Today I spent the afternoon in the woods opposite the Cottage, in the hope of spotting the Pallas's Warbler I saw on Saturday
Unfortunately it was blowing an absolute hoolie and there was no sign of the Pallas's, however I did come across a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest at this location here.
It was also lovely to meet up with Stephanie and her father Barry (I think) from Devon, who got good views of the Firecrest and Goldcrests, but just missed seeing the Yellow-browed Warbler.
However I don't think they were too bothered, as they were still chuffed to bits on having photos of a Franklin's Gull confirmed to them by Martin Cade, the Head Warden at the Portland Bird Observatory.
Having visited Abbotsbury and Lodmoor they moved onto Radipole where they found what they first thought was a Laughing Gull, but was later confirmed by Martin as a Franklin's. Hopefully it will be there tomorrow. There is a lovely shot of the Franklin's Gull on the Dorset Bird Club Sightings page Here, taken by another birder.
Also about in the woods, were at least 10 Goldcrests, 3 Blackbirds, 1 Song Thrush, 12 Goldfinches, 3 Dunnocks, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards and a Kestrel.
Firecrest
It was showing really well on a Sycamore just north of the Railway Cutting.
In the same tree was the Yellow-browed Warbler, but sadly only a brief view.
One of the two Buzzards over Wakeham
This Dunnock was one of three feeding in the private Nature Reserve close-by.
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On this day..........
2017Today's Sightings Here