27th August

With the bank holiday weather eschewing convention and favouring holidaymakers over migrant hunters it was variety rather than numbers that saved the day; that said, Balearic Shearwaters did put on a decent show offshore where a short, sharp movement early in the morning at the Bill resulted in their highest total of the year to date. On the land, Turtle Dove and Goldcrest - both of almost equal rarity value these days! - were firsts for the season.

Portland Bill
Migrants Wheatear 80, Yellow Wagtail 60, Sand Martin 50, Willow Warbler 15, Tree Pipit 13, Grey Wagtail 6, Whinchat 6, Whitethroat 5, Pied Flycatcher 2, with singles including Snipe, Turtle Dove and Goldcrest.
Sea passage Gannet 270e, Balearic Shearwater 246e, Kittiwake 32, Common Scoter 9w 5e.

Moths
Selected immigrants Obs: Rush Veneer 217, Rusty-dot Pearl 77, Pearly Underwing 22, Turnip 21, Dark Sword Grass 11, Silver Y 10, Delicate 8, European Corn-borer 3, Spindle Knot-horn 1.