world?

[Mike Cross]

Another U3A birding walk today - down the Lim. It was just an amble instead of my usual walk - and you see many more birds!

Starting at Horn Bridge there were a few Long-tailed Tits and Blue Tits in the trees; a female Bullfinch flew past. Below the waterfall the Dipper was on his stone behind the houses, and then flew into the sunlight, giving everyone a good display. There were two Grey Wagtails at Lepper's Well and a pair of Blackcaps in trees behind the Town Mill courtyard.

Returning through Slopes Farm a deer was seen in the woodland with Siskins and Greenfinches on the Alder trees.



Roger

Many thanks for putting your notes on Birdforum proved. This proved very fruitful as I was treated to a wonderful half an hour in the company of a pair of Dipper at Lyme Regis on Saturday. Without a doubt the best views I've ever had in Dorset and possibly anywhere and I have seen several at home and in Devon.
Parking by the front in the town (not the Cobb)walk up Coombe Street and walk left at a sign that says Mill and riverside walk. The riverside walk is through a narrow passage between the mill and a pink house (not signposted) and the birds were less than 100 yards up stream. Spending most of their time between a footbridge and a road bridge next to the Angel pub. They both emerged from the waterfall at one point. The footpath goes very close to the water and is at low height. The birds are surprisingly very tolerant of the numerous passers by.
I wish I'd read your messages more as I now see reference to Blackcap which would have been nice if I'd have looked and been successful, although a singing Chiffchaff on Saturday was a surprise. I also enjoyed superb views of Grey Wagtail.

Mike

[Roger Boswell]

Mike - great to hear you enjoyed good views of the Dippers.

Have been away for a couple of days but back on patch today. Caught up with the female Bullfinch at Horn Bridge - feasting on dried Blackberry seeds! Superb views of her against a clear blue sky. Very brief view of a Dipper as it flew very fast downstream.

At the river mouth a Rock Pipit was resting on the sea wall, and allowed me to get within 6ft before flying off. Thirteen Curlews have joined the 10 Oystercatchers on the rock ledges to the east of Lyme.

It was a very low tide PM - no sign of any Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb.

I have been told that there was a Great Crested Grebe on the sea at the weekend and that there is a male Black Redstart in the Cobb area.


All images Canon S3IS with Olympus 1.7TC

[Roger Boswell]

Another day with brilliant blue sky - but only the usual birds to be seen!

Possibly 2 pairs of Grey Wagtails on the Lim and the Blackcaps still in the area round the Town Mill. Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits abundant on the seafront and being high tide, 9 Purple Sandpipers had their heads under their wings on the rock armour at the end of the Cobb. Among the chalets on Monmouth beach were Long-tailed, Blue and Great tits and Robins defending their patches.

Returning up the Lim there were 4 Chaffinches at Horn Bridge and a Song Thrush further up. Overhead a Buzzard circled down the valley then returned and disappeared north.


Images taken with EOS 350D + 80-400 Sigma DGOS

[Roger Boswell]

Back on line at last after a HD failure!

Quite a lot going on in Lyme over the last week.

The female Black Redstart has been showing regularly in the area between the Marine Theatre and Church Cliff - still haven't found her a mate! The Grey Wagtails are also regularly seen on the Lim, and even the pair of Dippers are now often seen together (photograph near Horn Bridge). Further up the Lim there are Marsh Tits and Cole Tits.

The Purple Sandpipers are still with us - up to 11 being seen on the rock armour beyond the Cobb; they seem to have moved out of their holes on the Cobb wall.

Plenty of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits on the seafront - and even a Grey Heron fishing off the Ledges east of Lyme.

Images 1-3 EOS 350
Images 4,5 S3IS

[devon.birder]

The female Black Redstart was showing well early afternoon along the wall at the back of East Beach. A couple of Chiffs there as well plus one singing. A few more Chiffs in the park along the front. It was low tide and I couldn't find the Purple Sands on The Cob..
I also couldn't find Horn Bridge marked on the OS Map, directions would be appreciated. Roger

[Roger Boswell]

5 Purple Sandpipers visible this morning on the rock armour beyond the Cobb (always better at high tide) - but 3 were much further away than usual and the others were appearing and disappearing all the time. The north wall of the Cobb was populated with juvenile gulls - just two mature BBGs. Found a female Black Redstart on the shingle half-way along the main beach; is this another?

Pied Wagtails were chasing one another round the Anchor with Rock Pipit spectators. The pair of Chiffchaffs were feeding from the trees beside the graveyard.

The Grey Wagtails were on the Lim and Long-tailed Tits and a Wren in the trees by Lower Mill Flats. A Dipper flew up-river towards Horn Bridge (OS Explorer 116 3379275).

[Roger Boswell]

A quiet day for birds today! Eight Purple Sandpipers on the rock armour - when sitting and asleep they can be very difficult to see, just a head showing from behind a rock. Still plenty of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails along the sea front. The female Blackstart was on the grass at Church cliff, but no sign of the Chiffchaffs - too windy! Nothing of interest returning up the Lim, just a few Bluetits and Long-tailed Tits in the trees below Slopes Farm.

[Roger Boswell]

Forgot to take my bins today - this probably accounts for seeing only 1 Purple Sandpiper on the rock armour this morning. Still plenty of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits around. The one I have photographed near the Lim mouth (#26) appears to have problems with its legs. It can be seen regularly in this area and always rests in this position after landing.
The female Blackstart was in her 'favourite' location - on a bare patch of earth beneath the back (emergency) exit of the marine theatre.

There were several Grey Wagtails spaced out along the Lim between the Town Mill and Horn Bridge. A single Dipper appeared just beyond the Town Mill - could only be seen by hanging over the wall and peering 12ft down ..... There was a pair of Dippers at Horn Bridge - still unsure of whether there are 3 individuals. A Wren was singing close by from a branch almost at water level.

Lucky I don't have any fruit trees - a pair of Bullfinches visited our bird table later in the day.

[Roger Boswell]

Bright and sunny but very cold on the end of the Cobb. I did have my bins with me today but didn't see any Purple Sandpipers; it was low tide so not surprising.

Rock Pipits and Grey Wagtails plentiful along the seafront and the female Blackstart was again under the steps to the emergency exit to the Marine Theatre. It then moved to the grass slope and railings for some photos!

Again several Grey Wagtails around the Lim and the pair of Dippers facing one another on the tree across the Lim below Horn Bridge.

[Roger Boswell]

Went out at the wrong time today - all the birds were out! Well, just 1 Purple Sandpiper feeding below the Cobb Wall and several GBB gulls in and around the harbour. Only a few Pied Wagtails along Marine Parade and the 'crippled' Rock Pipit near the mouth of the Lim. A Grey Heron was again fishing on the ledges and beyond it was a pair of unidintified birds. At first I thought they were Scoters, but when I downloaded the images they look more like Brent Geese. Sorry about the poor image, they were quite a way away. Could someone help with their identity?
Still plenty of Grey Wagtails up the Lim, but no Dippers today.

[James Lowther]

Hi Roger,
they are indeed (dark-bellied) brent geese,
James

[Roger Boswell]

Hi Roger,
they are indeed (dark-bellied) brent geese,
James

Thank you for confirming their identity. I returned PM to see if they were still there, but there was no sign of them.

[Roger Boswell]

I thought it was going to rain so I got out early today.
The pair of Dippers were at Horn bridge and a Grey Wagtail a little further Down. A pair of Grey Wagtails and another? Dipper were near the Town Mill.

Quite a high tide and blustery on the Cobb - 13 Purple Sandpipers were already claiming their holes on the Cobb wall in preparation for Monday!

At least 6 Pied Wagtails near the boat club.

No Black Redstart today, but was in her usual place behind the Marine theatre yesterday.

[Roger Boswell]

Almost the same as yesterday with 13 Purple Sandpipers poking their heads out of their holes on the Cobb wall and Pied Wagtails on and around the Cobb.

Female Blackstart still showing on the grass east of the Marine theatre.

Several Grey Wagtails on the dry leat and a Wren just past the waterfall, but no sighting of the Dippers today.

[Roger Boswell]

I didn't venture onto the Cobb today to look for the Purple Sandpipers - or even venture along the front to Church Cliffs for the Redstart.

Just spectacular waves along the seafront - even with the new beach.

The Lim was also flowing fast but Grey Wagtails and Dippers still to be seen.

[hollis_f]

Many thanks to all for the info on the Dippers, especialy to Mike for his excellent directions. Didi and I were in the area on Friday and got some great views of a pair of Dippers. I guess they must be nesting somewhere in the area as they were seen flying off with beakfulls of vegetation. Unfortunately it was grey and drizzling, so the photos weren't too good. Also got great views of Grey Wagtails.

Another highlight was late afternoon at Charmouth when three House Martins came flying around us in the car park near the beach. Definitely the earliest I've ever seen them.

[Roger Boswell]

Back on patch after a short break. No out of the ordinary birds to be seen over the last two days.

5 Oystercatchers out on the ledges together with 8 Cormorants and 3 GBB gulls. A couple of Goldfinches in the Churchyard. A large number of Pied Wagtails in the Cobb area and a few Rock Pipits.

Returning up the Lim a couple of Grey Wagtails on the Mill Leet and a Dipper flying downstream from Horn bridge.

[Roger Boswell]

Brighter day, and without the strong wind, quite warm

Surprised to see 6 Purple Sandpipers on the rock armour this morning. About the same number of Pied Wagtails in the Cobb area, but only a single Rock Pipit.

Two Chiffchaffs in the trees beside the churchyard and yesterday, 7 Oystercatchers on the ledges at low tide.

Back up the Lim the Dipper was on the river beside the mill leat and a Grey Wagtail further upstream.

[Roger Boswell]

Two Dippers on the Lim between Horn bridge and the waterfall this aftenoon and a few Pied Wagtails in the Church Cliff area.

Ten Purple Sandpipers on the rock armour - pre-journey gathering?

[Roger Boswell]

Entertaining lunch-time watching a pair of Wrens stuffing leaves into a Jasemine trained against the back of our garage. If they continue we will have to find somewhere else to sit in the sun!

