22nd May

The first blank in the ringing book at the Obs since 10th March was a sure sign that the barren times are upon us and it'll likely be scarcities or bust for the next few weeks. Plenty of legwork in the Bill area as a whole did eventually muster 2 each of Whimbrel and Chiffchaff, and singles of Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear and Blackcap. The light onshore breeze saw the sea get some coverage but rewards consisted on nothing more than 24 Common Scoter, 9 commic terns and a Great Northern Diver through off the Bill and 9 Common Scoter, 4 Sandwich Terns and a Whimbrel off Chesil.

Despite having only three functioning wings this Broad-bodied Chaser was zipping around the Obs garden quite happily this afternoon © Ken Dolbear: