April 16th

Ruff in Holloway's Dock – Clinton Whale

Reed Warbler on Priory Marsh – Alan Crockard

Blackcap – Clinton Whale

... and a Turnstone acquiring some breeding plumage – Clinton Whale

All of a sudden, there are Reed Warbler seemingly on territory. After being none yesterday, there were perhaps six singing away today in the Stanpit reedbeds. Otherwise, it was fairly quiet for passerines, although the cattle on the Old Pitch and Putt Course did briefly pull-in a Yellow Wagtail and a White Wagtail, with other settled birds including around half a dozen each of Willow Warbler and Wheatear; while a Tree Pipit and 45 Linnet passed over. Mid-April traditionally sees the start of the wader passage – up to twelve Bar-tailed Godwit, most in breeding plumage and 4 Grey Plover, plus 5 Dunlin and 23 Turnstone also starting to look good – suggesting it may be just starting. Meanwhile the Ruff was still about, as were 2 Purple Sandpiper and 162 Black-tailed Godwit. Unsurprisingly in the wind conditions, the sea was again a desert – just a Common Scoter, a second-calendar-year Common Gull and a Shag to mention. The day-total for Mediterranean Gull is around twenty-five, but all rather aimless in their intent; the Glossy Ibis performed well at Stanpit; the lone Brent Goose was present; 4 Gadwall were in Barn Bight; a pair of Bullfinch were along Roebury Lane and a Buzzard passed over there. 

OUTDOOR MEETINGS
We are pleased to announce the resumption of these - the first later this month. Now fully booked.  Details of the other dates...

April 15th

There were far fewer migrant passerines around today – for example, just 4 Willow Warbler – along with a male Redstart, that in the Bobolink Field, and 2 Wheatear; plus overflying Yellow Wagtail and Linnet numbering two and around sixty respectively. Despite this, at least 5 Whitethroat have suddenly appeared on territory – an increase from yesterday’s one. A Ruff at Stanpit this afternoon was the best of the waders, but the passing Whimbrel numbers are gathering pace with thirteen being the day-total, and the lingering Purple Sandpiper numbered four. In addition, over 150 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Dunlin were on site. The sea was again very quiet – the best a Great Northern Diver and 12 Common Scoter east. A return of just 2 Mediterranean Gull makes one wonder if the passage went through early this year and a pair of Bullfinch were on Roebury Lane. 

April 14th

Male Redstart – Leo Pyke

Jay – Roger Tidball

It was another warmish morning and, once more, there was a decent Willow Warbler presence – perhaps 50 birds across Wick and Hengistbury. Also 3 Redstart – in the Bobolink and No Dogs Fields – plus the biggest Whitethroat total for the Spring, six, a Yellow Wagtail settled at Stanpit and 7 Wheatear. Meanwhile, two or three Siskin moved over. Sea-watching was again hard work – 30 Mediterranean Gull, a Common Gull, a Great Crested Grebe and a Whimbrel to show for the effort. The morning saw a Common Sandpiper on the Ironstone Quarry, while the afternoon, ebbing tide at Stanpit produced; a Ruff, a Grey Plover, a Whimbrel, 160 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Dunlin. Also around Stanpit Bight, a Common Tern, a Common Gull, 8 Mediterranean Gull, the lone Brent Goose and 9 Shelduck; with the Glossy Ibis about the marsh all day. It is suspected that, as well as now being a regular rooster in the Nursery, Rook are now a breeder – a theory embellished by eight circling over there this morning – and a Bullfinch, another secretive resident, was heard on Wick. 

April 13th

Black–tailed Godwit – Paul Dore

The breeding Song Thrush already have mouths to feed – Clinton Whale

Sandwich Tern – Paul Dore

There was a significant fall of Willow Warbler into the area today, with an estimate of at least 100 birds being probably very conservative. In addition, there were 3 Redstart, all in the Bobolink Field – two males and a female – a minimum of 30 Wheatear, two new-in Whitethroat, an overflying Siskin, five incoming Meadow Pipit and 10 Swallow. At Stanpit, the Glossy Ibis was again present and, late in the afternoon, there were 11 Avocet. The only other wader report, however, is of 48 Black-tailed Godwit in Barn Bight. Meanwhile, a Firecrest in the Wood was the first record for nearly two weeks; the Mediterranean Gull total was just thirteen; and 6 Gadwall were in Barn Bight. 