[Roger Boswell]

Nice bright day for a change.

A pair of Nuthatches in the trees near Horn bridge and a Song Thrush further down the Lim. Two Dippers were on the river by the Mill leat and a Blackcap in the trees above.

Still 10 Purple Sandpipers on the rock armour this morning and a few Pied Wagtails on the Cobb.

The Wren in our garden appears to have given up his attempts at nest building in such an exposed place.

[Roger Boswell]

A very quick round today revealed a Dipper on the Lim near Higher Mill Flats and 9 Purple Sandpipers on the Rock Armour. Several Pied Wagtails in the Cobb area.

[bob hastie]

Hi Roger
I missed this post yesterday. How long do the purple sands normally stay around till?

[Roger Boswell]

Hi Roger
How long do the purple sands normally stay around till?

Hi Bob
I am not really sure but April seems quite late to me. I was quite surprised to see so many back on the Cobb a few days ago and they have been there almost daily since then.

[Roger Boswell]

With the grandchildren and family digging on the beach I had a quick wander to the Cobb. It was low tide but there were 4 Purple Sandpipers widely spaced over the rock armour and another three feeding on the rocks just below the Cobb Wall (outside). So they are still around - 4th April.

[Roger Boswell]

With the arctic weather over Lyme the Purple Sandpipers have decided not to migrate north this year - 5 heads still visible behind the rocks at the end of the Cobb

[sideshow bob]

Hi Roger
I missed this post yesterday. How long do the purple sands normally stay around till?

It's not unusual for small numbers of Purple Sand to remain on their wintering grounds well into spring, sometimes as late as early-mid May.

I've certainly seen them at Portland in late April, which was a pleasant surprise at the time.

ATB

[Roger Boswell]

Off patch today, joining other members of the Lyme U3A birding group for a walk round Aylesbeare reserve. A perfect day, sunny but quite cold and a good variety of birds to be seen. Male Bullfinch, male Blackcap, Cole tits, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Wheatear, Buzzard, Kestrel and 4 Dartford Warblers. Some rather distant images of the latter attached.

Very little to be seen in Lyme PM. Dipper near Higher Mill Flats and a Wren further down. Dozens of Gulls on the rocks (low tide) with quite a few GBBs.

[Roger Boswell]

Extended my route today taking in Ware Cliffs and the undercliff.

On Ware cliffs a Jay flying overhead, Willow warblers/Chiffchaffs in the willow trees, male Bullfinch and Blackcap in the scrub - a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying into the undercliff.

On entering the undercliff several Wrens - one stuffing moss into its nest. Plenty of male Blackcaps but only one female seen. A pair of Bullfinches and 2 Song Thrushes in another clearing. Then a Firecrest appeared almost in front of me, but then flew off into the scrub. I went to look for it and came across a Goldcrest! It was nice to see both in such a short time, the Firecrest was stunning. There was a pair of Marsh Tits gathering insects from a tree trunk - behaving more like Treecreepers. Back on Ware Cliffs a pair of Buzzards took to the air from a tree. A Speckled Wood was fluttering through the scrub.

Down on the Cobb were several Rock Pipits and 4 Purple Sandpipers on the rosv armour.

[Roger Boswell]

Surprisingly rough on the end of the Cobb today with winds blowing the sea over. I didn't fancy getting soaked on the end - and neither did the Purple Sandpipers, 11 were sheltering in the holes on the Cobb wall.

[Roger Boswell]

Few birds to be seen on a quick walk round Lyme today. Still 7 Purple Sandpipers on the rock armour and a single Dunlin - description rather like that seen at Seaton ie very dark belly.

[Roger Boswell]

Low tide so only found 3 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks below the Cobb wall this morning and several Rock Pipits on the Cobb.

Brief visit to Ware Cliffs - lots of Blackcaps (M & F) and quite a few Willow warblers.

[Roger Boswell]

Back home after a birding trip of a lifetime - to the Galpagos Islands. No need for 600mm lens there!

Quite quiet at Lyme but 4 Purple Sandpipers still on the Cobb (1st May)

The Dipper was showing well on the Lim and there were several Grey Wagtails on the river. Also a noticeable number of House Sparrows along the Valley

[Roger Boswell]

Low tide on the Cobb pm today - and plenty of visitors walking round in the rain!

2 Purple Sandpipers feeding on the 'foundations' of the Cobb (seaward side) together with a Dunlin, with jet black belly patch and a very bright summer plumage Turnstone.

Dipper, Pied and Grey Wagtails on the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

8th May and still 9 Purple Sandpipers on the rock armour on the Cobb - together with 2 Dunlins. The Turnstone was on the shoreline on Monmouth beach - a real Stunner.

Image 1 A Dunlin and 5 of the Purple Sandpipers on the rocks
Image 2 & 3 the Turnstone

[Roger Boswell]

A quick trip to the Cobb revealed 2 Turnstones feeding on the Cobb foundations (seaward side) accompanied by 3 Purple Sandpipers.

Dipper flying up the Lim by Upper Mill Flats and several Grey Wagtails nearby.

[Roger Boswell]

17 May and still 4 PURPLE SANDPIPERS on the rocks below the Cobb this morning.
Out on the end of the rock armour were 5 stunning summer plumage TURNSTONES, accompanied by a single DUNLIN.

6 COMMON TERNS were fishing in the bay.

[Roger Boswell]

A DIPPER was flying up the Lim this morning and there were several young GREY WAGTAILS present in the valley.

There were 7 PURPLE SANDPIPERS spread out on the shore side of the rock armour at the end of the Cobb. There were also 2 ROCK PIPITS on the Cobb.

Monmouth beach had a close formation of 3 TURNSTONES feeding in the surf; really bright colouring but very difficult to see when standing still on the stones.

3 Large red Damselflies have been chasing each other round our garden this afternoon.

[Roger Boswell]

Some days you see them - others you don't; today was one of the latter.

No Turnstones
No Dunlins and
No Purple Sandpipers to be seen anywhere near the Cobb. Were the latter having their last meal yesterday before departing? Will try to find them at high tide tomorrow.

[Roger Boswell]

High tide had the desired effect - a group of waders having a kip on the rock armour, all with their bills tucked well in.

2 of the Bright Turnstones
5 Purple Sandpipers - Still here!

[sideshow bob]

The Purple Sands, or one of them at least, had the good grace to hang around on the Cobb until Thursday 22nd, when I visited whilst on holiday. Excellent. Also 1 Dipper on the Lim, by the Mill, plus 3 Common Tern off the Cobb and 2 Rock Pipit in the harbour.

[Roger Boswell]

No sightings of Purple Sandpipers for the last few days so it looks as if they left Lyme around 22nd May.

All that is left on the Cobb are the usual Cormorants and Gulls - just a single Common Tern fishing at the end of the Cobb,

The overnight rain enticed a Green Woodpecker to try his luck in our neighbour's grass. He even stayed long enough to get some shots through the window.

[sideshow bob]

No sightings of Purple Sandpipers for the last few days so it looks as if they left Lyme around 22nd May.



In which case I cut it rather fine. I don't normally display such good timing on my birding trips!

[Roger Boswell]

A washout on Wednesday - and even the Woodpecker was looking rather bedraggled after 20 minutes getting ants from the sodden earth.

Rather better this morning but little to be seen - a single Common Tern fishing beyond the Cobb and 3 Gannets well out to sea and beyond Pinhay Bay (should be a Devon sighting ...)

[Roger Boswell]

Spoilt by a few days birding in Norfolk - Black Terns, female Red-backed Shrike, Bitterns, Bearded tits, Marsh Harriers, Nightingale, Garden Warbler - it was back to reality at Lyme today.

After a very quiet period there were 8 Dunlins, several Pied Wagtails and a few Rock Pipits on the seaweed on Monmouth beach this afternoon. Returning home up the Lim I was able to watch a Dipper for almost 10 minutes as it searched for food in the water. Unusually it did not appear worried at my presence only about 10ft away. Despite being so near, it was difficult to photograph as it was in the dark under the far bank - the fastest exposure being 1/25 sec; even anti-shake wasn't very effective with the 1.7TC on my S3!

[Dave mac]

Could anyone tell me when the purple sandpipers return? I've never managed to photograph one although I've seen a couple at Portland Bill. So the plan is to try the Cobb at the next opportunity..........Cheers

[Roger Boswell]

Could anyone tell me when the purple sandpipers return? I've never managed to photograph one although I've seen a couple at Portland Bill. So the plan is to try the Cobb at the next opportunity..........Cheers

The first image I took last year was dated 21st Nov. It may not have been the arrival date - just that the sun was out and the bird was photogenic!

[Roger Boswell]

Several Grey Wagtails including juveniles, down the Lim today. The Dipper was on the leat today and flew up and headed for the Town Mill as I approached.

Several Pied Wagtails feeding their young with the flies from the seaweed on Monmouth Beach. A Rock Pipit was also collecting flies but was taking them to a youngster hidden in a boat in the harbour. I was worried that it might be a nest - especially when the owner rowed over in a dinghy and threw his oar aboard; the youngster flew to another boat!

I again spotted 2 Gannets feeding well out-to-sea to the west of the Cobb. This time I got some images to confirm that they were Gannets.

[Roger Boswell]

The Dipper was flying along the Lim by the leat this morning. Very quiet in the Cobb area - just a few Pied Wagtails on Monmouth beach and a Rock Pipit on the Cobb.

At least 3 Gannets were fishing out to sea - a long way to the west of the Cobb. Rather distant but I did catch one bird from the start of its dive -

[Roger Boswell]

An early morning walk to the Cobb only revealed a few Sparrows on the seaweed and plenty of Herring Gulls!

Later I visited Charmouth where there were 3 Ravens on the cliffs and a couple of Buzzards circling over Stonebarrow. Returning over the bridge a Kingfisher was bashing a large fish on its perch. There were about 6 House Martins skimming the water and a Pied Wagtail plus junior on the bank. There was a Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting in the reed patch.

On Stonebarrow the Buzzards were still circling and a lone Swift passed by. A brilliant Yellowhammer and his mate were very visible on the bushes - and allowed me to get very close. There were also, Linnets, a Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Chifchaf and a pair of Stonechats on the walk from the NT shop along the top of the downs.

