Sightings for the current month
March 23rd
A total of 9 Wheatear was reckoned across the area, while at least 20 Chiffchaff were present – some of them possibly birds now on territory – and 6 Sand Martin headed through. Meanwihile, in what felt like ideal conditions for a Meadow Pipit arrival, barely a handful came in over Hengistbury. Finishing up: a minimum of 8 Mediterranean Gull passed to the east, a Firecrest was in the Wood, 8 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit and a Peregrine hunted offshore.
OUTDOOR MEETING – Sunday 24th March
Durlston Country Park
Meet at the pay-and-display car park at 9:00. We will take a stroll along the coastal paths for incoming spring migrant and to see the auks and other seabird in their breeding plumage along the cliffs. We will conclude by 11:30. The walk will be at a gentle and steady pace, but will involve some inclines. Please email Nick Whitehouse if you wish to come along.
Tides March 24th: H02:20 | L06:10 | H11:05 | H14:45 | L18:35 | H23:35
March 22nd
Stonechat – Leo Pyke
At least 4 Spoonbill overflew today – a flock of that number was seen over the harbour, then 15 minutes later a single bird headed west. Also overhead, a Little Ringed Plover, a Sand Martin and 8 Mediterranean Gull from Hengistbury. There was less on the ground than the previous couple of days – just 4 Wheatear and 9 Chiffchaff – but a flock of 38 Common Scoter moved into the Solent. Finishing with the news from the southern part of the area, a male Marsh Harrier was around Wick Hams, while a Buzzard and a singing Treecreeper were in the Wood. Over on Stanpit, there was a single Avocet and 102 Brent Goose.
March 21st
Based on nothing more scientific than an ageing memory, it already feels as if there are more Wheatear coming through this season than last – an estimated 17+ in the recording area today – as well as 14 Chiffchaff, all on Wick, and a singing Blackcap there. Sticking with incoming birds, a party of 3 Sand Martin came in-off over Coastguards and a White Wagtail was again on Priory Marsh. Meanwhile, in contrast, an increase of the Water Pipit on Stanpit to four and a Redwing in the No Dogs Field were signs of winter visitors starting to depart these shores. A sub-adult, male Marsh Harrier was on the marsh throughout the day, as was an Egyptian Goose, while 8 Black-tailed Godwit moved through to the west.
March 20th
Wheatear at Stanpit – Clinton Whale
The day saw a clear influx of Wheatear and Chiffchaff, with at least eleven and thirty of each respectively across the area. Meanwhile, a Water Pipit was with a dozen or so Pied Wagtail on Stanpit, and 12 Mediterranean Gull passed over there. Rounding up, 3 Bullfinch were logged – two on Wick and one in the Wood.
March 19th
Cetti's Warbler – Jackie Smith
There was a single Wheatear at Stanpit today, while 7 Chiffchaff were returned from the other side of the river. In Holloway's Dock, the Black-tailed Godwit numbered 117.
March 18th
Lesser Black–backed Gull - Clinton Whale
On a fine day, the Wheatear continued to trickle in – a couple on the Barn Field this morning – while around 35 Meadow Pipit came-in-off-the-sea and 3 Chiffchaff were singing on Wick. The resident Dartford Warbler were also vocal – a total of three males in song. A Peregrine and a Buzzard both visited the area, and two male Bullfinch were on Wick. This evening, a pair of Goosander arrived and settled to roost in Mother Siller’s Channel.
March 17th
Linnet are now returning to their breeding territories – Clinton Whale
It was a fine day, but with very few reports returned. There were, however, 3 Wheatear on the Barn Field and 4 Chiffchaff on Wick.
March 16th
The day was dominated by a westerly gale, which made birding very difficult indeed. A couple of hours at the Beach Huts this morning produced, all west: 5 Kittiwake – two of those adults – 3 Fulmar, 58 Gannet and 2 Grey Plover. In addition, a Peregrine grazed the shoreline. Elsewhere on Hengistbury, a Firecrest was in the Wood and 39 Black-tailed Godwit were in Holloway’s Dock.
March 15th
Collared Dove – Alan Crockard
Hen Pheasant going to roost – Tina Scott
Despite it being a blustery and grey day, there was a small number of newly-arrived birds. A couple of Wheatear were on the Barn Field, Stanpit hosted three each of Sand Martin and Blackcap, up to a dozen Chiffchaff were across the area and, this afternoon, a handful of Meadow Pipit were noted making land over the sandspit. Meanwhile, a Firecrest was in song on Hengistbury and a Water Pipit was amongst 21 Pied Wagtail on Priory Marsh. The Black-tailed Godwit total for the post is 45, some of them coming into very nice plumage indeed. Of mammal interest, an Otter was in Parky Meade Rail during the late morning.
