September 2000

 

Honey Buzzard © Martin Cade

  September 30th Fortunately for the the many birders who arrived to see it, the Cliff Swallow was still present at the Verne. It was much more mobile than yesterday, but was seen on and off until the early afternoon when it perhaps got sucked into the heavy hirundine passage that was taking place and moved on. Honey Buzzards again passed through in dramatic numbers, with 35 or more being logged throughout the Island today. Other raptors drawn into this movement included at least 10 Buzzards, 3 Hobbies, 2 Ospreys and 2 Marsh Harriers. With so many distractions, commoner migrants hardly got a look in. However, the Wryneck was still at the Bill and there was another at the Verne, and migrants around the Bill included 30 Tree Pipits and 6 Long-tailed Tits.

 

Cliff  Swallow © Paul Gale

  September 29th Big news today was the discovery of a Cliff Swallow at the Verne in the afternoon; the bird was found at 2 o'clock and continued to show well from the Royal Naval Cemetery until nearly dusk. The continuing Honey Buzzard passage created what was otherwise a Falsterbo-esque atmosphere to proceedings: between 15 and 20 passed over the Island during the day. The Wryneck, Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher were all still present at the Bill, where there was also a very heavy passage of more than 10000 Swallows. Seawatching at the Bill produced a couple of Black Terns but little else. September 28th The same Wryneck, Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher were all still present in and around the Obs, but new migrants at the Bill otherwise consisted of just a few new Wheatears and Stonechats. A new Wryneck was found at Barleycrates Lane, and at least 3 (possibly as many as 6) Honey Buzzards appeared overhead at various sites during the afternoon. Seawatching produced just 2 Great and an Arctic Skua off the Bill.  September 27th A Wryneck seen briefly near the Obs was perhaps the bird that was trapped a couple of days ago. There was little change in the grounded migrant situation, with single Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher at the Obs being the highlights, but there was a lot more movement at sea as wet and windy weather arrived in the afternoon. Off the Bill, there were 49 Sooty, 4 Manx and 3 Balearic Shearwaters, together with 2 Great Skuas and a single Leach's Petrel. September 26th Grounded migrants were again limited in number and variety, with the best being a Turtle Dove in Top Fields, and single Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. A strengthening south-west wind got a few more things moving off the Bill, where there were 1500 Gannets, and 3 Arctic and 3 Great Skuas. Late records for today received on 27/9: seawatching at Chesil Cove in the afternoon produced 5 Arctic, 4 Roseate and 2 Black Terns, 4 Great and 2 Arctic Skuas, and a single Little Gull. September 25th With much of the day having been washed-out by the heavy rain that set in from mid-morning, it was fortunate that there had been a good deal around in the first few hours of the day to keep birders entertained. A Moorhen in the Obs garden at dawn was the unlikely bird of the day that, at least in terms of local rarity value, could not be eclipsed by species such as Little Egret, Wryneck and Honey Buzzard that were seen later. The Little Egret was an early morning fly-over, the Wryneck was trapped and ringed at the Obs, and the Honey Buzzard flew west over there just as the rain was setting-in. Commoner migrants included at least 2 Firecrests at the Obs and another in Top Fields, and a Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. Seawatching at the Bill produced just 5 Eider and 2 Great Skuas. September 24th Despite a change in the weather it was still more of the same around the Island. Heavy rain at dawn promised to have dropped a few migrants, but, although Yellow Wagtails and Meadow Pipits increased, grounded migrants remained at a premium. The best were 2 Firecrests at the Obs, single Turtle Doves at West Cliffs and Southwell, and a Blue-headed Wagtail in Top Fields. Hirundines continued to pass through in good supply all morning. Off the Bill, there were 7 Great and a Pomarine Skua, and 2 Balearic Shearwaters. September 23rd Visible passage was very conspicuous, especially in the morning, but it was otherwise a rather slow day for the time of year. House Martins were outstanding numerous with perhaps as many as 10000 passing over the Bill, where there were also lesser numbers of other hirundines, wagtails and pipits. An Ortolan Bunting settled briefly at the Bill, but it seemed to be sucked into the general movement taking place and soon disappeared. Seawatching at the Bill produced 3 Balearic Shearwaters, and 3 Arctic and 2 Great Skuas. Late record for today received on 24/9: a Honey Buzzard over Tout Quarry at midday. September 22nd A rather quiet day, with the Buff-breasted Sandpiper having moved on, and numbers of common migrants distinctly on the low side. An Osprey that passed south down the West Cliffs at midday, and 3 Buzzards that soared over the middle of the Island in the afternoon were the best birds seen. Visible passage, particularly of hirundines, was occasionally conspicuous, but the best of the grounded migrants were just 3 Spotted Flycatchers at the Eight Kings Quarry and a Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. Seawatching produced 2 Great Skuas at the Bill. September 21st Once again the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was very much highlight of the day. It showed well all day at Blacknor, where there was also a very brief Lapland Bunting early in the morning. New migrants were at a premium, with the best being single Pied Flycatchers at the Obs and Pennsylvania Castle, and a Merlin around the Bill. Wet and windy weather in the morning produced nothing better on the sea than 2 Great Skuas and a Balearic Shearwater from the Bill, with the same weather no doubt accounting for the appearance of  2 late Little Terns at Ferrybridge.