[Roger Boswell]

It was all juveniles down the Lim today - Songthrush, Grey Wagtails and Dippers.

I first came across this youngster this morning - struggling to get onto a rock; no sign of parents about.

PM he was down by the Millside Cafe looking much more mature. Then I spotted a second - both being fed by mum? It looks as if 2 have been reared on the Lim this year.

[Roger Boswell]

A visit to Lodmoor today. The Terns were busy feeding their young and there was a Spoonbill not far away. There were also Shelducks with young, Canada Geese, a single Common Sandpiper, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher and many Grey Herons - as well a a Lapwing showing brilliant colours in the sun.

[Roger Boswell]

There were 7 Black-headed and two Great Black-backed gulls on Monmouth beach this morning. Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails were feeding on the flies from the seaweed - and a House Martin taking flies in the air along the Cobb Wall.

A large flock of Herring gulls round the mouth of the Lim and a Lesser black-backed gull standing out on a rock.

There was also a very striking juvenile gull - probably just a Herring Gull ????, but would someone please confirm please (picture 2)

Family of Grey Wagtails still being fed by parents up the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

A raft of 14 Black-headed gulls off Monmouth beach this morning, 2 GBB and 1 LBB gulls in the harbour. Again many Rock Pipits and a few Pied Wagtails on the seaweed.

PM a Scarlet Tiger Moth in the trees/picnic area on the south side of the Sidmouth road car park.

[Stevie babe]

Many thanks Roger for this thread.

I frequently motor down to Bridport to see my Dad and on my last visit a couple of weeks ago remembered this thread and decided to check out the dipper(s) early Sunday morning. Walked right up the Lim and not a thing. Due to a lot of dog walkers I went off the trail and walked across a couple of dew damp meadows to see if anything was stirring in the bushes around the fields. So far I had picked up on most of the expected species but no sign of dippers.

Walked on back and rejoined the river trail and got to where the path dipped down as a ramp to the water and crossed the footbridge. THen I saw the dipper flying around the area and then saw 2 fluffy chicks, practising their bobbing. Sod;'s law is that I didn't have my camcorder at the time.

Just as I was thinking was a precarious place to bring up a family (in the heart of people land) I grey wag showed itself.

what a difference a few minutes makes.

I hope the dipper chicks have successfully fledged.

I went back to Bridport, hungry for breakfast but well satisfied with the early morning stroll.

Thanks

Steve

[Roger Boswell]

I haven't seen the Dippers on the Lim for quite a while, but the Grey Wagtails can be seen most days and there are plenty of Swallows overhead. For three days last week this Mallard was standing over her brood of 5 ducklings on the far side of the leat. House Martins, Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits are still taking the flies from the seaweed on Monmouth beach.

Today there was an abundance of gulls on the rocks below the church. Most were Herring Gulls - with an almost equal number of young, but there were over 20 Black-headed Gulls, 8 GBB and 2 LBB gulls. There was also a Mediterranean Gull among the BH gulls - but it took off while I was getting my camera out!

While on the Cobb 2 Mediterranean Gulls flew past. I watched the first fly along the coast making for Axmouth - and got a distant image of the second after it took off from the sea.

1 - The Mallard on the Leat
2 - One of the LBB gulls
3 - Mediterranean Gull ??
4 - Guillemot
5 - VTO Guillemot

Just off the Cobb was a juvenile Guillemot - why was it there?

There was also the body of a Gannet washed up on Monmouth beach.

[Roger Boswell]

After counting over 40 Black-headed gulls along Monmouth beach I was very surprised to see another 60+ along the shore towards the landslip. Otherwise the usual collection of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits catching flies on the seaweed. There was a wader on the rocks to the far east of Lyme, but it was too distant to see what it was - not even sure whether it's bill was straight or curved. Hope it will be nearer tomorrow!


1 another distant image of the Mediterranean gull
2 Rock Pipit with meal for two.

[Roger Boswell]

First time I have seen a Dipper on the Lim for some time - today it was just below Post Bridge, and flew downstream when it saw me.

Again plenty of gulls around. A raft of 40+ juvenile only Herring gulls in front of the museum and plenty of Black-headed gulls on the rock ledges below the Church. Among them was a gorgeous Mediterranean gull - easy to see through bins but very difficult to find in the VF of my S3. Several images were centred on rocks rather than the gull!

The juvenile Guillemot was swimming about 60m offshore at the mouth of the Lim.

On the Cobb I caught a Cormorant fighting a Pipe fish??? It took quite a while to get it all down.

[Roger Boswell]

50+ Black-headed gulls in the sea off Monmouth beach. Birds catching flies in the seaweed included 12+ House Martins, 6 Rock Pipits, several Pied Wagtails and a small flock of Sparrows. A new arrival at Lyme was a lone male Dunlin.

The biggest surprise of all was seeing a Kingfisher flying up the Lim. It flew upstream over the leatway and returned a few minutes later, flying down the river to the Mill. I was unable to locate it at rest!

A Dipper was also on the Lim at Jericho.

[Roger Boswell]

A Ringed Plover joined the Dunlin on Monmouth beach today, with the usual collection of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails. The one in the image has a red ring on its leg - I am sure it was on the Cobb last year.

[Roger Boswell]

A day off today walking from West Bay back to Lyme along the coast path. Plenty of Goldfinches on the thistles, Linnets on the Gorse, a Stonechat, Yellowhammer in the scrub and a Buzzard circling overhead.

While lunching on the beach near St Gabriel's - a juvenile Guillemot swam past. As we walked to Charmouth it was swimming about 40ft offshore - just about keeping up with us (we were stopping frequently). When we left the beach it was still swimming west towards Lyme. Could this be the same bird I saw for two consecutive days off Lyme?

Another curious occurrence. While descending on the coast path to St Gabriel's a badger came out of some scrub and ran straight for us. We thought we were about to be attacked - so raised our walking poles. It got to within 6ft before 'seeing' us - then turning and running back into the scrub! This was at 11:30am.

[Roger Boswell]

Only newcomers at lyme were 19 Canada Geese - on the rocks to the east of the town.

There is a sad end to the juvenile Guillemot - its body was floating near the harbour this afternoon. Was he too young to look after himself? I never saw it flying, could this have been the problem?

[scary-canary]

There is a sad end to the juvenile Guillemot - its body was floating near the harbour this afternoon. Was he too young to look after himself? I never saw it flying, could this have been the problem?

Looks like the guillemot might have got oil on its feathers?

[Roger Boswell]

A few 'new' birds in Lyme today. Two Ringed Plovers, 4 Dunlins and a summer plumage Turnstone were on the shorelines of Monmouth beach and the small beach behind Victoria pier. Lots of juvenile Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits being fed on the flies on the seaweed. Juvenile Black-headed Gulls were sitting in the seaweed picking the flies out of the air as they were blown past.

A juvenile Grey Wagtail on the Lim.

Two of the Dunlins flying along the shore.

[bob hastie]

Good to here the waders are coming back in Roger. Might be time to get back down there with the camera, if it's as good as last autumn I'll be happy.

[Roger Boswell]

Bob - don't be too hasty to visit Lyme. Today, the only birds in the Cobb area were 6 Crows, a couple of Sparrows and a lone Rock Pipit! Even the previously numerous Black-headed Gulls were reduced to just 2. I think the Turnstone has continued west - one has now been seen in the Backwater Birding area!

Probably not worth visiting until after Carnival week - there were lots of people on the pier early this morning for the free boat rides for children; not good for birds!

[Roger Boswell]

Another poor birding day in Lyme. Rather more Rock Pipits on Monmouth beach and the half-dozen Black-headed Gulls still gorging themselves on the flies. Nothing else apart from a GBB gull.

Image 1 - plenty of flies around
2 - going for the kill

[Roger Boswell]

Not easy to report on the local patch when you have visitors. You have to suggest visits to locations that might give a few minutes bird-watching.

Only made Forde Abbey on sunday - and there were no unusual birds on their ponds - and a few chickens wandering around on the lawns. I was able to watch a swallow feeding its young in the porch of the house.

Suggested Topsham today so had a quick glimpse of the river and a few minutes at the Bowling Green hide. Plenty of Canada geese, Black-tailed Godwits, Curlews and 8 Little Egrets plus a Lapwing and Tufted duck in front of the hide, Oystercatchers and Redshanks from the observation platform. Probably more to be seen but time was limited and it had started to rain ....

Better late than never, I saw my first Jersey Tiger moth last night on a Budlier down Cobb road. Not easy to focus on it in the dark!

[Roger Boswell]

Like buses you wait for ages and they arrive all together; another Jersey Tiger, this time in our garden this morning.

I also got down to Monmouth beach where, together with the resident 6 Black Crows and Rock Pipits were 2 summer plumage Turnstones. It was very windy on the beach with quite large waves on the sea - and just offshore was another Guillemot. I hope this one fares better than the last.

[Roger Boswell]

A late visit to the Cobb revealed a summer plumage male and 2 female Turnstones on Monmouth beach - together with several Pied Wagtails.

[Roger Boswell]

Down to the Cobb very early this morning - before the influx of dog-walkers. Two stunning male Turnstones right on the water's edge on Monmouth beach, even getting caught under the waves! Also three Dunlins - 2 of which flew off towards the Cobb. Several Rock Pipits also on the seaweed.

[Stevie babe]

Early Yesterday I drove into Lyme Regis to see what was around.

Didn't see the turnsotne or dunlin, Roger. I just missed one wader flying from the Cobb eastwards. Don't think I've ever seen so many Pied Wagtails but it was obviously been a good year for breeding judging by the immatures flitting about and bobbing their tails.

A pair of grey wags on the scrub above the bay to the east side of Long Entry (Is that Monmouth Beach) and a pair of wags just above the water mill. Looking for the dipper(s) but no luck but near where I saw the grey wags I did look down on a bird that might have been, flew away then surprised me by flying back. but viewing was limited.

