31st December

Feeling a little cooler today but still unusually millpond calm for the middle of winter. The day's list contained few surprises although singles of Teal and Great Skua off the Bill were hardly expected given the conditions. Three Common Scoter also passed through there, a Great Spotted Woodpecker roamed about at the Bill, 2 Chiffchaffs were at Sweethill and a Black Redstart at Reap Lane, an Eider remained in Portland Harbour and 300 Mediterranean Gulls and 5 Bar-tailed Godwits were at Ferrybridge; 12 Grey Plovers near the oyster beds at Ferrybridge (a regular spot for them at this time of year) were perhaps doubtfully within the island recording area.