April 12th

Ringed Plover on the sandspit – Clinton Whale

The better of the incoming migrants were again early and brief – a couple of Yellow Wagtail on the Old Pitch and Putt Course and 2 Tree Pipit over. In addition, around 20 Meadow Pipit came in-off, while a female Redstart was in the North Paddock, a Reed Warbler was along Roebury Lane, around 20 Willow Warbler were across the southern areas and site-wide Wheatear totalled ten. The best passerine for the day, however, was a Nuthatch on Wick – always a good bird in these parts. At Stanpit, a Ruff and around 90 Black-tailed Godwit were present, along with 3 Brent Goose – the single bird and a presumed pair – and the Glossy Ibis. Elsewhere, 16 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Ringed Plover were on the sandspit groyne, with a couple of morning sea-watches grossing: 2 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a Whimbrel, east; a couple each of Red-breasted Merganser and Common Gull west; and a dozen milling Gannet. Mediterranean Gull were sparse today – just 6 birds mentioned in dispatches. 

April 11th

Whitethroat – Leo Pyke

Purple Sandpiper – Clinton Whale

Linnet – Clinton Whale

It was a real mixed-bag of weather today – sleet, snow, sun and a wind that seemed to continually shift direction. Early on, there were brief appearances by 2 Garganey, a Pied Flycatcher and a Redstart. Later though, just a Whitethroat, 6 Willow Warbler and 7 Wheatear were the sum of incoming birds; while 18 Purple Sandpiper remain on the sandspit and an adult male Marsh Harrier again hunted at Stanpit. To round off this quite short post: at least 30 Mediterranean Gull seemed rather aimless, instead of making the expected easterly dash; a Common Tern and 10 Common Scoter did so at sea, however; 2 Gadwall were in Barn Bight; and a female Bullfinch was on Wick. 

April 10th

It was a return to chilly conditions today, as the wind swung to the north-west and the sun never really burnt through. A Hobby coming in over the Solent Meads area was probably the pick of the day, but also a Red Kite over Wick and 2 Redstart there. The Willow Warbler count barely got to ten, however, while there were just singles of Wheatear and Whitethroat, plus a couple of House Martin. At various times during the morning, Holloway’s Dock held a Ruff and 157 Black-tailed Godwit; with at least 50 Mediterranean Gull passing over and 4 Purple Sandpiper on the sandspit. At sea, a Whimbrel travelled east, as did a Great Crested Grebe and all but nine of 22 Common Scoter. To finish: the 3 Gadwall were again in Barn Bight; there seems to be breeding intent from Sparrowhawk and Kestrel on Hengistbury; and Peregrine were seen on a couple of occasions. 

April 9th

Sand Martin – Alan Crockard

One of the 20 Wheatear enjoying the sanctuary on the sandspit – Clinton Whale

The weather was far more amenable today and with it came the busiest day of the season so far. Wheatear were well represented – a minimum of 50 birds – the biggest gatherings being twenty in the fenced area at the end of the sandspit and twelve on the Barn Field. The former number is particularly gratifying for the investment put in by CHOG, the Dorset Bird Club and BCP Council – it’s a wonderful piece of habitat of which wildlife can now take advantage of undisturbed. Meanwhile, there was also a good return of at least 60 Willow Warbler, plus three each of Redstart and Whitethroat. A Short-eared Owl moved over, but the timings of the communications suggest there may have been two, as did 80 Linnet and around 50 Mediterranean Gull; all to the east. To finish on the southern side: a Bearded Tit are something of an enigma around the area, so one calling by the Wooden Bridge this morning adds to the mystique of this secretive species; 18 Purple Sandpiper rested on groyne S9; 12 Common Scoter headed east at sea; and 4 Gadwall were logged. Moving over to Stanpit, an adult male Marsh Harrier left with prey this afternoon, when the Glossy Ibis was active around Central Marsh. A lone Brent Goose remains on the marsh, as do around 20 Wigeon; with the wader highlights being 2 Ruff, a Bar-tailed Godwit and twenty-five or so Black-tailed Godwit. 

