With a veil of cloud overhead at dawn - the legacy of a weak weather front that sank slowly southward overnight - hopes were high for a drop of migrants and it was soon apparent that there was a lot more about than over the weekend. Sadly, it was equally soon apparent that most of this arrival consisted of just Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps that numbered 70 and 25 respectively at the Bill, with variety remaining relatively low everywhere that got attention. The Marsh Harrier was still about at the Bill but a new Pied Flycatcher was as good as it got there for worthwhile newcomers; waders fared little better with 40 Oystercatchers and 30 Turnstones the only obviously increased totals at Ferrybridge. The overhead tally was dominated by Meadow Pipits, including 300 or so over the Bill, whilst 25 Grey Wagtails was one of their higher totals there so far this autumn; the first few departing Skylarks of the season were also of note there as was a lone Hobby. The sea was quiet save for 220 Kittiwakes and 44 Balearic Shearwaters through off the Bill and the summering Great Northern Diver showing up for the first time in ages off Ferrybridge.
The Great Northern Diver off Billy Winters this morning; although there'd been a Great Northern Diver about in Portland Harbour until well into June we didn't learn until today that evidently it's been hiding away in the far northernmost corner of the harbour for the rest of the summer - presumably to get away from all the watersports disturbance © Pete Saunders:
Migrant moth nos up at Obs overnight incl 42 Rusty-dot Pearl, 27 Silver Y, 10 vitrealis, 7 Delicate, Vestal & Four-spotted Footman
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) September 16, 2024 at 9:48 AM
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