 

Buff-breasted Sandpiper  © Peter Coe

  September 20th The Buff-breasted Sandpiper continued to show well all day near Blacknor. The days common migrants seemed largely to be left-overs from yesterday: single Wood Warbler and Firecrest were again at the Bill, but numbers of most species dropped markedly. A Nightingale was a new discovery at Easton, and the first 4 Brent Geese of the autumn passed the Bill. Copies of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper photograph reproduced above are available at the Obs (£1.80) or by post from Peter Coe (£2; phone 01305-823664). September 19th The Buff-breasted Sandpiper was finally pinned down today: it showed briefly at Barleycrates Lane in the morning, and was then discovered settled on some waste ground near Blacknor in the afternoon. Common migrants were in better numbers everywhere, with Meadow Pipits particularly numerous. At the Bill, where an Osprey flew over at midday, totals included 50 Wheatears, 40 Chiffchaffs, 25 Willow Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 8 Whitethroats, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Pied Flycatchers, and single Hobby, Lesser Whitethroat, Wood Warbler and Firecrest. Seawatching was uneventful, with a single Balearic Shearwater off the Bill the highlight. September 18th There was a miserable wet and windy start to the day, but during a brief easing of the rain in mid-morning a Buff-breasted Sandpiper flew in off the sea past the Obs. After considerable searching the bird was found settled on the cliff-top at Barleycrates Lane where it showed for half-an-hour before leaving to the north. A Short-eared Owl was again present in Top Fields, but land migrants were otherwise thin on the ground or keeping their heads down. Off the Bill, seawatching produced 12 Arctic and 2 Great Skuas, and 2 Manx and a Balearic Shearwater. Late record for today received on 20/9: a Sabine's Gull off the Bill in the morning. September 17th Bird of the day was a new Wryneck discovered beside the Cheyne car park in the late morning. Visible passage was again very conspicuous; counts at the Bill in the first couple of hours of the day included 500 Swallows, 500 Meadow Pipits, 150 House Martins, 50 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Tree Pipits and 15 Grey Wagtails. Migrants were in reasonable variety and number on the ground as well, with the best being the first Short-eared Owl of the autumn at the Bill. The sea perked up a little with counts from the Bill including 51 Common Scoter, 7 Sandwich Terns, 4 Arctic and a Great Skua, and 2 Balearic Shearwaters. September 16th A stiff north-westerly wind and clear skies ensured that it was quiet all round today. There was a fair passage of hirundines, pipits and wagtails overhead, but otherwise the best birds on the land were single Hobby, Merlin, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher at the Bill. The offshore wind saw to it that next to nothing was seen on the sea. September 15th The morning was a washout, but a few birds surfaced in better weather in the afternoon. The 'original' Wryneck (first seen on 8th) was rediscovered in the Hut Fields, although it remained rather elusive. Migrants at the Bill included 7 Blackcaps, 2 Redstarts, 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Hobby. Sea watching was uneventful until 3 Great and a Pomarine Skua passed the Bill in the evening. September 14th After a clear moonlit night migrants were distinctly thin on the ground, with the best being a few Grey Wagtails and 3 Redstarts. The sea remained pretty quiet despite a strengthening wind: off the Bill there were just 8 Arctic Skuas and 2 Balearic Shearwaters.

 

Wryneck  © Martin Cade

  September 13th The Wryneck first found yesterday evening was retrapped at the Obs in the morning, and a new individual was seen at the Verne in the afternoon. Two Ortolan Buntings showed briefly at Barleycrates Lane in the morning, but neither could be found later. It was a better day all round for common migrants, with counts at the Bill including 60 Wheatears, 50 Willow Warblers, 30 Chiffchaffs, 20 Grey Wagtails, 20 Tree Pipits and 5 Redstarts. A little sea movement off the Bill included single Balearic Shearwater, and Arctic and Great Skua. September 12th The Wryneck was again present in the Hut Fields at the Bill, and in the early evening a second individual was trapped and ringed at the Obs. Migrants were in rather short supply everywhere, with totals at the Bill including 30 Wheatears, 18 Grey Wagtails, 15 Chiffchaffs, 15 Willow Warblers, 10 Whinchats, 3 Tree Pipits, 2 Redstarts, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and single Reed and Sedge Warblers. September 11th The Wryneck remained at the Bill all day, and there were also sightings of two Common Rosefinches elsewhere on the Island. One was at Barleycrates Lane early in the morning, and another showed at Lancridge a couple of hours later; unfortunately, neither remained for long. Visible passage was very conspicuous everywhere in the morning: hirundine counts included 6500 Swallows and 1000 House Martins passing south along the West Cliffs, and there fair numbers of Grey Wagtails and Tree Pipits, as well as a couple of Hobbies. The best of the grounded migrants was a Firecrest at Easton. September 10th A brief Ortolan Bunting, seen around the Bill early in the morning, was very much the bird of a day. The Wryneck present for the last few days also remained near the Obs but was ususally rather elusive. Most common migrants were in rather low numbers, but a few, particularly the fly-overs, were conspicuous: both Grey Wagtail and Tree Pipit totalled more than 25 at the Bill. Still and often foggy conditions saw to it that seabirds were hardly noticed; the best were 2 Balearic Shearwaters off the Bill. September 9th The Wryneck and the Melodious Warbler were both still present today, although both were tricky to get to grips with.  The Wryneck was only seen twice all day (first when it was trapped at the Obs in the morning, and later when it was found on the East Cliffs in the evening), whilst the Melodious Warbler was discovered for the first time in nearly 36 hours when it turned-up in a mist-net at the Obs at the end of the day. Common migrants were in much better numbers and variety than of late all across the Island, with Blackcaps being particularly conspicuous for the first time this autumn. At the Bill, seawatching produced 2 Balearic Shearwaters, and single Great and Arctic Skuas.

