Birds in the fog

Today we climbed to the top of Portland Bill lighthouse. What we lost in the absence of long-distant views, we gained in atmosphere as the distinctive horn rang out at regular intervals. Spotted a couple of butterflies, but few were flying in the fog. The birds, however, were in great evidence. The flock flying in front of the lighthouse were, I think, swallows - from their individual shapes, but their behaviour was more like a murmuation - repeatedly perching en masse and taking off/landing together - so could well be starlings.

All these pictures were taken on full zoom, and the bird, top left, is new to me. I think it's a Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), which I've neither seen, nor photographed before. There were a few of them about. Top right are Swallows (Hirundo rustica). There were loads of them, swooping, hovering and also feeding at ground level. Bottom might be another, but its colouring looks different. I wonder of it's a close relation, a House Martin? Do tell me what you think, please, if you're a birdie person. Meanwhile, I found this bird site very helpful.

The sun finally arrived, just before dark, but we'd had a pleasant day without dampened spirits. Went to the Portland Museum, which was interesting, and then drove over to look round Dorchester, seeing some well preserved remains of an ancient Roman town house, including lovely sections of mosaic floors. Oh, and a fine sculpture of poet and author Thomas Hardy. (See Extra.)

Thanks for dropping by. Will catch up anon, on our return home.