Portland was far from the best positioned UK bird observatory today and we felt no influence from the propitious weather conditions benefitting points northward. In a stiff easterly, migration slowed to a snail's pace with grounded arrivals consisting of a scatter of
Blackcaps and barely more than ones and twos of other routine fare; a
Pied Flycatcher at Avalanche Road was easily the pick of the discoveries. Overhead, the first push of
Linnets included 490 through over the Bill where 350
Meadow Pipits and 200
Swallows made up the bulk of the rest of the movers; also overhead, 3
Glossy Ibis west over Portland Harbour were the day's highlight on all fronts. Expectations that the strength of the wind might bring the seawatchers more reward proved well wide of the mark with almost nothing worth mentioning moving off the Bill.
Strong easterly winds limited the number of mistnets opened at PBO. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social Only 11 birds were ringed, despite seven hours on duty in the garden!! Blackcap 7, Chiffchaff 2, 1 Goldfinch and 1 Robin. In a sultry 20 degrees a day for watching Gannets & Tuna fishing offshore.
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— Peter J Morgan (@pbo61.bsky.social) September 29, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Tuna hunting Garfish at Portland Bill today
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— Phil Cheeseman@bsky.social (@philcheeseman.bsky.social) September 28, 2026 at 4:46 PM
