27th March

Migrant-wise, a shocker of a day, with late March staples like Wheatear and Chiffchaff reduced to totals at the Bill of just 1 and 2 respectively. The nice, quiet conditions were perfect for getting out looking, but the only other new arrivals worth a mention were 700 Wood Pigeons heading north over the centre of the island, the first 2 single Swallows of the spring overhead at the Bill and Portland Castle, a Merlin at Ferrybridge and 2 Firecrests, a Willow Warbler and a Goldcrest grounded at the Bill; singles of Water Rail, Black Redstart and Blackcap were also still about at the Bill, another Black Redstart remained at Blacknor and the Black Guillemot was again off Portland Castle. The sea was no more productive, with 17 Black-headed Gulls, 9 Brent Geese, 2 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver through off Chesil and 14 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver through off the Bill.

The first Small White of the year was on the wing at Barleycrates Lane.