14th April

As the gelid wind continued to ravage the south coast, few but the toughest and most determined migrants made it through to Portland. Of these, the most numerous birds were the Wheatears with a continual flow throughout the day amassing to over 65. Other land-based movement was limited to a sparse passage of hirundines, a pair of Tree Pipits, and singles of Yellow Wagtail, Redstart and Hobby (past Blacknor). The sea provided much more variety than the land with the regular fare being accompanied by four Gadwall, three Arctic Skuas, and a pair of Whimbrel. However, the Bill sea-watch was very much out-done by Chesil Beach which added Little Egret, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Arctic Tern, Common Gull, Curlew and Garganey to the day's tally. 

On days when the weather is not quite ideal for birds, Portland always has plenty of other fauna to entertain... Adders © Andy Mitchell & Wall butterflies © Will Lawson: (photos from 13th April)