December 2000

December 31st The return of milder, wet and windy weather saw the year end quietly. The Surf Scoter showed very well off the Oil Tanks at Portland Harbour, but the only other bird of note was a single Red-throated Diver off the Bill. December 30th The chilly spell continued, and cold weather movement included 50 Song Thrushes, 36 Golden Plovers, 5 Lapwings and a Snipe at the Bill. A Water Rail at the Obs. Quarry was also a new arrival (additional to 2 wintering birds at Culverwell). Portland Harbour remained productive: the Surf Scoter showed well off the Oil Tanks, and the variety of divers and grebes included a high count of 13 Black-necked Grebes. December 29th Once again there was a little cold weather movement, with the Bill area producing 130 Golden Plovers, 12 Lapwings and a few thrushes. There was no unexpected sea passage, with watches from the Bill producing just 16 more Red-throated Divers. The immature Surf Scoter reappeared in Portland Harbour, where it showed well off the Oil Tanks; also there were a selection of divers and grebes, and 2 Eider. December 28th With much of the rest of the country having had snowfall overnight more cold weather movement was expected, but in the event very little materialised. At the Bill there were 12 Redwings and a Snipe, as well as a few more Song Thrushes than usual, and in the afternoon a Little Egret arrived from the south. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and another was found in gardens at Southwell; there were also Black Redstarts at several sites, and 5 Purple Sandpipers at the Bill. Seawatching from the Bill produced just 8 Red-throated Divers, and the regular flock of 25 Common Scoter. There were again plenty of  divers and grebes in Portland Harbour, but no sign of the Surf Scoter. December 27th With the cold spell continuing there was a hint of movement of displaced birds: the Bill area produced 37 Golden Plovers and single Brent Goose, Lapwing, Redwing and Fieldfare, as well as increased numbers of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes. Off the Bill,19 Red-throated and a single Great Northern Diver passed during the morning, and the 20 wintering Common Scoter were still present. The Firecrest again roosted in the Obs garden.  December 26th The raw north-east wind had increased overnight and made birding difficult. Lesser Black-backed Gulls continued to move in good numbers: 850 passed east or north at the Bill, and there were small flocks of grounded birds at several sites. Passage off the Bill also included 100 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Lapwings, 3 Red-throated Divers, 3 Brent Geese and a Curlew. Elsewhere in the area the were 2 Black Redstarts at Weston and another at Southwell, and a Fieldfare over Weston. Portland Harbour produced 10 Great Northern Divers, single Red-necked and Slavonian Grebes, and a lone Shoveler, but the Surf Scoter could not be found (its favoured haunts on the western edge of the Harbour are no longer sheltered from the weather). December 25th A bitter north-east wind and persistent drizzle ensured that most birders stayed indoors to enjoy Christmas. At the Bill, the Firecrest was still present in the Obs garden, and a single Red-throated Diver passed the Bill. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were very conspicuous everywhere: a steady tickle passed the Bill all day, and there were several flocks of grounded birds including 102 at Ferrybridge, and 25 at both the Air Station and the Bill. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was with the Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Ferrybridge. December 24th The immature Surf  Scoter in Portland Harbour was again the highlight. At the Bill there were single Golden Plover and Redwing on the land, and a Black-throated Diver and a Teal passed on the sea. December 23rd The arrival of the weekend saw more birders in the field and a little more reported from the area. Portland Harbour still held the Surf Scoter, that showed well off Ferrybridge; also there were plenty of grebes and divers, including both Black-necked and Red-necked Grebe off the Oil Tanks, and 2 Eider. Two Avocets showed-up amongst the gulls at Ferrybridge for a while during the morning. Off the Bill there were 11 Red-throated Divers, 5 Shoveler, and the wintering flock of 25 Common Scoter, as well as a couple of Lapwings arriving in-off the sea, and 9 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks near the lighthouse. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and there was a Black Redstart at Reap Lane. December 22nd The Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour, but it was otherwise an extremely quiet day, with the only other bird of note being the Firecrest in the Obs garden. December 21st A dreary, grey day that saw little birding activity. A lone Woodcock was an unexpected visitor to the Top Fields at the Bill, but otherwise the only noteworthy birds reported were the Firecrest at the Obs, and 3 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks at the Bill.  December 20th A surprise today was the reappearance of the immature Surf Scoter in Portland Harbour, where it showed well off Ferrybridge in the morning (evidently it has spent the last three days just inside the Fleet, near the Bridging Camp at Wyke Regis). The Island otherwise remained quiet, with just single Red- and Black-throated Divers passing the Bill, a couple of Black Redstarts along the East Cliffs at the Bill, and the wintering Firecrest still at the Obs. December 19th More of the same today. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and 4 Little Gulls and 3 Red-throated Divers passed the Bill. Portland Harbour produced several Great Northern and a Black-throated Diver, and 2 Eider. December 18th A quiet day everywhere. At the Bill, the Firecrest at still at the Obs, where there was also a single Black Redstart; the wintering group of Common Scoters were offshore, and 11 Red-throated Divers passed during the afternoon. Portland Harbour produced just a few grebes and divers, and 2 Eider.  December 17th Despite good conditions and plenty of searching, the Surf Scoter could not be found in Portland Harbour. A Little Auk spent part of the morning in Chesil Cove, and later the same or another was seen flying past the Bill. Seawatching at the Bill also produced 31 Red-throated, 2 Black-throated and 3 unidentified Divers, and a single Shoveler. At least 1 Long-eared Owl was seen at Verne Common in the afternoon. December 16th Another surprisingly productive day. The immature Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour, where it showed well off the Oil Tanks; also there were a good selection of divers and grebes, and 2 Eider, as well as a Little Auk that has apparently been present there for the last 3 days. A further 7 Eider and a Red-necked Grebe were in Chesil Cove. Diver passage continued off the Bill, where 22 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver passed during the day; also off the the Bill were 7 Eider, a Brent Goose, an Arctic Skua, a Mediterranean Gull, and the 25 wintering Common Scoter. On the land at the Bill there were single Redwing, Reed Bunting and Corn Bunting. Belated news received today is that at least 2 over-wintering Long-eared Owls have returned to Verne Common, where they have been seen at roost in the thick scrub near the Royal Naval Cemetery on several recent days. December 15th Late migrants were again a feature today. The best were a Swallow and a Blackcap at the Bill, where there were also several new Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, 5 Siskins, a Black Redstart and a Merlin. The wintering Firecrest was still at the Obs. Off the Bill there was a good movement of 21 Red-throated Divers, along with 5 Little Gulls. December 14th A big improvement in the weather allowed a few tardy finches to head for the Continent: at the Bill, 60 Goldfinches, 25 Linnets and 20 Greenfinches left to south during the morning. Both the Firecrest at the Obs, and the flock of 25 Common Scoter off the Bill were still present. The sheltered waters of Portland Harbour remained busy; the immature Surf Scoter was off the Oil Tanks in the morning, and there were at least 12 Great Northern Divers, 3 Slavonian Grebes and 3 Eider present. December 13th The return of stormy weather produced a Leach's Petrel in Portland Harbour and a Little Auk in Chesil Cove, but just a single Great Northern Diver off the Bill. There was still a good selection of divers and grebes in Portland Harbour, including 6 Great Northern Divers and a Red-necked Grebe. The wintering Firecrest was again in the Obs garden. December 12th A truly dismal day, with rain from dawn until dusk. The only noteworthy bird reported was the wintering Firecrest in the Obs garden. December 11th With dreary, wet weather the order of the day there was little birding activity. The immature Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour where it ranged between Ferrybridge and Sandsfoot Castle.  Seawatching produced 8 Little Gulls and a Little Auk at Chesil Cove, and just a single Red-throated Diver and the wintering flock of 30 Common Scoter off the Bill. December 10th The immature Surf Scoter in Portland Harbour continued to show during the morning at least, and there were still plenty of grebes and divers there. A strengthening wind and frequent squally showers kept interest going on the sea, with an exceptionally late juvenile Sabine's Gull the highlight off the Bill (following an earlier report of one over Portland Harbour). There were also 7 Little Gulls, and 5 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver off the Bill. December 9th To the disappointment of weekend visitors, the Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler at the Obs was seen just once at dawn and could not be found subsequently. The immature Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour throughout the day, and there was again a single Sandwich Tern and a good selection of divers and grebes there. Little Gulls continued to be seen in small numbers, with 6 in Chesil Cove and another 4 off the Bill. December 8th The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler remained in the Obs garden all day and showed more frequently than at any time during its stay. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and a Blackcap was a new arrival there. Portland Harbour was very busy throughout the day: the immature Surf Scoter showed well between the Oil Tanks and Sandsfoot Castle, there were at least 12 Great Northern Divers, 3 Slavonian and 2 Red-necked Grebes, and a Sandwich Tern seen, and in the late afternoon a Leach's Petrel and an Arctic Skua were reported. The sea was quiet at the Bill, but Chesil Cove produced up to 8 lingering Little Gulls, a Great Skua and a fly-by Grey Phalarope.