 

Melodious Warbler  - the 5th ringed this autumn © Martin Cade

  September 8th A day of overcast skies and frequent fog, which produced a couple of good scarce migrants. The fifth Melodious Warbler of the autumn was trapped and ringed at the Obs in the morning, and soon afterwards an elusive Wryneck showed-up on the edge of the Obs garden. Common migrants were surprisingly few and far between everywhere. Seawatching from the Bill produced 3 Sooty and a Manx Shearwater, and 2 Great and an Arctic Skua. September 7th Rather quiet all round today; the blustery conditions made searching for migrants difficult, but it wasn't really windy enough to stir things up on the sea. Off the Bill there were just 4 Balearic, a Sooty and a Manx Shearwater, and 3 Arctic Skuas. Common migrants seemed pretty sparse at the Bill, with the best being single Merlin, Redstart, and Pied and Spotted Flycatcher.  September 6th Another blustery autumnal day, with seabirds providing most of the interest. Off the Bill there were 5 Sooty Shearwaters, and single Arctic and Great Skuas. On the land there were just a scatter of migrants, including single Redstart and Pied Flycatcher at the Obs. September 5th A strengthening wind and some drizzly rain saw to it that seawatching occupied most birders today. Passage was rather better than of late, with totals at the Bill of 17 Arctic, a Pomarine and a Great Skua; 5 Sooty, 3 Balearic and a Manx Shearwater; as well as 28 commic Terns and 20 Common Scoter. Land migrants were very thin on the ground, with the best being 2 Golden Plover, and single Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.  September 4th Not before time, today saw the arrival of a Common Rosefinch at Southwell - the first passerine rarity for nearly three weeks. Unfortunately it wasn't a good performer, and left many would-be observers frustrated after it's half-hour appearance. Common migrants were in similar numbers and variety to yesterday, with oddities again including Merlin. Offshore, there was a Balearic Shearwater and a Great Skua, as well as a small passage of Common Scoter and commic Terns. September 3rd A good variety of common migrants were present around the Island, although numbers were again on the low side for the time of year. Counts at the Bill included 80 Wheatears, 60 Yellow Wagtails, 45 Robins, 25 Willow Warblers, 10 Tree Pipits, 8 Grey Wagtails, 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Redstarts and 3 Spotted Flycatchers, as well as singles of oddities such as Merlin and Hobby. The sea again came up with some surprises, including reports of a large shearwater and a Long-tailed Skua, as well as a more routine 27 Common Scoter and 5 Arctic Skuas. September 2nd An improvement in the weather saw migrants appear in quite good numbers. Around the Bill counts included 70 Wheatears, 60 Yellow Wagtails, 40 Willow Warblers, 10 Sedge Warblers, 8 Grey Wagtails, 6 Tree Pipits, 5 Whinchats, 3 Redstarts, 3 Pied Flycatchers, and the first 2 Goldcrests of the autumn. In an increasingly light and offshore wind, little was evident on the sea until a remarkable spell in the late morning when between 2 and 4 Cory's Shearwaters were reported by watchers at the Bill. Later watching provided just a couple of Balearic Shearwaters and an Arctic Skua. September 1st The first really autumnal day, with a strengthening westerly wind and frequent squally showers. The wind direction was not altogether favourable for seawatching, and the only birds seen from the Bill were 3 Balearic and a Manx Shearwater, and 3 Little Gulls. The best of the few land migrants seen were 3 Pied Flycatchers in and around the Obs. garden.

