27th July

Today was the day for a respite in the recent heat wave, although 4:30 this morning still felt more pleasant than mid afternoon! Willow Warblers continued to be a feature at the bill with 125 or so through by late afternoon. Around 25 new Sedge Warblers again were present but hard to detect, had it not been for the crop ringing they'd have remained unrecorded. Other notable species making the log today were 18 Sand Martin, 6 Wheatear, 2 House Martin, 2 Tree Pipits and Singles of Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler and Robin. Today also dawned with far less heat haze and the sea watchers were able to return with totals of 30 Common Scoter, 14 Commic Tern, 14 Balearic Shearwaters, 7 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Turnstone and 2 Mediterranean Gull and one each of Black Headed and Yellow-legged Gull. Ferrybridge wader numbers continued to fluctuate thorough the day with a Curlew Sandpiper giving a few observers the run around, other birds included 87 Dunlin, 32 Ringed Plover, 14 Sanderling, 4 Oystercatcher and a single each of Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Turnstone and Redshank. A Red-necked Grebe was present again in the harbour.

Overnight moth immigration was somewhat renewed the chief highlight being an Olive, representing only the 2nd or 3rd record for Portland, unfortunately it met it's demise before we could even get a photo. Other noteworthy captures included yet another Splendid Brocade 7 Four-spotted Footman , 2 Wormwood Sharks, Gem, Dark Spinach, Water Veneer, Small Rufus, Maidens Blush and Marbled Yellow Pearl Evergestis Extimalis.

 

Marbled Yellow Pearl Evergestis Extimalis - Portland Bill © Joe Stockwell and Sandwich Tern - Ferrybridge © Tony Hovell Tony Hovell Birds
 
And a Little scene setting at Ferrybridge this afternoon whilst looking for the Curlew Sandpiper, we never cease to be amazed...