22nd February

The weather forecast was awry today with the promised rain amounting to no more than showers around dawn and again towards dusk, with most of the daylight hours calm, overcast and eminently birdable. As it was interest was limited, although 4 northbound alba wagtails at the Bill were a minor migration event of interest. The wintering Siberian Chiffchaff put in its first appearance for quite a while at Portland Castle; a Black Redstart was also still there, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose was amongst the brents at Ferrybridge, 2 Chiffchaffs and a Grey Heron were at Penn's Weare and at least singles of Chiffchaff and Firecrest remained at the Obs. The sea came up with no more than 5 Common Scoter and a Black-headed Gull through off the Bill.