In atrocious weather, we headed to Portland Harbour yesterday morning in pursuit of a first-winter Black Guillemot that had spent the previous two days off Portland Castle. We arrived at first light, and I immediately found the bird distantly off the castle, only for it to disappear underwater and resurface several minutes later further away. This was a new species for me, a very rare one in Dorset, but a common breeder much further north in this country. While they are jet black in summer, with stunningly red feet, at this time of year, they take on a white plumage, with the small black speckles covering their body simply reminders of their more respledent summer coat. The bird was far too distant for any photography, and the violent wind howling into our faces made viewing difficult, but I was still very pleased with seeing this great species. Also in Portland Harbour, we found two Great Northern Divers and a Black-necked Grebe.
Meanwhile, I heard of the tragic and untimely death of Cameron Bespolka in a skiing accident in Austria. I was at school with Cameron for a brief period of time and we spent many hours talking to each other about birding. He was immensely passionate about birds, and had a great knowledge of them, particularly for someone so young. He died at the age of sixteen, having had a very bright future lying in front of him. Rest in peace Cameron, and sincere condolences to all of the Bespolka family.
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