A reminder that there's an InFocus field day at the Obs between 10am and 4pm this Sunday, 16th May.
April at Portland is known for big numbers and possible falls, while May has the anticipation of quality over quantity - and so the past few days have proved. Today was no different with a good spread of migrants but very low numbers. The highlight was the first Golden Oriole of the spring which offered typically fleeting views to those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. The supporting cast involved a Turtle Dove at Southwell, a singing Cuckoo in Easton and two Hobby in off at the Bill. The nets ticked over slowly but 11 species were trapped including: Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Garden Warbler along with the usual suspects. The sea was quiet but an early morning Pomarine Skua and a lingering Puffin brought some variety along with singles of Red-throated and Great Northern Diver.
Seeing birds arrive onto the cliffs at the Bill has to be one of the highlights of living at a migration hot-spot, as this young Hobby proved © Erin Taylor:
Having had two years of bone-dry springs, it's encouraging to see our first Glow Worm of the year. Perhaps there will be a few more molluscs around for them this year © Erin Taylor:
