22nd September

All change with the weather and at least the beginnings of a change on the migrant front. A bucketload of rain from storms rolling across the Channel during the early hours downed improved numbers and variety, with Wheatears, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs numerous everywhere including up to 50 of each at the Bill. Mid-level interest came in the form of 4 White Wagtails, 2 Kingfishers and singles of Cattle Egret, Marsh Harrier (still the lingerer), Honey Buzzard, Hobby, Water Rail, Short-eared Owl, Black Redstart and Pied Flycatcher at the Bill, a grounded Great White Egret at Reap Lane, a Firecrest at Old Hill and 11 Bar-tailed Godwits and singles of Knot, Ruff and Sanderling at Ferrybridge.  Nine Balearic Shearwaters and more than 200 Mediterranean Gulls were off the Bill.

The Ruff and Grey Heron at Ferrybridge © Pete Saunders:

The Cattle Egret at the Bill © Martin Cade:

The Marsh Harrier and a Wheatear at the Bill © Joe Stockwell:

No Spotted Clovers flying for us last night but it was a good moth night at the Bill: Marbled Fern M. nitidalis from Martin King's LED trap in the Crown Estate Field was new for Portland (+ is the most westerly Dorset record; ta Paul Harris for the status update)...

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— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) September 22, 2024 at 6:16 PM

...at the Obs a Plumed Fan-foot was the second for Portland (still rare in Dorset - maybe only one other county record?); other migrants incl 11 vitrealis, 11 Delicate, 8 Small Mottled Willow, 2 Scarce Bordered Straw, 1 Gem

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— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) September 22, 2024 at 6:20 PM