March 2001

 

Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler -  Portland Bill, March 31st 2001

photo © Martin Cade

  March 31st An overcast, damp morning produced plenty of migrants. Around the Bill, there were 150 Willow Warblers, 75 Chiffchaffs, 30 Goldcrests and 25 Blackcaps, as well as 3 lingering Firecrests. The sea produced 19 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Divers, 4 Sandwich Terns and a Great Skua.  March 30th Another disappointing day, with few new arrivals. Hardly anything had arrived overnight, but during the day a trickle of Swallows and Sand Martins passed through, and a Buzzard was seen flying north to the east of the island. Odds and sods around the Bill included 20 Wheatears, 2 Blackcaps, 2 lingering Firecrests, a Fieldfare, a Bullfinch, a Yellowhammer and a Reed Bunting. Seawatching produced just 4 Red-throated Divers, 4 Common Scoter and a Mediterranean Gull off the Bill.

 

Bullfinch -  Portland Bill, March 29th 2001

photo © Martin Cade

  March 29th Migration has virtually ground to a halt, with little evidence of any new arrivals today. There were still a scatter of Wheatears and Chiffchaffs at the Bill, along with 3 Black Redstarts, 2 Firecrests, a Blackcap, a Willow Warbler and a Bullfinch. The sea produced just a Red-throated Diver and a Sandwich Tern, and there were 4 Great Northern Divers in Portland Harbour. March 28th The quietest day for common migrants for some while. Around the Bill area there were a sprinkle of Wheatears and Chiffchaffs, 5 Black Redstarts, 4 Firecrests, 3 White Wagtails, a Willow Warbler, a Dartford Warbler and a Bullfinch. Seawatching there produced 6 Red-throated Divers, 6 Sandwich Terns and a Great Skua. March 27th Another small flurry of common migrants arrived today. Wheatears again totalled about 100 at the Bill, where there were also 40 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Firecrests, 2 Black Redstarts, a Golden Plover and a Fieldfare. Seawatching at the Bill produced 40 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver and 4 Curlew. Four Great Northern Divers, 2 Black-necked Grebes and 2 Eider were in Portland Harbour. Belated news for yesterday: a probable female Bluethroat was reported near Lloyd's Cottage at the Bill early in the morning - searches today proved fruitless. March 26th Wheatears remained relatively numerous, with around 100 at the Bill again, but most other migrants were in rather short supply. The total of 3 Firecrests at the Bill included a new individual that took the number ringed at the Obs in the last ten days to a remarkable 22. Other migrants around the Bill included a Dartford Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare and a Black Redstart, and another 100 Common Scoter flew east offshore. In the afternoon more than 400 Meadow Pipits passed north over Weston. March 25th A male Serin paid a brief visit to the Obs garden early in the morning, but the supply of common migrants dwindled somewhat today. The Bill area held 75 Wheatears, 25 Chiffchaffs, 25 Goldcrests, 6 Firecrests, 2 White Wagtails and a Blackcap, and there was another Firecrest at Pennsylvania Castle. Late in the day a male Hen Harrier was seen flying north over Weston. Off the Bill, spring passage of Common Scoter is now getting going: 150 flew up-Channel during the morning. March 24th Migrants continued to arrive in good supply, with another fall of 100 Wheatears, 50 Goldcrests, 50 Chiffchaffs and 11 Firecrests at the Bill. Also there were 5 Swallows, 3 Redwings, 2 Blackcaps, 2 White Wagtails, a Golden Plover and a Black Redstart; 27 Common Scoter, 2 Sandwich Terns and a Red-throated Diver passed on the sea. March 23rd The calm, drizzly start to the day was quite busy, at least at the Bill, with plenty of Wheatears, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests around; with them were 6 Firecrests, 3 Blackcaps and a couple of Willow Warblers. Unfortunately the arrival of brighter weather by midday saw most of the migrants leave very quickly, and the only birds of note in the afternoon were a steady passage of Fulmars and Gannets, 3 Red-throated Divers and a Manx Shearwater off the Bill. Despite plenty of searching, the Chough was not seen today. March 22nd The Chough continued to show well on the East Cliffs for the first couple of hours of the day, but then became much more elusive and showed just briefly at midday near the dung heap beside the Bill Road - there were no more sightings in the afternoon. Wheatears still numbered more than 200, but otherwise there were fewer migrants about. Three Black Redstarts, 2 Swallows and a Firecrest were in the Bill area, a Merlin was seen at Reap Lane, and 2 Red-throated Divers and a Sandwich Tern passed the Bill.

 

Chough -  Portland Bill, March 21st 2001

video-still © Martin Cade

  March 21st Highlight today was the appearance of a Chough on the island - the first record for Portland, and the first in Dorset since the 1920's. It was seen initially over Penn's Weare in the early afternoon, and subsequently settled on the East Cliffs at the Bill for the rest of the day. Migrants were still present in good supply everywhere, with totals including 300 Wheatears, 8 Ring Ouzels, 5 Firecrests and 5 Black Redstarts; at the end of the day a Stone Curlew was also seen briefly at Suckthumb Quarry.