 

 

Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler - December 7th 2000

photo © Martin Cade

  December 7th The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler was still in the Obs garden today where it was trapped and ringed at dawn; atrocious weather conditions hindered viewing throughout the rest of the day, but the bird continued to show from time to time in the tree mallows outside the bookshop. The wintering Firecrest was also still at the Obs, and there was a new Chiffchaff at Southwell. The Surf Scoter was seen again in Portland Harbour during the morning, but the weather put paid to any observations in the afternoon. A lone Sandwich Tern was at Ferrybridge at midday.

 

Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler - December 6th 2000

video-still © Charlie Moores

  December 6th A day of plenty more action in what ought to be one of the quietest times of year. The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler in the Obs garden was again the highlight although it remained frustratingly elusive for long periods. A Firecrest was still present at the Obs, and an exceptionally late Reed Warbler was trapped and ringed there. A female/immature Surf Scoter was a new arrival in Portland Harbour where it showed very well close inshore between the Oil Tanks and Ferrybridge in the late afternoon. Seawatching at the Bill produced 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Eider, a Grey Phalarope, a Great Skua and a Little Gull. December 5th The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler remained around the Obs garden all day. It was generally very elusive in the blustery and wet weather, but every hour or so showed well in the tree mallows outside the bookshop. Seawatching at the Bill produced 4 Little Gulls, as well as single Arctic and Great Skuas. Elsewhere there were a couple of Goldcrests and a Chiffchaff at Pennsylvania Castle, and 2 Great Northern Divers in Portland Harbour.  December 4th The discovery of a Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler at the Obs caused some unexpected excitement today. The bird was often very elusive but showed well on several occasions through the afternoon in the tree mallows outside the bookshop. The sea provided the rest of the interest, with 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great and an Arctic Skua, a Leach's Petrel and a Red-breasted Merganser past the Bill, and 8 Little Gulls in Chesil Cove. December 3rd The Island remained quiet, with the best birds being a couple of fly-by Velvet Scoter off the Bill. The Pennsylvania Castle area still held a few Goldcrests, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Chiffchaffs, and the Firecrest  showed occasionally at the Obs garden. December 2nd Decent weather saw a few more birders in the field, but there was little reward for their efforts. Aside from the wintering Firecrest, the Bill produced just a Fieldfare and a trickle of late Goldfinches, as well as the flock of 40 Common Scoter still offshore. Portland Harbour held a couple of Great Northern Divers and a Slavonian Grebe, there was a Black Redstart at Portland Castle, and there were again 2 Sandwich Terns at Ferrybridge. December 1st There was again a little passage off the Bill, with 9 Red-throated Divers, 3 Tufted Ducks and 2 Little Gulls, among fair numbers of Fulmars, Kittiwakes and auks. The Bill area produced just 7 Redwings and 3 Lapwings, and there were still a few Goldcrests at Pennsylvania Castle.

