Paul Harris
@paulupwey.bsky.social
Birds, Moths, Dragons, Orchids, Butterflies, Bugs.
Dorset.
Dorset.
A couple of photos of parts of the flock of 65 Cattle Egret in fields behind Abbotsbury Beach (past Coastguard Cotts). Also 3 pairs of Stonechat here.
Best sighting though, a cracking Sibe Chiff at Abbotsbury STW with 20+ Chiff. So obvious that I could pick it up in flight! @birdguides.bsky.social
Best sighting though, a cracking Sibe Chiff at Abbotsbury STW with 20+ Chiff. So obvious that I could pick it up in flight! @birdguides.bsky.social
February 17, 2026 at 12:53 PM
A couple of photos of parts of the flock of 65 Cattle Egret in fields behind Abbotsbury Beach (past Coastguard Cotts). Also 3 pairs of Stonechat here.
Best sighting though, a cracking Sibe Chiff at Abbotsbury STW with 20+ Chiff. So obvious that I could pick it up in flight! @birdguides.bsky.social
Best sighting though, a cracking Sibe Chiff at Abbotsbury STW with 20+ Chiff. So obvious that I could pick it up in flight! @birdguides.bsky.social
Spent about 15 minutes checking the Gorse on Warmwell Heath this morning and found 30+ Gorse Shieldbug enjoying the sunshine. They do love to sunbathe but scuttle off when they see the camera.
2 Green Sand on the nearby cress beds but little else of note seen.
2 Green Sand on the nearby cress beds but little else of note seen.
February 16, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Spent about 15 minutes checking the Gorse on Warmwell Heath this morning and found 30+ Gorse Shieldbug enjoying the sunshine. They do love to sunbathe but scuttle off when they see the camera.
2 Green Sand on the nearby cress beds but little else of note seen.
2 Green Sand on the nearby cress beds but little else of note seen.
I noticed this evening that the hibernating Comma is still in the same position in the shed as when I photographed it last September! (2nd photo). I also found 8 Dahlica triquetrella cases, which follow the 6 'live' ones I had last year. heracliana/ciliella and daucella also flitting around the shed
February 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM
I noticed this evening that the hibernating Comma is still in the same position in the shed as when I photographed it last September! (2nd photo). I also found 8 Dahlica triquetrella cases, which follow the 6 'live' ones I had last year. heracliana/ciliella and daucella also flitting around the shed
Down to 4C this morning so very little in the trap. This smart Acleris cristana was just about worth the electricity though, new for the year.
Mud glorious mud at Moonfleet with just Marsh Harrier, 5 Corn Bunting and a flock of ~200 Linnet worth a mention. Lots of the Brent seemed to have left now.
Mud glorious mud at Moonfleet with just Marsh Harrier, 5 Corn Bunting and a flock of ~200 Linnet worth a mention. Lots of the Brent seemed to have left now.
February 13, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Down to 4C this morning so very little in the trap. This smart Acleris cristana was just about worth the electricity though, new for the year.
Mud glorious mud at Moonfleet with just Marsh Harrier, 5 Corn Bunting and a flock of ~200 Linnet worth a mention. Lots of the Brent seemed to have left now.
Mud glorious mud at Moonfleet with just Marsh Harrier, 5 Corn Bunting and a flock of ~200 Linnet worth a mention. Lots of the Brent seemed to have left now.
Just checking my records and realised that the Slav Grebe in Portland Hbr today was the first I've seen since Jan '24. Gone are the days when they were regular in Weymouth Bay. Some terrible photos to come: an 'artistic' one of the Slav in the sunlight and 6 of the very distant 11 Black-necks.
February 12, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Just checking my records and realised that the Slav Grebe in Portland Hbr today was the first I've seen since Jan '24. Gone are the days when they were regular in Weymouth Bay. Some terrible photos to come: an 'artistic' one of the Slav in the sunlight and 6 of the very distant 11 Black-necks.