 

 

Avocet -  Portland Bill, March 20th 2001.....it even walked across the Bill Road!

photo and video-still © Martin Cade

  March 20th A stormy and very wet day that produced a major surprise in the form of an Avocet that spent several hours on floodwater in the field outside the Obs front gate. There were still quite a few common migrants on the island, with Wheatears again numerous, but full counts proved impossible in the wild weather. At least 1 Ring Ouzel was still at the Bill. March 19th Although distinctly fewer new migrants arrived today there was still plenty to see. Wheatears were again prominent, with more than 500 on the island. Other migrant totals included 50 Chiffchaffs, 30 Goldcrests, 20 Stonechats, 8 Black Redstarts, 5 Ring Ouzels, 3 Blackcaps and a Firecrest. 

 

Wheatear -  Obs garden, March 18th 2001

photo © Martin Cade

  March 18th Migrants continued to arrive in excellent numbers again today. Wheatears were everywhere, and were conservatively estimated to number 1200 over the whole island; other thrushes and chats included conspicuous arrivals of Robins and Stonechats, 4 Ring Ouzels, and single Mistle Thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare. Other migrant totals included 150 Chiffchaffs, 100 Goldcrests, 5 Black Redstarts, 3 Firecrests, 4 Blackcaps, and single Short-eared Owl, Swallow, Willow Warbler, Brambling and Corn Bunting; more than 60 Wood Pigeons also arrived from the south during the day. Seawatching produced 6 Red-throated Divers off the Bill.  March 17th A misty, damp day saw the arrival of plenty more early migrants, with all-island counts of 1000 Wheatears, 200 Chiffchaffs, 150 Goldcrests, 6 Ring Ouzels, 4 Firecrests, 3 Black Redstarts, 2 Blackcaps, a Common Sandpiper, a Redstart and a Willow Warbler. Other oddities included 6 Golden Plovers, 2 Curlew, 2 Reed Buntings, a Grey Heron, a Water Rail, a Lapwing, a Snipe and a Mistle Thrush. Seawatching from the Bill produced 80 Common Scoter, 3 Brent Geese and a Red-throated Diver.

 

Firecrest -  Obs garden, March 16th 2001

photo © Martin Cade

  March 16th Spring finally sprung to life today, with the first decent fall of migrants of the year. The Bill was busy with more than 100 Goldcrests, 50 Wheatears, 25 Chiffchaffs, 13 Stonechats and 7 Firecrests; visible passage was also very conspicuous, with totals of over 1000 Meadow Pipits, 50 alba Wagtails and 2 Sand Martins. There were also plenty of birds elsewhere on the island, including 5 Firecrests around Weston. Everything was conspicuously on the move, and by afternoon most of the migrants had filtered away to the mainland. Seawatching at the Bill produced 12 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver and the first Sandwich Tern of the year, and during the afternoon the first-year Glaucous Gull was watched following a fishing boat off the East Cliffs. March 15th A light passage of pipits and wagtails continued, and there were also a couple of new Goldcrests, a Wheatear and a Chiffchaff at the Bill. Three Mallards roamed the island throughout the day, and 4 Common Scoter passed the Bill. March 14th Apart from a constant trickle of pipits and wagtails moving north, the only new migrants today were a Redwing at the Bill and a Chiffchaff at Weston; a singing Blackcap at Weston was presumed to be a wintering bird. Seawatching at the Bill produced 8 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver, as well as the first sighting of Puffin since the very early arrivals back in February; a single Purple Sandpiper was also on the rocks at the Bill. March 13th Meadow Pipits and alba Wagtails continued to pass through in small numbers, but no other new migrants were seen on the land. Off the Bill, a Mediterranean Gull arrived from the south in the morning, and a second-winter Glaucous Gull was reported flying west at midday. In the afternoon the first-winter Glaucous Gull, first seen a couple of days ago, was again at Ferrybridge. March 12th The only new migrants today were a few more Meadow Pipits and alba Wagtails trickling northwards. Seawatching from the Bill produced 50 Gannets, 7 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver, and there was still a Black Redstart at the Bill. Two Eider and a Great Northern Diver were in Portland Harbour, and there was another Black Redstart beside the Harbour near the Oil Tanks.  March 11th Foggy and wet weather saw the arrival of a few more new migrants, with the Bill providing 2 Chiffchaffs, a Wheatear and a Redwing, as well as a conspicuous increase in grounded Meadow Pipits; 6 Purple Sandpipers and 2 Turnstones were also still there. Five Great Northern Divers and a Slavonian Grebe were in Portland Harbour. March 10th Still not much action, with the Bill producing the first Sand Martin of the year, but otherwise just a lone Goldcrest, a Purple Sandpiper and a Red-throated Diver. Late news for yesterday: a first-winter Glaucous Gull was apparently at Ferrybridge, but there has been no sign of it there today. March 9th Spring may have arrived, but the birds still don't seem to have realised. At the Bill the first Goldcrest and the first 2 Linnets of the year showed up, but otherwise the only new migrants were a very few Meadow Pipits and alba Wagtails trickling through, and 30 Brent Geese moving east offshore. March 8th More fine weather, but still not many birds about. Another Wheatear showed up at the Bill, and there were also a few Meadow Pipits and alba Wagtails passing north over the island.  March 7th A better day, with fine weather and a few birds. The first 2 Wheatears arrived at the Bill, and there were also several new Stonechats, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Turnstones and a Black Redstart there. March 6th The promised milder weather unfortunately arrived with a strengthening wind and heavy rain, and the only noteworthy report was of a trickle of Meadow Pipits and alba Wagtails moving north up the West Cliffs. March 5th Very little to show for efforts today. Seawatching at the Bill produced a Red-throated and an unidentified Diver. Also at the Bill there were 2 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Fieldfares and the first 2 Rooks of the year. 

