9th November

A pleasantly still and bright day was a welcome respite from the wind and rain of the last few days, but on the downside there were far fewer migrants about than might have been expected. Very good coverage of the centre and south of the island revealed nothing more than the lightest sprinkle of new arrivals/lingerers, amongst which 10 Reed Buntings, 4 Redwings, 3 Short-eared Owls, 3 Swallows, 3 Wheatears, 2 Siskins and singles of Black Redstart and Redpoll at the Bill, the Yellow-browed Warbler at Avalanche Road and a Woodcock at Easton were about the most noteworthy. Seawatching at the Bill produced 17 Common Scoter, 11 Brent Geese, 6 Teal, 2 Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver, a Common Scoter was at Ferrybridge and the Black Guillemot, along with 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Black-necked Grebes and 2 Common Scoter, was in Portland Harbour.

Moth-trapping conditions were quite favourable overnight, with 38 Rusty-dot Pearl, 3 each of Diamond-back Moth and Rush Veneer, 2 Silver Y and singles of Dark Sword Grass, Pearly Underwing and Delicate making up the immigrant tally at the Obs.


Common Scoter - Ferrybridge, 9th November 2014 © Pete Saunders