5th August

As so often happens in autumn, in terms of migrant numbers Portland was well and truly seen off by the mainland coast, some of which experienced a really good flurry of birds making the most of improving conditions; the Bill's totals of 75 Willow Warblers, 25 Sedge Warblers and 18 Sand Martins - together with singles of Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew, Yellow Wagtail and Chaffinch - were paltry in comparison even if they were very welcome after the recent hiatus. Additionally, an overflying Serin was an very unusual early autumn record there. Ferrybridge totals during the morning included 74 Ringed Plover, 66 Dunlin, 17 Common Terns and 6 Sanderling. Although it remained breezy sea interest dwindled, with just 9 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwaters and a Great Skua through of the Bill.

Immigrant moth numbers didn't pick up at all, with just 1 Diamond-back Moth caught overnight at the Obs; nearby, an Olive - off hand, we can't remember the island total but it's less than 10 - was a nice reward from trapping at Culverwell.


Sanderling - Ferrybridge, 5th August 2016 © Pete Saunders

And we've got behind with Pete's Ferrybridge photos over the last couple of days; these two Shelducks were there yesterday (4th):



 ...and this Knot and the Little Tern flock were from the day before (3rd):