Steve M
@steveweynature.bsky.social
Mostly Dorset wildlife with strong emphasis on the Fleet between the Bridging Camp and Tidmoor.
Yellow-legged Gull 3rd winter Cuttcleaves Cove, The Fleet.
Still 300+ Coot in the area with Scaup & long-tailed duck. Few dabbling duck this end of the Fleet this winter (esp Teal).
Pochard brought my patch/year list up to 150 - basicly Martleaves/Pirates Cove to Cuttcleaves - 5 * 1km squares.
Still 300+ Coot in the area with Scaup & long-tailed duck. Few dabbling duck this end of the Fleet this winter (esp Teal).
Pochard brought my patch/year list up to 150 - basicly Martleaves/Pirates Cove to Cuttcleaves - 5 * 1km squares.
December 20, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Yellow-legged Gull 3rd winter Cuttcleaves Cove, The Fleet.
Still 300+ Coot in the area with Scaup & long-tailed duck. Few dabbling duck this end of the Fleet this winter (esp Teal).
Pochard brought my patch/year list up to 150 - basicly Martleaves/Pirates Cove to Cuttcleaves - 5 * 1km squares.
Still 300+ Coot in the area with Scaup & long-tailed duck. Few dabbling duck this end of the Fleet this winter (esp Teal).
Pochard brought my patch/year list up to 150 - basicly Martleaves/Pirates Cove to Cuttcleaves - 5 * 1km squares.
Today's Scaup and Goldeneye in Cutcleaves Cove, Chickerell, The Fleet
December 13, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Today's Scaup and Goldeneye in Cutcleaves Cove, Chickerell, The Fleet
Tidying up photos from the year just ending and found this of a Rock Pipit on the west cliffs of Portland, 1 May.
At the time I had assumed it was nesting material in the beak.
But zooming in it seems to be craneflies
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
At the time I had assumed it was nesting material in the beak.
But zooming in it seems to be craneflies
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
December 9, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Tidying up photos from the year just ending and found this of a Rock Pipit on the west cliffs of Portland, 1 May.
At the time I had assumed it was nesting material in the beak.
But zooming in it seems to be craneflies
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
At the time I had assumed it was nesting material in the beak.
But zooming in it seems to be craneflies
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
This afternoon's Hen Harrier south over Southwell Quarries, Portland 8 Nov.
And this morning's GWE west over Tidmoor, The Fleet - having come overland from Chafey's/Radipole direction.
One day I really must try and take some sharp photos.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
And this morning's GWE west over Tidmoor, The Fleet - having come overland from Chafey's/Radipole direction.
One day I really must try and take some sharp photos.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
This afternoon's Hen Harrier south over Southwell Quarries, Portland 8 Nov.
And this morning's GWE west over Tidmoor, The Fleet - having come overland from Chafey's/Radipole direction.
One day I really must try and take some sharp photos.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
And this morning's GWE west over Tidmoor, The Fleet - having come overland from Chafey's/Radipole direction.
One day I really must try and take some sharp photos.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
3 Buntings on wire near the Bridging Camp today. A bit distant in the murk first thing and I'm still struggling to be sure what they are. 2nd opinions invited.
Also Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the November rain today.
Also Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the November rain today.
November 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
3 Buntings on wire near the Bridging Camp today. A bit distant in the murk first thing and I'm still struggling to be sure what they are. 2nd opinions invited.
Also Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the November rain today.
Also Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the November rain today.
Ferrybridge 26 Oct
Knot 3, Bar-wit 3, Grey Plover 2, Curlew 1
Pale-bellied Brent 2
Colour Ringed Brent 4C
Wheatear 1 on Chesil pushing west.
Sea Campion and sea pinks still in flower.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Knot 3, Bar-wit 3, Grey Plover 2, Curlew 1
Pale-bellied Brent 2
Colour Ringed Brent 4C
Wheatear 1 on Chesil pushing west.
Sea Campion and sea pinks still in flower.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Ferrybridge 26 Oct
Knot 3, Bar-wit 3, Grey Plover 2, Curlew 1
Pale-bellied Brent 2
Colour Ringed Brent 4C
Wheatear 1 on Chesil pushing west.
Sea Campion and sea pinks still in flower.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Knot 3, Bar-wit 3, Grey Plover 2, Curlew 1
Pale-bellied Brent 2
Colour Ringed Brent 4C
Wheatear 1 on Chesil pushing west.