One Slav Grebe and 4+ GNDiver off Underbarn Walk. 11 Black-necked Grebe (6+3+2) off Castle Cove Sailing Club. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
February 12, 2026 at 12:05 PM
One Slav Grebe and 4+ GNDiver off Underbarn Walk. 11 Black-necked Grebe (6+3+2) off Castle Cove Sailing Club. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Scanning the gravel pits at Woodsford when this huge female Peregrine glided in low and sat on one of the sand spits. Stayed long enough so I could grab a few photos. Otherwise 2 each GWEgret and Red Kite, 3 Cetti's and 5 Shelduck. Elsewhere, another Goshawk seen over a different wood to the 4th Feb
February 9, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Scanning the gravel pits at Woodsford when this huge female Peregrine glided in low and sat on one of the sand spits. Stayed long enough so I could grab a few photos. Otherwise 2 each GWEgret and Red Kite, 3 Cetti's and 5 Shelduck. Elsewhere, another Goshawk seen over a different wood to the 4th Feb
Moth traps still very quiet, but Beautiful Plume, Common Quaker and Depressaria daucella were nfy.
A very impressive, and noisy, Med Gull flock at Rodden Hive this morning which I estimated at ~1000. Little else seen before rain stopped play.
A very impressive, and noisy, Med Gull flock at Rodden Hive this morning which I estimated at ~1000. Little else seen before rain stopped play.
February 8, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Moth traps still very quiet, but Beautiful Plume, Common Quaker and Depressaria daucella were nfy.
A very impressive, and noisy, Med Gull flock at Rodden Hive this morning which I estimated at ~1000. Little else seen before rain stopped play.
A very impressive, and noisy, Med Gull flock at Rodden Hive this morning which I estimated at ~1000. Little else seen before rain stopped play.
Weymouth: Just three moths this morning, an Acleris umbrana and 2 Early Moth, both species nfy.
Best from Woodsford this morning were 3 Woodlark, Goosander and Great White Egret, all seen whilst dodging the incessant spells of rain.
Best from Woodsford this morning were 3 Woodlark, Goosander and Great White Egret, all seen whilst dodging the incessant spells of rain.
February 7, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Weymouth: Just three moths this morning, an Acleris umbrana and 2 Early Moth, both species nfy.
Best from Woodsford this morning were 3 Woodlark, Goosander and Great White Egret, all seen whilst dodging the incessant spells of rain.
Best from Woodsford this morning were 3 Woodlark, Goosander and Great White Egret, all seen whilst dodging the incessant spells of rain.
Weymouth: Only one moth in the trap, but what a cracker it was. Small Brindled Beauty, new for here and miles from the known closest ones. Best from a look at the Trout Farm was a flock of ~150 Linnets. Part of flock in the photo. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
February 6, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Weymouth: Only one moth in the trap, but what a cracker it was. Small Brindled Beauty, new for here and miles from the known closest ones. Best from a look at the Trout Farm was a flock of ~150 Linnets. Part of flock in the photo. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
Weymouth: I have a large bay window upstairs with a fab view out to the west. It's my regular afternoon Gull watching location! The Gulls were rubbish today, but at 5.15 I had 4 Cattle Egret and then 7 'small' grey Geese which I'm certain were the Tundra Beans. Where are they hiding in the daytime?!
February 4, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Weymouth: I have a large bay window upstairs with a fab view out to the west. It's my regular afternoon Gull watching location! The Gulls were rubbish today, but at 5.15 I had 4 Cattle Egret and then 7 'small' grey Geese which I'm certain were the Tundra Beans. Where are they hiding in the daytime?!
Weymouth: The first moths for February in the trap today, this Caloptilia stigmatella looking a bit weather-beaten after a winter in hibernation. Also a Hebrew Character.
Another visit, in the sunshine, to my recent Goshawk sighting/site produced superb views of a pair displaying. Plus 4 Red Kite.
Another visit, in the sunshine, to my recent Goshawk sighting/site produced superb views of a pair displaying. Plus 4 Red Kite.
February 4, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Weymouth: The first moths for February in the trap today, this Caloptilia stigmatella looking a bit weather-beaten after a winter in hibernation. Also a Hebrew Character.
Another visit, in the sunshine, to my recent Goshawk sighting/site produced superb views of a pair displaying. Plus 4 Red Kite.
Another visit, in the sunshine, to my recent Goshawk sighting/site produced superb views of a pair displaying. Plus 4 Red Kite.
My bird photos are never going to win any prizes, but they do as a record!
Great White Egret at Woodsford yesterday.
The Sibe Chiff still at Piddlehinton STW. I last/first saw it on 1st Jan. Distant, so this one of it playing peek-a-boo is the best of a bad lot. ~15 Chiff here, same at Louds Mill.
Great White Egret at Woodsford yesterday.
