14th April

Readers might have thought we couldn't get more downbeat in our reports but we can certainly try. Today's lamentable results on the migration front saw a brisk southerly airflow and looming dark clouds fail to drop more than the thinnest spread of common migrants around the Bill; so much so that it was almost a blessed relief when the arrival of more substantial showers in the afternoon called the day's land birding to a premature halt. Of course, many a cloud has a silver lining and today that came in the form of an incoming Serin over Chesil and some at least fair seawatching, with totals of 68 Little Terns, 64 Common Scoter, 25 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Whimbrel, a Red-throated Diver from Chesil and 46 Common Scoters, 4 Arctic Skuas and a Whimbrel from the Bill.

One of this evening's Arctic Skuas was so intent on getting its supper that it first appeared chasing gulls over the Bill Quarry before swooping right past the Obelisk at point blank range © Martin Cade:

Also during the seawatch it was nice to have the constant accompaniment of the local Wheatear quietly warbling away as it hopped around in the roped-off landscape restoration plot just behind the Obelisk © Martin Cade:

During this recent migration drought it's been pleasing to see the local breeders settling down to another spring season, with plenty of nest building now underway © Jodie Henderson

Brisk SE wind with heavy overcast and brief rain briefly at 1150hrs did not ensure an improvement in migrant numbers! Total of 6 birds ringed from 0630- 1530 curtailed due to rain was 4 CC, 1 WW & 1 Blackcap, reflecting that found elsewhere on the bill!! We will with forecast, endure to improve!

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— Peter J Morgan (@pbo61.bsky.social) April 14, 2026 at 8:32 PM

Suddenly remembered I'd seen a big flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese last year from the Chesil. I nearly spat my tea out when I saw they were on exactly the same date! More than a coincidence perhaps?!

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— Joe Stockwell (@joestockwell.bsky.social) April 14, 2026 at 4:18 PM

Green-winged orchids and the first Yellow Rattle 12 April. Verne Common, Portland opposite (and left of) the cemetery track

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— Steve M (@steveweynature.bsky.social) April 14, 2026 at 7:18 PM