Paul Harris
@paulupwey.bsky.social
Birds, Moths, Dragons, Orchids, Butterflies, Bugs.
Dorset.
Dorset.
Portland Castle: the closest Goosander I've ever seen, down to 1 foot off the shoreline! Flyby Kingfisher and Little Egret. Manic feeding flock of ~30 Cormorant (and a few Shag) also coming very close. 15+ Mergs more distant.
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Portland Castle: the closest Goosander I've ever seen, down to 1 foot off the shoreline! Flyby Kingfisher and Little Egret. Manic feeding flock of ~30 Cormorant (and a few Shag) also coming very close. 15+ Mergs more distant.
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
The rather mad spectacle of 2 White-tailed Eagle flying around together over Abbotsbury STW with a Red Kite for company! I also saw a WTE earlier this morning flying along the Chesil Beach at Moonfleet. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @harbourbirds.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 12:37 PM
The rather mad spectacle of 2 White-tailed Eagle flying around together over Abbotsbury STW with a Red Kite for company! I also saw a WTE earlier this morning flying along the Chesil Beach at Moonfleet. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @harbourbirds.bsky.social
Call from @luvaducksbutt.bsky.social Female Desert Wheatear Bridging Camp. Inside fence at far NW end. Access via Camp Rd. @birdguides.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Call from @luvaducksbutt.bsky.social Female Desert Wheatear Bridging Camp. Inside fence at far NW end. Access via Camp Rd. @birdguides.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Result already back on the GBBGull at Silverlake yesterday. It's been to Dorset before. Do you remember this @mattames6.bsky.social ?
November 23, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Result already back on the GBBGull at Silverlake yesterday. It's been to Dorset before. Do you remember this @mattames6.bsky.social ?
Thanks to a quick tip-off from Daragh on Lodmoor, I just saw a White-tailed Eagle fly right past the end of the garden being pursued by Gulls! The 4th one I've seen from home.
November 23, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Thanks to a quick tip-off from Daragh on Lodmoor, I just saw a White-tailed Eagle fly right past the end of the garden being pursued by Gulls! The 4th one I've seen from home.
Only 3 moths in the trap, but one of them was a full blown lifer! Acleris hyemana. Very smart even though it is a bit worn. Very rare away from the Poole Basin, but follows a recent one trapped by John Down in Dorchester.
November 23, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Only 3 moths in the trap, but one of them was a full blown lifer! Acleris hyemana. Very smart even though it is a bit worn. Very rare away from the Poole Basin, but follows a recent one trapped by John Down in Dorchester.
Three Goosander flew into Silverlake this morning, one of which was a moulting drake.
Another colour-ringed Great Black-backed, but for once not from Portland Harbour. This one had a green ring and appears to have been rung on the Normandy coast. Awaiting details. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Another colour-ringed Great Black-backed, but for once not from Portland Harbour. This one had a green ring and appears to have been rung on the Normandy coast. Awaiting details. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Three Goosander flew into Silverlake this morning, one of which was a moulting drake.
Another colour-ringed Great Black-backed, but for once not from Portland Harbour. This one had a green ring and appears to have been rung on the Normandy coast. Awaiting details. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Another colour-ringed Great Black-backed, but for once not from Portland Harbour. This one had a green ring and appears to have been rung on the Normandy coast. Awaiting details. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
I had a good look at Portland Harbour this morning from 3 different locations. Very quiet indeed out there. Apart from a host of Med Gulls, all I saw were 1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 GN Diver and 2 Common Scoter. At least one Red Admiral on the wing at Castle Cove. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I had a good look at Portland Harbour this morning from 3 different locations. Very quiet indeed out there. Apart from a host of Med Gulls, all I saw were 1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 GN Diver and 2 Common Scoter. At least one Red Admiral on the wing at Castle Cove. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Inland surveying this morning:
6 Red Kite together at Sydling St Nicholas.
2 Red Kite and 3 Green Sand at Magiston.
43 species seen at the disused Trout Farm.
6 Red Kite together at Sydling St Nicholas.
2 Red Kite and 3 Green Sand at Magiston.
43 species seen at the disused Trout Farm.
November 18, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Inland surveying this morning:
6 Red Kite together at Sydling St Nicholas.
2 Red Kite and 3 Green Sand at Magiston.
43 species seen at the disused Trout Farm.
6 Red Kite together at Sydling St Nicholas.
2 Red Kite and 3 Green Sand at Magiston.
43 species seen at the disused Trout Farm.
Far too cold last night, hence very few moths. This male Gem worth a mention though.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
November 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Far too cold last night, hence very few moths. This male Gem worth a mention though.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
I've just been to the shoreline copse at Moonfleet. There is a Yellow-browed sp in there, flitting around in the canopy with 2 Goldcrest. Completely silent though, so I cannot be sure it's the Hume's. Seems likely though! Absolutely no phone signal down there.
November 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I've just been to the shoreline copse at Moonfleet. There is a Yellow-browed sp in there, flitting around in the canopy with 2 Goldcrest. Completely silent though, so I cannot be sure it's the Hume's. Seems likely though! Absolutely no phone signal down there.
I released the Crimson Speckled into the garden this morning. It sat here for a while, but has now gone. Has to be my highlight of the year! Garden macro No 475. I won't live long enough to make 500!
November 16, 2025 at 3:57 PM
I released the Crimson Speckled into the garden this morning. It sat here for a while, but has now gone. Has to be my highlight of the year! Garden macro No 475. I won't live long enough to make 500!
