27th March

Despite what must have amounted to the most trying of conditions - including frequent showers of rain, hail and sheet - there was a palpable sense of urgency about the morning's arrivals at the Bill, with few touching down for long, and many flying straight through. So rapid was the dawn departure that there was no time for a proper census beyond estimates of 100 each of Wheatear and Chiffchaff; a few Blackcaps and Willow Warblers also touched down briefly, along with a single Ring Ouzel. Before long visible passage begun in earnest, with the sample totals of 1800 Meadow Pipits, 50 Linnets, 9 Sand Martins and singles of Grey Heron, Merlin, Grey Wagtail and Bullfinch accrued in quick time certainly reflecting the volume of passage taking place. Although a few late-comers continued to trickle in, the bulk of passage fizzled out in improving conditions through the middle of the day and the only later interest came in the form of a lone Arctic Skua passing through on the sea.

 
 
Chiffchaff and Linnet - Portland Bill, 27th March 2014 © Martin Cade