April 8th

Male Peregrine – Paul Turton

Mediterranean Gull – Peter Boardman

Dartford Warbler – Clinton Whale

Egyptian Goose – Peter Boardman

It was a little warmer again today, but still not that comfortable. Nevertheless, an Osprey circuited the harbour at just after 9:30 and then headed north; while a Pied Flycatcher had earlier been in the Bobolink Field, 3 Wheatear were on the Barn Field and a few Willow Warbler were dotted about. A Ruff in Holloway’s Dock and 2 Grey Plover, one already in breeding plumage, were at Stanpit; with 3 Ringed Plover on the sandspit and around 90 Black-tailed Godwit about the area. The day’s Mediterranean Gull tally probably tops sixty; a Peregrine was on the Priory; and the Glossy Ibis remains. 

April 7th

Yellow Wagtail in the early frost – Kevin Scragg

Short–eared Owl - Chris Chapleo

Male Wheatear – Peter Boardman

It was still rather uncomfortable outside again today, but a Short-eared Owl that settled in the Barn Field at 8:50 this morning, before being seen off to the east by crows, warmed things up a little. The pick of the passerines was a Black Redstart seen coming in-off the sea from Mudeford Quay and a fine Yellow Wagtail at Stanpit early on; but also at least 20 Willow Warbler, 7 Wheatear – four of the latter on Crouch Hill – and a couple of Swallow. To round up: a Purple Sandpiper was logged at the quay, while 19 Black-tailed Godwit were in Holloway’s Dock; around 50 Mediterranean Gull passed through; and, to continue last night’s postulation, 2 Mistle Thrush were on the Barn Field. 

April 6th

Willow Warbler, showing all the feature, including the long wings – Matthew Barfield

Chiffchaff, showing the shorter wings – Alan Crockard

...and another of Willow Warbler – Alan Crockard

Stonechat – Peter Boardman

April 5th

Pied Flycatcher - Matthew Barfield

First-summer male Wheatear - Matthew Barfield

The dreaded northerly didn’t actually kick-in until around 9:00 this morning, so a small number of birds did make a Channel-crossing overnight. The best being a Pied Flycatcher, which was actually only found in the late afternoon, in the Bobolink Field. In addition, Willow Warbler across the area came to around 15 birds and a tristis-looking Chiffchaff was in said field. The diurnal migrants continued to trickle in even after the wind had started; with the peak Wheatear count being fifteen, out of a day-total of twenty or so, on the Barn Field late on. Additionally, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 68 Meadow Pipit and an alba Wagtail were all watched battling in-off. Meanwhile, on an easterly tack were: a Red-throated Diver – showing signs of breeding plumage, a Common Scoter, 20 Mediterranean Gull and 15 Sandwich Tern; all from the Beach Huts, where singles of Purple Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Sanderling were also logged. Elsewhere, the Glossy Ibis and over 100 Black-tailed Godwit were at Stanpit, a Grey Wagtail was on the meadows at Wick and at least one Peregrine hung around the Priory.

April 4th

Sand Martin preparing their burrows – Clinton Whale

Black–tailed Godwit after being spooked by a Sparrowhawk – Peter Boardman

...and a Robin by the HHC, where it was ringed, when a few months old, in September 2016 – Clinton Whale

Pretty much the only bird at sea this morning was a Stone Curlew that headed east past the end of the head, before crossing Christchurch Bay and seeming to head inland over Highcliffe Castle. Meanwhile, the only other evidence of migration came from a Siskin over the Wood and a site-wide total of 6 Willow Warbler. The early wind, a light breeze actually, came from the north; but by lunchtime it was quite a brisk and surprisingly cold south-westerly. By then, there were at least 130 Black-tailed Godwit on Stanpit, along with a Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and the Glossy Ibis. Eastbound Mediterranean Gull trickled over throughout and the drake Tufted Duck was again on Hengistbury. 