 

An island rarity - snow at the Bill, March 4th 2001

photo © Martin Cade

  March 4th The day begun - very unusually - with the second snowfall in a week, although it again produced no cold weather movement. Seawatching provided most of the noteworthy birds of the day, with 2 Red-throated, a Black-throated and 3 unidentified Divers seen off the Bill. Elsewhere a Merlin was seen at Southwell. March 3rd The cold weather and access restrictions kept most birders indoors, and not much was reported again today. Five Common Scoters and a Red-throated Diver passed the Bill, and there were single Black Redstart and Purple Sandpiper there. A Great Northern Diver and a Black-necked Grebe were off Portland Castle, and there was a male Black Redstart at Weston. March 2nd Despite a bitter easterly wind the first visible passage of the spring was noted today, with 16 Meadow Pipits and an alba Wagtail watched arriving from the south at the Bill. Also at the Bill a lone Red-throated Diver passed offshore, and 3 Common Scoter and single Purple Sandpiper and Black Redstart were seen. A single Pale-bellied Brent Goose was again at Ferrybridge.  March 1st The month started in very low-key fashion, with the only noteworthy sighting being of a single Red-breasted Merganser passing the Bill.

February 2001

    February 28th The Bill produced just 7 Common Scoter and 4 Purple Sandpipers, and there were 20 Brent Geese and 2 Great Northern Divers at Ferrybridge. February 27th More of the same today, with sea-watching at the Bill producing just 6 Common Scoter, a Red-throated and an unidentified Diver, and a lone Black-headed Gull. February 26th A cold and wet day that produced very little. Three Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver passed the Bill, and there was still a lone Great Northern Diver at Ferrybridge. February 25th Snow blanketed the island at dawn, but a lone Fieldfare and a 'new' Water Rail at the Bill were the only sign of any cold weather movement. Sea-watching from the Bill produced 4 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver, and there were 6 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks at the Bill itself. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was still at Ferrybridge. February 24th Much the same today with a few Black Redstarts around the Bill area. One Black-necked Grebe, 2 Great-crested Grebes and two Eiders still at Portland Harbour. February 23rd Two Manx Shearwaters, a single Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Scoter past the Bill are the only noteworthy birds today. February 22nd A further movement of Stonechats was witnessed today with 28 birds being present.  Two Black Redstarts and 2 Redwings were also in evidence. Ferrybridge produced a winter plumage, adult, Mediterranean Gull, and a  Pale-bellied Brent Goose. February 21st A Snipe and 3 Fieldfare at Culverwell were the most unusual birds for Portland seen in our area today. Divers noted moving past the Bill were 1 Great Northern and 2 Red-throated. Sixteen Stonechats were counted round about. February 20th Many more birds were reported today with observers at Portland Harbour sighting 9 Great Northern Divers, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 5 Black-necked Grebes and 3 Slavonian Grebes. Two Red-throated Divers passed the Bill, as did 22 Common Scoter. There were seven Purple Sandpipers and 5 Turnstone on the rocky ledges favoured by these species below the obelisk, while 14 Oystercatchers could be found on the East Cliffs. Stonechats are still moving. A minimum of 7 were present around the Observatory.  February 19th Very few birders were in the field today despite bright but chilly weather, meant that we can only report a single Siskin from the Observatory garden early this morning and one Red-throated Diver passed the Bill. February 18th A cold, bright day saw small groups of Common Scoter, around 35 birds in all, and 11 Red-throated Divers, moving eastwards up the Channel. A Great Northern Diver and a Black-necked Grebe were present at Portland Harbour. Black Redstarts could be found at the Obs Quarry and the Lower Admiralty. February 17th Stonechats were again present in numbers around the Island, but the most interesting new arrivals were 2 exceptionally early Puffins seen on the sea beneath the auk colony on the West Cliffs at the Bill. Also seen near the Obelisk were 2 Black Redstarts, 4 Purple Sandpipers and up to 4 Turnstone. A Great Northern Diver was still at Ferrybridge. February 16th The continuing fine weather produced another pulse of Stonechats today; 26 were counted in the Bill area, with most again passing quickly northwards. Four Fieldfares were also new arrivals at the Bill, but the only other noteworthy bird reported was a lone Blackcap at Pennsylvania Castle. February 15th Another really pleasant calm and sunny day produced the first signs of spring passage. A total of 17 Stonechats were counted in the Bill area, where there have been just 5 through the winter; most were on the move northwards and had left by the end of the day. It was otherwise rather quiet, with just 9 Purple Sandpipers near the Pulpit Rock at the Bill, and a Great Northern Diver at Ferrybridge. February 14th A good selection of divers and grebes were still in Portland Harbour, and the Great Northern Diver remained at Ferrybridge. The Bill was quieter than yesterday, with just 8 Purple Sandpipers and a single Black Redstart reported. February 13th A day of light winds and unbroken sunshine got plenty of birders out in the field. Portland Harbour was very busy, with counts of 19 Great Northern and 4 Black-throated Divers, 4 Black-necked, 4 Slavonian and a Red-necked Grebe, and 3 Eider. Nearby there was a Black-throated Diver at Ferrybridge and a Black Redstart at Portland Castle. Sea-watching from the Bill produced 20 Common Scoter, 8 Shoveler, 4 Red-throated Divers, 2 Brent Geese and a Mediterranean Gull, and there were 5 Fieldfare and a Black Redstart around the Bill area. February 12th Little to report today, with the only noteworthy birds reported being a Great Northern Diver at Ferrybridge, and 12 Common Scoter and a Golden Plover at the Bill. February 11th The sea provided most of the interest again today. Off the Bill there were 19 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Divers, a Mediterranean Gull and a Great Skua; 6 Purple Sandpipers were also there on the rocks at the Bill itself. A single Great Skua was also seen settled briefly at Ferrybridge. February 10th The arrival of wet and windy weather stirred up a few birds out to sea, with 27 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 Little Gulls and a first- or second-year Iceland Gull being seen off the Bill during the course of the day; also there were 7 Purple Sandpipers and a Black Redstart. There were 7 Great Northern Diver and a Black-necked Grebe in Portland Harbour, and the very visible Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were still at Ferrybridge. Another Black Redstart was seen at the Oil Tanks beside Portland Harbour. February 9th Not a lot of change today. The Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were still at Ferrybridge, and 3 Red-throated Divers passed the Bill. February 8th Two Great Northern and a Black-throated Diver were showing well at Ferrybridge, and a flock of 10 Common Scoter were settled off the Bill; also off the Bill there were again large numbers of feeding auks and Kittiwakes. February 7th The quiet spell continued. The single Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were still at Ferrybridge, and there was also a Mediterranean Gull there. February 6th The only noteworthy bird reported today was a Great Skua off the Bill in the morning. February 5th So far, February is living up to its reputation as the least productive month of the year at Portland. Today saw the customary selection of divers and grebes reported from Portland  Harbour, and the single Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were again at Ferrybridge. A party of 4 Firecrests were an unusual sighting in the park at Easton Square. February 4th The blustery and often wet weather produced a lot more Gannets, auks and Kittiwakes off the Bill than have been seen lately. In Portland Harbour there were several Great Northern Divers, 5 Black-necked Grebes and 2 Eider. February 3rd Another very quiet day. There were the usual selection of divers and grebes in Portland Harbour, and the single Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were still at Ferrybridge. At the Bill there were 2 Fieldfares, 2 Purple Sandpipers and a Merlin. February 2nd  Not very much to report today. There was again no sign of the Surf Scoter in Portland Harbour, although plenty of divers and grebes remained there and at Ferrybridge. At the Bill there were just 2 Black Redstarts and 2 Fieldfares. February 1st There was no sign of the Surf Scoter in Portland Harbour again today, but there were plenty of divers and grebes, and an Eider there. The Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were still at Ferrybridge, where there was also a lone Common Scoter and the adult Glaucous Gull (which was later seen at Chesil Cove). Seawatching at the Bill produced 4 Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver, and 32 Common Scoter, and 2 Purple Sandpipers were on the rocks near Pulpit Rock.

