27th August

A wholly unremarkable day. Highlights (although highlight may be considered a gross exaggeration) from the Obs area were all trapped within the garden and consisted of 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin and 1 Willow Warbler. A further 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Tree Pipits and 11 Wheatears made the days land-based totals. On the sea, 6 Balearic Shearwaters and 2 Common Scoter were our only offerings. A Pied Flycatcher away from the Obs area was, once again, the best passerine of the day.

Ferrybridge saw a slightly better result with 3 Wheatears, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Sanderling, 24 Turnstones, 59 Dunlin and 25 Ringed Plovers.

Despite the lack of avifauna to keep us amused, the Portland Flora never fails to entertain and the colony of Autumn Lady's-tresses on the East Cliffs is looking particularly spectacular for such a diminutive plant © Ian Andrews