The wind returned today so Kevin, Shaun and I spent the morning seawatching at Portland Bill. The southerly wind brought a good number of migrant seabirds inshore, but as with my previous visit, the area to the east of the Bill where were birds were passing did not always have the best viewing conditions.
The view to the east of Portland Bill
Good birds included 10 Arctic Skuas, 7 Bonxies, 2 Manx and 4 Balearic Shearwaters, many Common Scoter and a few Common and Sandwhich Terns and Razorbills, whilst a close Merlin, and migrant Yellow Wagtails and Wheatears passed nearby.
Small parties of Wheatears appeared on the cliff edge, but immediatley moved on
Resident Rock Pipits can be found all along the Portland cliffs
This Spotted Flycatcher is perching on the guy line a mist net in the Observatory garden
A rare Ni Moth trapped overnigth at the Observatory.
More photos and information about Portland Bird Observatory can be found at http://www.portlandbirdobs.org.uk/
gryllosblog 
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