29th July

Another unseasonably dire day provided us with both some much needed moisture for the browning fields and some sea-watching entertainment. Yet again, land-based migrants struggled with the conditions and numbers were somewhat thin on the ground. Moth numbers were up on the previous nights catch, although that isn't saying much!

Portland Bill Swift 1, Willow Warbler 6, Red-legged Partridge 1.

Portland Bill Seawatch Common Scoter 8, Bonxie 8, Manx Shearwater 42/hour, Balearic Shearwater max. 34, Great Shearwater 1, Sooty Shearwater 3, Yellow-legged Gull 12, Mediterranean Gull 36, Whimbrel 18, Redshank 1, Ringed Plover 1.

Ferrybridge Whimbrel 10, Curlew 4, Sanderling 3, Dunlin 40, Turnstone 6, Common Tern 1, Yellow-legged Gull 1.

Moths Silver Y 2, Diamond-back Moth 11, Dark Sword Grass 2, Rusty-dot Pearl 3, Hummingbird Hawkmoth 1. (Emperor Dragonfly also in the trap).

Despite the strong wind and rain, some of our guests were brave enough to venture to the coast to witness the swell at its very best!  © Alan Hooper.