Summer-like conditions together with plenty of migrants - what's not to like? Overhead passage was always going to be favoured under cloudless skies, with hirundines and Meadow Pipits taking full advantage and Pied Wagtails (130) and Redpolls (24) both moving strongly for the first time this autumn; Bearded Tits were heard over the Bill without actually been seen, whilst a departing Kestrel and singles of Golden Plover and Snipe provided further interest there amongst the other expected fare. Chiffchaffs continued to dominate on the ground, including 180 through at the Bill, the first Siberian Chiffchaff of the season pitched up at the Obs, a Caspian Gull and 9 Knot were at Ferrybridge, the Wryneck lingered on at Barleycrates Lane and a varied spread of more routine grounded arrivals were encountered everywhere. Four Arctic Skuas passed through off the Bill but there was more interest offshore in a few wildfowl on the move, including 18 Shoveler, 12 Teal, 9 Pintail and 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese through off the Bill.
The Wryneck continued to put on a good show at Barleycrates Lane © Verity Hill:
A light N wind with S pm plus cloud and fine sunset ensured good ringing of 191 birds of 17 species @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social with 1st Redpoll of autumn plus usual cast of 57 CC,18 Bcap,41 Swallow 36 House Martin. Added variety included 9 G'crest,1 F'crest,3 WW, 2 Whtroat & late Grey Wagtail.
— Peter J Morgan (@pbo61.bsky.social) September 29, 2025 at 8:06 PM
[image or embed]