Just to clarify the Hume's Warbler on the Fleet: I picked it up on call this morning and saw it several times. It was on private land sadly. I spoke to the owner who would not entertain visitors, hence my radio silence on this. I put it on Birdtrack, so I guess news leaked from there?
November 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Just to clarify the Hume's Warbler on the Fleet: I picked it up on call this morning and saw it several times. It was on private land sadly. I spoke to the owner who would not entertain visitors, hence my radio silence on this. I put it on Birdtrack, so I guess news leaked from there?
For 30 years there has been one species firmly at the top of my hit-list: Crimson Speckled. 30 years ago they had an almost mythical status, now more regular of course. So I was beyond elated to find this in one of the traps this morning!!! @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 9:40 AM
For 30 years there has been one species firmly at the top of my hit-list: Crimson Speckled. 30 years ago they had an almost mythical status, now more regular of course. So I was beyond elated to find this in one of the traps this morning!!! @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
I almost overlooked this amongst all the Light Brown Apple Moth in the traps today, it's Acleris hastiana, a form I've never seen before. Two Radford's FS may have been migrants, I've not had any here for ages.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
November 14, 2025 at 1:36 PM
I almost overlooked this amongst all the Light Brown Apple Moth in the traps today, it's Acleris hastiana, a form I've never seen before. Two Radford's FS may have been migrants, I've not had any here for ages.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
The usual suspects in the trap, but most of the interest was in late dates. Garden Carpet and Dark Arches not overly unusual, but Small Dusty Wave is crazy late. I'm assuming there aren't any closely allied European counterparts, but will check!
November 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The usual suspects in the trap, but most of the interest was in late dates. Garden Carpet and Dark Arches not overly unusual, but Small Dusty Wave is crazy late. I'm assuming there aren't any closely allied European counterparts, but will check!
A few from today: A Common Backswimmer found dead by one of the moth traps, presumably attracted in overnight. Pretty certain I've never had one to light here before. A small Common Footman larva on a wall near one of the traps and a nicely marked Epirrita sp from one of the traps.
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
A few from today: A Common Backswimmer found dead by one of the moth traps, presumably attracted in overnight. Pretty certain I've never had one to light here before. A small Common Footman larva on a wall near one of the traps and a nicely marked Epirrita sp from one of the traps.
Delighted to find a Hedgehog in the garden tonight, loitering around one of the moth traps! First one I've seen for ages.
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
November 8, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Delighted to find a Hedgehog in the garden tonight, loitering around one of the moth traps! First one I've seen for ages.
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
Ring-necked Parakeet just flown over my Weymouth garden. Still a rare bird in this part of the world!
November 8, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Ring-necked Parakeet just flown over my Weymouth garden. Still a rare bird in this part of the world!
Weymouth: 34sp in the garden, 1 more than yesterday! Best were Vestal, 6 Palpita, 3 Oak Rustic, Blair’s Mocha, Rush Veneer, 2 Merveille du Jour, 6 Red-green Carpet, 4 Feathered Thorn, Barred Sallow, late Box Moth and Shuttle-shaped Dart. Mallow and December Moth were nfy. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Weymouth: 34sp in the garden, 1 more than yesterday! Best were Vestal, 6 Palpita, 3 Oak Rustic, Blair’s Mocha, Rush Veneer, 2 Merveille du Jour, 6 Red-green Carpet, 4 Feathered Thorn, Barred Sallow, late Box Moth and Shuttle-shaped Dart. Mallow and December Moth were nfy. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
A remarkable 33 species (plus a Red Admiral) from the garden traps last night. Gem, Golden Twin-spot, Palpita vitrealis, 2 Blair's Mocha, Rush Veneer the highlights. Also a late Blood-vein. Photos of the Gem plus the diminutive Cosmopterix pulchrimella and Tuta absoluta. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 1:36 PM
A remarkable 33 species (plus a Red Admiral) from the garden traps last night. Gem, Golden Twin-spot, Palpita vitrealis, 2 Blair's Mocha, Rush Veneer the highlights. Also a late Blood-vein. Photos of the Gem plus the diminutive Cosmopterix pulchrimella and Tuta absoluta. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Well, I went out into the garden at 3am and 6am hoping that Crimson Speckled would be falling out of the sky like confetti. Sadly not to be! 😆. It was just much too windy. A few moths in the traps, Oak Rustic and White-speck worth a mention. Another late record in the form of this Brimstone.
November 5, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Well, I went out into the garden at 3am and 6am hoping that Crimson Speckled would be falling out of the sky like confetti. Sadly not to be! 😆. It was just much too windy. A few moths in the traps, Oak Rustic and White-speck worth a mention. Another late record in the form of this Brimstone.
Corizus hyoscyami on the house wall by one of the moth traps. I've had this species quite often in the garden, but never to light before. Such an exotic looking Bug. Little to report from the traps so far, I've only seen an Oak Rustic, but it's windier than last night. Maybe dropping off a bit now 🤞
November 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Corizus hyoscyami on the house wall by one of the moth traps. I've had this species quite often in the garden, but never to light before. Such an exotic looking Bug. Little to report from the traps so far, I've only seen an Oak Rustic, but it's windier than last night. Maybe dropping off a bit now 🤞
Weymouth: Best from the two traps were a tatty Cosmopolitan and a rather immaculate Golden Twin-spot. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Weymouth: Best from the two traps were a tatty Cosmopolitan and a rather immaculate Golden Twin-spot. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Weymouth: Just potted a Cosmopolitan off one of the traps. It's a start...... @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Weymouth: Just potted a Cosmopolitan off one of the traps. It's a start...... @migrantmothuk.bsky.social