The Sibe Chiff still at Piddlehinton STW. I last/first saw it on 1st Jan. Distant, so this one of it playing peek-a-boo is the best of a bad lot. ~15 Chiff here, same at Louds Mill.
February 3, 2026 at 12:36 PM
My bird photos are never going to win any prizes, but they do as a record!
Great White Egret at Woodsford yesterday.
The Sibe Chiff still at Piddlehinton STW. I last/first saw it on 1st Jan. Distant, so this one of it playing peek-a-boo is the best of a bad lot. ~15 Chiff here, same at Louds Mill.
Great White Egret at Woodsford yesterday.
The Sibe Chiff still at Piddlehinton STW. I last/first saw it on 1st Jan. Distant, so this one of it playing peek-a-boo is the best of a bad lot. ~15 Chiff here, same at Louds Mill.
After brief, distant, Bins-only views of a probable Goshawk a few days ago, I went back today with the scope. Prolonged flight views for about 10 minutes over the woods. It was hassled at various times by Red Kite, Buzzard and Raven, all of which kept their distance! A new site for me in Dorset.
February 2, 2026 at 1:18 PM
After brief, distant, Bins-only views of a probable Goshawk a few days ago, I went back today with the scope. Prolonged flight views for about 10 minutes over the woods. It was hassled at various times by Red Kite, Buzzard and Raven, all of which kept their distance! A new site for me in Dorset.
Rather taken aback to stumble across a pair of Cirl Bunting at a completely new site just outside Weymouth this morning. They seemed quite settled in their chosen hedgerow! I'll keep a careful eye on them, but location withheld for obvious reasons. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
February 1, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Rather taken aback to stumble across a pair of Cirl Bunting at a completely new site just outside Weymouth this morning. They seemed quite settled in their chosen hedgerow! I'll keep a careful eye on them, but location withheld for obvious reasons. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
The first Hebrew Character of the year in the trap, January individuals not all that common.
No sign of any Grey Geese at Woodsford. Red Kite, Green Sand, Goosander, Cetti's and a flock of 100+ Chaffinch worth a mention.
80+ Shoveler at Silverlake is a good count there. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
No sign of any Grey Geese at Woodsford. Red Kite, Green Sand, Goosander, Cetti's and a flock of 100+ Chaffinch worth a mention.
80+ Shoveler at Silverlake is a good count there. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
January 31, 2026 at 12:59 PM
The first Hebrew Character of the year in the trap, January individuals not all that common.
No sign of any Grey Geese at Woodsford. Red Kite, Green Sand, Goosander, Cetti's and a flock of 100+ Chaffinch worth a mention.
80+ Shoveler at Silverlake is a good count there. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
No sign of any Grey Geese at Woodsford. Red Kite, Green Sand, Goosander, Cetti's and a flock of 100+ Chaffinch worth a mention.
80+ Shoveler at Silverlake is a good count there. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Red Kite and drake Pintail at Silverlake.
Great White Egret and a very distant flock of Greylag at Woodsford. The latter contained at least 5 grey geese which proved to be Tundra Beans. Annoyingly the flock very soon flew away behind trees and I couldn't refind them. Peregrine and Cetti's also.
Great White Egret and a very distant flock of Greylag at Woodsford. The latter contained at least 5 grey geese which proved to be Tundra Beans. Annoyingly the flock very soon flew away behind trees and I couldn't refind them. Peregrine and Cetti's also.
January 30, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Red Kite and drake Pintail at Silverlake.
Great White Egret and a very distant flock of Greylag at Woodsford. The latter contained at least 5 grey geese which proved to be Tundra Beans. Annoyingly the flock very soon flew away behind trees and I couldn't refind them. Peregrine and Cetti's also.
Great White Egret and a very distant flock of Greylag at Woodsford. The latter contained at least 5 grey geese which proved to be Tundra Beans. Annoyingly the flock very soon flew away behind trees and I couldn't refind them. Peregrine and Cetti's also.