That scrub just mentioned by the way was alive with birds and there were a pair of warblers flitting about, probably Chiff Chaffs or Willow Warblers but had a greenish hue at times but that may have just been the sunlight

back by the sea several great black backed gulls and (I think) a med among the herring gulls.

Rock pipits also all over the place and a few cormorants flying East to West out at sea.

Steve

[Roger Boswell]

Very rough on Monmouth beach today with gale force winds and a high tide sending spray over the Cobb. I ventured out onto the beach but didn't see any birds on the shore-line!

There were plenty of Pied Wagtails on the seaweed high up on the beach and quite a few Rock Pipits. There was also a Wagtail near the boat park, but I am unsure what it was - I think it might be a juvenile Grey Wagtail??? (see image 1 & 5). Could someone help with its identity please.

I would also like help with my second image. A striking bird in the calm of the harbour - looking as if it had had a tiring night. I think it is a juvenile Kittiwake???
Three GBB gulls in the sea off Cobb Gate beach and another Kittiwake??? with gulls in the sea to the E of Lyme. Here a Pied Wagtail was catching flies from the sea wall rather than off the seaweed.

[Steve Waite]

That's a juvenile Pied Wagtail and juvenile Kittiwake you have there.

All the best,

Steve

[Ranger James]

Hi Roger,

Great to see this thread up and running, but I hope this doesn't mean there will be less of your stunning photos taken on our side of the boarder!

I think the cormorant in the previous photo was tackling an eel, not a pipe fish. Snake pipe fish are roughly this size, but I would have expected their stony complexion and angular body to show up more prominently in the photo, this one looks smooth and shiny so perhaps an immature conger or even a common eel?

James

[Roger Boswell]

Thanks Steve for correcting me on the juvenile Pied Wagtail. I didn't really expect to see a Grey Wagtail on the beach but it didn't quite look like a Pied.

Also thanks to James for identifying my Cormorant's meal. I did have second thoughts on this and came up with Garfish - as this was the first fish I ever caught off W Bexington!

Still a strong breeze along the coast this morning and a only a Pied Wagtail and Black-headed Gulls on Monmouth beach. There were about 50 of the latter taking breakfast on the seaweed. I don't think I have ever seen so many flies being blown along the beach. The gulls were loving it - just standing and opening their mouths.

[Roger Boswell]

Another quick visit to the Cobb today. The 51 (counted!) juvenile Black-headed gulls are still standing in the seaweed with their beaks open .....

Also a large number of Rock Pipits - especially on the small beach behind Victoria Pier.

On Monmouth beach the smaller birds were joined by a single Wheatear, which later flew to a much more photogenic spot in the boat park.

[Roger Boswell]

Monmouth Beach was alive with birds this morning - dozens of Pied Wagtails, Rock Pipits and Wheatears. There were at least 8 of the latter in a single group with others scattered along the beach and more flying over the Cobb. Most were taking advantage of the beach-feast! Several Jerser Tigers on Ware Cliffs.

[Roger Boswell]

A little late down to Monmouth beach this morning - lots of unleashed dogs running round and quite a few people.

Not a Wheatear in sight today - just the usual Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails. They were briefly joined by 2 Ringed Plovers - until they got fed up and flew off towards Pinhay Bay.

Two Oystercatchers flying W in front of Church Cliffs and a lone Wheatear on the rocks nearby.

[Roger Boswell]

Saw a Dipper flying down the Lim today - 1st for ages.

Very quiet in Monmouth beach - just a few Black-headed gulls and the usual Rock Pipits. A couple of Great Black-backed gulls on the sand.


Can anyone identify this moth In our garden yesterday? I have looked through my books and although some come close I have not been able to get a definite identification.

[Roger Boswell]

I thought it was Gulls that gave identity problems - but I am having trouble with Terns!

There were several flying along Cobb Gate beach this morning, which was relatively sheltered compared with the gale-force winds on Monmouth beach. One eventually landed on the shore - out of sight below the pebble bank. When I had a view over there were a large number of Herring Gulls and a Tern, which I believe is a Winter plumage Sandwich Tern (Picture 1).

I got too close and it flew off, but when I next looked it seemed to be flying back along the beach - and landed just in front of me. I took several more images, but when I looked at them it was a different Tern! I am sure it is a juvenile, but is it an Arctic or Common Tern??? (Pictures 2 & 3).

Even in the strong winds there were plenty of Rock Pipits on the seaweed, but Pied Wagtails seemed to prefer more sheltered locations near the Lim estuary. Gulls were enjoying gliding in the up-drafts. (picture 4)

Returning to the town this caterpillar was charging up the path - it looked too hairy to help onto the grass! - is it a Garden Tiger?

[Steve Waite]

You are right Roger, Sandwich Tern in the first pic and a juv Common Tern in snaps 2 and 3.

Steve

[Roger Boswell]

Very rough seas along Monmouth beach this morning. A few juvenile Black-headed gulls in the water and two Wheatears amongst a flock of about 50 Pied Wagtails in the seaweed. Another Wheatear on the wall beneath Church Cliffs. Rock Pipits on the sheltered beach behing Victoria pier.

[Roger Boswell]

Off patch today - stretching our legs round the Otterton, Ladram, Budleigh Salterton path. All bright and sunny until we reached the exposed slope down to the Otter when we walked into heavy horizontal rain! However it soon cleared, and, with the strong wind and bright sun we were almost dry by Otterton.

All the gulls were sheltering in the fields with no birds to be seen in the hedge rows. A brief sighting of a Kingfisher on the Otter then a Goosander on the river near Otterton.

[Roger Boswell]

Can someone help with Pied Wagtails?

There were a large number on Monmouth beach yesterday with many taking refuge from the strong winds in the lee of the Cobb wall. I have heard about White Wagtails, but am not sure whether some of those at Lyme are White or not.

Picture1 Standard Pied Wagtail
Picture 2 Juvenile Pied Wagtail?
Picture 3 White Wagtail?


There were either quite a few of the last - or it was the same one being blown back over the Cobb!

[Roger Boswell]

Southerly gale blowing into Lyme this afternoon with quite a few gulls, mainly Black headed plus a GBB on the sandy beach. Some Rock Pipits on the shore behind Victoria Pier.

At the east end of Lyme it was quite calm on the ledges near the recent landslip with another flock of BH gulls and 3 Terns. Two were definitely Sandwich, but the third was rather different - it seemed to have a shorter bill (or was it just the angle) but had very distinctive pale brown markings on its flank. Was it just younger?

There was also a Grey Wagtail on the beach

Picture 1 Sandwich Tern
Picture 2 ???? Tern


Yesterday I came across a lone Gull which looked slightly different from usual. It soon flew off so I was unable to get a very good image of it. Is it a standard BHG ???? Picture 3

[James Lowther]

hi Roger,
don't mean to disappoint but i think your pix are of juv pied wagtail and juv sandwich tern
James
p.s. if you ever spot a goosander on the right side (;))of the border make sure you let us know - it's a minor rarity in dorset

[Steve Waite]

Your four birdie photos show an adult Sandwich Tern, juv Sandwich Tern, Black-headed Gull and Grey Wagtail. All the Wagtails in previous post are Pieds. Whites are striking!

Cheers,

Steve

[Roger Boswell]

Thanks James & Steve for putting me right once again. Terns are almost as bad as gulls - and as for those wagtails ...


A Wheatear on Monmouth beach this morning - and still plenty of those Pied Wagtails - old and young! Two adult Sandwich Terns on the shore of the sandy beach together with a GBB gull.

Dipper on the Lim on my way back - first sighting for ages.

[Steve Waite]

All the backwater birders descended upon Lyme Regis early this afternoon to look at a Grey Phalarope, and amazingly a very showy juvenile Sabine's Gull too! The latter found by our very own 'Bun'. For photos see the backwater birding thread here (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=50172&page=176).

Also on Monmouth Beach between 12:00 and 13:30: 1 juv Med Gull, 2 Common Tern, 2 Knot, 2 Turnstone, 4+ Ringed Plover, several Wheatears with a Yellow Wagtail over west. Very impressed with the place!

[Roger Boswell]

A Dipper was on the Lim this morning - second day running - along with a very bright Grey Wagtail.

Nothing to be seen on Church Cliff so it was down to Monmouth Beach. The usual large number of Pied Wagtails and young and plenty of Rock Pipits. One Wheatear also on the beach. Too many off-lead dogs so I walked onto the Cobb. There was a Turnstone on the rocks together with 2 other small waders. All three then flew onto the beach behind Victoria Pier. Although the Turnstone flew off I was able to approach very closely to the Knots (thanks Steve). They continued feeding just 6ft in front of me - and were pushed by the waves almost too near to focus on!

Got home to find out about the Grey Phalarope, but it was lunch with friends so I could not revisit!

[Roger Boswell]

The sun was coming out when I got home so it was a quick trip down to Monmouth beach to see if any of today's sightings were still there.

There was a lone Gull on Monmouth beach - looks like the Sabine's. As usual I tried to get too near and it flew off - alighting on the sea just beside the Cobb. Walking onto the Cobb I could see that the Grey Phalarope was close by. Both eventually swam quite close by the Cobb wall.

Late,low sun not ideal for these images, but the sea was just perfect!

[Roger Boswell]

Yes the Sabine's gull was still on Monmouth beach this morning, but no Grey Phalarope. Initially on the beach it flew out to sea by the Cobb and later returned to sit in a patch of seaweed to have a snooze ... Plenty of Wheatears spread along Lyme seafront. West of Lyme a Rock Pipit chased a Wheatear from the rocks until well into the scrub before giving up.

Back up the Lim where a Kingfisher flew downriver along the Leatway towards the Mill. Tried to relocate it at the Mill but no success.

[Stevie babe]

And I made the decision to go to Portland instead of Lyme Regis on this day, for one of my regular weekend visits to Bridport. Wrong decision it seems, it was pretty windy on Portland I bet it was calmer in Lyme. With a Sabines and a grey phalarope (it would have been a lifer) I think the wind might have been forgotten.

Steve


All the backwater birders descended upon Lyme Regis early this afternoon to look at a Grey Phalarope, and amazingly a very showy juvenile Sabine's Gull too! The latter found by our very own 'Bun'. For photos see the backwater birding thread here (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=50172&page=176).

