Weekend mothing at the Obs relatively mundane although quite fair increases in Rusty-dot Pearls (286 = highest total this year), Diamond-backs and Silver Ys last night. Also last night another Marbled Fern nitidalis and a late/migrant Nutmeg of interest.
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) November 10, 2024 at 12:13 PM
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10th November
A short spell of mizzly damp that passed over the island just as dawn was breaking not only took what little breeze there was out of the east for the first time in ages but also got the day off to a fine start by precipitated the brief downing of 300 Redwings at the Bill. Thereafter, variety was again to the fore with a good spread of seasonable fare that included by way of oddities singles of Moorhen, Woodcock, Ring Ouzel, Dartford Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff (a lingerer) and Yellowhammer at the Bill. Goldcrests continued to arrive, with 20 at the Bill and notable aggregations elsewhere that included 25 at May Bower Gardens, whilst pretty well everything else that might be expected featured with lower totals. Under a clearing sky visible passage got going quite strongly at times, with 270 Goldfinches, 220 Chaffinches, 75 Linnets, 74 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 72 Stock Doves, 52 Skylarks, 50 Meadow Pipits, 21 Siskins, 9 Fieldfares and 4 Bramblings among the movers over the Bill, where a passing ticking bunting didn't oblige by stopping. The sea remained awash with Mediterranean Gulls with a good 400 off the Bill, where 11 Brent Geese and singles of Red-throated and Great Northern Diver also passed by. Two Knot were all that could be mustered at Ferrybridge.