January 2001

    January 31st The Surf Scoter couldn't be found in Portland Harbour, but there were 4 Slavonian Grebes and a Great Northern Diver there. The single Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were still at Ferrybridge, where there were also 6 Little Egrets. A single Red-throated Diver passed the Bill. January 30th The immature Surf Scoter was still showing in Portland Harbour, where there were again plenty of divers and grebes, as well as 2 Common Scoter and 2 Mute Swans. A Great Northern Diver was still at Ferrybridge, and the adult Glaucous Gull was on the Air Station in the morning. A single Red-throated Diver passed the Bill, and there were 2 Black Redstarts there. In the evening a single Long-eared Owl left its roost at Verne Common. January 29th All the news today came from the Bill, where seawatching produced 10 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver, as well as the adult Glaucous Gull that was seen following a fishing-boat in the afternoon; on the land there was just a single Purple Sandpiper and a Black Redstart. January 28th Portland Harbour remained busy, with the Surf Scoter and plenty of divers and grebes still present. Seawatching at the Bill produced 8 Red-throated Divers, 7 Wigeon and 2 Brent Geese, whilst on the land there were 6 Fieldfares, a Redwing and a Black Redstart. Late news just received: on January 18th at Verne Common there was a female Ring Ouzel (the first mid-winter record for Portland), 3 Firecrests, 2 Woodcock and a Long-eared Owl. January 27th All the birds were again in and around Portland Harbour. The Surf Scoter was off the Air Station in the morning, but, after being flushed by windsurfers, ended up off Sandsfoot Castle in the afternoon. Six Great Northern, a Black-throated and a Red-throated Diver, and 6 Black-necked, 6 Slavonian and 2 Red-necked Grebes, as well as 2 Eider, were also off the Air Station; 3 more Great Northern and a Black-throated Diver were at Ferrybridge. The Glaucous Gull was at Chesil Cove in the late morning. January 26th The Surf Scoter showed up of the Air Station in Portland Harbour again today, and there were 6 Great Northern Divers and 4 Slavonian Grebes there; the Glaucous Gull was also on the Air Station again in the morning. Nearby, the Black-throated and the Great Northern Divers were still at Ferrybridge. A Firecrest was seen in Southwell village in the morning. January 25th Another fair day, albeit with a few heavy showers to dodge. The adult Glaucous Gull showed up on the Air Station during the afternoon. Nearby in Portland Harbour there was no sign of the Surf Scoter, although there were 5 Great Northern Divers, an Eider, and 6 Black-necked, a Slavonian and a Red-necked Grebe. Single Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were still at Ferrybridge. At the Bill, seawatching produced a Red-throated Diver and a Slavonian Grebe, as well as the resident flock of Common Scoter. Seven Purple Sandpipers were at the Bill itself, and there were still 2 Black Redstarts there. January 24th The pleasant, warm and sunny weather saw Skylarks in full song at the Bill for the first time this year. However, few birders were out in the field and there was no news of anything especially noteworthy from the area. January 23rd When it wasn't pouring with rain it was drizzling today, and very few birds were seen. The only sightings came from the Bill where there were single Fieldfare and Black Redstart, and a lone Red-throated Diver passed on the sea. January 22nd Another dreary day, with much the same in the way of birds as yesterday. The Surf Scoter was again in Portland Harbour, and there were several Great Northern Divers there still. A Great Northern and a Black-throated Diver were still showing well at Ferrybridge, and a Mediterranean Gull was there in the morning. Five Fieldfares were at the Bill. January 21st The return of milder weather also saw the return of rain and mist, and few birds were seen today. The Surf Scoter was spotted in the gloom at Portland Harbour, and the 2 Great Northern and 1 Black-throated Diver were still at Ferrybridge. January 20th More of the same today, with the Surf Scoter in Portland Harbour still very much the highlight. There were also still plenty of divers and grebes in the Harbour, and the 2 Great Northern and 1 Black-throated Diver were still showing well at Ferrybridge. Black Redstarts were found at several sites including Weston, the Bill and Ferrybridge. The Bill also produced 10 Fieldfares, several Purple Sandpipers, a Lapwing and a Knot. January 19th A really calm day - almost spring-like in the afternoon - saw plenty of birds reported around the area. The Surf Scoter was off Portland Castle, and also in the Harbour there were 8 Great Northern and a Black-throated Diver, 8 Black-necked Grebes (the latter from Sandsfoot Castle) and a Common Scoter. Nearby there were 2 Great Northern and a Black-throated Diver showing well off the Ferrybridge Inn, and single Black Redstarts at Ferrybridge and the Oil Tanks. At the Bill there were 14 Fieldfares, 5 Lapwings and a Mistle Thrush, as well as 5 Purple Sandpipers and 3 Black Redstarts; 5 Red-throated Divers passed on the sea, and the wintering flock of Common Scoter were still offshore. In the afternoon the adult Glaucous Gull showed up in fields outside the Obs front gate, before joining other gulls feeding around a fishing boat off the East Cliffs. January 18th No news from Portland Harbour today. At the Bill there were 4 Fieldfares, 3 Black Redstarts, a Knot, a Purple Sandpiper and a Lapwing, as well as 4 Red-throated Divers past on the sea. Five Little Egrets were at Ferrybridge. January 17th Portland Harbour continues to provide the best birds: the Surf Scoter was still present and there were a good selection of divers and grebes. At the Bill there was a Knot showing well on the East Cliffs again; also there were 6 Purple Sandpipers, a Turnstone and a Golden Plover. January 16th The gloomy, damp and very cold weather kept most birders indoors. The Surf Scoter was still in Portland Harbour in the afternoon, but all the other observations were from the Bill where there were 2 Black Redstarts, a Golden Plover, a Snipe and a Fieldfare, and 4 Red-throated Divers passed by on the sea. January 15th Very little change today, with most of the action still at Portland Harbour. The Surf Scoter was again off the Air Station, and there were 6 Great Northern Divers, 2 Slavonian and 2 Eider there. The Black-throated and Great Northern Divers were still showing well at Ferrybridge, where there were also 2 Knot. Off the Bill there were still very good numbers of auks passing, along with 14 Red-throated Divers and 14 Black-headed Gulls. Black Redstarts were seen at the Bill and Blacknor.

 

 

Black-throated Diver (left) and Great Northern Diver (right) - January 14th 2001

video-stills © Charlie Moores

 

