A nicely calm and bright day allowed for a lot of coverage of Portland Harbour that revealed there was a fair bit more about there than had been apparent in the rougher weather of late; 2
Red-necked Grebes were the chief reward, but 7 each of
Great Northern Diver and
Black-necked Grebe, 3
Slavonian Grebes and a
Black-throated Diver were also on show there. As usual in quieter conditions,
Red-throated Divers got moving in some numbers of the Bill where 22 were logged, with a lone
Great Northern Diver also passing by. A winter peak of 15
Purple Sandpipers - along with a
Short-eared Owl - were at the Bill, with at least 3 of the wintering
Black Redstarts also showing at regular spots about the island.