March 14th
Today’s news is headed by a dark-phase Arctic Skua that came in from the west, off the Beach Huts, milled around a little and then headed back from whence it came. Otherwise, there were just a couple of Gannet out at sea. To complete a short post, there were 86 Black-tailed Godwit in Holloway’s Dock.
March 13th
Peregrine – Ray Scott
Shelduck – Clinton Whale
The first Wheatear of the Spring – 2 birds – were on the Barn Field for a short time this morning, while a single Blackcap and 20 Chiffchaff at Stanpit were also new-in birds. A further half-a-dozen ‘chiffs’ were spread about the area and at least 3 Bullfinch remain on Wick, where a Mediterranean Gull passed over. This evening, a Marsh Harrier was at Stanpit and 24 Brent Goose were counted there. In addition, a single Great Crested Grebe and 23 Black-tailed Godwit were in Barn Bight.
March 12th
The only news is from Stanpit, where a Peregrine and 90 Black-tailed Godwit were present.
March 11th
Black–tailed Godwit, stating to acquire breeding plumage - Clinton Whale
A Firecrest near the Wooden Bridge on Wick this morning was, due to location, an almost certain migrant, while 3 Chiffchaff were about the nearby fields. A Marsh Harrier was at Stanpit early on, where the Shelduck numbered eighteen. Later in the day, there were two adult Mediterranean Gull at Stanpit, as well as 2 Pintail and 61 Brent Goose.
March 9th
Linnet in song at Stanpit – Alan Crockard
The best from a blustery day is a Water Pipit at Stanpit, where Cetti’s Warbler and Linnet were both in song. A Firecrest was again in the Wood and 3 Chiffchaff were on Wick Fields. Peregrine, presumably the same individual, was reported from a few locations.
March 8th
Greenfinch – Clinton Whale
There was more evidence of arriving Chiffchaff today – four on Hengistbury and five at Stanpit – some of them enjoying the emerging flies. As expected, a Firecrest was in the Wood, while the Holloway’s Dock Black-tailed Godwit increased to 124 and a Pintail headed north through the harbour.
March 7th
A sub-adult (fourth-calendar year) Marsh Harrier was again hunting Stanpit this morning, before leaving to the north-east at 08:25. A large, young Peregrine was present with it, meaning total panic amongst the 90 Black-tailed Godwit and 70 Redshank on Wick Hams. Meanwhile, there were 3 Chiffchaff on Wick Fields, as well as the customary Bullfinch – two today – along the riverside path.
Tides March 8th: H01:25 | L05:05 | H09:50 | H13:35 | L17:20 | H22:20
March 6th
Curlew – Alan Crockard
On a largely wet day, there were once again 2 Firecrest in the Wood, as well as increase of Chiffchaff to 3 birds.
March 5th
Waders on Hengistbury today – Ringed Plover (upper), Dunlin & Black–tailed Godwit (lower) - Clinton Whale
It’s the usual stuff to report on from Hengistbury and Wick – namely: a couple of Firecrest and a Chiffchaff in the Nursery, 3 Bullfinch on Wick and 106 Black-tailed Godwit in Holloway’s Dock. Meanwhile, there were signs of spring at Stanpit with three interacting Great Spotted Woodpecker and Golldfinch collecting nest materials. A Water Rail was also showing well on the path bordering the now-closed golf course.
March 4th
There were a few interesting bits and pieces today. An early Arctic Skua, a pale-phase bird, was seen in the afternoon from Mudeford Quay as it came in from the west before settling on the sea. Also, 6 Purple Sandpiper from there. At Stanpit, a Water Pipit was along the southern edge of Parky Meade Rail and a fourth-calendar-year, male Marsh Harrier spent some time hunting the area. Over on Wick, a couple of Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff and 3 Bullfinch were about the fields.
March 3rd
Spotted Redshank on Stanpit yesterday – Scott Usher
It was a day of quite horrendous weather, which made the WeBS count nothing short of a wash-out. From that exercise, 43 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Shoveler, 49 Teal, 370 Wigeon and 111 Brent Goose are the most notable. Remarkably, a Chiffchaff was in song on Wick and a Marsh Harrier was seen at Stanpit. Once again, a couple of Bullfinch were by the Wick Viewing Platform.
