Decided to take a whole day off work and spend the whole day out birding.
Visited Portland in the morning which was enjoyable, though not spectacular! In a decent South Wind, and overcast skies there was little in the way of grounded Passerines. A Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtails all I could find amongst the many Linnets, Meadow Pipits, and Skylarks.
The rocks at the Bill had at least 2 Peregrines, Rock Pipits, many Guillemots and a few Razorbills. The light was so good that telling the auks apart was no problem, even with the naked eye. There was also a decent passage of Manx Shearwater at very close range. I counted 20 in 50 mins all giving excellent views, plus Gannets, Kittiwake and Fulmar.
Ferrybridge seemed really quiet: 5 Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin plus a Little Egret all I could see there.
I then headed onto St.Albans Head, the GPS taking me via a spectacular winding "mountain pass"! through the Purbecks Firing ranges. The day nose dived slightly here as I got caught in an almighty rain storm. Did see Peregrine, Shag, Fulmar and Kittiwake but the sea here was much quieter with no visible passage. St.Albans Head and "Winspit Valley" looks excellent for birding but I was there on the wrong day! Also looks like a good habitat round Corfe for Horseshoe Bats with plenty of cow fields and hedges linking field and woodland, so a combined evening Birdwatch / Batwatch may be in order here.
Returned home via Blashford lakes more out of interest than expecting to see a great deal (The GPS again excelling itself.. this time trying to take me home via a ferry?!).. Eventually found the visitor centre, by which time it was closed, but did see Hobby, Bullfinch, Common Tern and Sedge Warbler whilst searching the area.
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