November 2000

November 30th A strengthening south-east wind stirred-up a few birds off the Bill, where there were 7 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Skuas and a very late Manx Shearwater.  A few flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets left to the south during the morning, and the Firecrest was still in the Obs garden. November 29th The temperature remained spring-like, but the lack of birds was certainly typical of the beginning of winter. There was a lone Black Redstart at the Bill, as well as the Firecrest still at the Obs, but otherwise the only birds of note were a couple of passing Red-throated Divers offshore. November 28th Another very mild day, with the stiff southerly wind producing a little passage on the sea. Off the Bill there were 10 Little Gulls and 5 Red-throated Divers, as well as the now resident flock of 40 Common Scoter. The land was quiet, with just a few Goldcrests and a Chiffchaff at Pennsylvania Castle, and a Firecrest at the Obs. At Ferrybidge, there was a single Sandwich Tern and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose. November 27th The arrival of very mild air offered the promise of some late migrants, but it was still a surprise when a Common Swift appeared over the Windmills area at Easton - the latest Portland record by some margin. Also quite late were 2 Sandwich Terns at Ferrybridge. Persistent rain otherwise made birding difficult and the only other sightings were of a few new Song Thrushes, a Redpoll and a wintering Firecrest at the Bill, and a Black Redstart at Weston. November 26th A very quiet day. Off the Bill, seawatching produced a Great Northern Diver and a Little Gull, as well as Gannets, Kittiwakes and auks in good numbers, and a settled flock of 35 Common Scoter; another Little Gull was seen at Chesil Cove. On the land at least 1 Firecrest was at the Obs, and there was a single Blackcap at Pennsylvania Castle. November 25th Wet and windy weather was again the order of the day. At the Bill a short break in the rain during the morning produced 3 Red-throated Divers, a Sooty Shearwater and an Arctic Skua on the sea, but prolonged clearer weather in the afternoon provided little more than a steady trickle of Kittiwakes and auks.  November 24th The Pennsylvania Castle area again produced plenty of birds, although yesterday's rarities had both moved on. A Treecreeper (the first on the Island this autumn) was the best new arrival, and there were also several Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests, single Blackcap and Black Redstart, and a high count of 33 Long-tailed Tits. At the Bill there were a few Redwings, 2 Black Redstarts and the 2 wintering Firecrests. November 23rd A surprisingly successful day after a less than promising wet start. The sheltered wood at  Pennsylvania Castle was busy with Long-tailed Tits and late Goldcrests, and in the afternoon a Pallas's Warbler and a Siberian Chiffchaff were found and showed well there. Around the Bill, migrants were sparse but included Curlew, Snipe, 2 Black Redstarts and a few thrushes and finches. Off the Bill itself seawatching produced 2 Little Gulls, a Sooty Shearwater and an Arctic Skua, and there were 6 Purple Sandpiper on the rocks. November 22nd The return of stormy weather meant that again seawatching was the only birding possible. Off the Bill there were a steady trickle of Fulmars, together with a single Sooty Shearwater and a Red-throated Diver. At least 10 Little Gulls were in Chesil Cove in the afternoon. On the land the only birds of note were 5 Purple Sandpipers at the Bill. November 21st Late migrants continued to trickle through. At the Bill, small flocks of Chaffinches, Goldfinches and Linnets were still leaving to the south, and a few Song Thrushes and a Redwing had arrived overnight. A new Chiffchaff and a new Goldcrest joined the 2 wintering Firecrests at the Obs, and there were at least 4 Black Redstarts at Southwell. The sea produced just 2 Red-throated Divers off the Bill. November 20th A real end of autumn day, with little about on the land or sea. A trickle of Goldfinches and Linnets, together with a single Siskin and a late Swallow, passed through at the Bill, and there were still 2 Firecrests in and around the Obs garden. Offshore, there were a few Common Scoter and a single Red-throated Diver. November 19th With little change in the weather it was again the sea that provided most of the interest today.  A Grey Phalarope was found in Chesil Cove in the morning, whilst Kittiwakes and auks were still in good supply off the Bill, where there were also 3 Velvet Scoter and a Red-throated Diver. On the land the only birds of note were a fly-over Lapland Bunting and a Merlin at Barleycrates Lane.  November 18th A damp and breezy day with a few seabirds on the move in the afternoon. Off the Bill there was a steady passage of Gannets, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and auks, along with 4 Arctic and a Pomarine Skua, a Red-throated Diver and a Brent Goose. The land was very quiet, with just a single Redwing and at least 1 Firecrest at the Obs. November 17th Cold and blustery north-westerly weather brought a halt to most late passage today. Sheltered spots held a few Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs, and there were single Firecrests at both the Obs and Pennsylvania Castle, and a Black Redstart at the Bill. Seawatching at the Bill provided just single Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, and a Red-breasted Merganser.

 

Dusky Warbler - © Martin Cade

  November 16th The excellent week continued with the trapping and ringing of a Dusky Warbler at the Obs in the morning; it showed on-and-off until midday but couldn't be found in the afternoon. Commoner migrants were much less obvious than in recent days, but still included Merlin, Short-eared Owl, Swallow, House Martin, Wheatear and 2 Firecrests at the Bill. Seawatching at the Bill produced 7 Red-throated Divers, a Wigeon and a Pintail. November 15th Highlight today was a Siberian Chiffchaff seen at Verne Common (thought to have been present since November 10th). Common migrants were still in good supply, with thrushes and finches dominating: counts at the Bill included 50 Blackbirds, 45 Chaffinches, 25 Song Thrushes and 8 Redpolls. Freshly arrived Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were widely scattered in small numbers, and there were still 2 Firecrests at the Obs and another at Southwell. Single Little Egrets were seen at Ferrybridge, Blacknor and the Bill, a Short-eared Owl flew north over Weston, and there were 2 late House Martins at East Weares. November 14th The recent run of interest continued with a mobile Barred Warbler at Avalanche Road and Weston Street in the morning; a Dartford Warbler was also found in the same area. Commoner migrants included a flurry of late Blackcaps, fair numbers of thrushes and finches, and single Woodcock and Merlin. Two Swallows were at the Bill, and a very late Yellow Wagtail flew over at Weston.  November 13th Another day of fine weather and good late autumn fare. Bird of the day was a showy Pallas's Warbler at Avalanche Road, Southwell, in the afternoon (perhaps the same individual as a Pallas's/Yellow-browed Warbler seen briefly at Culverwell in the morning). Other oddities included a Ruff at Weston, a Grey Phalarope still at Chesil Cove, 4 Black Redstarts around Weston, a Dartford Warbler at Tout Quarry, 2 Firecrests at the Obs and a Lapland Bunting over the Bill. Tardy common migrants remained on the move, with a sprinkle of thrushes, Goldcrests and finches everywhere. November 12th A marked improvement in the weather produced a peculiar selection of birds on the Island. The highlight was undoubtedly a Waxwing at Culverwell soon after dawn; unfortunately it was settled only briefly and soon left to the north. The sea was still surprisingly productive, with 24 Little Gulls, 2 Red-throated, 2 Black-throated and a Great Northern Diver past the Bill, and 2 Grey Phalaropes lingering in Chesil Cove. New migrants at the Bill included 2 Black Redstarts and 2 Blackcaps, with 2 Firecrests and a Chiffchaff still in the Obs garden. Finally, there was a lone Purple Sandpiper at the Bill, and at least 3 Great Northern Divers in Portland Harbour. November 11th The return of wet and windy weather meant that seawatching was the only option for most of the day. At the Bill there was a steady passage of Gannets, Kittiwakes and auks, together with 34 Fulmars, 10 Common Scoter, 4 Sooty Shearwaters, 4 Little Gulls, 2 Great and 2 Pomarine Skuas, a Storm Petrel and a Little Auk. On the land the only birds of note were a couple of Firecrests still present in the Obs garden. November 10th Migrants remained in very short supply. Over the Bill there was a little visible passage of Skylarks, Starlings, finches and Reed Buntings, as well a couple of late Swallows. On the ground 2 Firecrests and a Chiffchaff remained in the Obs garden, and sheltered spots elsewhere held a scatter of Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs. A single Great Northern Diver passed the Bill in the afternoon. November 9th After a clear, moonlit night it was not altogether surprising that migrants were thin on the ground. Thrushes, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were thinly scattered everywhere, and there was still at least 1 Firecrest at the Obs. Visible passage consisted of no more than just a few Chaffinches and a Siskin over the Bill.