March 2nd
Goldfinch – Jackie Smith
The pick of a weather-wise, variable day was 3 Spoonbill heading west at sea. Elsewhere, a Jack Snipe came up from Wick Hams and headed to Stanpit, a Firecrest was in the Wood and three male Bullfinch were on Wick Fields. The wader news involves the Spotted Redshank off Fisherman’s Bank and around 80 Black-tailed Godwit in Holloway’s Dock. With respect to tomorrow's outdoor meeting, it is intended to meet as arranged but make a decision based on actual weather conditions.
March 1st
This morning, Priory Marsh held a Water Pipit, a White Wagtail and 26 Pied Wagtail, while a couple of ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, one of them starting to flush pink, were on Grimmery Bank. Elsewhere on the marsh, there were two more of the pipits and 4 Shoveler. A total of 4 Chiffchaff on Wick Fields tends to back-up yesterday’s suggestion of arriving birds, while the Mediterranean Gull passage is also picking up – at least a dozen east through the area today. Meanwhile, a Firecrest was in the Wood and 78 Black-tailed Godwit were in Holloway’s Dock.
February 28th
The fine weather ended today, with grey cloud and rain dominating instead. A seawatch from Mudeford Quay this morning produced: 4 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Common Scoter, 6 Common Gull and 2 Gannet west, and an arriving Brent Goose. Meanwhile, a couple of Chiffchaff were by the HHC, where there has not been birds all winter so perhaps suggesting an arrival, and a total of 3 Firecrest was in the Wood.
February 27th
Stonechat – Robert Gray
On yet another day of summer-like weather, a couple of Firecrest were again close to the Nursery, while a couple of Bullfinch were near to the Wooden Bridge on Wick. A total of 4 Mediterranean Gull heading east may have been early travellers to the Solent colonies, but other than 23 Black-tailed Godwit in Barn Bight there is nothing else to mention.
February 26th
Song Thrush – Robert Gray
On another unseasonably warm day, there were 2 Bullfinch along Roebury Lane, one of them briefly in song, while Great Spotted Woodpecker were drumming and Stonechat were also singing. Otherwise, it’s just 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Snipe in Holloway’s Dock to remark upon.
February 25th
Dunnock in full song in the sun – Alan Crockard
There have been cooler days in June, such was the warmth of today’s winter sun. A couple of Linnet over the Long Field were an indicator that Spring is just around the corner, while most of the usual suspects were turned in; namely, one or two Firecrest and a Treecreeper in the Wood, and a Chiffchaff and 3 Bullfinch on Wick. In Holloway’s Dock, there were 25 or so Black-tailed Godwit, along with 13 Dunlin.
February 24th
It was a glorious day with barely a cloud throughout. On Hengistbury, a couple of Firecrest were in the Wood, while a drake Goosander was in Barn Bight. At sea, a diver was off the Coastguards, with a Great Crested Grebe close by. Meanwhile, a Chiffchaff and 3 Bullfinch were on Wick. The fine weather saw butterflies on the wing – namely, Comma, Peacock and Red Admiral.
February 23rd
The only news for today is of a variety of birds in song around Hengistbury, including Dartford Warbler, Song Thrush, Skylark, Stonechat, Greenfinch and Dunnock, as well as a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.
February 22nd
A Golden Plover, a Jack Snipe and the Spotted Redshan were the pick of the waders at Stanpit, but also 3 Grey Plover, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 175 Dunlin and 35 Snipe present. A Water Pipit was again on-site, as were 5 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit; while a Pintail, 2 Shoveler and 14 Shelduck were the best of the wildfowl, which also included at least 100 Brent Goose.
February 21st
Sand Martin, a trans-Saharan migrant, are normally expected to arrive during the first ten days of March, so one over Parky Meade Rail this morning was a real harbinger of spring. Also at Stanpit, a Water Pipit and 5 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit. The only other news for the day, however, is of the now customary Bullfinch on Wick – a return of three for this post.
February 20th
Jay – Clinton Whale
Salt Hurns on the high spring tide – Colin Raymond
There were a couple of pieces of seabird interest this morning, when a first-winter Kittiwake headed out over the Barn Field and a Fulmar moved west past Mudeford Quay. In addition, a flock of 8 Shag, which is a good number these days, were fishing off the head. Meanwhile, 160 Dunlin roosted out the high tide on the sandspit and a couple of Bullfinch were again on Wick.
February 19th
Dartford Warbler – Alan Crockard
Curlew – Ray Scott
Brent Goose – Jackie Smith
Other than around 100 Brent Goose at Stanpit, all the news is from Wick, where 4 Bullfinch were present – again, mainly by the Viewing Platform. Also, a total of 3 Chiffchaff and a Peregrine over.