August 2000

    August 30th Another day with a reasonable arrival of common migrants, but no sign of anything really unexpected. Hirundines, Yellow Wagtails, Wheatears and Willow Warblers were the most conspicuous migrants, and there were again a few Redstarts, and Pied and Spotted Flycatchers about the Bill area. Two groups of over-flying Black-tailed Godwits, totalling 24 birds, were unusual. Offshore, there were just a few commic Terns and Black-headed Gulls, and a single Pomarine Skua. August 29th The first really calm day for some time brought with it a few more migrants. Willow Warblers increased to 60 at the Bill, where there were also 30 Robins and 20 Tree Pipits, as well as a good sprinkle of all the expected common migrants for the time of year. In the afternoon a dramatic hatch of flying ants attracted more than 1000 hirundines to the Bill - the first decent gathering of the autumn. In the evening there was an out-of-the-blue sighting of a Cory's and a Sooty Shearwater during a brief seawatch from the Bill. The Curlew Sandpiper remained at Ferrybridge all day. August 28th Another rather lean day saw generally low numbers of common migrants logged. At the Bill higher counts included 60 Wheatears, 50 Yellow Wagtails, 15 Whitethroats, 15 Willow Warblers and 8 Grey Wagtails. Oddities included a Turtle Dove and a Grasshopper Warbler. A lone Curlew Sandpiper was at Ferrybridge throughout the day. August 27th Quieter all round today, with a change to fresher westerly weather and a drop in migrant numbers. Totals included 100 Wheatears, 50 Yellow Wagtails and 25 Willow Warblers, but otherwise just single figure counts of the other commoner migrants. Scarcer species included 5 Turtle Doves at Southwell, 4 Pied Flycatchers, and a single Nightingale at Blacknor. A lone Great Skua was the only noteworthy bird offshore. August 26th The recent easterly weather has promised much, but hasn't really produced the goods. Today saw a decent flurry of some of the commoner migrants, but the expected rarities failed to show. Around the Island, there were up to 500 Wheatears and 40 Whinchats, together with a sprinkle of other typical early autumn species. A Nightingale at the Bill was the only oddity. Seawatching produced 3 Balearic and 2 Sooty Shearwaters.  August 25th Another day dominated by a blasting easterly wind. A Little Shearwater passed east off the Bill early in the morning, but, with a supporting cast of just the first couple of returning auks and a single Manx Shearwater, it didn't mark the start of a good days seawatching. Birding on the land was difficult in the strong wind, although an Aquatic Warbler showed very briefly at Barleycrates Lane, and there were reasonable numbers of Wheatears and Yellow Wagtails around the Bill. Oddities included single Turtle Dove, Grasshopper Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at the Bill. August 24th Although some migrants continue to arrive in quite good supply, others that would normally be expected at this time of year remain very scarce. Today saw respectable totals at the Bill of, for example,  200 Wheatears, 40 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Tree Pipits and 10 Whinchats. However, warblers were virtually absent, with Willow Warblers barely reaching double-figures. Offshore, a lone Balearic Shearwater was the best bird seen. August 23rd A constant strong easterly wind again put paid to most passage, with nearly all the common migrants present in very low numbers, and a probable fly-through Dotterel at the Bill the nearest thing to a highlight of the day. Sand Martins passed through in fair supply all day, and an early Bullfinch showed up at Culverwell. A trickle of terns, including a single Black Tern, 2 Balearic Shearwaters and an Arctic Skua were the only reward from seawatching at the Bill. Waders at Ferrybridge included 10 Sanderling and 3 Knot. August 22nd The highlight today was the trapping of the fourth Melodious Warbler of the autumn at the Obs during the afternoon. Unfortunately, an ever strengthening easterly wind seemed to have put a stop to most routine migration, although a few oddities, including Merlin, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Whitethroat and Pied Flycatcher, showed up at various times around the Bill. The sea remained very quiet, with 2 Arctic and a Great Skua very much the best birds seen. August 21st The improvement continued today, with another reasonable arrival of common migrants. Numbers were, in the main, rather similar to yesterday, although there were fewer Wheatears and Yellow Wagtails, and more Willow Warblers and hirundines. Less common species at the Bill included Merlin, 2 Greenshank and a Redshank, 5 Grey Wagtails and a Nightingale. Sea passage remained very slow, with nothing better than 2 Arctic Skuas seen from the Bill. August 20th A much better day today, with the first decent arrival of migrants for a couple of weeks. At the Bill, totals included 100 Wheatears, 60 Yellow Wagtails, 30 Willow Warblers, 10 Tree Pipits, 3 Whinchats and single Merlin, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Nightingale and Grasshopper Warbler; hirundines and Swifts also trickled through all day. August 19th More of the same today, with migrants remaining exceedingly few and far between. Wheatear was again the only common migrant in any numbers, with a total of only 40 at the Bill, and a handful elsewhere. The first autumn Purple Sandpiper was present at the Bill itself, whilst offshore, 8 Sandwich Terns, 2 Arctic Skuas and a Puffin were the only birds of note. Waders at Ferrybridge included 180 Ringed Plovers, 100 Dunlin and 5 Sanderling. August 18th There was little change in the migrant situation today, with low numbers of everything except Wheatears. A fresher wind and heavy rain during the morning promised to perk-up seawatching, but in the event the only birds seen from the Bill were 38 commic Terns, 2 Arctic and a Great Skua, and a lone Manx Shearwater. August 17th A re-run of yesterday, with most migrants in such short supply that, again, not a single new bird was trapped at the Obs. Around the Bill, Wheatears increased slightly to more than 80, whilst overhead, Swifts and Sand Martins trickled through all day. At Ferrybridge, waders included 2 Knot and 2 Sanderling. August 16th A few more migrants were in evidence today, although it remained quiet for the time of year. At the Bill there were 70 Wheatears and 50 Sand Martins, but warblers were all but absent (not one new bird was trapped for ringing at the Obs in 6 hours of trying!). Seawatching provided just 10 Common Scoter, 2 Great Skuas and a Sandwich Tern. August 15th Migrants were again at a premium; the Nightingale of two days ago was retrapped at the Obs, and there were only a handful of new arrivals of the commonest species overnight. Freshening winds and sporadic rain in the afternoon produced nothing better than a single Great Skua on the sea.  August 14th After the events of yesterday, the sea was well covered all day, but proved to be rather quiet. Off the Bill, counts included 34 Common Scoter, 6 Balearic and 3 Manx Shearwaters, and 2 Great and 2 Arctic Skuas. Migrants were again very sparse on the land, where the highlight was just a single Reed Warbler. August 13th A change in the weather promised a few more birds, but the bizarre selection that showed up could not have been predicted. The land was unexpectedly quiet, with a Nightingale - one of only two birds trapped at the Obs all day - very much the highlight. With so little about in the way of migrants, interest moved to the sea following the sighting of 2 unseasonable Velvet Scoters passing the Bill. Soon an adult Long-tailed Skua flew west, and then, just before midday, a presumed Fea's Soft-plumaged Petrel passed frustratingly quickly in the same direction. These highlights aside, the seawatching was otherwise remarkably unproductive, with counts of just 34 Common Scoter, 2 Arctic and 2 Great Skuas, and 2 Manx Shearwaters. August 12th Another hot day saw a variety of migrants arrive, although all were in very low numbers. At the Bill there were 25 Willow Warblers, 25 Wheatears, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Tree Pipits, 2 Garden Warblers, and single Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and Spotted Flycatcher. August 11th In very fine weather, migrants were again relatively sparse. At the Bill, counts included 50 Willow Warblers, 8 Garden Warblers, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Sedge Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher. Twelve fly-by Mallards were the highlight of some unproductive seawatching. August 10th Migrants remained in low numbers at the Bill, where there were 45 Willow Warblers, 40 Wheatears, a Sedge Warbler, a Garden Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher. Seawatching provided just a single Balearic Shearwater and a Great Skua. August 9th Numbers of common migrants fell even further today, and a single Wood Warbler at the Obs was the only minor highlight on the land. Offshore, 2 Great Skuas passed in the morning. August 8th A much quieter day, with both the Melodious Warblers having moved on, and only rather low numbers of migrants having arrived overnight. Willow Warbler numbers dropped to just 40 and, although most of the species seen in recent days were present, all were in reduced numbers. A lone Sooty Shearwater was reported passing the Bill in the afternoon. August 7th Yesterdays Melodious Warblers remained in the area, with both being seen together on occasions. Common migrants continue to arrive at the Bill in reasonable supply, with totals today including 150 Willow Warblers, 10 Garden Warblers, 5 Tree Pipits and 2 Pied Flycatchers. Passage offshore was limited to 50 Black-headed Gulls and a few Common Scoter. 