 

'eastern' Lesser Whitethroat - © Martin Cade

  November 8th Late migrants continued to pass through in fair numbers, with thrushes still dominating. Around the Bill there were more than 100 Blackbirds, 30 Redwings and 10 Fieldfares, as well as 10 Long-tailed Tits, 3 late Swallows, 2 new Chiffchaffs and a new Firecrest. The 'eastern' Lesser Whitethroat near Pennsylvania Castle was still present and was trapped and ringed in the afternoon; the measurements taken are inconclusive in placing to a subspecies, and it seems likely to be an intergrade. November 7th Thrushes were again the most conspicuous migrants at the Bill, where there were 150 Redwings, 100 Blackbirds and the first 13 Fieldfares of the autumn. Three Firecrests were still to be found in and around the Obs, but the only other new arrivals were a few Chaffinches, 7 Lapwings, 2 Short-eared Owls, a Snipe and a Blackcap. Elsewhere, the bird of the day was an 'eastern' Lesser Whitethroat that showed well in the afternoon on the roadside opposite Pennsylvania Castle. The sea remained rather unproductive, with just a few Common Scoter, 3 Brent Geese, and single Shelduck, Teal and Red-breasted Merganser off the Bill. November 6th Slightly quieter weather brought with it a flurry of migrants. Thrushes were more conspicuous than for some time, with counts of 50 Blackbirds, 30 Song Thrushes and 26 Redwings at the Bill. A late Wheatear and 3 House Martins were at the Bill, and single Firecrests were at the Obs and Pennsylvania Castle. Visible passage included a trickle of Starlings arriving from the east all day. With the wind having swung into the north the sea was quiet, with just 2 Great Skuas, a Great Northern Diver and a Little Gull off the Bill. November 5th Seawatching was productive in the morning, ahead of the arrival of a south-easterly gale and driving rain in the afternoon. At the Bill there were 53 Common Scoter, 10 Little Gulls, 4 Fulmars, 3 Great Skuas, 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, a Sooty Shearwater, a Black-throated Diver and a Pochard. Little birding was possible on the land, but there were a couple of Redwings, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff in the Obs garden.

 

Redpoll - © Martin Cade

  November 4th Migrants were in unexpectedly low numbers despite the improved weather. On the ground the best birds were 2 Woodlarks at Broadcroft Quarry, 4 Ring Ouzels at Grove Point and another at the Bill, another new Firecrest at the Obs and a Short-eared Owl again at the Bill. Visible passage overhead included a few flocks of Wood Pigeons and Stock Doves, as well as  3 Redpolls and a Brambling at the Bill. November 3rd Quieter weather, albeit with a chilly north-westerly breeze, arrived for the first time in nearly a fortnight and there was a good deal more about on the land. At the Bill new migrants included several Swallows, 6 Goldcrests, 4 Firecrests, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, a Short-eared Owl, a Wheatear and a Dartford Warbler, as well as a good selection of overflying finches and buntings. Even stronger finch passage occurred over East Weares, where the movement included single flocks of 120 Chaffinches and 50 Siskins. The sea was predictably quiet, with just 2 Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver, and a tardy Storm Petrel off the Bill. Finally, there were 2 late Sandwich Terns at Ferrybridge, and 5 Great Northern Divers, 2 Black-necked and a Red-necked Grebe in Portland Harbour.  November 2nd A subtle change in the weather, with the wind veering briefly to the south, produced a few migrants at the Bill, where there were 8 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Firecrests and 2 Black Redstarts in the morning. By the afternoon the weather had worsened again so a late Red-breasted Flycatcher was an unexpected discovery in the Obs garden. The sea was quieter than of late, with just 2 Storm Petrels and a Brent Goose seen at the Bill. November 1st Storm Petrels again provided much of the interest today, with 31 passing the Bill and a few still lingering in Chesil Cove. The sea was otherwise rather quiet, with just a handful of Common Scoter and a Great Northern Diver off the Bill. Finch movement was conspicuous over the Bill, where 247 Goldfinches and 214 Linnets were logged leaving to the south, and a Serin was a brief visitor to the Obs garden. Other oddities included a Short-eared Owl at the Bill, a Firecrest at Pennsylvania Castle and a Snow Bunting over Weston.