February 18th
There was a pair of Goosander close to Mother Siller’s Channel this evening, as well as 41 Dunlin on the marsh. Over on Wick, a Chiffchaff was near the Viewing Platform.
Tides February 19th: L03:25 | H08:25 | H12:00 | L15:50 | H20:55
February 17th
There is news from most areas today. A total of 3 Grey Plover, a single Black-tailed Godwit and 44 Brent Goose were at Stanpit, while a Chiffchaff was in the Wood on Hengistbury and a Kingfisher was around Wick.
February 16th
The only news for today is a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull on the end of the sandspit, viewed from Mudeford Quay, while a single Red-throated Diver headed east.
February 15th
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker – Robert Gray (upper) & Tina Scott
Greenfinch – Samuel Levy
It was a gloriously sunny morning, during which a Woodlark headed east over Coastguards. Also on Hengistbury, singles of Firecrest and Chiffchaff in the Wood; while at sea: 5 Red-throated Diver moved east, as did 19 Brent Goose; a further 6 Brent Goose headed the opposite way, as did a Common Gull; and 2 Great Crested Grebe were settled. A decent wader selection at Stanpit was headed with a Greenshank, something of a rarity here during the winter months, as well as: a calling Jack Snipe, perhaps an even rarer occurrence, an Avocet, 12 Grey Plover, 45 Ringed Plover and 175 Dunlin. Equally notable as a couple of the wader events were 18 Mediterranean Gull – a really good, local return for the month. Meanwhile, 2 Water Pipit, 8 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 4 Pintail and a Peregrine were about the marsh.
February 14th
Firecrest – Alan Crockard
It was a lovely, crisp day that produced a nice selection of birds. At Stanpit, between Stanpit Scrubs and the Pod, there was a Firecrest, a Water Pipit, 5 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit and 4 Stonechat, as well as the Spotted Redshank. A further 2 Firecrest were in the Wood on Hengistbury, where the male Marsh Harrier hunted Wick Hams. At least 3 Bullfinch were on Wick, including a pair on Buckthorn adjacent to the Viewing Platform, and a couple of Common Gull were on the HHC mudbar. Finally, thanks to Shaun Robson for an enthralling talk about Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, last night.
February 12th
Reed Bunting – one of the species in song today - Alan Crockard
It was a mild day throughout, which prompted some welcome song about the area. A Merlin over Wick was the best of the visuals, however; as well as a couple of Firecrest around the Double Bends, a Mistle Thrush over the Long Field and a Bullfinch on Wick. Meanwhile, an adult Mediterranean Gull was on Wick Hams and a Kingfisher was nearby.
February 10th
The only news from another, on-and-off wet day is of a Firecrest in the Wood by the Double Bends and a pair of Bullfinch on Roebury Lane. It was a WeBS count, but the consolidated figures are not to hand.
February 9th
The strong and uncomfortable wind continued, making things difficult in the field. Nevertheless, the Spotted Redshank was at Stanpit, along with 80 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Dunlin, 4 Pintail and 28 Brent Goose; as well as six sinensis-looking Cormorant. Over on Wick, a Chiffchaff and 2 Bullfinch were present; while 90 minutes at Mudeford Quay proved the sea was pretty much birdless. Just singles of Mediterranean Gull – an adult in almost full breeding attire – Gannet and unidentified diver to remark upon.
February 8th
On a stormy, very wet day, all the news comes from Mudeford Quay. This morning, a Kittiwake and 5 Sandwich Tern were resting on the lawn; while this afternoon 2 Kittiwake – an adult and a first-winter – passed west and a Sandwich Tern lingered. During the high-tide period, at least 4 Purple Sandpiper could be seen on the end of the sandspit.
February 7th
Cormorant – Samuel Levy
It was thankfully drier today, but rather a mixed bag in terms of reports. A couple of Mistle Thrush were on Wick Fields, while a Chiffchaff was in the Wood on Hengistbury. Otherwise, it’s just 7 Ringed Plover and 20 Dunlin on the sandspit to report upon, plus a pair of Pintail in Barn Bight. At dusk, however, an estimated 5000 Black-headed Gull were in the harbour and the offshore roost.
February 5th
The best from another damp and miserable day is a Mistle Thrush east over Wick and a Kingfisher about there.
February 4th
Given there was constant drizzle, which only really ceased towards dusk, it not surprising the only records come from late in the day. A pair of Goosander were in Barn Bight, presumably to roost, while a Buzzard went into the Nursery to perhaps do the same.
