Very little new to report today but the rediscovery of the Common Rosefinch beside the Obs and the continuing presence at the Bill of the likes of the Hen Harrier, 2 Merlins, 2 Black Redstarts, a Short-eared Owl and a Firecrest (2 more were also at Church Ope Cove), along with a Balearic Shearwater through on the sea, at least offered the chance of a reasonable day's birding for visitors. After they'd been on the move in pretty good numbers overnight a few Redwings were grounded at dawn but there was little else of consequence on the deck. Overhead, some small flocks of Wood Pigeons and a selection of finches at least looked at the possibility of leaving although it looked like most didn't chance it; a lone Little Egret also passed over at the Bill.
In recent times autumn rosefinches at Portland have been mist-net specials that turn up unannounced in nets and rarely show after release; it's taken several days since it was trapped last weekend for it to be chanced upon again but today's bird was showing really well at times © Debby Saunders (still) & Martin Cade (video):
With the strongish wind more in the South today sheltered nets at Culverwell and the PBO @PortlandBirdObs garden could be used. 1st bird ringed a light 9.6 gm 1st year female Siskin with only 9 otherbirds ringed al day. 4 Redwing, 2 Blackcap 1 each of Blackbird, Chaffinch& Goldf. pic.twitter.com/HNA8xiurKM
— Peter J Morgan (@PBOprof) October 28, 2021
Wakeham, Penns Wood & Church Ope Cove this afternoon: 6 Redwing, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest, 1 Lesser Redpoll & 2 Siskin. Also a new Leaf Beetle for my Portland List, a pair of Chrysolina banksii. @PortlandBirdObs @NatureUK @NatureofDorset @DorsetWildlife @Britnatureguide pic.twitter.com/o5lZTOeZYw
— Port and Wey (@PortandWey) October 28, 2021
the apparent reappearance of the common rosefinch in the lane by the obs, the hen harrier was also still present mid morning up toward higher light pic.twitter.com/wVtWf9XwFL
— andy (@andy33082645) October 28, 2021
Only very distant photos of the Portland Hen Harrier after several attempts the last few days, try again tomorrow (lots of bothering by crows) pic.twitter.com/ekuyAGV3Y9
— Debby Saunders (@debbyseamist) October 28, 2021