The 'Isle' of Portland is a unique location extending at its southern-most end, seven miles into the English Channel. Linked to mainland Weymouth by the remarkable Chesil Beach, its geographical position makes it an ideal area for birdwatching especially around the headland of Portland Bill. Nearly all of Portland's coastline is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is also a Special Area of Conservation candidate.

The Portland Bill Bird Observatory is the focal point for all activity. The full time warden monitors bird migration and the area is a key bird ringing site. The spring and autumn periods are without doubt the best times to visit this area, when migration adds an expectant aura. Not only will bird-watching be an exciting time around the Island during these periods, but sea-watching can also be a very rewarding experience too, with many birds on passage.

During April and May, sea-birds move up the channel in large numbers, offering opportunities to see terns, skuas, shearwaters, Fulmar and Gannet, as well as large flocks of sea duck such as the Common Scoter and Eider. Land-birds start arriving in early March when the first Chiffchaffs and Wheatears appear. However, April and May are the peak months for spring migrants. Large influxes of small birds return from their African wintering grounds; sometimes these include extremely rare visitors that attract bird-watchers from all over the country.

May and June are the best time to see the seabirds breeding on the West cliffs, where a few pairs of Fulmar and Kittiwake are joined by Guillemots and Razorbills, and several pairs of Puffins. You need to be fairly patient to see the Puffin, but they do make frequent visits out to sea in search of food for their young. The Autumn migration begins in early July and continues into late October.

In the early autumn, there can be more birds leaving - as a result of a good breeding season - as can be seen arriving in the springtime. Swifts are the first to depart, followed by many warblers species.

By late September, Skylark and Meadow Pipits are joined by finches and buntings as they leave our shores. In contrast, Portland is also a good place to see the first winter visitors arrive; such as Fieldfare and Redwing, colourful thrushes from the north.

In the autumn the expectation of seeing several rarities is always fulfilled. This is a good time of the year to see continental warblers, with the Melodious Warbler being the most likely one encountered. Portland is also one of the best places to see the more unusual Icterine Warbler.

With all the seasonal land-bird migrant activity and the added bonus of some very exciting sea-watching, Portland offers the bird-watcher - with care on foot - a remarkable area in which to indulge their passion. If you are very, very lucky you may see a visiting pod of dolphins swim around the Bill. The summer of 1999 saw some of the highest recorded sightings of Dolphins in this local area. Other occasional visitors include seal and the spectacular basking shark.