Goldcrest - Easton, 2nd January 2016 © Martin Cade
2nd January
The huge sea running at the Bill was testament to just how grim the weather's been in recent days but the conditions have certainly perked up sea interest. The tally of storm-driven Great Northern Divers in Portland Harbour has been creeping up and got into double figures for the first time, with 13 counted during the morning; at least 1 Little Gull remained off Chesil Cove, where a Red-throated Diver was also settled, whilst watches at the Bill returned totals of 8 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Red-throated Divers and 5 each of Common Scoter, Great Skua and Little Gull. Coverage of the land came up with a selection of the winterers including 6 Purple Sandpipers, 3 Black Redstarts, a Short-eared Owl and a Chiffchaff at the Bill, additional Black Redstarts at Blacknor and Chesil Cove (2), at least 6 Goldcrests at Easton and a Redshank at Ferrybridge.