Pied Flycatcher and Willow Warbler at Sweethill today © Pete Saunders:
5th April
Yesterday's hint of things getting going again did indeed prove to be the precursor to migration gaining substantially more momentum, with a far more typical Portland spring fall in evidence right across the island today. Coverage was far from adequate away from the hotspots but the Bill area's totals of 100 Blackcaps, 90 Willow Warblers, 60 Chiffchaffs, 30 Wheatears, 3 Redstarts, 2 Siskins, a Merlin and a Redwing were reflected at several other spots that were scrutinised, where additional finds included a Pied Flycatcher at Sweethill and a Yellowhammer at the Grove - both first records for the year; also noted again was the presumed Siberian Lesser Whitethroat that was still hanging on in a garden at Southwell. The sea always looked as though it ought to be producing but the returns from the Bill at least were no more than 55 Sandwich Terns, 4 Red-throated Divers, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Shelducks and a Great Skua.
