1st January

Despite less than pleasant damp, dreary and increasingly windy conditions the new year got off to a decent enough start, with several skuas being of particular note: at least 4 Greats and a Pomarine lingered/passed through off the Bill and another Great showed up at Ferrybridge. The sea also came up with 5 Brent Geese, 3 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Divers through off the Bill and the Black Guillemot, 4 Eiders and an assortment of divers and grebes scattered about Portland Harbour. The relative shelter of Pennsylvania Castle came up with a nice haul of winterers, including 6 Goldcrests, 4 Chiffchaffs and singles of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap and Firecrest, whilst other long-stayers included the Pheasant at Southwell and 4 Purple Sandpipers and 2 Blackcaps at the Bill.


Gannet - Portland Bill, 1st January 2015 © Martin Cade