April 3rd

Ruff – Scott Usher

Sheldrake – Clinton Whale

...and a home–making Rabbit - Clinton Whale

If anything, the north-easterly wind was even colder than yesterday and, again, almost completely stifled migration. The only definite, new-in birds were 4 Willow Warbler and a couple of Swallow. At Stanpit, the 2 Ruff were joined by a Whimbrel, with a Grey Plover, 145 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Dunlin also there. The sea was also more or less a waste of time – a Great Northern Diver west being the only return. Meanwhile, the traditional, Spring build-up of Shelduck continues – nineteen today – and 11 Mediterranean Gull were logged. To finish, we are pleased to be able to announce the resumption of Outdoor Meetings – please see below. 

April 2nd

Goldfinch – Clinton Whale

Chiffchaff – Peter Boardman

... and second–calendar-year Mediterranean Gull - Jackie Smith

An Osprey and a Marsh Harrier passed high over the harbour early on; but, save for a female Wheatear on the Barn Field, there was little, if any, evidence of other newly arrived birds. I guess that’s not a surprise given the bitterness of the north-easterly wind, however. Wader-wise, there was an increase in the Black-tailed Godwit to nearly 200 – with 2 Ruff joining them. Meanwhile, a flock of 5 Knot passed through and a Sanderling was seen from Mudeford Quay. The best from an almost deserted sea was a Great Northern Diver and 4 Common Scoter; while, across the entire area, calls of Mediterranean Gull were a constant backdrop to the soundscape. 

April 1st

Drake Shoveler – Jackie Smith

Red Kite – Leo Pyke

...and adult Mediterranean Gull, the not–often–seen, black edges to the outer primary feather on each wing showing well - Peter Boardman

Starting with raptors, a Red Kite was over the Nursery this morning, while a high-flying, northbound, cream-crowned Marsh Harrier was escorted through harbour airspace by a Sparrowhawk this afternoon. Also about, a Peregrine and at least two pairs of Kestrel. Firsts-for-the-year came courtesy of a Whitethroat on Wick and a Common Tern at Stanpit, where the Glossy Ibis, a Little Ringed Plover, an Avocet, 2 Knot and a Sanderling were also present – all those before lunch only. Elsewhere, 24 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit, adjacent to the Beach House, and the day’s highest Black-tailed Godwit count – 128 birds – came from Barn Bight. The pick from Wick, which is now alive with song of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Cetti’s Warbler, was a Yellowhammer and a Bullfinch; with occasional bursts from Willow Warbler across the area. At least 10 Mediterranean Gull were about and, to finish, the sea, which produced: a Fulmar, 5 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet and a Grey Plover.

March 31st

Blackcap – Alan Crockard

Magpie – Roger Tidball

Grey Heron – Roger Tidball

The forecast, wall-to-wall sunshine never happened and it was actually quite dull throughout. Nevertheless, the year’s first Yellow Wagtail passed over Hengistbury and a couple of Willow Warbler were about, while 2 Mistle Thrush again headed east. To bring a piece of unseasonable news, a Grey Phalarope headed east at sea off the Beach Huts, with other birds seen from there including: a couple of Great Northern Diver on the water; a Red-throated Diver west; 5 Shelduck east, along with a small number of Mediterranean Gull and Sandwich Tern; and a Common Sandpiper and 2 Purple Sandpiper on the groynes. Inside the harbour, the Glossy Ibis was again at Stanpit, as were: a Knot, a Grey Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 129 Black-tailed Godwit, 22 Brent Goose and 13 Shelduck. 