October 2000

    October 31st A few Storm Petrels continued to linger inshore at Chesil Cove, but with the weather having improved the majority seem to have struggled back out to the open sea; 66 were counted passing west at the Bill during the course of the day. Seawatching also produced a Red-necked Grebe in Chesil Cove, and 19 Brent Geese, a Black-throated Diver and an Eider off the Bill. On the land a handful more migrants appeared, including 11 Redwings, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Firecrests and a Redpoll at the Bill.  October 30th The recent stormy spell reached its peak during the early hours, and in the morning it soon became apparent that there had been an exceptional wreck of Storm Petrels. The majority were present in the relative shelter of Portland Harbour, where the single highest count was of 90 from Portland Castle. Elsewhere, 20 passed the Bill during the day, at least 15 were seen at Chesil Cove, and there was even a lone bird on the Fleet at Ferrybridge. Single Leach's Petrels were reported from the Bill and Chesil Cove. Other seabirds in the area included 16 Great Skuas in Portland Harbour and another 4 in Chesil Cove, as well as 2 Great and an Arctic Skua, a Great Northern Diver and a Long-tailed Duck off the Bill.  October 29th There was no let-up in the stormy weather, but seawatching was rather disappointing. Two Storm Petrels and a Great Skua passed through Chesil Cove in the morning, and the Bill could only manage 5 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver all day. Sheltered spots on the east side of the Island still held fair numbers of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests, and there was a lone Ring Ouzel at Tout Quarry. October 28th The continuing stormy weather made any birding other than seawatching impossible. At the Bill, the day totals recorded were: 690 Gannets, 450 auks, 174 Kittiwakes, 32 Sooty Shearwaters, 15 Great and 15 Arctic Skuas, 14 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmars, 3 Leach's Petrels, 2 Manx and 1 Balearic Shearwater, 1 Little Gull and 1 Red-throated Diver. October 27th Wet and windy weather made seawatching the only option for most of the day. A Leach's Petrel that passed through Chesil Cove in the morning was very much the highlight, with 2 Great Skuas, a Great Northern Diver and a Sooty Shearwater off the Bill the only other birds of note. A Short-eared Owl showed well quartering fields at the Bill at dawn and dusk, and the weather improved enough in the afternoon for a Dartford Warbler to be found at Culverwell. At least 4 Firecrests were still at the Obs garden, where there were also a handful of Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests. October 26th Under clear skies in the morning there was a good deal of visible passage overhead at the Bill; Goldfinch and Linnet both totalled more than 250, and there were fair numbers of Skylarks and Siskins. The stiff north-west wind again made birding on the land difficult, but the sheltered spots held good numbers of Goldcrests, as well as a few Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Firecrests. Oddities included single Short-eared Owls at the Bill and East Weares, and a Ring Ouzel at Suckthumb Quarry. October 25th Another very quiet day. The sheltered East Weares produced a single Dartford Warbler, and a lone Firecrest showed from time to time at the Obs. Visible passage consisted of just a trickle of Linnets and Goldfinches over the Bill. October 24th Grey skies, a strong wind and rather few birds today. There was a surprising amount of overhead passage of finches, particularly Goldfinches and Linnets, during the morning, but grounded migrants were few and far between. One or two Firecrests remained around the Obs and other sites, and there was again a lone Merlin at the Bill. The sea produced just a single Great Skua. October 23rd A change to blustery westerly weather all but brought to an end the decent passage of the past few days. A couple of new Firecrests were trapped at the Obs but there was little evidence of any other fresh arrivals. The sea perked up a little with 8 Great and an Arctic Skua passing the Bill in the morning. October 22nd Another good late autumn day, with lots of visible passage overhead and plenty of grounded migrants. Birds of the day were two Hawfinches: the first was at Barleycrates Lane briefly first thing in the morning, whilst the second spent a little longer around the Coastguards at the Bill. Goldcrests were in numbers everywhere, and there were still quite a few Firecrests to be found. Ring Ouzels totalled  about 15, with most around the Bill area, where there also several Black Redstarts and 2 Dartford Warblers. Passage overhead included more thrushes than of late, along with 100 Skylarks, 40 Jackdaws, and a selection of finches including more than 70 Siskins. October 21st A Yellow-browed Warbler that showed regularly at Barleycrates Lane was the best new arrival today. Firecrests figured prominently again: 4 new individuals were trapped and ringed among the 10 or more present at the Obs, and the all-Island total exceeded 25 birds. Black Redstarts and Stonechats remained quite numerous, and other migrants reported included 2 Merlins, 9 Golden Plovers, a Short-eared Owl,  5 Redwings, and several Siskins and Redpolls. Among this typical late autumn fare there were still a handful of late Yellow Wagtails and Whinchats at the Bill.

 

Firecrest  © Martin Cade

  October 20th A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen by one lucky observer at Fortuneswell, but otherwise today was very much a Firecrest day.  There were ones and twos at most suitable sites on the Island, as well as a remarkable total of 10 new individuals trapped and ringed at the Obs. In comparison most other migrants were in surprisingly short supply, although there were good counts of at least 16 Stonechats and 13 Black Redstarts around the Bill alone.

 

