Friday the 13th didn't go either way for us - fair weather was very welcome for fieldwork and there were birds about but ultimately the day just gently fizzled out all rather uneventfully. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were most numerous on the ground - probably reaching 30 apiece at the Bill - and it was noticeable that some of the typical September shorter-distance movers like Dunnocks, Robins and tits were getting conspicuous both in the field and from the mist-nets; by way of less-frequents, the Marsh Harrier remained at the Bill and there was again a Firecrest there, a Pied Flycatcher pitched up at Reap Lane and the first Dark-bellied Brent Goose of the season was at Ferrybridge. The clear sky was not as filled with visible migrants as might have been expected with only Meadow Pipits at all numerous over the Bill and even they dwindled away quite quickly after the dawn rush. The spectacle of constantly visible Bluefin Tuna provided most of the offshore interest; Kittiwakes and auks were moving steadily off the Bill - reaching 250 and 80 respectively - but 7 Balearic Shearwaters was otherwise as good as it got.
There was a return-to-summer feel to the weather but the birds were a lot more appropriate for the season - Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Harrier and Dark-bellied Brent Goose © Martin Cade:
The Fleet Ferrybridge - This morning on the Fleet Brent Goose (DB), Knot 2, Sanderling 2, Bar-tailed Godwit 2, Ringed Plover 100+, Dunlin17+, Turnstone 9, Sandwich Tern 6 @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
— Dorset Bird Tours (@dorsetbirdtours.bsky.social) September 13, 2024 at 5:30 PM
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After some while searching I managed to find a Bastard-toadflax plant at Portland Bill today. I carefully watched it until, bingo, the hoped for Down Shieldbug appeared to soak up the sun. New for me and one I've wanted to see for ages. Thanks to @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social for invaluable video!
— Paul Harris (@paulupwey.bsky.social) September 13, 2024 at 6:05 PM
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