The fact that the keenest of today's fieldworkers sacked off the afternoon in favour of baking a Christmas cake spoke volumes for how the day unfolded. Heavy rain that set in during the small hours lasted well on into the morning and although there was evidence of a few new
thrushes and
Chiffchaffs in particular before the rain petered out precious little lingered and the later discovery of the likes of 3
Dartford Warblers, a
Merlin and a
Firecrest fell well short of salvaging respectability.
Auks remained abundant offshore with well in excess of 5000 off the Bill, but a lone
Great Skua was the only other worthwhile sighting from the sea.
One of today's few highlights - Dartford Warbler from the Crown Estate Field mist-nets © Martin Cade:
Portland Day 9 - at least the Christmas cakes are in the oven 😆
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— Joe Stockwell (@joestockwell.bsky.social) October 20, 2026 at 3:33 PM
