Numbers-wise, migration remained at a fairly low ebb but there was just enough variety to make it worth staying out even in the blazing sunshine and soaring temperature of the afternoon. In Portland terms, a Ruff at Ferrybridge was bird of the day, with 2 Knot there, a Marsh Harrier over Weston and singles of Greenshank and Pied Flycatcher at the Bill all providing further interest. Amongst the routines, Wheatear reached 25 on the ground at the Bill but everything else struggled to make an impression; over-flyers were slightly more conspicuous and included 150 Swallows and 75 Sand Martins through at the Bill. A Common Gull through off the Bill was the first for the autumn but the 3 Balearic Shearwaters and single Arctic Skua also passing by there were what's become a typically lame return from the sea in recent days; the lingering Black Swan was also again off East Cliffs.
Always infrequent at Portland and often extremely skittish when they do appear, this evening's Ruff at Ferrybridge was unusual in being well-settled and showing nicely © Martin Cade:
Another ripping catch of migrant moths overnight at the Obs incl 17 Vestals, 4 Toadflax Pearls and an Old World Webworm + the first three figure total of Rush Veneers so far this year; elsewhere, a Striped Hawkmoth from Duncan Walbridge's garden at Weston
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) August 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
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