The continuing waft of southerlies did us no harm again today with the first decent push of Chiffchaffs bringing forth a well into three figure total for the island as a whole; Wheatears were also well represented, with 50 spread around the Bill, whilst amongst the lesser numbers at least 3 Firecrests were new today. Five passing Garganey were a first for the year off the Bill where the first sign of concerted up-Channel passage of Common Scoter saw 43 logged.
The first Small Tortoiseshell of the year was on the wing at Church Ope Cove and a lone Dark Sword Grass provided some migrant interest in the Obs moth-traps.
Hawthorn leaves bursting, pollened Chiffchaffs fresh in, a blue sky - everything's good © Martin Cade:
Blackcap - another on cue first for the year at the Obs pic.twitter.com/LFrC9himcJ
— Portland Bird Observatory (@PortlandBirdObs) March 17, 2023
Dark Sword Grass from the Obs moth-traps overnight pic.twitter.com/Sk1A0jo3YZ
— Portland Bird Observatory (@PortlandBirdObs) March 17, 2023
It's been a slow start on the ringing front so far this spring but seems finally to be getting going with the first double figure catch of the season today - daily totals as usual at:https://t.co/yhLxoQfYi8 pic.twitter.com/xVUpzmOiZr
— Portland Bird Observatory (@PortlandBirdObs) March 17, 2023