 

Melodious Warbler - the 3rd  ringed this autumn  © Charlie Moores

  August 6th The good start to the autumn continued today with the trapping of another Melodious Warbler at the Obs in the afternoon; the bird present for the past few days was still present in the morning at least. Common migrants were present in good supply at the Bill, where counts included 300 Willow Warblers, 25 Garden Warblers, 10 Pied Flycatchers, and a scatter of other typical early movers in lower numbers. A single Little Ringed Plover flew over the Bill and a Balearic Shearwater passed on the sea.  August 5th August More of the same today, with the Melodious Warbler present all day and a reasonable sprinkle of common migrants having arrived overnight. At the Bill, there were 100 Willow Warblers, 8 Garden Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, and single Reed and Sedge Warblers; fly-over waders included both Snipe and Greenshank. The sea produced just a single Balearic Shearwater. At Ferrybridge, waders included 145 Ringed Plovers, 130 Dunlin and 15 Sanderling.  August 4th Once again the Melodious Warbler remained in the vicinity of the Obs Quarry throughout the day. It was the busiest day of the autumn so far for common migrants: Willow Warblers numbered around 200 at the Bill, where there were also 12 Garden Warblers, 10 Sedge Warblers, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Grey Herons, and single Snipe, Grasshopper Warbler and Redstart. The sea was much quieter, and provided just 5 Manx Shearwaters. August 3rd The Melodious Warbler remained in the Obs Quarry for most of the day and entertained a steady stream of birders throughout. Other oddities at the Bill included 2 Little Ringed Plovers and a Wood Sandpiper. Common migrants were still in short supply, with the best being a single Grasshopper Warbler. With blustery westerly weather continuing the sea produced totals of 19 Balearic and 9 Manx Shearwaters, and a single Arctic Skua.  August 2nd The Melodious Warbler showed well for most of the day in the Obs Quarry, but it was otherwise a quiet day spoilt by freshening westerly winds. A handful of Willow Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher were the only new migrants on the land, and seawatching was surprisingly  unproductive all day.

 

Melodious Warbler  - the 2nd  ringed this autumn  © Martin Cade

  August 1st The Hippolais run continued today with the trapping of a Melodious Warbler in the Obs garden; the bird later showed well in the Hut Fields and Obs Quarry. Common migrants were again thin on the ground, with little more than a sprinkle of Wheatears, Willow and Sedge Warblers, and a single Tree Pipit at the Bill. A fly-over Green Sandpiper there was more unusual.