March 30th

Jay – Clinton Whale

Canada and Greylag Goose – Peter Boardman

Song Thrush were belting out their song today – Clinton Whale

...and a few Peacock butterfly were out – Clinton Whale

There were a few new birds for the year today – a Common Sandpiper on Grimmery Bank, a calling Whimbrel and a drake Garganey that passed through quickly to the north. Meanwhile, a couple of Little Ringed Plover also travelled inland, as did a few Swallow;  a White Wagtail plus a female Wheatear were around South Marsh and at least 30 Meadow Pipit fed-up on the Barn Field. Echoes of winter came from a Fieldfare near the HHC in the morning, when 3 Brambling passed over Stanpit and couple of Mistle headed east over Hengistbury. Otherwise, the sound of Blackcap and Chiffchaff gathers pace, and around 20 Sand Martin are now in residence. A Kittiwake flying through the harbour was quite unexpected, but the same can’t be said of the Glossy Ibis at Stanpit; where a Knot, 2 Grey Plover, 90 Black-tailed Godwit and 22 Brent Goose were also present. A female Bullfinch and 8 Mediterranean Gull were returned from Wick – and a further two of the latter, both third-calendar-year birds were at Stanpit. 

March 29th

Male Wheatear – Clinton Whale

Greenfinch – still holding their own here, despite a national decline – Mark Taylor

Peregrine – a bird on the up – Peter Boardman

..,and male Reed Bunting – Clinton Whale

There was a small arrival of Willow Warbler and Blackcap today – at least three and sixteen respectively – along with a minimum site-total of 30 Wheatear, plus a trickle of incoming Swallow, Sand Martin and Meadow Pipit. To finish with the passerines, a Nuthatch was in a garden adjoining Ashtree Meadow. Close by, at Stanpit, the Glossy Ibis remained; also there, a pair of pale-bellied Brent Goose amongst the dwindling regulation birds, 90 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plover and 9 Dunlin. Wrapping up, the sea contributed a Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Shoveler and 7 Mediterranean Gull. 

March 28th

Wheatear – Clinton Whale

Reed Bunting – Mark Taylor

Gadwall – Clinton Whale

Sandwich Tern – Clinton Whale

Ahead of the very Spring-like weather of the next few days, the season’s second Swallow was seen at Stanpit, while Sand Martin, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Sandwich Tern continue to steadily increment. Meanwhile, at least 12 Wheatear made landfall today and lingered. A look at the sea during the morning produced: 2 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar, 14 Common Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull and 28 Gannet. To finish things off, a single Grey Plover, 62 Black-tailed Godwit and a pair of Gadwall were at Stanpit, and a Great Crested Grebe was in Barn Bight. 

March 27th

Snipe – Adrian Simmonds

Sandwich Tern amongst Black–tailed Godwit - Clinton Whale

Despite some reasonable weather, there is little to report today. The Wheatear total was around 5 birds, while at least 3 Blackcap are now in song. Likewise, many of the 15 Chiffchaff on Wick now seem to be on territory, meaning assessing migrant numbers is getting difficult; as is the case for Sand Martin. The only other news is of a trickle of Mediterranean Gull to the east, including a flock of eleven. 

March 26th

Fulmar – Leo Pyke

This colour–ringed Black–tailed Godwit has been around for a couple of weeks now. He was ringed as an adult at Farlington Marshes in September 2010 and has since been seen on multiple occasions in the south of England; as well as twice – during 2013 and 2015 - on his breeding grounds in Iceland - Clinton Whale

In a cold westerly wind, the sea was reasonably lively this morning. A Great Northern Diver was on the water before moving to the west, as did 4 Kittiwake, 7 Fulmar, 77 Gannet, a Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Common Scoter. Meanwhile, a Red-throated Diver and a further 5 Common Scoter headed in the opposite direction. During the afternoon, an adult male Marsh Harrier passed through to the north and a Mistle Thrush circuited the Bobolink Field. Up to ten each of Sandwich Tern and Mediterranean Gull were about the area, while at least 5 Wheatear and 8 Chiffchaff were on site. To round up, the Stanpit wader and wildfowl highlights – 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ringed Plover, a Dunlin and 52 Brent Goose. 

March 25th

Black Redstart on the Barn Field this morning – Jean Southworth

Sandwich Tern – Peter Boardman (upper) & David Faulkner

A Summer is not yet made, but there was an incoming Swallow across Barn Bight this morning, when a Black Redstart was on the Barn Field. The day’s best count of Wheatear came in the last two hours of daylight, however, when 12 birds, all males, were on Hengistbury. Earlier, a couple had also been at Stanpit. Otherwise, there were up to 5 Sandwich Tern about and 5 Common Scoter at sea, plus a Blackcap and a Coal Tit in the Wood. 

