23rd May: a few new grounded migrants incl 5 Spot Flys and singles of Reed W, LWT & Firecrest at the Bill, Spot Fly at Broadcroft and 27 Sanderling & a Wheatear at Ferrybridge; 350 Manx, 33 BhGulls, 20 Med Gulls, 10 commic terns, 4 Eider, 3 GNDivers, a RtDiver & a Pom Skua through off the Bill.
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) May 23, 2026 at 10:41 PM
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A Firecrest an unseasonable early catch at the Obs this morning
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) May 23, 2026 at 7:14 AM
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Yesterday's daytime arrival of Painted Ladies and Hummingbird Hawks proved to be the precursor to a decent overnight migrant moth catch at the Obs that included a Striped Hawkmoth & 139 Small Mottled Willows; 5 Green Oak Tortrix & Delicate of note amongst the back ups.
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) May 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM
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Our garden moth-trap at the Grove contained more of the same migrant-wise with the addition of the island's first Vestal of the year. Also an additional Striped Hawk for the tally from John Lucas' garden trap at Southwell.
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) May 23, 2026 at 1:07 PM
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Wakeham 64 moths of 29 species, with my first ever Striped Hawk-moth (Hyles livornica). A lot of interesting firsts as well, plus I'm getting confused with Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi) and Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua), if anyone can help. homandway.blogspot.com/2026/05/my-f...
— Port and Wey (@portandwey.bsky.social) May 23, 2026 at 9:16 PM
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Striped Hawkmoth nectaring on Red Valerian this evening at the Obs
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) May 23, 2026 at 9:39 PM
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At least 2 Red-veined Darters on the Yeolands Quarry pool this afternoon - both fully coloured-up and no tenerals found so uncertain whether they're more likely fresh immigrants or the result of last year's breeding. Black-tailed Skimmers also the wing there - the first we've seen this year.
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) May 23, 2026 at 4:44 PM
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