14th March
The day we have been waiting for since the onset of the foul weather last November, the first 2 Wheatears of the spring arrived today, a sure sign that spring is on its way. However, the glory of the bird of the day was stolen by a singing Mistle Thrush at Culverwell, an uncommon sound on Portland to say the least. The sunny morning saw small arrivals of common migrants including three White and 25 alba Wagtails, the first triple figure tally of Meadow Pipits, 23 Stonechats across the recording area, a flock of 35 Linnets in off the sea and 20 Chiffchaffs grounded at the Bill. The sea itself was of interest with six Red-throated Divers (with passage continuing throughout the day), 26 Common Scoter loitering offshore and eight Mediterranean Gulls; the evening seawatch added three Manx Shearwaters and a small but noticeable movement of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.