Sea Campion and sea pinks still in flower.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Today's 2 ad and 6 juv Whooper Swans at Cuttcleaves Cove, The Fleet today.
Also in the area - the long-staying Whimbrel in Lynch Cove.
500+ Woodpigeons south over Littlesea first thing
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Also in the area - the long-staying Whimbrel in Lynch Cove.
500+ Woodpigeons south over Littlesea first thing
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Today's 2 ad and 6 juv Whooper Swans at Cuttcleaves Cove, The Fleet today.
Also in the area - the long-staying Whimbrel in Lynch Cove.
500+ Woodpigeons south over Littlesea first thing
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Also in the area - the long-staying Whimbrel in Lynch Cove.
500+ Woodpigeons south over Littlesea first thing
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
2 Sandwich Terns at Ferrybridge at dusk. Also one knot.
October 1, 2025 at 8:44 PM
2 Sandwich Terns at Ferrybridge at dusk. Also one knot.
The 10 Glossy Ibis east over Lanehouse (Weymouth) 23 Sep this morning (09:14)
At the Bridging Camp first thing:
Snipe 1 East
Siskin
Skylark 2 SE
Cormorant 19 West over sea
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At the Bridging Camp first thing:
Snipe 1 East
Siskin
Skylark 2 SE
Cormorant 19 West over sea
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
September 23, 2025 at 6:38 PM
The 10 Glossy Ibis east over Lanehouse (Weymouth) 23 Sep this morning (09:14)
At the Bridging Camp first thing:
Snipe 1 East
Siskin
Skylark 2 SE
Cormorant 19 West over sea
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At the Bridging Camp first thing:
Snipe 1 East
Siskin
Skylark 2 SE
Cormorant 19 West over sea
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
A (large) spider-hunting wasp sp at Tidmoor Point (The Fleet) yesterday 19 Sep.
Any suggestions as to precise ID welcome.
Any suggestions as to precise ID welcome.
September 20, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A (large) spider-hunting wasp sp at Tidmoor Point (The Fleet) yesterday 19 Sep.
Any suggestions as to precise ID welcome.
Any suggestions as to precise ID welcome.
Beachcombing the Chesil from petrol station to Chesil Cove
3 dead gannets.
3 Goose Barnacle colonies.
A few oranges (seen before here) and a grapefruit.
Maybe non-ship assisted - making their own way from Spain or Florida ???
Can I tick grapefruit for Portland :)
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
3 dead gannets.
3 Goose Barnacle colonies.
A few oranges (seen before here) and a grapefruit.
Maybe non-ship assisted - making their own way from Spain or Florida ???
Can I tick grapefruit for Portland :)
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
September 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Beachcombing the Chesil from petrol station to Chesil Cove
3 dead gannets.
3 Goose Barnacle colonies.
A few oranges (seen before here) and a grapefruit.
Maybe non-ship assisted - making their own way from Spain or Florida ???
Can I tick grapefruit for Portland :)
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
3 dead gannets.
3 Goose Barnacle colonies.
A few oranges (seen before here) and a grapefruit.
Maybe non-ship assisted - making their own way from Spain or Florida ???
Can I tick grapefruit for Portland :)
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Balearic Shearwater close in E & sat on sea off Camp Road and Littlesea 7-9am. One flock of 56 - if no duplicates then 130+
Shag juv on Fleet
Yellow Wagtail c.20
Lynch Cove: Common Sand 3, Moorhen Spot Fly
Tidmoor: Sandwich 6 Common Tern 7
Osprey fishing & on Chesil
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Shag juv on Fleet
Yellow Wagtail c.20
Lynch Cove: Common Sand 3, Moorhen Spot Fly
Tidmoor: Sandwich 6 Common Tern 7
Osprey fishing & on Chesil
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
September 7, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Balearic Shearwater close in E & sat on sea off Camp Road and Littlesea 7-9am. One flock of 56 - if no duplicates then 130+
Shag juv on Fleet
Yellow Wagtail c.20
Lynch Cove: Common Sand 3, Moorhen Spot Fly
Tidmoor: Sandwich 6 Common Tern 7
Osprey fishing & on Chesil
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Shag juv on Fleet
Yellow Wagtail c.20
Lynch Cove: Common Sand 3, Moorhen Spot Fly
Tidmoor: Sandwich 6 Common Tern 7
Osprey fishing & on Chesil
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Yesterday's Ruff at Ferrybridge 6 Sep 2025
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
September 7, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Yesterday's Ruff at Ferrybridge 6 Sep 2025
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Not counted but c.10+ Red-veined Darters at Yeolands Quarry, Portland on 31 Aug
Most teneral/female types but one battered male
Several exuvias too.
