13th September

A blustery, dreary and very quiet morning gave way to much improved conditions during the afternoon that at least brought forth a few sightings of note. The Wryneck lingered on at the Obs Quarry but in the absence of anything more than the thinnest of scatterings of common migrants on the ground most attention during the morning was given to the sea, with little reward there beyond 7 Balearic Shearwaters and 5 Teal. Later, a Merlin was over Hamm Beach and singles of Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull dropped into the East Cliffs gull flock.

A flurry of Lesser Emperor dragonflies during the afternoon included 10 or more at sites in the Broadcroft/Yeolands area and a single in the Obs Quarry.

Nice to pick out this presumed 1cy Caspian Gull from among the regular flock of loafing gulls at Culverwell, Portland earlier today. As befits the time of year, it appears - to these eyes at least - to be in something of a transitional plumage state on the way to 'classic' 1st winter. #DorsetBirds

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— Phil Bentley (@bikingbirder.bsky.social) September 13, 2026 at 5:19 PM