January 14th Portland Harbour was still busy: the Surf Scoter was the highlight but there were also several Great Northern Divers, and 3 Slavonian and 2 Red-necked Grebes showing from Portland Castle and the Air Station. Nearby, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers showing well at Ferrybridge were popular attractions. The adult Glaucous Gull was at Chesil Cove in the morning. A Knot on the East Cliffs and a Jack Snipe at Culverwell were both unusual for the Bill, where 5 Red-throated Divers also passed offshore and there were 2 Black Redstarts at the DERA compound. January 13th With conditions in Portland Harbour having improved more was seen there today. The Surf Scoter was still present off Portland Castle and the Air Station, and there were also 7 Great Northern and a Red-throated Diver, 2 Slavonian and a Red-necked Grebe, and 3 Eider. The close Black-throated Diver was still at Ferrybridge, and a single Red-throated Diver passed the Bill. January 12th The wind had hardly abated at all, so once again very little was seen today. The immature Surf Scoter was seen off the Air Station in the morning, and there were still several Great Northern Divers in the Harbour. Good numbers of Gannets, Kittiwakes and auks were passing the Bill all day. January 11th The east wind had increased overnight to a blasting gale and very few birders ventured out. The only birds of note were a very close Black-throated Diver among the moored boats beside the Ferrybridge Inn, and a lone Brent Goose grounded on the Common at the Bill. January 10th A strong and cold north-east wind swept the Island today and made birding difficult. The Glaucous Gull was on the Air Station in the middle of the day, but the Surf Scoter wasn't seen in a brief search of a very rough Portland Harbour. Off the Bill there was a surge in auk numbers, with more than 2000/hour passing in the morning; also past there were 6 Brent Geese and a Red-throated Diver. January 9th A new discovery today was a tristis Chiffchaff seen on the Blacknor housing estate at Weston. The Surf Scoter continued to show at Portland Harbour, and the adult Glaucous Gull was again on the Air Station in the morning. Two Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe passed the Bill, and there were also 2 Black Redstarts and a Redwing at the Bill. January 8th Portland Harbour was still busy: the Surf Scoter was again the highlight, but there were also 4 Great Northern and 2 Black-throated Divers, 2 Red-necked, 2 Slavonian, a Great Crested and a Black-necked Grebe, 3 Eider and a Little Egret. Single Great Northern and Black-throated Divers were also at Ferrybridge. The adult Glaucous Gull was on the Chesil Beach opposite the Oil Tanks in the morning. Seawatching from the Bill produced 4 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver, and a Red-breasted Merganser. A Firecrest was at the Eight Kings Quarry in the morning. January 7th Very little change today.  The Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour, where there were also 6 Great Northern and 2 Black-throated Divers, 2 Red-necked and 2 Slavonian Grebes, and 3 Eider. The adult Glaucous Gull spent much of the morning loafing on the Air Station. Elsewhere there were Black Redstarts at several sites, a Great Northern Diver off the Bill, a Chiffchaff at Weston and a Blackcap at Wakeham. January 6th Portland Harbour remained the most productive location today. The Surf Scoter was found again and showed well off the Air Station, and it was joined by a Little Auk for a short while in the morning. There were also still 3 Eider in the Harbour, but a drop in the numbers of divers and grebes there. The adult Glaucous Gull paid a short visit to the Air Station in the late morning, but was not seen before or afterwards. There was a single Purple Sandpiper at the Bill, and 2 Great Northern and a Red-throated Diver passed offshore. January 5th The Surf Scoter could not be found in a short search of Portland Harbour in the morning. A full count of  divers and grebes in the Harbour produced totals of 20 Great Northern and 4 Black-throated Divers, 15 Black-necked, 10 Slavonian and 4 Red-necked Grebes, there were also 3 Eider there. Elsewhere around the Island there were 2 Black Redstarts at Weston and another 2 at the Bill, 7 Purple Sandpipers at the Bill, and 2 Red-throated Divers and the wintering flock of Common Scoter off the Bill. The wintering Firecrest at the Obs garden has not been seen this week, and seems likely to have left or perished in the cold weather before the New Year. January 4th The Surf Scoter was still present and showing well in Portland Harbour, but it was otherwise a quieter day. There were 4 Little Gulls in Chesil Cove in the morning, and 8 Purple Sandpipers at the Bill, but few other noteworthy sightings.

 

Surf Scoter - January 3rd 2001

video-still © Charlie Moores

 

January 3rd Portland Harbour and Chesil Cove were the productive sites today. The immature Surf Scoter continued to show well off the Air Station and Portland Castle, and there were still plenty of divers and grebes to be seen. There were up to 6 Little Gulls and a Grey Phalarope in Chesil Cove during the morning, and the adult Glaucous Gull put in a brief appearance there at midday.  January 2nd Plenty to see again today. The Surf Scoter and a good selection of divers and grebes were still to be found in Portland Harbour, where there was also an Arctic Skua in the morning. The adult Glaucous Gull showed for a short while at Ferrybridge in the early afternoon. Off the Bill there were 2 Red-throated Divers and 2 Great Skuas, as well as the wintering flock of Common Scoter and a steady passage of Kittiwakes. January 1st A big improvement in the weather, and plenty of birders in the field, saw 2001 get off to an excellent start. The best new discoveries were of an adult Glaucous Gull at Ferrybridge, and a Marsh Harrier at the Bill. Portland Harbour continued to be very busy, with, in addition to the Surf Scoter that showed very well, counts of 14 Great Northern and 2 Black-throated Divers, and 8 Slavonian, 3 Red-necked and 2 Black-necked Grebes. Nearby, there were 3 Little Gulls and an Arctic Skua at Chesil Cove. The Bill produced 9 Purple Sandpipers, 3 Golden Plovers, a couple of Redwings and a Red-throated Diver, whilst elsewhere on the Island there was a Merlin at Weston and a Woodcock at Wakeham. At dusk, a Long-eared Owl was seen leaving its roost at Verne Common. 