March 24th

Rock Pipit – Mark Taylor

Black–tailed Godwit - Alan Hayden

...and female Linnet – Clinton Whale

The first singing Blackcap of the season were in voice today – two birds in the Wood – while a Wheatear was on the Barn Field, around 25 Chiffchaff were across Hengistbury and Wick, and at least 110 Meadow Pipit arrived; as did 2 Sparrowhawk, or had perhaps been hunting over the water? Sandwich Tern were at their most numerous so far – a minimum of five around, with other birds at sea including: a lingering Black-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 4 Common Scoter, a Razorbill and 6 Mediterranean Gull. Meanwhile, the only wader reports are of 25 Purple Sandpiper on the sandspit and 30 Black-tailed Godwit in Barn Bight. To finish, the last-mentioned site also held 3 Gadwall and the same number of Sand Martin were feeding around the Salt Hurns. 

March 23rd

A quite incredible photograph!

Raptors with a skyscraper backdrop – a Batumi-like image :-)

White–tailed Eagle - Chris Chapleo

Whilst it’s appreciated they are not genuinely wild birds, the spectacle of 2 White-tailed Eagle skimming Hengistbury for around ten minutes this morning cannot be matched. The birds – thought to be G274, a male, and G318, a female, and both of 2019 release – then headed out towards the Isle of Wight. Almost as notable, however, was a total of 17 Shoveler at Stanpit, which also hosted: 3 Gadwall, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 134 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin and up to 10 Mediterranean Gull. The best of the sea birds was a second-calendar-year Little Gull off the Beach Huts, while two adult Sandwich Tern were patrolling inside the harbour. Turning to passerines, a migrant Firecrest was in Stanpit Scrubs; a couple of Redwing and 4 Bullfinch were on Wick; and 2 Wheatear – a male and a female – were on the Barn Field. To finish, around 7 Sand Martin and now about the area and the Glossy Ibis remains at Stanpit. 

March 22nd

Black–tailed Godwit - Clinton Whale

Male Peregrine – Paul Turton

Glossy Ibis – Clinton Whale

..and Linnet – George Garland

It was another day of sunshine and little wind; which produced a Sedge Warbler on Priory Marsh and a Red Kite above during the morning, plus an arriving Little Ringed Plover over Crouch Hill late in the afternoon.  Meanwhile, the Glossy Ibis performed well again around the Pod, with other birds on the marsh totalling: 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 102 Black-tailed Godwit, a pair of Shoveler and 82 Brent Goose. There is little to report from Hengistbury – just a couple of Wheatear and 3 Sand Martin, in fact. To finish, the adult male Peregrine was again frequenting the Priory tower. 

March 21st

White–tailed Eagle, one showing size comparison with Carrion Crow – Peter Boardman (upper two) & Paul Dore

Just after 10:35 this morning, phones began to ping with messages of a White-tailed Eagle a few miles north-east of the area but seemingly on a course towards it. Sure enough, around ten minutes later, a scan from Crouch Hill picked up the bird, thought to be G393 – a male of 2019 release on the Isle of Wight –  which then soared high above the area for at least five minutes, before being lost to view in the cloud. Meanwhile, the Glossy Ibis cowered beneath and a Nuthatch was by the Viewing Platform on Wick, with a White Wagtail and 7 Chiffchaff also about the fields. Earlier, a couple of Marsh Harrier had passed over, while a Sandwich Tern and two drake Tufted Ducks were at sea – the latter settled on the water. Inside the harbour, at least three each of Shoveler and Gadwall were around, along with a Bar-tailed Godwit and around 20 Black-tailed Godwit. To finish, a Wheatear was on the West Field, 3 Firecrest were in the Wood and, of breeding interest, there is now a Meadow Pipit on territory on Central Marsh and Linnet returned to the Crouch Hill area a few days ago. 

