16th November

Another nice selection of late arrivals today, with Black Redstarts in particular featuring much more conspicuously than would expected in mid-November. The Dusky Warbler lingered on for another day and continued to provide the best of the rarity interest, whilst it was the 20 or so Black Redstarts - including 8 at both the Bill and Portland Castle - and the general spread of thrushes - including 50 Blackbirds, 34 Redwings and 18 Fieldfares at the Bill - that provided the bulk of the numbers of more routine fare. Other noteworthy migrants included 4 Short-eared Owls, 2 Bramblings and a Wheatear at the Bill, a Short-eared Owl at Barleycrates Lane, single Great Spotted Woodpeckers at Southwell and Easton and 12 Chiffchaffs and another Wheatear at Portland Castle. Reports from the sea included 13 Brent Geese, 9 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver through off the Bill and 4 Great Northern Divers, 4 Black-necked Grebes and 2 Common Scoter in Portland Harbour.

The odd few immigrant moths linger on, with 3 Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y caught overnight at the Obs.

Finally, for a different take on events around the island don't forget to check out Sean Foote's always entertaining blog, The Portland Naturalist.






Black Redstarts, Great Northern Divers and Stonechat - Portland Bill, Portland Castle, Portland Harbour and Ferrybridge, 16th November 2014 © James Phillips (male Black Redstart), Tony Hovell Tony Hovell's Wildlife (female/immature Black Redstart, settled Great Northern Diver and Stonechat) and Brett Spencer Brett's Goosey Ganderings (flying Great Northern Diver)