December 2000

December 31st The return of milder, wet and windy weather saw the year end quietly. The Surf Scoter showed very well off the Oil Tanks at Portland Harbour, but the only other bird of note was a single Red-throated Diver off the Bill. December 30th The chilly spell continued, and cold weather movement included 50 Song Thrushes, 36 Golden Plovers, 5 Lapwings and a Snipe at the Bill. A Water Rail at the Obs. Quarry was also a new arrival (additional to 2 wintering birds at Culverwell). Portland Harbour remained productive: the Surf Scoter showed well off the Oil Tanks, and the variety of divers and grebes included a high count of 13 Black-necked Grebes. December 29th Once again there was a little cold weather movement, with the Bill area producing 130 Golden Plovers, 12 Lapwings and a few thrushes. There was no unexpected sea passage, with watches from the Bill producing just 16 more Red-throated Divers. The immature Surf Scoter reappeared in Portland Harbour, where it showed well off the Oil Tanks; also there were a selection of divers and grebes, and 2 Eider. December 28th With much of the rest of the country having had snowfall overnight more cold weather movement was expected, but in the event very little materialised. At the Bill there were 12 Redwings and a Snipe, as well as a few more Song Thrushes than usual, and in the afternoon a Little Egret arrived from the south. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and another was found in gardens at Southwell; there were also Black Redstarts at several sites, and 5 Purple Sandpipers at the Bill. Seawatching from the Bill produced just 8 Red-throated Divers, and the regular flock of 25 Common Scoter. There were again plenty of  divers and grebes in Portland Harbour, but no sign of the Surf Scoter. December 27th With the cold spell continuing there was a hint of movement of displaced birds: the Bill area produced 37 Golden Plovers and single Brent Goose, Lapwing, Redwing and Fieldfare, as well as increased numbers of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes. Off the Bill,19 Red-throated and a single Great Northern Diver passed during the morning, and the 20 wintering Common Scoter were still present. The Firecrest again roosted in the Obs garden.  December 26th The raw north-east wind had increased overnight and made birding difficult. Lesser Black-backed Gulls continued to move in good numbers: 850 passed east or north at the Bill, and there were small flocks of grounded birds at several sites. Passage off the Bill also included 100 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Lapwings, 3 Red-throated Divers, 3 Brent Geese and a Curlew. Elsewhere in the area the were 2 Black Redstarts at Weston and another at Southwell, and a Fieldfare over Weston. Portland Harbour produced 10 Great Northern Divers, single Red-necked and Slavonian Grebes, and a lone Shoveler, but the Surf Scoter could not be found (its favoured haunts on the western edge of the Harbour are no longer sheltered from the weather). December 25th A bitter north-east wind and persistent drizzle ensured that most birders stayed indoors to enjoy Christmas. At the Bill, the Firecrest was still present in the Obs garden, and a single Red-throated Diver passed the Bill. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were very conspicuous everywhere: a steady tickle passed the Bill all day, and there were several flocks of grounded birds including 102 at Ferrybridge, and 25 at both the Air Station and the Bill. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was with the Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Ferrybridge. December 24th The immature Surf  Scoter in Portland Harbour was again the highlight. At the Bill there were single Golden Plover and Redwing on the land, and a Black-throated Diver and a Teal passed on the sea. December 23rd The arrival of the weekend saw more birders in the field and a little more reported from the area. Portland Harbour still held the Surf Scoter, that showed well off Ferrybridge; also there were plenty of grebes and divers, including both Black-necked and Red-necked Grebe off the Oil Tanks, and 2 Eider. Two Avocets showed-up amongst the gulls at Ferrybridge for a while during the morning. Off the Bill there were 11 Red-throated Divers, 5 Shoveler, and the wintering flock of 25 Common Scoter, as well as a couple of Lapwings arriving in-off the sea, and 9 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks near the lighthouse. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and there was a Black Redstart at Reap Lane. December 22nd The Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour, but it was otherwise an extremely quiet day, with the only other bird of note being the Firecrest in the Obs garden. December 21st A dreary, grey day that saw little birding activity. A lone Woodcock was an unexpected visitor to the Top Fields at the Bill, but otherwise the only noteworthy birds reported were the Firecrest at the Obs, and 3 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks at the Bill.  December 20th A surprise today was the reappearance of the immature Surf Scoter in Portland Harbour, where it showed well off Ferrybridge in the morning (evidently it has spent the last three days just inside the Fleet, near the Bridging Camp at Wyke Regis). The Island otherwise remained quiet, with just single Red- and Black-throated Divers passing the Bill, a couple of Black Redstarts along the East Cliffs at the Bill, and the wintering Firecrest still at the Obs. December 19th More of the same today. