1st December

Just as we were thinking it might be timely to revert to simple lists on the blog during the upcoming quiet months, so the improved conditions delivered a day-tally more akin to mid-November than the first day of meteorological winter. In unbroken sunshine, albeit always tempered by a single-digit temperature, yesterday's Pallas's Warbler remained and 53 Chaffinches, 8 Redwings, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 each of Fieldfare, Siskin and Redpoll and singles of Merlin, Swallow, Snow Bunting and Reed Bunting made up a very respectable arrival at the Bill, where 3 Black Redstarts, a Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler also lingered on. The sea was also worth a look, with 15 Common Scoter, 3 each of Red-throated Diver and Pintail, and a lone Brent Goose through off the Bill. Elsewhere, a Little Gull through over Southwell and a Knot at Ferrybridge were of note amongst a selection that included several more Black Redstarts and the usual sprinkle of Great Northern Divers, a Black-necked Grebe and a Goosander at Ferrybridge/Portland Habour; in the exotic department, 2 Black Swans flew over Ferrybridge.

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was on the wing at Wakeham, with Red Admirals on the wing at several sites.

After affording only brief glimpses yesterday, the Pallas's Warbler duly turned up in a mist-net at the Obs this morning - in so doing becoming the first Pallas's recorded here during December © Jodie Henderson: