15th August

Today's switch round to north-easterlies saw a much appreciated return to migratory proceedings, with a varied selection of new arrivals for what can be a rather fitful period for early autumn departers. Whilst Willow Warblers and Wheatears made up the bulk of the day's grounded migrants with 75 and 60 apiece, a fine supporting cast of 7 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Pied Flycatchers and a single Redstart livened up the Bill. Visible migration was also on the up with around 70 Swallows and 65 Sand Martins passing through during the first few hours of the morning, with a further 100 Sand Martins lingering over Top Fields well into the late afternoon. On the sea, a total of 105 Balearic Shearwaters marked only the third three-figure day count this year, with an additional 55 Manx Shearwaters, 16 Common Scoters and 3 Arctic Skuas the other sightings of note. Waders remained in good supply at Ferrybridge, including modest increases to 280 Ringed Plovers and 150 Dunlin, whilst a flying ant hatch there during the evening attracted a feeding frenzy of c600 Mediterranean Gulls.

Doesn't take much to beat our hitherto woefully inadequate best ringing day of the year (106 back in April) so shouldn't shout too loudly about reaching 165 today. However, a fun day in beautiful weather; lots of variety incl 7 Grasshopper Warblers, 4 Storm Petrels...oh, and 51 House Sparrows!

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— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) 

Lots more migrant moths at the Obs last night incl 6 more Toadflax Pearl and a Convolvulus Hawk. Nice selection of strays/Portland rares around the island incl Beautiful Yellow Underwing and Acleris emargana at the Obs, Epinotia immundana at Sweethill for Debby and Poplar Kitten at Weston for Dunc

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— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) August 15, 2025 at 9:28 PM