Dorset coast

9 July - A rare foray further afield, to study the array of Shearwaters that have been seen in recent days off the Bill at Portland. These include a putative Yelkouan or Menorcan Shearwater among the exceptional numbers of Balearics that have appeared after some moist SW winds. Also flock were several classic Manx Shearwaters, so making for an identification master class. I saw the proposed Yelkouan ( identified from photos ) both on the water and in flight, so I will await the verdict of the gurus with interest. Also present Gannet, Kittiwake and Fulmar. Nearby at Ferrybridge, I had good views of some of the 40-odd pairs of Little Terns that are breeding in the protected colony - some were struggling out to sea in the teeth of a strong wind to fish, and giving fairly close views. Also a loafing flock of Med Gulls by the cafe here, waiting for the tide to fall. Finally, to Lodmoor, very quite wader-wise with no Godwits, and only Common Sandpiper seen, but good numbers of Common Terns at the colony, a couple of Sandwich Terns, and more Med Gulls.