27th August

A right old stir up in the weather saw a storm and associated torrential rain move northward across the Channel overnight and clear through before dawn - a scenario that it was hoped would drop migrants in numbers. Sadly, what looked good in the imagination didn't come to pass in the real world and, a not unexpected but very elusive Wryneck in their customary haunt in the Obs Quarry aside, numbers were very disappointing. At the Bill, the first Merlin of the season was more or less on cue and a Black-tailed Godwit was a notable oddity, but 300 Swallows, 150 Sand Martins and 40 Willow Warblers were the only worthwhile common migrant totals; elsewhere, a Little Gull was new at Ferrybridge. Offshore, Balearic Shearwaters reached a minimum of 87 with some rafting in numbers by the afternoon, but the sea was otherwise also on the quiet side, with 3 Teal and 2 Arctic Skuas the only extras of particular interest.

Portland & Ferrybridge 30 Balearic Shearwater, Little Gull, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 9 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, Whinchat, Knot, 4 Sanderling, Curlew (red ring), 150 Ringed Plover, 5 Adonis & 3 Chalk Hill Blue, 2 Wall, Autumn Lady's Tresses, Maidenhair Fern, Grey Seal @naturetrek.bsky.social

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— tombrereton.bsky.social (@tombrereton.bsky.social) August 27, 2026 at 7:05 PM

Overnight mothing at the Obs distinctly underwhelming with the violent electric storm and torrential rain that arrived from across the Channel seemingly delivering few new migrants. Our garden trap at the Grove rather better incl a Passenger and a heathland stray Beautiful Yellow Underwing.

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— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) August 27, 2026 at 6:44 PM

Horse Chestnut the most interesting here, also Vestal and Scarce Bd. Straw

— Debra Saunders (@debbyseamist.bsky.social) August 27, 2026 at 6:48 PM