Common darters too - and poor views of an emperor of some sort oviposting.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Most teneral/female types but one battered male
Several exuvias too.
Common darters too - and poor views of an emperor of some sort oviposting.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
September 2, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Not counted but c.10+ Red-veined Darters at Yeolands Quarry, Portland on 31 Aug
Most teneral/female types but one battered male
Several exuvias too.
Common darters too - and poor views of an emperor of some sort oviposting.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Most teneral/female types but one battered male
Several exuvias too.
Common darters too - and poor views of an emperor of some sort oviposting.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Unexpected Herps from the last week or so.
Wall Lizard (presumably - unless more exotic) in a Weymouth colony.
Common Toad on Ringstead Beach 29 August
Wall Lizard (presumably - unless more exotic) in a Weymouth colony.
Common Toad on Ringstead Beach 29 August
September 2, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Unexpected Herps from the last week or so.
Wall Lizard (presumably - unless more exotic) in a Weymouth colony.
Common Toad on Ringstead Beach 29 August
Wall Lizard (presumably - unless more exotic) in a Weymouth colony.
Common Toad on Ringstead Beach 29 August
Portland 23 Aug: Lesser Whitethroat and Hummingbird Hawkmoth at the Naval Cemetry.
Redstart in Admiralty Quarry
Single Knot at Ferrybridge among the usual suspects.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Redstart in Admiralty Quarry
Single Knot at Ferrybridge among the usual suspects.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
August 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Portland 23 Aug: Lesser Whitethroat and Hummingbird Hawkmoth at the Naval Cemetry.
Redstart in Admiralty Quarry
Single Knot at Ferrybridge among the usual suspects.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Redstart in Admiralty Quarry
Single Knot at Ferrybridge among the usual suspects.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Broad-bodied chaser from Culverwell, Portland still on the wing at the weekend.
Also Wall Brown.
The Ravens with a golf ball were from Portland a couple of weeks ago.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Also Wall Brown.
The Ravens with a golf ball were from Portland a couple of weeks ago.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
August 12, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Broad-bodied chaser from Culverwell, Portland still on the wing at the weekend.
Also Wall Brown.
The Ravens with a golf ball were from Portland a couple of weeks ago.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Also Wall Brown.
The Ravens with a golf ball were from Portland a couple of weeks ago.
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
I think Poplar Lutestring or Figure of 80 Caterpillar.
Littlesea, Weymouth Dorset 1 Aug
Found hanging on thread on presumed Aspen in the camp site wood in evening - I put it on the bramble for photo.
#teammoth can anyone confirm?
Wheatear in paddocks by Tidmoor 1 Aug
Littlesea, Weymouth Dorset 1 Aug
Found hanging on thread on presumed Aspen in the camp site wood in evening - I put it on the bramble for photo.
#teammoth can anyone confirm?
Wheatear in paddocks by Tidmoor 1 Aug
August 2, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I think Poplar Lutestring or Figure of 80 Caterpillar.
Littlesea, Weymouth Dorset 1 Aug
Found hanging on thread on presumed Aspen in the camp site wood in evening - I put it on the bramble for photo.
#teammoth can anyone confirm?
Wheatear in paddocks by Tidmoor 1 Aug
Littlesea, Weymouth Dorset 1 Aug
Found hanging on thread on presumed Aspen in the camp site wood in evening - I put it on the bramble for photo.
#teammoth can anyone confirm?
Wheatear in paddocks by Tidmoor 1 Aug
Lodmoor 25 July
Wood Sandpiper 2, Garganey, Greenshank.
Garden Warbler along western path
Peregrine
Clouded Yellow by main road
Small red-eyed damselfly at Radipole at the visitor center
Wood Sandpiper 2, Garganey, Greenshank.
Garden Warbler along western path
Peregrine
Clouded Yellow by main road
Small red-eyed damselfly at Radipole at the visitor center
July 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Lodmoor 25 July
Wood Sandpiper 2, Garganey, Greenshank.
