Trip reports

MINIBUS TRIP TO WEYMOUTH/PORTLAND - Thursday September 21st 2006

Thursday, 21 September 2006

No less than 26 people arrived at Ferrybridge on a very warm, sunny and breezy morning, in the forlorn hope that the previous day's Red necked Phalarope would still be in situ. Alas, only Dunlin, Turnstone and Ringed Plover were present, plus constant Swallow passage overhead. An hour's seawatching from the Bill (from 10.45), did result in a new species for some as up to 10 Balearic Shearwaters passed by, in 3 groups. Although distant, the first group was seen by 2/3rds of our party, and the dusky underwing and relatively leisurely "shearing" could be appreciated. Lunch was taken on the Observatory patio, courtesy of Martin Cade, who thrilled everyone by producing a female Firecrest, that he had just ringed. At 2pm, we arrived at Lodmoor, which held surprisingly few birds, but did produce a gathering of Pied Wagtails, which included at least 3 White, and 10 Yellow Wagtails.

Although only 50 species were seen on a day when most migrants would have been flying high overhead, the birds seen and the suntan gained were enjoyed by all.

Reported by Steve Oakes