July 2000

  July 31st The month finished, as it had begun, with a rare Hippolais warbler; this time a very elusive  Icterine Warbler that spent the late morning and early afternoon in the Hut Fields and adjacent edge of the Obs garden. It was accompanied by small numbers of common migrants, including 25 Willow Warblers, a few Sedge and Garden Warblers, and a Lesser Whitethroat. July 30th A sprinkle of migrants around the Bill in the morning included 70 Willow Warblers, 5 Grey Herons, 3 Tree Pipits, 8 Sedge Warblers and a single Pied Flycatcher. The sea was very quiet, and provided just 20 Common Scoter and a Whimbrel. July 29th A busier day, with decent numbers of typical migrants for the early autumn. Willow Warblers numbered more than 50 at the Bill, where there were also several Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps, and and a few Sand Martins passing through; the Green Woodpecker showed up again in the morning. Offshore, a total of 8 Balearic Shearwaters and a Black Tern were seen. July 28th Despite a less than promising start to the day, with very few migrants about, a Melodious Warbler was trapped in the Obs garden during the morning. Commoner migrants around the Bill area otherwise included just a handful of Willow Warblers and Blackcaps, and single Reed and Sedge Warblers. Off the Bill, 5 Balearic Shearwaters and a Great Skua passed during the morning. July 27th A much quieter day, with a meagre sprinkle of migrants. A Grasshopper Warbler at the Obs. was the best new bird, and there were otherwise just a handful of Willow Warblers and Garden Warblers. The Green Woodpecker was again around the Bill in the morning.   July 26th A similar day to yesterday, but without most of the better migrants. At the Bill, 30 Willow Warblers and 4 Garden Warbler were accompanied by just single Reed and Sedge Warblers; the Green Woodpecker was present for a second day. Waders were again numerous at Ferrybridge, where a lone Curlew Sandpiper was present in the evening with 200 Dunlin, 40 Ringed Plover and 4 Sanderling. July 25th A promising still and overcast dawn brought with it the first reasonable flurry of autumn migrants. At the Bill, there were 40 Willow Warblers, 6 Garden Warblers, 2 Cuckoos, and single Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher; a Black Redstart was again present, and a Green Woodpecker was an unusual visitor. Offshore, single Balearic Shearwater, Grey Plover and Arctic Skua were seen. Elsewhere on the Island, a fly-through Serin was seen at Barleycrates Lane. July 24th A similar day to yesterday. At least 8 Willow and a Sedge Warbler were at the Bill, where there was also a lone Black Redstart. Sea movement was limited to just 6 Manx Shearwaters and 6 Common Scoter. At Ferrybridge, waders included 3 Little Ringed Plover and a Curlew Sandpiper, as well as a brief reappearance of last weeks Kentish Plover. July 23rd At the Bill 3 Willow and a Sedge Warbler were the only land migrants found, and 35 Common Scoter, 4 Balearic Shearwaters and 3 Whimbrel were the highlights on the sea. Ferrybridge continues to get busier: todays wader totals included 325 Dunlin, 57 Ringed Plover, 3 Sanderling, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, and single Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Knot. July 22nd A stiff easterly wind dominated the day and most of the worthwhile birds were seen off the Bill. Common Scoter and Black-headed Gulls were moving in small numbers, and there were also 2 late Puffins, and single Balearic Shearwater, Curlew, Mediterranean Gull and Arctic Skua. At Ferrybridge, waders present included 153 Dunlin and a Little Stint. July 21st Another day of settled weather and few birds. At the Bill, migrants on the land included more Sand Martins, a Lapwing and a Willow Warbler. Offshore, there were a few Manx Shearwaters and Common Scoter, and single Balearic Shearwater, Mediterranean Gull and Arctic Skua. A Little Ringed Plover was at Ferrybridge. July 20th With the very fine weather continuing birds remained at a premium. Around the Bill there were just a few Sand Martins, 3 Grey Herons, a Greenshank, and single Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. Seawatching was also slow with 4 Balearic Shearwaters the only birds of note. Dunlin numbers continue to increase at Ferrybridge: 68 were counted today. July 19th More very fine weather but, not surprisingly, very few birds. At the Obs Sand Martins trickled through all morning, a couple of Ringed Plovers flew over and the first 2 Garden Warblers of the autumn were seen. A single Common Sandpiper was seen on East Cliffs. July 18th A balmy summers day with a few birds on both land and sea. At the Obs Sand Martins