Also on Monmouth Beach between 12:00 and 13:30: 1 juv Med Gull, 2 Common Tern, 2 Knot, 2 Turnstone, 4+ Ringed Plover, several Wheatears with a Yellow Wagtail over west. Very impressed with the place!

[gyrfalcon]

Saw a Dipper flying down the Lim today - 1st for ages.

Very quiet in Monmouth beach - just a few Black-headed gulls and the usual Rock Pipits. A couple of Great Black-backed gulls on the sand.


Can anyone identify this moth In our garden yesterday? I have looked through my books and although some come close I have not been able to get a definite identification.

Hello..Have a look at Green Carpet. Pretty sure that is the one.

Peter

[Brian Stone]

I think your recent moth larva is Ruby Tiger. There is a good match on www.ukleps.org

[Roger Boswell]

Thanks for the Green Carpet and Ruby Tiger identities. I had found a Garden Carpet - almost but not quite.

Very windy on Monmouth beach today - and back to normal. Just Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails on the seaweed.

A large number of birds were sheltering on the sand on the main beach - a mixture of BH and Herring gulls and a large contingent (22) of Sandwich Terns.

No stones on the Lim visible for the Dipper to dip on - and rather muddy for the Kingfisher.

[Roger Boswell]

Late afternoon visit to Monmouth beach - very windy and dull. Few birds to be seen, just a couple of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits.

Spray blowing over the end of the Cobb so only ventured as far as the beach behing Victoria Pier. Herring Gulls and 2 GBB Gulls devouring the remains of fish washed up on the water's edge and a lone Turnstone in their midst. The gulls were quite timid and flew off as I got down onto the beach but the Turnstone remained feeding in the seaweed. He was wearing a nice green headband!

Despite it being dull there were a lot of people on the main beach - and only a few scavenging gulls among them.

[Roger Boswell]

Still blustery on Monmouth Beach this morning - and just the Pied Wagtails, Rock Pipits and some BH gulls on the sea.

3 GBB gulls in the Cobb area and 2 Oystercatchers flying west; there were two others on the ledges east of Lyme.

A Grey Wagtail under the bridge at The Angel and a Dipper further up in the darkest place possible. I am surprised I got a recognisable image 1/25 sec hand held at the equivalent of 640mm - and that was at ISO800. Lucky he didn't dip at the wrong moment!

[Roger Boswell]

Off patch today - went for a walk along the coast path from Burton Bradstock to W Bexington. First bird we saw was a WRYNECK! So surprised I didn't have my camera ready, and it flew off into bushes.

Second surprise was the number of Robins in the scrub. There were also plenty of Wheatears and Stonechats, and flocks of mixed tits. A Kestrel also overhead and Buzzard in the distance.

Returning along the same path I was determined to relocate the Wryneck - and yes, it flew across the path towards the cliff edge. I followed is as it went from bush to bush and eventually to grass between some caravans. Although behind a chain link fence I got some good images.

Location - along cliff path from the Hive Cafe (NT) to the caravan park. Found in the 50 yard section near the caravan park.

Outdoor Leisure 15 495887

[sideshow bob]

Off patch today - went for a walk along the coast path from Burton Bradstock to W Bexington. First bird we saw was a WRYNECK! So surprised I didn't have my camera ready, and it flew off into bushes.

Second surprise was the number of Robins in the scrub. There were also plenty of Wheatears and Stonechats, and flocks of mixed tits. A Kestrel also overhead and Buzzard in the distance.

Returning along the same path I was determined to relocate the Wryneck - and yes, it flew across the path towards the cliff edge. I followed is as it went from bush to bush and eventually to grass between some caravans. Although behind a chain link fence I got some good images.

Location - along cliff path from the Hive Cafe (NT) to the caravan park. Found in the 50 yard section near the caravan park.

Outdoor Leisure 15 495887


Great photo's Roger, and a good find too on an underwatched part of the coast. A few years ago I found a Wryneck in two successive years at West Bex, and I often had significant numbers of warblers, chats, etc at Cogden beach. I wonder what else slips through the net down there.

[Roger Boswell]

Quite quiet at Lyme over the last few days - just a Heron fishing off the ledges to the east.

Today there were 3 Ringed Plovers at the far end of the Cobb and 8 Sandwich Terns on the ledges near the recent landslip.

Hopefully the Ringed Plovers will stay a while and move to the beaches.

[Roger Boswell]

A rather late afternoon visit to Monmouth beach - only Rock Pipits to be seen!

The number of Ringed Plovers on the Cobb has risen to 6. As it was low tide a crept along the sand beside the rock armour - but they were very alert, flying off while I was still some distance away.

A Grey Heron and two Oystercatchers were on the ledges to the east of Lyme.

[Roger Boswell]

Dipper flying down the Lim this morning and a Grey Wagtail under the bridge.

6 Ringed Plovers still at Lyme - this morning on Monmouth beach, but too dismal for any good images.

[Roger Boswell]

The 6 Ringed Plovers are still on Monmouth beach - with the lone Common Tern fishing just offshore.

Quite a few GBB gulls around the Cobb area and north wall.

More unusual a Little Egret flying along the coast towards Charmouth.

Image 2 - Expecting an attack from above?

[Steve Waite]

Hi Roger,

That's a Common Tern there, note the red legs.

All the best,

Steve

[Roger Boswell]

Thanks Steve - was looking at beak and head, not legs.

I was more observent on 1st Sept!

[scary-canary]

I was more observent on 1st Sept!

... but your spelling was worse!

[Roger Boswell]

Too many people at Lyme today, so it was a walk up to Ware cliffs and then back home via Cannington Viaduct and Uplyme.

Plenty of butterflies about, at least 8 Red Admirals and a Painted Lady on a Budlier close to the cliff path, and plenty of Whites and several Speckled Woods in the trees.

House Martins and Swallows were plentiful overhead and, as we approached the Viaduct 6 Buzzards were ascending on a thermal.

Back on the Cobb the count of Ringed Plovers had dropped to 2 on Friday and none were visible today.


- and what a coincidence, there was a Nuthatch on the bird-table in our garden on Thursday - the first I have seen since last year.

[Roger Boswell]

A mixed collection of tits and several Willow Warblers/Chiffchaffs in trees behind the cinema this morning. Plenty of Rock Pipits on Monmouth and 4 Ringed Plovers on the rocks at the end of the Cobb. A very large number of gulls around with many GBB gulls among them.

A rather unusual sight was a family of Swans paddling towards the harbour. They spent some time near the North wall before paddling to the mouth of the Lim. After a while they departed east - towards Charmouth. One swan had a blue band with ZF on it.

[Roger Boswell]

The Swan family was again visiting Lyme! When I arrived they were on the sandy beach preening themselves. Later they took to the water and swam towards the harbour.

Both swans are ringed Blue ZF and Yellow VJY - where can I get information on them? One of the cygnets seemed very lame walking across the sand but appeared to keep up well when in the sea.

Three Ringed Plovers distributed over the rock armour at the end of the Cobb, and a Rock Pipit posing for a portrait on the beach.

[Steve Waite]

A gorgeous juvenile Arctic Tern off Monmouth Beach late this afternoon, it kept landing on the Cobb wall where is showed down to ten feet! Also two Arctic Skuas offshore but much more distant.

[Roger Boswell]

A large number of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails on and around the Cobb - too much wind for them this morning on Monmouth beach. Juvenile Herring Gulls were enjoying the up-drafts along the edge of the Cobb. Grey Wagtail under the bridge at the mouth of the Lim. Several GBB Gulls on the end of the rock armour.

Two Dippers on adjacent rocks up the Lim - in the darkest section under the trees.

[Roger Boswell]

Last week we were on the Sw coast path at the Warren (Revelstoke Drive) near Noss Mayo where we saw a pair of Cirl Buntings: no images, wrong combination of camera/lenses!
Still very quiet at Lyme. Yesterday 9 Oystercatchers on the rocks E of Lyme (none with yellow breasts!) and today a Grey Heron fishing further out opposite the Church. Otherwise plenty of Rock Pipits on Monmouth beach.

[Roger Boswell]

Two Dippers on the Lim this morning. One flew downstream as I approached while the other performed several dips before disappearing in the same direction.

Six Oystercatchers spread well out over the rocks to the east of Lyme. Otherwise just the Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails trying to cling on in the gale force winds along Monmouth beach.

After attracting very few birds during the summer our feeders are now visited regularly. Birds appear in groups, stay for a while and then move on. Today there were Great Tits, Blue Tits and a couple of Cole Tits, with a Robin defending his supply of seed on the table and a Dunnock tidying up underneath. A surprise was to see a Grey Wagtail on our pond. It spent over 10 minutes searching for food along the margins.

[scary-canary]

Can you tell me where to look for the dippers please? I'm thinking of driving over tomorrow (Sunday) to have a look.

[Gavin Haig]

Hi Scary - have sent you a PM

[scary-canary]

Hi Scary - have sent you a PM
Thanks for the PM. I braced the rain and walked up and down the river from 9am to about 11.30am. No sign of dipper from the beach all the way up to the middle mill area. Did see a kingfisher and probably the same grey wagtail more than once. Did I look in the wrong place or was i just unlucky? Gave up when the RNLI released 100s of yellow ducks for a race.
I did have a fantastic breakfast in Cafe Sol in the town. Highlight of the day. Thanks for the gen anyway - let me know if I should try somewhere else.
Chris

[Gavin Haig]

Thanks for the PM. I braced the rain and walked up and down the river from 9am to about 11.30am. No sign of dipper from the beach all the way up to the middle mill area. Did see a kingfisher and probably the same grey wagtail more than once. Did I look in the wrong place or was i just unlucky? Gave up when the RNLI released 100s of yellow ducks for a race.
I did have a fantastic breakfast in Cafe Sol in the town. Highlight of the day. Thanks for the gen anyway - let me know if I should try somewhere else.
Chris

Oh dear - sorry to hear that. It sounds like you made all the right moves. Don't think I've ever failed when I've looked for Dipper on the Lym....