'eastern' Lesser Whitethroat  © Martin Cade

  October 19th The Lesser Whitethroat was still present in and around the Obs garden and was trapped again in the afternoon. Further measurements taken, as well as the birds plumage and behaviour, seem to rule out the possibility of it being blythi, and it seems to be belong to another eastern form or more likely an intergrade. This bird aside, it was another fairly quiet day. There were at least 6 Firecrests, 2 Black Redstarts and a Merlin reported from various sites, whilst visible passage overhead produced 3 Bramblings among a selection of other finches. October 18th The Lesser Whitethroat showing some characters of the form blythi appeared again at the Obs, but otherwise the recent run of rarities and scarce migrants came to a halt. Late common migrants were still present in quite good numbers, and included a scatter of Black Redstarts and Firecrests around the Island. October 17th The Dusky Warbler at Southwell School was again the highlight of the day, although it remained tricky to see for most of the time. Oddities about the Island included an Osprey over Pennsylvania Castle, a Short-eared Owl in Top Fields, a Dartford Warbler near the Obs, a Lapland Bunting at Southwell and a Snow Bunting flying north up West Cliffs. Common migrants were not as numerous as on the last two days, but still included up to 10 Black Redstarts, 3 Firecrests, a Ring Ouzel, and a fair passage of finches overhead. October 16th Another exciting day saw a few of yesterday's birds still about, as well as a flurry of fresh common migrants and rarities. The Dusky Warbler at Southwell School and the Pallas's Warbler at the Mermaid Inn were both present all day, although both were very elusive in the strengthening wind. Two Rose-coloured Starlings were new arrivals: one stayed all day at the Grove, and another made a fleeting visit to the Bill in the afternoon. Scarcer migrants reported about the Island included several Black Redstarts, 5 Tree Sparrows, 2 Ring Ouzels and 2 Dartford Warblers. Thrushes, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were numerous everywhere, and there were also the first few Redpolls of the autumn passing over at the Bill. October 15th A cracking autumn day, with exciting new birds showing-up throughout the day. Under heavily overcast skies at dawn it was obvious that there was much more in the way of common migrants about. Song Thrushes and Blackbirds were conspicuous for the first time this autumn, and the trees were alive with Goldcrests, Firecrests and Chiffchaffs. Very soon a Dusky Warbler was discovered beside the Southwell School (it continued to show on and off all day), and nearby the Yellow-browed Warbler was still present at Avalanche Road, where there were also 3 Ring Ouzels. As the morning went on, a blythi-type Lesser Whitethroat was seen and then trapped at the Obs, and a Pallas's Warbler was found at the dung heap beside the Bill Road. During the afternoon an Osprey flew over at the Bill, and finally a second Pallas's Warbler was found behind the Mermaid Inn at Wakeham. October 14th After several quite lean days a few more oddities showed-up today, . A Yellow-browed Warbler was a new arrival at Avalanche Road, and there was also an Osprey and a Dartford Warbler at the Bill, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Ferrybridge, and a Short-eared Owl at Nicodemus Knob. Common migrants - Meadow Pipits excepted - remained in surprisingly short supply, although a small influx of Firecrests saw a total of at least 5 new individuals logged, and Stonechats increased to 25 at the Bill. October 13th After a clear moonlit night grounded migrants were in short supply but there was a lot of visible passage in the first couple of hours of the day. At the Bill, more than 500 alba Wagtails passed through, together with good numbers of Swallows and Linnets, and a few Song Thrushes, Bramblings, Siskins and Reed Buntings; on the ground there were up to 1000 Meadow Pipits, but otherwise just a sprinkle of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests. Offshore, the only birds of note were 2 Red-throated Divers. October 12th A calmer day, albeit still with a few heavy showers, saw to it that there was more about on the land. Visible passage was conspicuous at the Bill in the morning: alba Wagtails, Swallows and Linnets all passed through in high numbers, and less common species included a few Reed Buntings, Siskins and a Brambling. On the ground, numbers were generally lower, but there was a reasonable sprinkle of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests everywhere. Late migrants included Yellow Wagtails, Whinchats, Redstart and Whitethroat at the Bill. October 11th More of the same weather, but fewer birds. Off the Bill there were just 3 Arctic and a Great Skua, and a single Manx Shearwater. A Merlin was the only worthwhile migrant at the Bill, and an Osprey was again seen at Ferrybridge. October 10th Another day of strong winds and rather few birds. The highlights were a fly-through Sabine's Gull at Chesil Cove in the morning, and a brief Grey Phalarope at Ferrybridge in the afternoon; these aside, the only noteworthy seabirds were 3 Great Skuas off the Bill. A couple of Merlins were seen at the Bill, but otherwise migrants seemed thin on the ground everywhere. October 9th Lashing rain and strong winds saw to it that the only birding done today was seawatching from the Bill, where there were 16 Common Scoter, 7 Great and 5 Arctic Skuas, 4 Sooty Shearwaters, a Great Northern Diver, a Brent Goose and a Storm Petrel. October 8th The Yellow-browed Warbler at Avalanche Road was again the highlight of an otherwise quiet day. Visible passage was conspicuous, with over 250 alba Wagtails leaving to the south from the Bill alone, but grounded migrants remained thin on the ground everywhere. Oddities included an Osprey over the Bill, a Knot on the East Cliffs and 2 Short-eared Owls around Top Fields. October 7th The Yellow-browed Warbler as still present at Avalanche Road, but it was otherwise a rather quiet day all round. Grounded migrant numbers fell sharply, and the overcast skies saw to it that visible passage was restricted to just a steady trickle of Swallows and Linnets. A couple of Bramblings passed through the Obs garden and another was in Top Fields, a Firecrest was at the Verne, and an Osprey appeared briefly at Ferrybridge. October 6th Birds arrived in numbers today, with a decent arrival of grounded migrants and some heavy visible passage overhead. At the Bill, totals included 1000 Meadow Pipits, 50 Chiffchaffs, 30 Goldcrests, 20 Stonechats and 15 Blackcaps, and there were lots of new Wrens, Dunnocks and Robins about the area. At the Obs, the total of 54 new birds trapped and ringed represented the highest day-total of birds ringed since 6th August - a meagre total but a fair reflection of how few good arrivals of common migrants there have been so far this autumn. Visible passage totals at the Bill included 1000 Swallows, 300 alba Wagtails, 75 Siskins, 30 Tree Pipits, 25 Chaffinches, 12 Reed Buntings, 11 Golden Plovers, 2 Hobbies and single Redwing and Brambling. Finally, to round the day off well, a Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered at Avalanche Road, Southwell, in the late afternoon. Late record for today received on 7/10: A Woodlark was at Barleycrates Lane in the afternoon. October 5th A strong and - for the first time this autumn - cold north-westerly wind again made birding on the land difficult. One or more Lapland Buntings were seen and heard overhead at the Bill during the morning, but migrants were otherwise pretty sparse there. The more sheltered trees in the middle of the Island held a few Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests, and there was a late Spotted Flycatcher at Easton Fire Station. Seabirds included 2 Great Skuas and a Red-throated Diver off the Bill, but much the best bird was the Grey Phalarope that showed well in Chesil Cove throughout the afternoon. Late record for today received on 6/10: An Osprey was seen at Ferrybridge in the morning. October 4th A few more migrants were expected as the wind had dropped markedly, but unfortunately the day proved to be a disappointment. Most of the commoner migrants were present, but numbers of all were rather low. At the Bill there was a fair movement of Swallows and Meadow Pipits, together with a few Grey Wagtails and Tree Pipits. Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were present in small numbers everywhere, and late migrants at the Bill included 4 Whitethroats and a Pied Flycatcher. The sea was much quieter than yesterday, although 2 Great and an Arctic Skua, as well as a late Roseate Tern were seen off the Bill. October 3rd Migrants remained in pretty short supply in the strong wind, and the only oddities found were 2 Merlins and a Hobby at the Bill. The sea was much more interesting, particularly in the afternoon when the wind increased still further. Off the Bill, totals logged included 45 Sooty Shearwaters, 9 Brent Geese, 8 Sandwich Terns, 5 Arctic and 4 Great Skuas, and the first Great Northern Diver of the autumn. October 2nd With a howling north-westerly wind blowing for most of the day, birding was difficult nearly everywhere. Most surprisingly, 2 Honey Buzzards left from the Bill during the morning, but common migrants there were otherwise either scarce or keeping their heads down. The sheltered east side of the Island held a few Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs, and searching in these areas eventually turned-up a Yellow-browed Warbler above Penn's Weare in the afternoon.

 

Radde's Warbler  © Martin Cade

  October 1st Another exciting day, with the highlight being the trapping of a Radde's Warbler at the Obs in the middle of the day. Many birders were in the area to see the bird in the hand, but it made for cover after release and was not seen again. The Wryneck was still present at the Bill, where there was also the best arrival of common migrants for some time, with Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs being particularly numerous. Single Firecrests were at the Obs and Pennsylvania Castle, with the latter site also holding a couple of Pied and a Spotted Flycatcher. At least 3 Honey Buzzards were seen overhead early in the day, but later the only large raptor reported was a Marsh Harrier flying south across Lyme Bay.

September 2000

 

Honey Buzzard © Martin Cade

  September 30th Fortunately for the the many birders who arrived to see it, the Cliff Swallow was still present at the Verne. It was much more mobile than yesterday, but was seen on and off until the early afternoon when it perhaps got sucked into the heavy hirundine passage that was taking place and moved on. Honey Buzzards again passed through in dramatic numbers, with 35 or more being logged throughout the Island today. Other raptors drawn into this movement included at least 10 Buzzards, 3 Hobbies, 2 Ospreys and 2 Marsh Harriers. With so many distractions, commoner migrants hardly got a look in. However, the Wryneck was still at the Bill and there was another at the Verne, and migrants around the Bill included 30 Tree Pipits and 6 Long-tailed Tits.

