11th February

On one of the most birdable days of the year to date the sunshine brought out plenty of observers and another good selection of long-staying birds. There really weren't any surprises although 3 Slavonian Grebes settled off Chesil were new for that site even if they'd likely only wandered over from Portland Harbour. The harbour itself hosted 16 Black-necked Grebes, 6 Great Northern Divers and a Sandwich Tern, whilst elsewhere there were Black Redstarts at both Chesil Cove and Blacknor, singles of Chiffchaff and Goldcrest at Southwell and 2 Firecrests and singles of Short-eared Owl, Dartford Warbler and Chiffchaff at the Bill; 11 Red-throated Divers also passed by on the sea at the Bill.