This morning Michael Gould and I attempted to ring at Durlston, but increasing wind meant that had to pack up after about an hour. Even so we ringed 15 birds comprising of six species of warbler. Although there weren’t as many migrants as yesterday, there was a steady passage of Swifts with at least 50 seen heading south, a number of Swallows and perhaps half a dozen Tree Pipits overhead.
After we had cleared away, I attempted a seawatch for about an hour, seeing a single Arctic Skua going east, 3 Manx Shearwaters west and a number of Gannets.
The best sighting of the day through was Britain’s smallest mammal, a Pygmy Shrew that boldly foraged along the path near the Tilly Whim caves for several minutes, the first time have had a prolonged view of this species.
On the way home I called into Holton Lee, in case the Honey Buzzard from a couple of days ago was still about. The Holton Lee estate which is on the other side of the River Sherford from Lytchett Bay, is private, but you can visit if you join ‘the Friends of Holton Lee’.
No luck with the HB but there was a female type Marsh Harrier over the Bay, a Green Sand, 31 Lapwing and a flock that consisted of Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Chiffchaffs and many Willow Warblers were the highlights.
Not a great day for photography, so only the view from Holton Lee was taken today. The skua picture was taken on Spitsbergen, the Gannet off West Bay and the Pygmy Shrew was nicked from the internet.
Adult Gannet
Pale phase Arctic Skua
Pygmy Shrew - photo from the internet
Holton Lee, the west shore of Lytchett Bay. Note the Sika Deer in the forground and the mid distance.
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