The Bill

Monday October 14

Pam's 82nd birthday started with cards and present opening. Pam had chosen to spend the day at Monkey World. Heavy overnight and morning rain forced a change of mind. 
Portland Bill here we come.

In the right conditions, the Bill's southerly position is a good seawatching site. The point  has a large car park with a short walk to the Trinity House lighthouse cum visitor's centre. I scoped from the car, seeing majestic Gannets fly by, Starlings appearing in small clouds, swirling around before landing, a lone male Stonechat struggling to feed in the strong wind. He was sheltering in a small group of seeding weeds, making occasional sallies after insects.

Portland Bird Observatory

What would be in the doorstep bin to-day?

The best moths to-day were Rusty-dot Pearl and L Album Wainscot, both migrants. 

L-Album Wainscot

Rusty-dot Pearl.

 Whilst sorting through the bin, a Chiffchaff kept us company, flitting through nearby Willows.

On the way home, we stopped at the Taste cafe on Chesil Bank, enjoying a slice of delicious cheese on toast whilst watching the receding tide. Dunlin, Ringed Plover and a Turnstone at the water's edge, no sign of the Brent Geese which had come through on the pager. There are both Black Brant and Pale-bellied reported to be amongst the flock.
A male Marsh Harrier flew in from the sea, cresting Chesil Bank before flying high inland.

Our own trap held another Vestal, Snout, 2 Brick, Beaded Chestnut and the usual suspects.

Whilst looking out of the window, trying to catch the horses coming home for the night (we never did manage to photograph them)  Pam noticed Swallows flying about a nearby field. It was a dry, sunny, evening for a change. They were taking advantage of some reasonable weather for feeding. About 60 in all, the most we've seen all year.