The breakfast recommendation might come in useful though - cheers! |=)|

[Roger Boswell]

Thanks for the PM. I braced the rain and walked up and down the river from 9am to about 11.30am. No sign of dipper from the beach all the way up to the middle mill area. Did see a kingfisher and probably the same grey wagtail more than once. Did I look in the wrong place or was i just unlucky? Gave up when the RNLI released 100s of yellow ducks for a race.
I did have a fantastic breakfast in Cafe Sol in the town. Highlight of the day. Thanks for the gen anyway - let me know if I should try somewhere else.
Chris

Hi, Sorry to miss your posting for help on finding Dippers on the Lim. If the weather had been a little better I might have seen you down the Lim - but I am a fair-weather birder!

You were lucky to see a Kingfisher - I have only seen one twice in my 5 yeats at Lyme, both sightings in the last 6 months. Yesterday the Dippers were in the top half of Windsor Terrace - 100m below the Bridge taking Roman Road over the Lim. They have plenty of non-visible places to hide, so you were not unlucky - you can go for quite a few days without seeing them. It should get better as the trees shed their leaves!

PS I thought it was yellow Oystercatchers you had to look out for - not ducks!

[Roger Boswell]

A bright morning - but no Dippers to be seen on the Lim today. A flock of Long-tailed Tits in the Churchyard and the Grey Heron and 5 Oystercatchers on the rocks to the East. A Grey Wagtail at the mouth of the Lim.


Biggest surprise was to see a Wheatear on the rocks near the mouth of the Lim.

Large numbers of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails in the Cobb area and a mixture of GBB gulls and Cormorants at the end of the rock armour.

Much colder PM - will the Purple Sandpipers be arriving soon?

[Steve Waite]

That's a late Wheatear!

As for Purple Sandpipers, they should already be with you as the other usual sites for them in this neck of the wood have them back.

[Roger Boswell]

Another lovely start to the day. No Wheatear to be seen - I hope she is on her way to a warmer place! Just 3 Oystercatchers visible on the rocks today and the Grey Heron still fishing on the water's edge. Just Rock Pipits and a few Pied Wagtails on Monmouth beach.

On my way back up the Lim a Dipper on the ford below Jericho. Stayed long enough for me to get an image, but was in the darkest place under the trees.

[Roger Boswell]

Another PC failure has kept me off-air for over a week - but not really much happening at Lyme.


1st Purple Sandpiper back on the Cobb on Saturday 1st Nov. This increased to 5 on the following Tuesday; only 2 on the rocks yesterday.

Plenty of Rock Pipits all along the seafront and onto Monmouth beach.

Dipper seen several times flying along the Lim and reports of 2 Kingfishers being seen.

I had an extraordinary close encounter with a Kestrel on Church Cliffs. First spotting something flying into the grass she then flew up onto a fence post very close by. I retreated to get out my camera and returned to find her still there, allowing me to take several images. She then flew back into the grass - onto prey? - and stayed there. I walked down the path until just opposite her and took more images, approaching closer all the time. She was eventually within 10ff, completely filling my viewfinder (S3 with 1.7TX).

[Roger Boswell]

Purple Sandpipers now up to 10.

7 Oystercatchers and a Curlew on the rocks to the east.

Plenty of Rock Pipits on Monmouth beach.

[Roger Boswell]

Only 2 Purple Sandpipers to be seen today - below the Cobb wall.

9 Oystercatchers on the shore to the east of Lyme, Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails in abundance.

[Roger Boswell]

Purple Sandpipers up to 11 today - 6 feeding below the Cobb wall and another 5 spread out along the seaward side if the rock armour. A single Oystercatcher flying east past the Cobb.

A large number of Gulls on the North wall - many GBB. A single Black-headed Gull to the E of Lyme

[Roger Boswell]

Saw a Kingfisher flying up the Lim this afternoon - between Jericho and Upper Mill flats. One day I will find it fishing .........

Also a Grey Wagtail near the flats.

8 Purple Sandpipers today - four below the Cobb wall and the others on the rock armour. An Oystercatcher also feeding off the rock armour!


Image 1 - 6 of yesterdays Purple Sandpipers on a ledge below the Cobb wall
Image 2 - Oystercatcher on the rock armour

[Roger Boswell]

12 Purple Sandpipers enjoying the sun on the Cobb - 11 in this image.

Very friendly Rock Pipit on Marine Parade - walking round my feet as I sat on a seat!

Great Crested Grebe fishing to the east of Lyme.

[B Bray]

We came down to Lyme from East Dorset today. On a low tide, four Purple Sandpipers showed well from The Cobb, but walking up the Lim as far as Horn Bridge we failed to find the Dippers. We did see a Mink halfway between Woodmead Road Bridge and Horn Bridge. I'd be interested to know if they're resident on the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

We came down to Lyme from East Dorset today. On a low tide, four Purple Sandpipers showed well from The Cobb, but walking up the Lim as far as Horn Bridge we failed to find the Dippers. We did see a Mink halfway between Woodmead Road Bridge and Horn Bridge. I'd be interested to know if they're resident on the Lim.


At least you did see some Purple Sandpipers. Much more difficult to find them at low tide as they have a greater range of rocks to feed on. Always best at high tide and rough sea when they hide in the crevices in the wall below the aquarium - although I haven't seen any there so far this winter. You can never rely on seeing a Dipper - I have not seen any for quite a while: has the presence of a Kingfisher on their patch made any difference?

Although only a very fleeting sighting, I have seen a dark, small otter-like creature at about the same place - just opposite the bungalows in the more open section. It appeared from overhanging vegetation and after a very brief swim, disappeared into tree roots. I have been told that it was likely to be a mink from droppings and footprints.

[Roger Boswell]

Not as cold - or bright as yesterday, but unbelievably warm in the sun on Marine Parade.

A Dipper on the Lim this morning, above Higher Mill Flats, and a Grey Wagtail further down. Four Oystercatchers on the shore just off the slipway to the east of Lyme.

Plenty of very black and white Pied Wagtails along the Cobb and several Rock Pipits. Nine Purple Sandpipers on the ledges along the seaward side of the Cobb wall and another 3 on the rock armour, very close to the end of the Cobb.

Last week I saw 3 Purple Sandpipers feeding on Broad Ledge - the rocks in front of Church Cliffs. It is the first time I have seen them in this location - but maybee because it is quite distant and they can easily hide behind the rocks.

[Roger Boswell]

Dozens of Rock Pipits on Monmouth beach and along the top of the Cobb - and quite a few Pied Wagtails.

Eight Purple Sandpipers spread out along the rock armour - 3 just below the end of the Cobb. Not particularly exciting, but 2 Dunlins feeding on the beach behind the aquarium.

A Chiffchaff and a pair of Stonechats in the scrub on Church Cliffs.

A lone Grey Wagtail on the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

A very dismal morning and high tide - only 3 Purple Sandpipers being washed off the rocks on the harbour side of the outer Cobb wall. Still loads of Rock Pipits and plenty of Pied Wagtails on Monmouth beach and the Cobb.

Rather more unusual was to see 11 Oystercatchers on the North wall - the most I have seen at Lyme. I was able to walk round to the beach and onto the North wall to get some closer images. They eventually flew off over the rock armour, turning right towards Monmouth beach.

Grey Wagtail on the Lim and a Song Thrush in the trees further up.

[Roger Boswell]

It is not the time of year to walk down the Lim hoping to see anything; the low sun is directly ahead of you. It improves near the Mill, but today only a Grey and Pied Wagtail were seen. There have been several recent sightings of Dippers, and the Kingfisher has been seen near Higher Mill Flats, at the mouth of the Lim (Buddle) as well as fishing in the sea near the Cobb.

A pair of Stonechats are resident in the area of Church Cliffs, today both were busy feeding on the grass slope.

Two Purple Sandpipers were feeding on the top of the Cobb - and were still not quite out of reach of the waves that were breaking onto them. Nine others had their heads tucked under their wings on the small ledge on the outer edge of the Cobb.

A good variety of garden visitors today, male Bullfinch, plenty of Coal Tits, Blue Tits and Great Tits, Dunnocks and a female Blackcap.

[Roger Boswell]

No problems with the sun today!

Rather a late walk down to Lyme. No Stonechats to be seen, but out on the breakwater below Church cliffs a couple of Ringed Plovers together with a Purple Sandpiper. Plenty of Rock Pipits all along the main beach, as well as lots of Pied Wagtails. 5 more Purple Sandpipers on the SW wall of the Cobb and another Ringed Plover in the harbour

[Roger Boswell]

A bright morning and low tide revealed 8 Oystercatchers on the rocks just E of Church Cliffs. A little further out a group of 9 Purple Sandpipers were feeding on an 'island' and 6 Curlews were on another.

2 Grey Wagtails on the Lim and plenty of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits along the seafront.

[Roger Boswell]

Missed reporting yesterday so two days combined!

Saturday. Bright and sunny start. Dipper on the Lim - first sighting for ages, and a Goldcrest foraging in the moss on the banks.

Curlew count now up to 16 on the rocks east of Lyme, plus 8 Oystercatchers and 9+ Purple Sandpipers. The latter took off en masse, did a large circuit of the rocks and landed exactly where they took off from! A couple of GBB gulls also on the rocks.


Today, Sunday. Dismal, much warmer but very strong SW winds blowing onto the Cobb. Just 1 Purple Sandpiper head visible on the shore side of the rock armour - and a couple of GBB gulls on the end.

Curlew count down to 1, but 15 Oystercatchers spread out over the rocks below Church Cliffs. Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits but no Stonechat today.

A Songthrush is now a regular visitor to our bird-table.

[Roger Boswell]

A high tide and quite rough seas - 13 Purple Sandpipers in the holes in the wall at the back of the aquarium - the first time I have seen them in this location this winter.

Plenty of Pied Wagtails along the seafront - and up the main street! Rather fewer Rock Pipits.

A Dipper had found a Caddis fly case in the Lim. It kept hitting it against a rock, then diving under water, repeating these actions for about a minute until it extracted the tasty morsel and swallowed it. A Grey Wagtail was further up the Lim.