Garden Warbler along western path
Peregrine
Clouded Yellow by main road
Small red-eyed damselfly at Radipole at the visitor center
Wood Sandpiper 2, Garganey, Greenshank.
Garden Warbler along western path
Peregrine
Clouded Yellow by main road
Small red-eyed damselfly at Radipole at the visitor center
Silverlake 6 July. Fairly brief visit on the way home.
No Darters - but Small Red-eye, Wasp Spider (2) and Grass Snake
No Darters - but Small Red-eye, Wasp Spider (2) and Grass Snake
July 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Silverlake 6 July. Fairly brief visit on the way home.
No Darters - but Small Red-eye, Wasp Spider (2) and Grass Snake
No Darters - but Small Red-eye, Wasp Spider (2) and Grass Snake
Durlston 27 June:
No problem identifying the Blackneck. But what is the Ermine-like moth on the Woolly Thistle ? Is it an ermine of some id-able sort (in which case why the stripy legs ?) or something else ?
I'm also struggling with the weevil...
No problem identifying the Blackneck. But what is the Ermine-like moth on the Woolly Thistle ? Is it an ermine of some id-able sort (in which case why the stripy legs ?) or something else ?
I'm also struggling with the weevil...
June 27, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Durlston 27 June:
No problem identifying the Blackneck. But what is the Ermine-like moth on the Woolly Thistle ? Is it an ermine of some id-able sort (in which case why the stripy legs ?) or something else ?
I'm also struggling with the weevil...
No problem identifying the Blackneck. But what is the Ermine-like moth on the Woolly Thistle ? Is it an ermine of some id-able sort (in which case why the stripy legs ?) or something else ?
I'm also struggling with the weevil...
Burnet moths in various states of repair, Camp Road, Wyke, Weymouth 13 June
Some at least presumably Narrow-bordered 5-spot - on basis of distribution maps at least.
Only when I was going through photos did I spot the colour variant of the left one with the Marbled White
Some at least presumably Narrow-bordered 5-spot - on basis of distribution maps at least.
Only when I was going through photos did I spot the colour variant of the left one with the Marbled White
June 16, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Burnet moths in various states of repair, Camp Road, Wyke, Weymouth 13 June
Some at least presumably Narrow-bordered 5-spot - on basis of distribution maps at least.
Only when I was going through photos did I spot the colour variant of the left one with the Marbled White
Some at least presumably Narrow-bordered 5-spot - on basis of distribution maps at least.
Only when I was going through photos did I spot the colour variant of the left one with the Marbled White
Male and female Golden-ringed Dragonflies near Portesham Farm, Dorset
Patrolling along a lane - noticeable how much larger female is
Patrolling along a lane - noticeable how much larger female is
June 16, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Male and female Golden-ringed Dragonflies near Portesham Farm, Dorset
Patrolling along a lane - noticeable how much larger female is
Patrolling along a lane - noticeable how much larger female is
Hardy Monument 15 June
An emergence of Common Darters at a small pond
Male and female Golden-ringed Dragonflies above Portesham Farm - patrolling then hung up.
3 Green Hairstreak
Longhorn (Rutpela Maculata) and tiger beetles
Brief snatch of Nightjar churring in the middle of the day
An emergence of Common Darters at a small pond
Male and female Golden-ringed Dragonflies above Portesham Farm - patrolling then hung up.
3 Green Hairstreak
Longhorn (Rutpela Maculata) and tiger beetles
Brief snatch of Nightjar churring in the middle of the day
June 16, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Hardy Monument 15 June
An emergence of Common Darters at a small pond
Male and female Golden-ringed Dragonflies above Portesham Farm - patrolling then hung up.
3 Green Hairstreak
Longhorn (Rutpela Maculata) and tiger beetles
Brief snatch of Nightjar churring in the middle of the day
An emergence of Common Darters at a small pond
Male and female Golden-ringed Dragonflies above Portesham Farm - patrolling then hung up.
3 Green Hairstreak
Longhorn (Rutpela Maculata) and tiger beetles
Brief snatch of Nightjar churring in the middle of the day
Just been sent this from a friend in central Weymouth- pair of Lime Hawk Moths on their fence - please can someone confirm my id
June 13, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Just been sent this from a friend in central Weymouth- pair of Lime Hawk Moths on their fence - please can someone confirm my id