6th July: Samey conditions and samey birds today, with the only new migrants at the Bill being 46 Sand Martins leaving to the south & 16 Common Scoter through on the sea; a few Balearic Shearwaters were offshore with the gull flocks but for the most part they were settled and tricky to count
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) July 6, 2026 at 10:56 PM
A fair-sized whale lingering in view - tail flukes seen several times - for 5 minutes c2 miles west of the Coastwatch lookout at the Bill at 8.45 this evening per Dave Parker. Just having a look for it now at last light but nothing immediately visible.
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) July 6, 2026 at 9:33 PM
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Fun last couple of evenings on the Penn's Weare screes, initially with James Hammond and others from the @britentsoc.bsky.social group ostensibly seeking Richardson's Case-bearer at its classic location. No joy with richardsoni but a tineid potted by James turned out to be Ischnoscia borreonella...
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) July 6, 2026 at 4:01 PM
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...aka Little Ghost - great vernacular Messrs Parson & Sterling! - perhaps the first time it's been seen at this site for more than 100 yrs. Returned last evening and on an adjacent scree potted three more and saw sev others flying - seems as though it's far easier here than at the only currently...
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) July 6, 2026 at 4:06 PM
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...known site at Sheat Quarry, Southwell. As usual, plenty of other bonus local specials incl sev Beech-green Carpets (think that Portland's still its only site in Dorset) & lots of Portland Ribbon Waves
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) July 6, 2026 at 4:10 PM
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