 

Cliff  Swallow © Paul Gale

  September 29th Big news today was the discovery of a Cliff Swallow at the Verne in the afternoon; the bird was found at 2 o'clock and continued to show well from the Royal Naval Cemetery until nearly dusk. The continuing Honey Buzzard passage created what was otherwise a Falsterbo-esque atmosphere to proceedings: between 15 and 20 passed over the Island during the day. The Wryneck, Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher were all still present at the Bill, where there was also a very heavy passage of more than 10000 Swallows. Seawatching at the Bill produced a couple of Black Terns but little else. September 28th The same Wryneck, Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher were all still present in and around the Obs, but new migrants at the Bill otherwise consisted of just a few new Wheatears and Stonechats. A new Wryneck was found at Barleycrates Lane, and at least 3 (possibly as many as 6) Honey Buzzards appeared overhead at various sites during the afternoon. Seawatching produced just 2 Great and an Arctic Skua off the Bill.  September 27th A Wryneck seen briefly near the Obs was perhaps the bird that was trapped a couple of days ago. There was little change in the grounded migrant situation, with single Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher at the Obs being the highlights, but there was a lot more movement at sea as wet and windy weather arrived in the afternoon. Off the Bill, there were 49 Sooty, 4 Manx and 3 Balearic Shearwaters, together with 2 Great Skuas and a single Leach's Petrel. September 26th Grounded migrants were again limited in number and variety, with the best being a Turtle Dove in Top Fields, and single Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. A strengthening south-west wind got a few more things moving off the Bill, where there were 1500 Gannets, and 3 Arctic and 3 Great Skuas. Late records for today received on 27/9: seawatching at Chesil Cove in the afternoon produced 5 Arctic, 4 Roseate and 2 Black Terns, 4 Great and 2 Arctic Skuas, and a single Little Gull. September 25th With much of the day having been washed-out by the heavy rain that set in from mid-morning, it was fortunate that there had been a good deal around in the first few hours of the day to keep birders entertained. A Moorhen in the Obs garden at dawn was the unlikely bird of the day that, at least in terms of local rarity value, could not be eclipsed by species such as Little Egret, Wryneck and Honey Buzzard that were seen later. The Little Egret was an early morning fly-over, the Wryneck was trapped and ringed at the Obs, and the Honey Buzzard flew west over there just as the rain was setting-in. Commoner migrants included at least 2 Firecrests at the Obs and another in Top Fields, and a Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. Seawatching at the Bill produced just 5 Eider and 2 Great Skuas. September 24th Despite a change in the weather it was still more of the same around the Island. Heavy rain at dawn promised to have dropped a few migrants, but, although Yellow Wagtails and Meadow Pipits increased, grounded migrants remained at a premium. The best were 2 Firecrests at the Obs, single Turtle Doves at West Cliffs and Southwell, and a Blue-headed Wagtail in Top Fields. Hirundines continued to pass through in good supply all morning. Off the Bill, there were 7 Great and a Pomarine Skua, and 2 Balearic Shearwaters. September 23rd Visible passage was very conspicuous, especially in the morning, but it was otherwise a rather slow day for the time of year. House Martins were outstanding numerous with perhaps as many as 10000 passing over the Bill, where there were also lesser numbers of other hirundines, wagtails and pipits. An Ortolan Bunting settled briefly at the Bill, but it seemed to be sucked into the general movement taking place and soon disappeared. Seawatching at the Bill produced 3 Balearic Shearwaters, and 3 Arctic and 2 Great Skuas. Late record for today received on 24/9: a Honey Buzzard over Tout Quarry at midday. September 22nd A rather quiet day, with the Buff-breasted Sandpiper having moved on, and numbers of common migrants distinctly on the low side. An Osprey that passed south down the West Cliffs at midday, and 3 Buzzards that soared over the middle of the Island in the afternoon were the best birds seen. Visible passage, particularly of hirundines, was occasionally conspicuous, but the best of the grounded migrants were just 3 Spotted Flycatchers at the Eight Kings Quarry and a Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. Seawatching produced 2 Great Skuas at the Bill. September 21st Once again the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was very much highlight of the day. It showed well all day at Blacknor, where there was also a very brief Lapland Bunting early in the morning. New migrants were at a premium, with the best being single Pied Flycatchers at the Obs and Pennsylvania Castle, and a Merlin around the Bill. Wet and windy weather in the morning produced nothing better on the sea than 2 Great Skuas and a Balearic Shearwater from the Bill, with the same weather no doubt accounting for the appearance of  2 late Little Terns at Ferrybridge.

 

Buff-breasted Sandpiper  © Peter Coe

  September 20th The Buff-breasted Sandpiper continued to show well all day near Blacknor. The days common migrants seemed largely to be left-overs from yesterday: single Wood Warbler and Firecrest were again at the Bill, but numbers of most species dropped markedly. A Nightingale was a new discovery at Easton, and the first 4 Brent Geese of the autumn passed the Bill. Copies of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper photograph reproduced above are available at the Obs (£1.80) or by post from Peter Coe (£2; phone 01305-823664). September 19th The Buff-breasted Sandpiper was finally pinned down today: it showed briefly at Barleycrates Lane in the morning, and was then discovered settled on some waste ground near Blacknor in the afternoon. Common migrants were in better numbers everywhere, with Meadow Pipits particularly numerous. At the Bill, where an Osprey flew over at midday, totals included 50 Wheatears, 40 Chiffchaffs, 25 Willow Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 8 Whitethroats, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Pied Flycatchers, and single Hobby, Lesser Whitethroat, Wood Warbler and Firecrest. Seawatching was uneventful, with a single Balearic Shearwater off the Bill the highlight. September 18th There was a miserable wet and windy start to the day, but during a brief easing of the rain in mid-morning a Buff-breasted Sandpiper flew in off the sea past the Obs. After considerable searching the bird was found settled on the cliff-top at Barleycrates Lane where it showed for half-an-hour before leaving to the north. A Short-eared Owl was again present in Top Fields, but land migrants were otherwise thin on the ground or keeping their heads down. Off the Bill, seawatching produced 12 Arctic and 2 Great Skuas, and 2 Manx and a Balearic Shearwater. Late record for today received on 20/9: a Sabine's Gull off the Bill in the morning. September 17th Bird of the day was a new Wryneck discovered beside the Cheyne car park in the late morning. Visible passage was again very conspicuous; counts at the Bill in the first couple of hours of the day included 500 Swallows, 500 Meadow Pipits, 150 House Martins, 50 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Tree Pipits and 15 Grey Wagtails. Migrants were in reasonable variety and number on the ground as well, with the best being the first Short-eared Owl of the autumn at the Bill. The sea perked up a little with counts from the Bill including 51 Common Scoter, 7 Sandwich Terns, 4 Arctic and a Great Skua, and 2 Balearic Shearwaters. September 16th A stiff north-westerly wind and clear skies ensured that it was quiet all round today. There was a fair passage of hirundines, pipits and wagtails overhead, but otherwise the best birds on the land were single Hobby, Merlin, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher at the Bill. The offshore wind saw to it that next to nothing was seen on the sea. September 15th The morning was a washout, but a few birds surfaced in better weather in the afternoon. The 'original' Wryneck (first seen on 8th) was rediscovered in the Hut Fields, although it remained rather elusive. Migrants at the Bill included 7 Blackcaps, 2 Redstarts, 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Hobby. Sea watching was uneventful until 3 Great and a Pomarine Skua passed the Bill in the evening. September 14th After a clear moonlit night migrants were distinctly thin on the ground, with the best being a few Grey Wagtails and 3 Redstarts. The sea remained pretty quiet despite a strengthening wind: off the Bill there were just 8 Arctic Skuas and 2 Balearic Shearwaters.