Gull watching from home this afternoon. Large numbers of gulls heading down the Wey Valley with the bonus of a flock of 4 Cattle Egret and 11 Little Egret (6+1+1+3), all heading towards Radipole or Lodmoor to roost. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
January 29, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Gull watching from home this afternoon. Large numbers of gulls heading down the Wey Valley with the bonus of a flock of 4 Cattle Egret and 11 Little Egret (6+1+1+3), all heading towards Radipole or Lodmoor to roost. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Bincleaves/Underbarn Walk: Not sure how much duplication there is, but at least 6 GND off here this morning. Also a Red-necked Grebe doing some Olympic grade jump-diving and 3 distant Black-necks. The RNG probably out from Castle Cove. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
January 29, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Bincleaves/Underbarn Walk: Not sure how much duplication there is, but at least 6 GND off here this morning. Also a Red-necked Grebe doing some Olympic grade jump-diving and 3 distant Black-necks. The RNG probably out from Castle Cove. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Little to report today sadly. A Common Plume found whilst trimming the garden Jasmine yesterday. I think the secateurs might have just clipped the end of its left wing! Otherwise, 4 Little Egret at Osmington Mills and a Grey Seal just off the shoreline there in Osmington Bay.
January 28, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Little to report today sadly. A Common Plume found whilst trimming the garden Jasmine yesterday. I think the secateurs might have just clipped the end of its left wing! Otherwise, 4 Little Egret at Osmington Mills and a Grey Seal just off the shoreline there in Osmington Bay.
Another wander down into Nottington to look at the floods. Five Cattle Egret today in a different field to a couple of days ago. Plus a flock of 30 Redwing.
Also a mass of this Fungus on a pile of cut logs. False Turkey-tail I think?
Also a mass of this Fungus on a pile of cut logs. False Turkey-tail I think?
January 27, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Another wander down into Nottington to look at the floods. Five Cattle Egret today in a different field to a couple of days ago. Plus a flock of 30 Redwing.
Also a mass of this Fungus on a pile of cut logs. False Turkey-tail I think?
Also a mass of this Fungus on a pile of cut logs. False Turkey-tail I think?
Regular walk with Annie around the Nothe/Harbour this afternoon. Delighted to see that Joe's Little Gulls were still present, 5 birds now. My poor photographic skills don't do them justice, they are very close. Not sure if these were already known about today, I'm not on any local news groups.
January 26, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Regular walk with Annie around the Nothe/Harbour this afternoon. Delighted to see that Joe's Little Gulls were still present, 5 birds now. My poor photographic skills don't do them justice, they are very close. Not sure if these were already known about today, I'm not on any local news groups.
Moonfleet this morning:
Big flock of Brent, no doubt annoying the Farmers.
Redshank enjoying life (one of 15).
Some signs of Spring.
Another WTE, this one cruising low along Chesil Beach.
Big flock of Brent, no doubt annoying the Farmers.
Redshank enjoying life (one of 15).
Some signs of Spring.
Another WTE, this one cruising low along Chesil Beach.
January 26, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Moonfleet this morning:
Big flock of Brent, no doubt annoying the Farmers.
Redshank enjoying life (one of 15).
Some signs of Spring.
Another WTE, this one cruising low along Chesil Beach.
Big flock of Brent, no doubt annoying the Farmers.
Redshank enjoying life (one of 15).
Some signs of Spring.
Another WTE, this one cruising low along Chesil Beach.
Given the rubbish weather I decided to just wander down into Nottington from home. Best were 2 Cattle Egrets (with 2 Littles) plus a cracking Firecrest along the River Wey. Also 2 Chiffchaff and 10 Moorhen at the same site. Awful photos, so bad in fact that you have to play 'spot-the-Firecrest' 🤦♂️
January 25, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Given the rubbish weather I decided to just wander down into Nottington from home. Best were 2 Cattle Egrets (with 2 Littles) plus a cracking Firecrest along the River Wey. Also 2 Chiffchaff and 10 Moorhen at the same site. Awful photos, so bad in fact that you have to play 'spot-the-Firecrest' 🤦♂️
Weymouth: only one moth in the trap, this slightly scruffy Crocidosema plebejana. I don't recall having a January one before.
Standard fare at Rodden Hive with 2 Marsh Harrier and a White-tailed Eagle sat on Chesil Beach. This is now the new normal!
Standard fare at Rodden Hive with 2 Marsh Harrier and a White-tailed Eagle sat on Chesil Beach. This is now the new normal!
January 19, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Weymouth: only one moth in the trap, this slightly scruffy Crocidosema plebejana. I don't recall having a January one before.
Standard fare at Rodden Hive with 2 Marsh Harrier and a White-tailed Eagle sat on Chesil Beach. This is now the new normal!
Standard fare at Rodden Hive with 2 Marsh Harrier and a White-tailed Eagle sat on Chesil Beach. This is now the new normal!