March 20th

Wheatear – Adrian Simmonds

A Sand Martin was prospecting the cliffs at Hengistbury this morning, when a Wheatear was a present, as well as three singing Chiffchaff in traditional territories and a Siskin moved to the east. A late-afternoon visit to Stanpit, meanwhile, produced: 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 32 Black-tailed Godwit, but just 2 Dunlin; a Sandwich Tern on the HHC mudbar, so possibly the first true migrant bird of this species; 3 Gadwall, 7 Shelduck and 163 Brent Goose; and a Buzzard. 

March 19th

Black–tailed Godwit, fast acquiring breeding plumage – Clinton Whale

Purple Sandpiper – Peter Boardman

A Spoonbill passed west over Hengistbury this morning, while a Merlin went east at sea and 20 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit. Also offshore, a Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter, a Gannet and 5 Mediterranean Gull; as well as around 120 Meadow Pipit arriving. Over at Stanpit, the Glossy Ibis was present, along with 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin and 12 Mediterranean Gull. Now Wick, which came up with: a male Bullfinch and 6 Chiffchaff; a further 5 Mediterranean Gull; and a low-flying Buzzard. To finish: 5 Gadwall were in Barn Bight; a Great Crested Grebe was off Mudeford Quay; at least 2 Peregrine were about; and the identity-challenged, drake Tufted Duck was again with the Mallard on Hengistbury. 

March 18th

Eastbound Mediterranean Gull – Alan Crockard

The most unexpected record of the day was a Woodcock circling above the Wooden Bridge at 07:50, while being harassed by a Crow! Earlier, a Black Redstart had been by the Double Dykes and 3 Siskin passed through. Another Meadow Pipit arrival ensued – around 575 coming in over Hengistbury – as well as 15 alba Wagtail. Meanwhile, at least 40 Chiffchaff were settled, while a Redwing was again in the North Scrubs and around a dozen Mediterranean Gull travelled east. The sea came up with a Great Northern Diver, west; 9 Common Scoter, east; and 2 Shoveler, in-off; with the remaining news being of a pair of Gadwall in Barn Bight and a Buzzard over Riversmeet Meadow. 

March 17th

Nest–building Long-tailed Tit - Alexa Perreira

Avocet – Adrian Simmonds

Goldcrest looking down onto Stanpit car park – Jackie Smith

March 16th

This Stonechat, showing a lot of white, was seen to come in–off-the-sea at Whitepits - Clinton Whale

Teal – Peter Boardman

Tufted Duck – Peter Boardman

Purple Sandpiper – Clinton Whale

A Ring Ouzel was seen heading north over the end of the head this morning, with other news from Hengistbury comprising: a Merlin west; 2 Sand Martin, 2 Yellowhammer and a Brambling over; a Firecrest and at least 15 Chiffchaff settled; a Sandwich Tern and Fulmar at sea; and 25 Purple Sandpiper towards the tip of the sandspit. Elsewhere, a couple of Great Crested Grebe were in Barn Bight, a Peregrine was again on the Priory,  a Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Black-tailed Godwit were at Stanpit, and the tame, drake Tufted Duck was about. 

March 15th

Song Thrush – Clinton Whale

Great Crested Grebe – Peter Boardman

Glossy Ibis – Clinton Whale

An early-for-the-season Arctic Skua headed east past Hengistbury this morning, as did 2 Great Northern Diver, 14 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe and 25 Mediterranean Gull, including a flock of fourteen. Meanwhile, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a further 5 Common Scoter moved west, and a Red-throated Diver lingered. The more notable passerines were a Wheatear by the HHC briefly, two littoralis Rock Pipit candidates on the Salt Hurns, a total of just under 20 Meadow Pipit arriving and at least seven, settled Chiffchaff. A Jack Snipe on the Salt Hurns and 15 Purple Sandpiper from Mudeford Quay were the best of a disappointing wader showing - the rest being just 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 5 Dunlin. It almost goes without saying the Glossy Ibis was around; 4 Great Crested Grebe were in Barn Bight; a pair of Gadwall overflew to the north; a male Peregrine hunted; a Buzzard made a low pass through the area; and a Cetti's Warbler and Song Thrush were in good voice.