 

Wryneck  © Martin Cade

  September 13th The Wryneck first found yesterday evening was retrapped at the Obs in the morning, and a new individual was seen at the Verne in the afternoon. Two Ortolan Buntings showed briefly at Barleycrates Lane in the morning, but neither could be found later. It was a better day all round for common migrants, with counts at the Bill including 60 Wheatears, 50 Willow Warblers, 30 Chiffchaffs, 20 Grey Wagtails, 20 Tree Pipits and 5 Redstarts. A little sea movement off the Bill included single Balearic Shearwater, and Arctic and Great Skua. September 12th The Wryneck was again present in the Hut Fields at the Bill, and in the early evening a second individual was trapped and ringed at the Obs. Migrants were in rather short supply everywhere, with totals at the Bill including 30 Wheatears, 18 Grey Wagtails, 15 Chiffchaffs, 15 Willow Warblers, 10 Whinchats, 3 Tree Pipits, 2 Redstarts, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and single Reed and Sedge Warblers. September 11th The Wryneck remained at the Bill all day, and there were also sightings of two Common Rosefinches elsewhere on the Island. One was at Barleycrates Lane early in the morning, and another showed at Lancridge a couple of hours later; unfortunately, neither remained for long. Visible passage was very conspicuous everywhere in the morning: hirundine counts included 6500 Swallows and 1000 House Martins passing south along the West Cliffs, and there fair numbers of Grey Wagtails and Tree Pipits, as well as a couple of Hobbies. The best of the grounded migrants was a Firecrest at Easton. September 10th A brief Ortolan Bunting, seen around the Bill early in the morning, was very much the bird of a day. The Wryneck present for the last few days also remained near the Obs but was ususally rather elusive. Most common migrants were in rather low numbers, but a few, particularly the fly-overs, were conspicuous: both Grey Wagtail and Tree Pipit totalled more than 25 at the Bill. Still and often foggy conditions saw to it that seabirds were hardly noticed; the best were 2 Balearic Shearwaters off the Bill. September 9th The Wryneck and the Melodious Warbler were both still present today, although both were tricky to get to grips with.  The Wryneck was only seen twice all day (first when it was trapped at the Obs in the morning, and later when it was found on the East Cliffs in the evening), whilst the Melodious Warbler was discovered for the first time in nearly 36 hours when it turned-up in a mist-net at the Obs at the end of the day. Common migrants were in much better numbers and variety than of late all across the Island, with Blackcaps being particularly conspicuous for the first time this autumn. At the Bill, seawatching produced 2 Balearic Shearwaters, and single Great and Arctic Skuas.

 

Melodious Warbler  - the 5th ringed this autumn © Martin Cade

  September 8th A day of overcast skies and frequent fog, which produced a couple of good scarce migrants. The fifth Melodious Warbler of the autumn was trapped and ringed at the Obs in the morning, and soon afterwards an elusive Wryneck showed-up on the edge of the Obs garden. Common migrants were surprisingly few and far between everywhere. Seawatching from the Bill produced 3 Sooty and a Manx Shearwater, and 2 Great and an Arctic Skua. September 7th Rather quiet all round today; the blustery conditions made searching for migrants difficult, but it wasn't really windy enough to stir things up on the sea. Off the Bill there were just 4 Balearic, a Sooty and a Manx Shearwater, and 3 Arctic Skuas. Common migrants seemed pretty sparse at the Bill, with the best being single Merlin, Redstart, and Pied and Spotted Flycatcher.  September 6th Another blustery autumnal day, with seabirds providing most of the interest. Off the Bill there were 5 Sooty Shearwaters, and single Arctic and Great Skuas. On the land there were just a scatter of migrants, including single Redstart and Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. September 5th A strengthening wind and some drizzly rain saw to it that seawatching occupied most birders today. Passage was rather better than of late, with totals at the Bill of 17 Arctic, a Pomarine and a Great Skua; 5 Sooty, 3 Balearic and a Manx Shearwater; as well as 28 commic Terns and 20 Common Scoter. Land migrants were very thin on the ground, with the best being 2 Golden Plover, and single Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.  September 4th Not before time, today saw the arrival of a Common Rosefinch at Southwell - the first passerine rarity for nearly three weeks. Unfortunately it wasn't a good performer, and left many would-be observers frustrated after it's half-hour appearance. Common migrants were in similar numbers and variety to yesterday, with oddities again including Merlin. Offshore, there was a Balearic Shearwater and a Great Skua, as well as a small passage of Common Scoter and commic Terns. September 3rd A good variety of common migrants were present around the Island, although numbers were again on the low side for the time of year. Counts at the Bill included 80 Wheatears, 60 Yellow Wagtails, 45 Robins, 25 Willow Warblers, 10 Tree Pipits, 8 Grey Wagtails, 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Redstarts and 3 Spotted Flycatchers, as well as singles of oddities such as Merlin and Hobby. The sea again came up with some surprises, including reports of a large shearwater and a Long-tailed Skua, as well as a more routine 27 Common Scoter and 5 Arctic Skuas. September 2nd An improvement in the weather saw migrants appear in quite good numbers. Around the Bill counts included 70 Wheatears, 60 Yellow Wagtails, 40 Willow Warblers, 10 Sedge Warblers, 8 Grey Wagtails, 6 Tree Pipits, 5 Whinchats, 3 Redstarts, 3 Pied Flycatchers, and the first 2 Goldcrests of the autumn. In an increasingly light and offshore wind, little was evident on the sea until a remarkable spell in the late morning when between 2 and 4 Cory's Shearwaters were reported by watchers at the Bill. Later watching provided just a couple of Balearic Shearwaters and an Arctic Skua. September 1st The first really autumnal day, with a strengthening westerly wind and frequent squally showers. The wind direction was not altogether favourable for seawatching, and the only birds seen from the Bill were 3 Balearic and a Manx Shearwater, and 3 Little Gulls. The best of the few land migrants seen were 3 Pied Flycatchers in and around the Obs. garden.