22nd February

As if to prove the old adage resoundingly true, yesterday's Swallow certainly didn't make a summer. In fact today's grim mix of an overcast sky, murky reduced visibility and a biting easterly wind wasn't even remotely spring-like, with the only new arrivals being a Lapwing at the Bill, a Black Redstart at Weston and a passage of 130 Black-headed Gulls through off Chesil. Other list-fillers from those brave enough to be out searching included single Red-throated Divers through off the Bill and Chesil, a Short-eared Owl at the Bill, 2 Black Redstarts and 2 Chiffchaffs at Church Ope Cove/Pennsylvania Castle and 72 Dark-bellied and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Portland Harbour.