31st March

A low-key day much in keeping with the last few, with the howling westerly that set in late yesterday precluding much in the way of meaningful fieldwork. Despite - or because of? - the strength of the wind the sea was very unrewarding, with just a Great Skua through off the Bill and singles of Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern through off Chesil Cove; the Black Guillemot was also still about off Portland Castle. On the land there was no more than 2 Purple Sandpipers and singles of Wheatear, Blackcap and Firecrest (all lingerers) at the Bill and 3 Chiffchaffs in the relative shelter of Church Ope Cove.