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and 4 Little Gulls and 3 Red-throated Divers passed the Bill. Portland Harbour produced several Great Northern and a Black-throated Diver, and 2 Eider. December 18th A quiet day everywhere. At the Bill, the Firecrest at still at the Obs, where there was also a single Black Redstart; the wintering group of Common Scoters were offshore, and 11 Red-throated Divers passed during the afternoon. Portland Harbour produced just a few grebes and divers, and 2 Eider.  December 17th Despite good conditions and plenty of searching, the Surf Scoter could not be found in Portland Harbour. A Little Auk spent part of the morning in Chesil Cove, and later the same or another was seen flying past the Bill. Seawatching at the Bill also produced 31 Red-throated, 2 Black-throated and 3 unidentified Divers, and a single Shoveler. At least 1 Long-eared Owl was seen at Verne Common in the afternoon. December 16th Another surprisingly productive day. The immature Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour, where it showed well off the Oil Tanks; also there were a good selection of divers and grebes, and 2 Eider, as well as a Little Auk that has apparently been present there for the last 3 days. A further 7 Eider and a Red-necked Grebe were in Chesil Cove. Diver passage continued off the Bill, where 22 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver passed during the day; also off the the Bill were 7 Eider, a Brent Goose, an Arctic Skua, a Mediterranean Gull, and the 25 wintering Common Scoter. On the land at the Bill there were single Redwing, Reed Bunting and Corn Bunting. Belated news received today is that at least 2 over-wintering Long-eared Owls have returned to Verne Common, where they have been seen at roost in the thick scrub near the Royal Naval Cemetery on several recent days. December 15th Late migrants were again a feature today. The best were a Swallow and a Blackcap at the Bill, where there were also several new Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, 5 Siskins, a Black Redstart and a Merlin. The wintering Firecrest was still at the Obs. Off the Bill there was a good movement of 21 Red-throated Divers, along with 5 Little Gulls. December 14th A big improvement in the weather allowed a few tardy finches to head for the Continent: at the Bill, 60 Goldfinches, 25 Linnets and 20 Greenfinches left to south during the morning. Both the Firecrest at the Obs, and the flock of 25 Common Scoter off the Bill were still present. The sheltered waters of Portland Harbour remained busy; the immature Surf Scoter was off the Oil Tanks in the morning, and there were at least 12 Great Northern Divers, 3 Slavonian Grebes and 3 Eider present. December 13th The return of stormy weather produced a Leach's Petrel in Portland Harbour and a Little Auk in Chesil Cove, but just a single Great Northern Diver off the Bill. There was still a good selection of divers and grebes in Portland Harbour, including 6 Great Northern Divers and a Red-necked Grebe. The wintering Firecrest was again in the Obs garden. December 12th A truly dismal day, with rain from dawn until dusk. The only noteworthy bird reported was the wintering Firecrest in the Obs garden. December 11th With dreary, wet weather the order of the day there was little birding activity. The immature Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour where it ranged between Ferrybridge and Sandsfoot Castle.  Seawatching produced 8 Little Gulls and a Little Auk at Chesil Cove, and just a single Red-throated Diver and the wintering flock of 30 Common Scoter off the Bill. December 10th The immature Surf Scoter in Portland Harbour continued to show during the morning at least, and there were still plenty of grebes and divers there. A strengthening wind and frequent squally showers kept interest going on the sea, with an exceptionally late juvenile Sabine's Gull the highlight off the Bill (following an earlier report of one over Portland Harbour). There were also 7 Little Gulls, and 5 Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver off the Bill. December 9th To the disappointment of weekend visitors, the Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler at the Obs was seen just once at dawn and could not be found subsequently. The immature Surf Scoter remained in Portland Harbour throughout the day, and there was again a single Sandwich Tern and a good selection of divers and grebes there. Little Gulls continued to be seen in small numbers, with 6 in Chesil Cove and another 4 off the Bill. December 8th The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler remained in the Obs garden all day and showed more frequently than at any time during its stay. The Firecrest was still at the Obs, and a Blackcap was a new arrival there. Portland Harbour was very busy throughout the day: the immature Surf Scoter showed well between the Oil Tanks and Sandsfoot Castle, there were at least 12 Great Northern Divers, 3 Slavonian and 2 Red-necked Grebes, and a Sandwich Tern seen, and in the late afternoon a Leach's Petrel and an Arctic Skua were reported. The sea was quiet at the Bill, but Chesil Cove produced up to 8 lingering Little Gulls, a Great Skua and a fly-by Grey Phalarope.

