24th June

A sprinkling of variety on a clear, calm and warm day saw a second Turtle Dove join yesterday's bird in the Southwell gardens. A common bird on the mainland, but a good bird for Portland came in the form of the second Mistle Thrush of the summer. A fly-over Yellow Wagtail added to the day's tally, along with the first seven returning Black-tailed Godwits that passed by on the sea. Common migrants seem to be on the up again with a smattering of Sand MartinsChiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Reed Warblers across the island. 

Mid-summer used to be a reliable time for dispersing Mistle Thrushes like today's juvenile to pitch up at Portland but these days they've become very infrequent at this season © Martin Cade:


 The Turtle Dove remained confiding in the Southwell gardens and was joined by a second individual in the morning (and rather spectacularly also by 24 Stock Doves) © Debby Saunders:


A trip to Broadcroft Quarry is always worth your while at this time of year with Common Blues, Lulworth Skippers and the first Silver-studded Blues of the year featuring there today © Ken Dolbear: