1sy July

The new month begun with a short rain shower after dawn before a gradual improvement saw the return of sunny skies, albeit tempered by a brisk easterly breeze, by afternoon. Singles of Lapwing and Cuckoo provided some migrant interest at the Bill, where 44 Common Scoter, 5 Common Terns and 4 Manx Shearwaters passed by on the sea.

Amongst the moths the highlight was the belated news of a Splendid Brocade - Portland's fourth record - caught yesterday at Reap Lane; today's immigrants/wanderers at the Obs included 4 Rusty-dot Pearl and singles of Pearl Grass-veneer Catoptria pinella, Scallop Shell, Langmaid's Yellow Underwing and Silver Y.

Splendid Brocade, Lulworth Skipper and Lapwing - Reap Lane and Portland Bill, 30th June & 1st July 2014 © Martin Cade (Splendid Brocade), David Rashley (Lulworth Skipper) and Keith Pritchard Birding Portland UK (Lapwing)