I didn't expect to see any 'special' birds on our week at Pertisau, but was delighted to come across this Crested Tit in the forest. I am also pleased that locals take the trouble to hang out nets of nuts for them.

[paulwfromtheden]

A high tide and quite rough seas - 13 Purple Sandpipers in the holes in the wall at the back of the aquarium - the first time I have seen them in this location this winter.

Plenty of Pied Wagtails along the seafront - and up the main street! Rather fewer Rock Pipits.

A Dipper had found a Caddis fly case in the Lim. It kept hitting it against a rock, then diving under water, repeating these actions for about a minute until it extracted the tasty morsel and swallowed it. A Grey Wagtail was further up the Lim.

I didn't expect to see any 'special' birds on our week at Pertisau, but was delighted to come across this Crested Tit in the forest. I am also pleased that locals take the trouble to hang out nets of nuts for them.

Roger,
I was at West Bay last weekend and was amazed to see a Black Redstart, first one I have seen in this country.
If you need it for your list it was flitting about at the bottom of the cliffs showing beautifully.
Paul

[Roger Boswell]

[QUOTE=paulwfromtheden;1393901] I was at West Bay last weekend and was amazed to see a Black Redstart.

Was it male/female?

There was a female in Lyme last year but have not seen any here since then.

[paulwfromtheden]

[QUOTE=paulwfromtheden;1393901] I was at West Bay last weekend and was amazed to see a Black Redstart.

Was it male/female?

There was a female in Lyme last year but have not seen any here since then.

It was a male.

[Roger Boswell]

A brighter day today, but only 3 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks at the Cobb. Rock Pipits and a few Pied Wagtails along the seafront. Grey Wagtail on the Lim.

Walked up Carswell Bottom in the afternoon - there were large flocks of Redwings in the fields and plenty of Goldfinches on the thistles. A very pale Buzzard on a tree.

[Perry Grin]

A high tide and quite rough seas - 13 Purple Sandpipers in the holes in the wall at the back of the aquarium - the first time I have seen them in this location this winter.

A Dipper had found a Caddis fly case in the Lim. It kept hitting it against a rock, then diving under water, repeating these actions for about a minute until it extracted the tasty morsel and swallowed it. A Grey Wagtail was further up the Lim.


Hi Roger,

I'm visiting in-laws in Melplash in a couple of weeks time and have been given a half day pass (woohoo!). Lyme and the Lim have already been recommended on this forum for Dipper and Purple sand which I am keen to get on. Are there any hot spots or times of day that are best for either birds?

Thanks in advance

Perry

[Roger Boswell]

Hi Perry,

Today it was very calm and high tide - a very good time to see the Purple Sandpipers; 10 had their bills tucked under their wings on the rock armour just beyond the end of the Cobb this morning. I have not seen so many for quite a while, but 4+ can usually be seen feeding on these rocks at high tide. At low tide they can be well dispersed and difficult to locate.

At Church Cliffs (the east end of Lyme) 9 Oystercatchers could be seen on the small beach near the recent cliff fall. These feed on the ledges at low tide or shelter on the North Wall of the Cobb if conditions get rough. Also at Church Cliffs today was a Grey Wagtail, a couple of Pied Wagtails and several Rock Pipits.

Seeing the Dipper is not so predictable, but recently the best location has been in the section between Higher Mill Flats (past the 'waterfall') and Post Bridge, further up. There are several stones that show evidence that he has used them; no sighting today. You may also see a Kingfisher, but again you have to be in the right place at the right time. Today all I saw was a pair of Grey Wagtails and a Wren (on the Leat) - near the Town Mill.

Yesterday there was Mallard off the main beach - today two Swans.

[Roger Boswell]

Some of the 10 Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb today.

[Perry Grin]

Hi Roger,

Thought I'd let you know how I got on. I took footpaths from Uplyme to Lyme Regis and then the Cob and luckily caught all the highlights.... Dipper (!) from just upstream of the second road bridge below Uplyme (sorry, don't know all the names) and then on the Cob got onto rock pipit (3) and purple sandpiper (4+).

Thanks again for your advice.

Perry

[Roger Boswell]

The Dipper is still missing from my list of birds seen recently - it is nice to be told it is still present.

Grey Wagtails are the most regular sighting on the Lim, plus the Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails along the sea front and on Monmouth beach. Five Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb today; one in full view, the others just heads appearing above the rocks!

Three Oystercatchers on the ledges to the east of Lyme.

[Roger Boswell]

Can anyone identify this gull (on the right) seen on the Ledges to the east of Lyme this morning?

[Brian Stone]

Looks like a Common Gull to me.

[Roger Boswell]

Thanks Brian - the first one I have seen at Lyme.

There were a large number of Gulls round the harbour, in the sea and on the rocks in Lyme today, including many Great Black-backed Gulls, a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, several Black Headed Gulls and a lone Common Gull.

A lone Oystercatcher on the rocks below Church Cliffs. Two pairs of Grey Wagtails up the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

Very different from yesterday - just as calm, but relatively few Gulls to be seen.

4 Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb, with plenty of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails on Monmouth beach and along the sea front.

2 Oystercatchers and a Curlew on the ledges to the east of Lyme.

Several Grey Wagtails on the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

Again very calm sea and virtually no wind. Eight Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb - most asleep, just one foraging on the rocks.

A superb pair of Grey Wagtails on the Mill Leat and two Dippers further up the Lim. The first was flying downstream at speed while the other was feeding in the river beyond Higher Mill Flats.

[Roger Boswell]

Only a single Purple Sandpiper making very brief appearances on the end of the rock armour this morning. Plenty of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits around the Cobb area.

Three Oystercatchers on the ledges to the east of Lyme.

Lovely pair of Grey Wagtails on the leat. Both Dippers were on the Lim below Horn Bridge - one busy gathering nesting material. A pair of Wrens were also in the same area, searching below the mossy overhangs.

[Roger Boswell]

No Purple Sandpipers, no Dippers, just a single Wren and Grey Wagtail on the Lim.

Had to be content watching a Lesser Black-backed gull taking a bath after waking from its nap!

[Roger Boswell]

Both Dippers flying up to Horn Bridge this morning - one with a beak full of moss. Also by the bridge a pair of Grey Wagtails investigating a possible nest site. Further down the Lim another two pairs of Grey Wagtails - quite a population this year.

Just Pied Wagtails and a few Rock Pipits along the sea front - no Purple Sandpipers to be seen.

[Perry Grin]

Hi Roger,

I'm enjoying follwoing your updates - keep it up please! I have another trip to the inlaws at Melplash over Easter and am hoping to get another morning to myself. I might try for the dipper again but was wondering if any of the farmland or coastal paths in the area might be productive at that time of year.

Perry

[Roger Boswell]

Quite dismal and dull on the Cobb this morning. A superb Great Blacked Gull was posing near the end! Behind, on the rock armour you could see Oystercatchers spread out over the rocks - 8 in all. I looked for the Purple Sandpipers all along the outer edge of the rock armour, nothing to be seen - they were all asleep on the rocks between me and the Oystercatchers (all 11 visible in this image).

Didn't see the Dippers today but 2 pairs of Grey Wagtails. Unusually the pair at Horn Bridge did not fly off as I approached, allowing me to get som images.

[Roger Boswell]

Getting crowded on the rock armour - today there were 10 Oystercatchers, 11 Purple Sandpipers, a GBB Gull plus the usual Herring Gulls and Cormorants. Several Rock Pipits flying around the Cobb and onto Monmouth beach.

Two pairs of Grey Wagtails and a Wren were the only birds on the Lim this morning.

[Roger Boswell]

5 Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb and a Rock Pipit singing from the top of a lamp-post in the yacht park.

Two WHEATEARS on Monmouth beach

Grey Wagtails on the Lim and a Long-tailed Tit busily nest building.

[Roger Boswell]

Off patch this morning - 4 superb male Wheatears in a field south of the Branscombe airstrip.


Back on the Cobb - 6 Purple Sandpipers; several GBB gulls in the harbour.

A rather sleepy Dipper on the Lim - didn't fly away as I approached, but was in quite a dark spot. The Long-tailed Tits are still building their nest.

[Roger Boswell]

1 Purple Sandpiper on the Cobb - and a single Swallow flying over it.

Long-tailed tits have now completed their nest by the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

3 Purple Sandpipers at the far end of the Cobb this morning, with several Rock Pipits on and around the Cobb.

2 Wheatears on Church Cliffs.

A Grey Wagtail singing from a rock in the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

Just 2 Purple Sandpiper heads visible behind the rocks on the Cobb. Several Rock Pipits on the Cobb and chasing one another around Church Cliffs.

A couple of Chiffchaffs on the trees up the Lim near the Lepper's Well and a Wren taking nest building material into the shrubs overhanging the Lim. Further up another Wren searching the moss on the river bank and a Grey Wagtail. Just waiting for a head to appear in the Long-tailed Tit's nest.

[Roger Boswell]

3 Purple Sandpipers making short appearances on the Cobb rocks, plus Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails.

Bright Grey Wagtail on trees west of Church Cliffs.

Dipper flying up the Lim and a Willow Warbler in the trees near Horn Bridge.

[Roger Boswell]

Despite the crowds on the Cobb this morning, 5 Purple Sandpipers very visible just off the end of the Cobb - they were spooked by the rescue helicopter flying over!

Rock Pipits chasing one another over Church Cliffs and several Grey Wagtails up the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

A walk on the Cobb this morning found the 5 Purple Sandpipers trying to take a kip with water spraying over them.

[Roger Boswell]

5 Purple Sandpipers flew onto the Cobb rocks PM - all but one disappeared on landing. Last year they stayed until 23 May - when will they depart this year?

4 Sandwich Terns joined the gulls on the ledges today.

[Roger Boswell]

For ages I have only seen 5 Purple Sandpipers on the Cobb rock armour - today there were 9.

Rock Pipits with beaks full of flies disappearing into a cottage chimney on Church Cliffs.

[Roger Boswell]

Off patch today - walking along the coast path from Weston Mouth to Sidmouth. Passing Lincombe we came across a Peregrine on the cliff edge - and it remained for nearly 15 minutes before dropping out of sight - an amazing sighting.