 

 

Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler - December 7th 2000

photo © Martin Cade

  December 7th The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler was still in the Obs garden today where it was trapped and ringed at dawn; atrocious weather conditions hindered viewing throughout the rest of the day, but the bird continued to show from time to time in the tree mallows outside the bookshop. The wintering Firecrest was also still at the Obs, and there was a new Chiffchaff at Southwell. The Surf Scoter was seen again in Portland Harbour during the morning, but the weather put paid to any observations in the afternoon. A lone Sandwich Tern was at Ferrybridge at midday.

 

Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler - December 6th 2000

video-still © Charlie Moores

  December 6th A day of plenty more action in what ought to be one of the quietest times of year. The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler in the Obs garden was again the highlight although it remained frustratingly elusive for long periods. A Firecrest was still present at the Obs, and an exceptionally late Reed Warbler was trapped and ringed there. A female/immature Surf Scoter was a new arrival in Portland Harbour where it showed very well close inshore between the Oil Tanks and Ferrybridge in the late afternoon. Seawatching at the Bill produced 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Eider, a Grey Phalarope, a Great Skua and a Little Gull. December 5th The Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler remained around the Obs garden all day. It was generally very elusive in the blustery and wet weather, but every hour or so showed well in the tree mallows outside the bookshop. Seawatching at the Bill produced 4 Little Gulls, as well as single Arctic and Great Skuas. Elsewhere there were a couple of Goldcrests and a Chiffchaff at Pennsylvania Castle, and 2 Great Northern Divers in Portland Harbour.  December 4th The discovery of a Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler at the Obs caused some unexpected excitement today. The bird was often very elusive but showed well on several occasions through the afternoon in the tree mallows outside the bookshop. The sea provided the rest of the interest, with 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great and an Arctic Skua, a Leach's Petrel and a Red-breasted Merganser past the Bill, and 8 Little Gulls in Chesil Cove. December 3rd The Island remained quiet, with the best birds being a couple of fly-by Velvet Scoter off the Bill. The Pennsylvania Castle area still held a few Goldcrests, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Chiffchaffs, and the Firecrest  showed occasionally at the Obs garden. December 2nd Decent weather saw a few more birders in the field, but there was little reward for their efforts. Aside from the wintering Firecrest, the Bill produced just a Fieldfare and a trickle of late Goldfinches, as well as the flock of 40 Common Scoter still offshore. Portland Harbour held a couple of Great Northern Divers and a Slavonian Grebe, there was a Black Redstart at Portland Castle, and there were again 2 Sandwich Terns at Ferrybridge. December 1st There was again a little passage off the Bill, with 9 Red-throated Divers, 3 Tufted Ducks and 2 Little Gulls, among fair numbers of Fulmars, Kittiwakes and auks. The Bill area produced just 7 Redwings and 3 Lapwings, and there were still a few Goldcrests at Pennsylvania Castle.