passed over in some numbers and there were single Sedge Warbler, Blackcap and Bullfinch; a couple of new Willow Warblers were seen at other Island sites. Off the Bill more than 40 Common Scoter, and single Balearic Shearwater and Pomarine Skua were seen. July 17th Back to earth with a bump today. A few returning migrants trickled through during the morning with Sand Martins, which numbered more than 50, the most prominent; also present on the land were single Grey Heron, Lapwing, Whimbrel, Yellow Wagtail and Willow Warbler. Off the Bill there were nearly 150 Common Scoter and 4 Balearic Shearwaters. July 16th An unexpectedly excellent day in what ought to be a quiet time of year. Bird of the day was a fine male Black-headed Bunting that spent nearly an hour in the morning around the Obs/Huts, and then Culverwell, before leaving to the north; a female Serin appeared briefly at the Obs at the same time. Also on the land, Sand Martins were moving in some numbers, single Reed and Grasshopper Warblers were seen at the Bill, and, most unusually for the time of year, a Coal Tit showed briefly at St Georges Church. Off the Bill, there was a small movement of Manx Shearwaters and Common Scoter, 3 Pomarine and a Great Skua, 2 Balearic Shearwaters, a Great Crested Grebe, and a report of a Black Guillemot. Finally, a female Kentish Plover found at Ferrybridge showed well during the afternoon. July 15th The wind eased markedly today but remained in the north, so it was a surprise that as many as 12 Balearic Shearwaters passed the Bill in the morning; also reported from the Bill were a few Manx Shearwaters and Common Scoter, and 4 Little Egrets. July 14th Not surprisingly, considering there was no respite from the cool, blustery weather that has been with us all week, little birding was done today. A few Manx Shearwaters and a couple of passing flocks of Common Scoter off the Bill were the only birds of note reported. July 13th Less all round today with just 50 Manx Shearwaters, 45 Common Scoter and a single Balearic Shearwater off the Bill, and a Blackcap in the Obs garden. July 12th The sea continued to provide most of the interest, with 200 Manx and a Balearic Shearwater, as well as 75 Common Scoter and a Storm Petrel off the Bill. Two Lapwing and a Whimbrel were at the Bill; and continuing the wader theme there were 40 Dunlin and 5 Sanderling at Ferrybridge. July 11th Plenty of Manx Shearwaters remained offshore at the Bill all day, but little else was seen on either the sea or the land. July 10th More very windy weather today saw another decent passage of Manx Shearwaters off the Bill, particularly in the evening when several hundred passed. Variety was otherwise pretty limited with just a single Balearic Shearwater and a Great Skua seen. At Ferrybridge Dunlin have built up to 59, and the first young Little Terns are now on the wing. July 9th With unseasonably windy weather prevailing, birding activity was confined to seawatching at the Bill where there was a steady trickle of Manx and 3 Balearic Shearwaters, as well as 3 Arctic Skuas and a Storm Petrel. July 8th At the Bill a Snipe and a new Chiffchaff were the only noteworthy land migrants. Offshore a lone Balearic Shearwater passed, along with a trickle of Manx Shearwaters. July 7th After several very still days the wind increased conspicuously and Swifts were in good supply passing north all day. Returning waders included 3 Lapwings over Weston, and both Green Sandpiper and Curlew at the Bill. July 6th Another extremely quiet day with no noteworthy migrants at the Bill, and otherwise just a slight increase in Dunlin numbers at Ferrybridge. July 5th Once again little was seen on the land or sea at the Bill. At Ferrybridge return passage of common waders is starting: today saw 8 Dunlin, 3 Redshank and a Black-tailed Godwit recorded.  July 4th Persistent light rain meant there was little birding activity on the land, and the only new migrant discovered was a Reed Warbler at the Obs. Off the Bill, Common Scoter and Black-headed Gulls were passing in small numbers during the morning. July 3rd Back to form for the time of year today with the only worthwhile birds reported at the Bill being single Curlew, Whimbrel and Grey Wagtail. A Ring-necked Parakeet was an unusual but brief visitor to the middle of the Island in the morning. July 2nd Unfortunately the Sykes's Warbler had moved on overnight, but there was a surprisingly good selection of common migrants at the Bill, including single Whimbrel, Curlew, Yellow and Grey Wagtail, Redstart, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat. Off the Bill there were a few Manx Shearwaters and Common Scoter, as well as reports of both Great and Pomarine Skuas.

