Today was a day that had a lot going for it and the fact that nothing particularly rare and interesting turned up was neither here nor there since there was always the feeling that such an event was just around the corner as routine migrants kept dropped in throughout the day. Dawn itself was clear, bright and not too promising but once murky and persistent low cloud rolled in the birds started arriving and didn't ever stop even if, pigeons aside, the overall numbers weren't actually particularly high. Whether Wood Pigeons were moving above the low cloud wasn't established but from time to time large flocks eventually totalling 5600 appeared beneath the cloud, as did a succession of thrushes that included 2 Ring Ouzels; a wide-selection of other seasonable fare were logged around and about, amongst which 17 Golden Plovers, 2 Snipe, 2 Firecrests and singles of Great White Egret, Lapwing, Short-eared Owl and Great Spotted Woodpecker were of note, with the long-staying Cetti's Warbler and Snow Bunting also still on offer.
Hardly representative of either today that saw just two singles logged or the autumn as a whole that's seen just one isolated day with a double figure total, this Firecrest was nonetheless a nice sight at France Quarry © Martin Cade:
Slightly bizarre: just as it's getting dark a Great White Egret has appeared and looks to be attempting to roost in the Obs garden!
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) November 1, 2026 at 4:56 PM
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On the moth front, despite decidedly unpromising chilly conditions, really good numbers of migrants again at the Obs. There's obviously something going on with Red-headed Chestnuts as there were 2 more additional to yesterday's single; 11 White-speck & 2 Cosmopolitan amongst the rest of the catch.
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) November 1, 2026 at 12:04 PM
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A fourth Red-headed Chestnut for the weekend - this one for John Lucas from his garden at Southwell
— Portland Bird Observatory (@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social) November 1, 2026 at 4:59 PM
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A total of 3 Red-headed Chestnuts seen today @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social with thanks to MC and JH; dark and light forms pictured along with Grey Shoulder-knot - an amazing number of moths in the obs traps today given the low overnight temperatures. I think the moths were warmer in the fridge!
— alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social (@alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social) November 1, 2026 at 10:45 PM
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A few birds seen in the hand this morning @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social - Ring Ouzel and (Lesser) Redpoll before a hasty return to Hampshire to look for Pacific Golden Plover (not seen!):
— alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social (@alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social) November 1, 2026 at 10:59 PM
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