[Roger Boswell]

Several Rock Pipits catching flies as they were blown over the Cobb wall - and 4 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks by the Cobb. A lone Wheatear stopped briefly on the Cobb before continuing its journey across the harbour and inland.

A Grey Heron fishing on the ledges below Church Cliff

Grey Wagtails up the Lim.

Yesterday the Purple Sandpipers were on the ledges accompanied by 4 Curlews.

[Roger Boswell]

I had thought that the Long-tailed Tits nest had been abandoned, but both parents are now busily feeding their brood.

[Roger Boswell]

9 Purple Sandpipers visible on the Cobb today and Pied Wagtails flying over Monmouth beach.

Young Bluetits on the Lim and a Mallard with her 16 ducklings.

[Roger Boswell]

Dull, damp and tide on the way out so I was surprised to see 7 Purple Sandpipers on the ledge below the Cobb Wall; an eighth was on the rock armour.

7 Great Black-backed Gulls seen today - the largest number I have seen together for some time.

Last weeks strong winds piled up seaweed on Monmouth beach and there are now more Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits in evidence.

Long-tailed Tits still busy feeding young on the Lim and plenty of House Sparrows in the area of the ford.

[Roger Boswell]

A quick check down on the Cobb revealed that at least 4 Purple Sandpipers are still in Lyme. Can't be long before they are gone.

[Roger Boswell]

I haven't seen a Sub-alpine Warbler or Golden Oriel in Lyme, but today there were 3 Little Egrets feeding on the rock platforms below Church Cliff.

No views of the Purple Sandpipers today - but it was almost low tide when I was on the Cobb.

[Roger Boswell]

Didn't venture down to the Cobb until 7pm - and there were still crowds of people on the beaches - sitting in the billows of smoke from BBQs......

However, even with someone fishing from the rocks beyond the Cobb a pair of Turnstones flew in - the male was superb; hope he is still here tomorrow.

[Roger Boswell]

Still very quiet birdwise

Yesterday a Curlew and Sandwich Tern flying over the Cobb.

Today 3 Oystercatchers on the ledges W of Lyme.

Plenty of juvenile Pied Wagtails on the seaweed on Monmouth beach and Grey Wagtails on the Lim.

[Roger Boswell]

An ailing PC has kept me offline for a while, although a lack of birds has been another reason for lack of entries!

Catching up - a visit to Lodmoor gave a good sighting of the MARSH HARRIER and the TERNS were starting to feed their young.

In Lyme, ROCK PIPITS have been feeding their young on the rocks below the Museum, with numbers of BLACK HEADED GULLS increasing on Monmouth beach - feeding on the flies from the seaweed. These have been joined by HOUSE MARTINS, PIED WAGTAILS & SPARROWS!

A KINGFISHER flew up towards Horn Bridge (26 June) and I have seen the DIPPER on successive days below Higher Mill Flats.

The garden now seems to be full of birds. A BUZZARD flew through one evening, alighting on a tree a few gardens down. A ROBIN, DUNNOCK and their young can be seen together with a WREN.

The Mahonia berries are providing a feast for a SONGTHRUSH - that has been taking beakfulls over our fence to her young. Young BLACKBIRDS have been up to all sorts of antics to get the berries and, yesterday they have been joined by a family of BLACKCAPS. I was a little confused by the bright chestnut half-cap on one bird - is this a juvenile?

[Roger Boswell]

Catching up ....


A young? Dipper and several Grey Wagtails on the Lym this afternoon. 90+ Black-headed Gulls on Lucy's Ledge to the E of Lyme.

2 Jersey Tiger moths on the coast between Charmouth and Lyme.


A few days ago 5 Canada Geese flew west over the Cobb.

[Roger Boswell]

Yesterday (Saturday) the family of Swans made its annual visit to Lyme from Charmouth. Led by the Cob - with mum at the back, the five sygnets made their way along the main beach to the Cobb. They were still swimming off Lyme in the evening - joining a flock of Gulls on the sea.

Dippers are now regularly seen on the Lim.

Dozens of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits enjoying the bounty of flies on the seaweed on Monmouth beach.

A large flock of House Martins were doing aerobatics low over the sea, some snatching insects? from the surface.

[Roger Boswell]

Can't match the Bluethroat seen at West Bexington!

Two or more Dippers on the Lim this morning and several Grey Wagtails.
The Swan family are still paddling around to the E of Lyme and an Oystercatcher joining the Gulls on Lucy's Ledge

[Roger Boswell]

Wednesday - a Ringed Plover on the rock armour in the morning. Hope this is the first of many visitors to Lyme....

[Roger Boswell]

6 Turnstones and 6 Sanderlings on Monmouth beach this morning.

[hampers]

6 Turnstones and 6 Sanderlings on Monmouth beach this morning.

Roger
Can I ask a question please. I intend to make a visit to Lyme Regis for a day next week or week after, is Monmouth Beach the one next to the Cobb?

Cheers

Phil

[Roger Boswell]

Much better day today although quite a lot of spray was being driven over the Cobb at its junction with Monmouth beach.

Down early, but dog on exercise was chasing the Sanderlings and Turnstones along the beach. At least it drove them out of the way of the spray and I was able to locate then again further along the beach. The Sanderlings are not easy to photograph - they don't stop. I followed them as they made their way back towards the Cobb - and came face to face with a Ringed Plover. After a few photographs, all flew off.

I relocated the Ringed Plover on the beach behind the Aquarium, where it posed for me on the sand. Just 12ft in front of me it had a good wash and brush up, then had a few snacks; I left it still on the beach. Returning to Monmouth beach I relocated the Turnstones on a ridge of seaweed. The group continued foraging despite my close approach. Eventually they were at eye level, only about 10ft from me.

[Roger Boswell]

[QUOTE=hampers;1575243]Roger
Can I ask a question please. I intend to make a visit to Lyme Regis for a day next week or week after, is Monmouth Beach the one next to the Cobb?

Yes - it's the 'wild' one to the west of the Cobb - with no restrictions on dogs!

Hope you enjoy your visit.

[hampers]

Roger
Thank you.

Phil

[Roger Boswell]

Turnstones, Sanderlings and the Ringed Plover still on Monmouth Beach this morning - together with dozens of Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails, all feasting on and around the piles of washed up seaweed.

One bird stood out - is it another Sanderling?

[Roger Boswell]

10+ Turnstones and 2 Ringed Plovers on Monmouth Beach this morning - no Sanderlings visible. Still dozens of Pied Wagtails and Rock Pipits on the seaweed.

[Stevie babe]

Sunday 13th Sept 7.30 - 8.30 am
One Kingfisher by the main road bridge, bottom end of the Lyme
One, maybe two, dipper up by Jericho
Not a lot else except, Roger, you might be able to advise, up in the gardens just above the 'prom' along the top path heading east with the lawns and crazy golf on the right and bushes / trees on my left I saw a rather deep red bird flitting about low down. I lost it and then found it again but just as I got my bins on it it flew and I couldn't locate it again. From the style of the bird common sense tells me it was just a wren but if I were at Studland (for instance) I would have said Dartford Warbler without a shadow of doubt. I know DWs are around especially Charmouth. are there any records of DWs in Lyme Regis and these gardens even though there are none of their favourite gorse bushes and could I have found one, although briefly.



Look forward to your reply

Steve

[Roger Boswell]

[QUOTE=Stevie babe;1586982]Sunday 13th Sept 7.30 - 8.30 am
One Kingfisher by the main road bridge, bottom end of the Lyme
One, maybe two, dipper up by Jericho


Hi Steve,

Just back from a few days away. Good to hear that the Kingfisher is still around. I definitely saw 2 Dippers on the Lim today - just below Horn Bridge (in the dark section of the river). I have not heard of any DWs being seen around Lyme, but will be on the lookout from now on.

Roger

[Roger Boswell]

Swallow migration was well underway this afternoon as thousands? flew past the Cobb in the direction of Portland. Returning home through the gardens hundreds more were flying overhead at a greater altitude - a truely amazing spectacle.

[Roger Boswell]

Dipper on the Lim this morning, just below Horn Bridge. Large mixed flock of Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits and Chiff chaffs on Church Cliffs.

2 Ringed Plovers on the Rock armour

[Roger Boswell]

2 Dippers on the Lim this morning - one on the ford and the second beside the cottages at the end of the ford.

4 Ringed Plovers on Monmouth and another on the rock armour.

[Roger Boswell]

2 Dippers on the Lim this morning - they can be seen most days now.

2 Wheatears on Monmouth beach.

The Rock Pipits were behaving strangely, flying round me and landing quite close to me on the boats. I then saw a ginger & white moggy approaching me. After satisfying his need for a pat he eventually moved off and I continued watching the birds on the beach. Returning later to the Cobb I again came across the moggy - sitting inside the top-most crab pot of a pile, watching all the birds flying back and forth directly in front of him!

[Roger Boswell]

At last something different in Lyme - not very exciting but a Little Gull off Monmouth beach this morning.

Good view of Gannets from coast path at Ladram Bay yesterday,

[davercox]

Nice one Roger.

[Roger Boswell]

The Little Gull was still off Monmouth beach this morning - and was still there among the Black-headed Gulls when I returned in the afternoon. It is a bird that I could watch all day - walking on the water and hovering over the sea to take food from the water surface.

A new bird paddling at the harbour mouth was a Guillemot.

[Roger Boswell]

Lovely to see the Purple Sandpipers back on the Cobb this morning - 6 visible on the rock armour.

Dipper and 2 Grey Wagtails on the Lim and plenty of Rock Pipits on the Cobb.

[Roger Boswell]

Despite the sand dredging in the harbour and dumping near the rock armour, 5 Purple Sandpipers were spread out along the seaward side of the rocks.

5 Oystercatchers and a Grey Heron on the rocks below Church Cliff.

Several Grey Wagtails on the Lim

[Roger Boswell]

Purple Sandpiper count is now up to 8 on the rock armour -Hope they liked the fireworks!

Followed a Dipper up the Lim later. Each time it flew off upstream it landed in the water before swimming to a stone.