 

Sykes's Warbler © Martin Cade

 

July 1st There were a few new migrants about at the Bill in the morning, including a couple of Curlews, a Hobby and a Bullfinch, but otherwise no hint of the excitement to come when, soon after midday, a Booted Warbler (seemingly of the race rama - Sykes's Warbler - the second record for Britain) was trapped at the Obs. The bird remained for the rest of the day, eventually settling and showing well in the edge of the Obs garden.            

June 2000

  June 30th Persistent sea fog hampered birding today and the only migrants of note were singles of Redshank, Grey Wagtail and Willow Warbler at the Bill. June 29th There was no increase in the number of routine migrants recorded, but a fine 2nd summer Montagu's Harrier that spent a couple of hours quartering the fields at the Bill around midday was an unexpected bonus after several lean days.

 

Montagu's Harrier © Martin Cade

  June 28th A single new Chiffchaff at the Obs and a light passage of Swifts overhead were the only birds on the move today. June 27th The Island remained in the midsummer doldrums today and the only worthwhile birds reported were a few Manx Shearwaters and a single Great Skua off the Bill. June 26th The sea was unexpectedly productive in the morning when a few Manx Shearwaters, 50 Common Scoter and 3 late Pomarine Skuas passed the Bill. Elsewhere on the Bill land migrants included 2 Curlews and a Reed Warbler. June 25th More of the same today with a reasonable passage of  Manx Shearwaters, a single Balearic Shearwater and an Arctic Skua off the Bill June 24th Three Balearic and a few Manx Shearwaters were logged from the Bill, but it was otherwise a very quiet day with no migrants of note on the land. June 23rd With some improvement in the weather a little more was discovered on the land today. A 'green' Golden Oriole at Culverwell, and later Southwell, was considered to be different from the bird seen earlier in the week. Additional migrants around the Bill included singles of Yellow Wagtail, Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher. A few Manx Shearwaters were the only noteworthy birds offshore. June 22nd Another blustery day saw a total of 6 Storm Petrels recorded along with 22 Common Scoter and a steady passage of Manx Shearwaters off the Bill. A lone Yellow Wagtail over the Obs was the only land migrant of note. June 21st With the change to much cooler, blusterly weather the sea provided more interest than of late: Manx Shearwaters were conspicuous all day, a Balearic Shearwater passed the Bill, and singles of both Arctic and Great Skua were seen at Chesil Cove. On the land a Curlew and a Yellow Wagtail at the Bill were the only migrants of note. June 20th The same or another Golden Oriole was found at Culverwell in the morning, but otherwise the only signs of  movement were a couple of singing Reed Warblers and a Sand Martin at the Bill. June 19th Whilst the rest of the country roasted, Portland spent most of the day under another blanket of fog which perhaps accounted for the arrival of a female Golden Oriole that was trapped at the Obs in the morning. The bird stayed for a couple of hours but could not be found in the afternoon. A single Blackcap was the only other new arrival reported. June 18th The highlight today was a fly-by Serin at the Obs during the morning: the first sighting of the species since the long run of records in late April and early May. New migrants around the Bill included singles of Curlew, Sand Martin and Chiffchaff. June 17th Today saw just a sprinkle of birds typical of recent days: a Curlew and a Reed Warbler were found at the Bill, and a few Manx Shearwaters and a flock of commic Terns passed offshore. June 16th Fog blanketed the Island for much of the day, but lifted long enough at Weston for the Rose-coloured Starling to be spotted again very briefly in the middle of the morning. Elsewhere, both Ringed Plover and Sandwich Tern were heard but not seen from the Obs. Seawatching was impossible all day. June 15th Again today the few migrants about at the Bill seemed to be going in both directions: a Spotted Flycatcher was presumably a late spring bird, whilst a Curlew was probably an autumn migrant. Off the Bill there were just a few passing Manx Shearwaters and Common Scoter. June 14th More of the same today with just a Sand Martin and a Reed Warbler at the Bill, and a few Manx Shearwaters offshore. At Ferrybridge the first Little Tern chick hatched today (visible on the video-link currently available at the Chesil Beach Centre). June 13th With the land once again very quiet it was down to seawatching to provide what few birds were noted: Manx Shearwaters were offshore in small numbers all day, and up to 4 Storm Petrels were lingering off the Bill.  June 12th The sole new migrant on the land, perhaps heralding the start of return passage, was a Whimbrel. The predictable westward trickle of Manx Shearwaters off the Bill was enlivened by the presence of several lingering Storm Petrels through the morning.  June 11th A surprise, but all too brief,  reappearance by the Rose-coloured Starling, this time near the Southwell School, was the highlight of the day. Common migrants included singles of Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher, and seawatching from the Bill provided no more than a few Manx Shearwaters. June 10th A handful of late migrants continue to pass through. Today saw a Hobby, a Reed Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher logged at the Bill, where there was also a single Corn Bunting. After yesterdays strong eastward movement of Manx Shearwaters today saw a good many trickling back westward all day. June 9th Despite a promising feel to the morning new arrivals on the land were restricted to 2 Chiffchaffs and a single Reed Warbler trapped at the Obs. Storm Petrels were still a feature offshore early in the day and there was also a report of a Cory's Shearwater off the Bill. As the wind increased in the evening there was a strong up-Channel movement of more than 1000 Manx Shearwaters together with a lone Arctic Skua. June 8th Little change today with hardly any sign of late migrants on the land. The sea provided a few lingering Storm Petrels in the evening, and after dark the first attempt of the summer to tape-lure them resulted in the trapping of 7 birds. June 7th A second successive quiet day, with just the odd Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher about. June 6th A quiet day with very few new migrant arrivals, save for a few hirundines trickling through. A lone Arctic Skua passed the Bill in the morning. June 5th The Rose-coloured Starling was still present early in the day, this time around the Coastguards and Hut Fields; unfortunately it disappeared after a couple of hours and had not been found again by the end of the day. Common migrants were again sparse, but included a late Black Redstart, as well as a couple of Reed Warblers and Spotted Flycatchers, and singles of  Whinchat, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. The only birds of note off the Bill were 2 Arctic Skuas. 

 

Red-backed Shrike © Paul Gale

 

June 4th A fine singing male Red-backed Shrike was a welcome morning arrival today; it was discovered in Top Fields and ranged as far as the Obs. Quarry before returning and settling in Top Fields in the afternoon. Even better though was the very showy adult male Rose-coloured Starling which was found in the middle of the afternoon on the roadside beside the Dung Heap. Once again common migrant arrivals were restricted to the odd Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher here and there. Seawatching from the Bill produced 2 Arctic Skuas and a Storm Petrel, as well as the routine Manx Shearwaters.

 

Rosy Starling © Paul Gale

 

June 3rd Today saw the arrival of the first decent scarce migrant since mid-May: a singing Golden Oriole briefly in Culverwell early in the morning. There were again a few Reed Warblers about the Island, but movement was otherwise limited to a trickle of hirundines and 2 Hobbies passing straight through. Out to sea the highlight was a single Pomarine Skua off the Bill. June 2nd A similar selection of common migrants to yesterday, with Reed Warblers, which totalled 6 at the Bill, a little more prominent. Seawatching from the Bill produced 2 Pomarine and single Great and Arctic Skuas. June 1st New month, same old birds. A handful of seemingly fresh migrants arrived at the Bill, including 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Blackcaps and a Sedge Warbler. Offshore there was a single Storm Petrel and a scatter of Manx Shearwaters.