February 3rd
It was a glorious, winter’s day as yesterday’s wind chill had abated almost completely. Despite the conditions, however, there is little to report, with all the news coming from Wick. A female-type Marsh Harrier headed west over there, 40 Black-tailed Godwit left to the north and a Peregrine again hunted.
February 2nd
Long–tailed Tit - Alan Crockard
Sunrise from Hengistbury – Alan Crockard
It was a bitterly cold day, courtesy of some overnight frost and a north-easterly wind. At least 3 Water Pipit were on Priory Marsh, while a further bird was in a pipit flock close to the Rusty Boat that contained a minimum of two littoralis Rock Pipit. There were far fewer Golden Plover and winter thrushes today – an over-flying flock of ‘Goldies’ was reported, but with no number against it, with Fieldfare and Redwing coming to three and eight respectively. The only Marsh Harrier sighting was a high-flying, cream-crowned bird that was presumed to be moving west, as opposed to being one of the local regulars, and a Peregrine unsuccessfully hunted feral pigeons around Wick. Finishing up, a Firecrest was in the Wood, 4 Bullfinch were on Wick and the south-side total for Goldcrest was eleven.
February 1st
Golden Plover – Samuel Levy
Grey Plover – Samuel Levy
The snow from yesterday evening remained in place throughout the day and brought a good number of displaced birds with it. Two Hawfinch passed east over Stanpit, while a Woodlark came up off the golf course there with 18 Fieldfare. Golden Plover were spectacular – in addition to 65 which settled near the Hiker café on Hengistbury, a total of 166 headed high south; as did ultimately the decked birds. Also on the move, in the same direction, were Lapwing – 82 in total. Passerines, meanwhile, were coming in off the sea and included: 125 Skylark, 12 Meadow Pipit, 27 Redwing and 23 Fieldfare. There is a report of a Red-necked Grebe on the sea, somewhere off Hengistbury, but the location of the Eider is more exact – off the Barn Field – and 5 Red-throated Diver passed west. There is also news of ‘all three species of diver off the head’, but little else is known. A Water Pipit, 2 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit and an undescribed Marsh Harrier were at Stanpit; as were 2 Jack Snipe, the Spotted Redshank, a Knot, 21 Grey Plover, 15 Ringed Plover and 125 Dunlin. The cold also pushed Common Gull our way – ten inside the harbour and nine east – with 4 Tufted Duck and 4 Gadwall being on site with them. A Firecrest was in the Wood, as was a Chiffchaff and a Treecreeper.
January 31st
Drake Shoveler – Jackie Smith
Other than a Marsh Harrier at Stanpit this afternoon, where the last two days have seen the adult male and a cream-crowned bird, all the news comes from Mudeford Quay. A total of 10 Red-throated Diver moved past, as did three unidentified divers, and a single Gannet was offshore. A flock of 6 Purple Sandpiper flew through the Run into the harbour.
January 30th
Grey Heron nest building – Alan Crockard
There was another good count of Water Pipit from Stanpit this morning – five birds in total – although no details of the location are known. In addition, there were 3 Rock Pipit returned, two of them ‘Scandinavian’. A Firecrest was again by the Nursery, while a Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch were on Wick, and a Shoveler was in Barn Bight.
January 29th
It was another quiet day, from which just a Red-throated Diver west and 11 Brent Goose east are reported.
January 28th
The only news for the day comes from the south side of the area, where a Chiffchaff was on Wick, a Water Rail was seen from the Viewing Platform and 8 Dunlin were in Holloway’s Dock.
January 26th
Firecrest on Hengistbury – Alan Crockard
There was a fair bit of activity about the area prior to the rain setting in. A total of 7 Purple Sandpiper was on the tip off the sandspit, viewed from Mudeford Quay, while earlier a Black-throated Diver landed on the sea off there and 14 Red-throated Diver – one settled, the rest east – were logged, along with 12 Common Scoter also heading towards the Solent. Priory Marsh held a good selection of birds, including a Jack Snipe, 4 Water Pipit, a couple of Grey Wagtail and 32 Pied Wagtail. Nearby, a Bearded Tit was by the Purewell Stream, that’s the first of one of those for quite some time, and a Firecrest was on the golf course embankment. An additional Firecrest was in the Wood on Hengistbury and the male Marsh Harrier was around for most of the day. Kingfisher were seen in several places and the Grey Heron continue their breeding process in the Nursery.
January 25th
Brent Goose, a welcome returnee in numbers – Jackie Smith
Meadow Pipit – Jackie Smith
The Spotted Redshank was again at Stanpit, along with 6 Pintail and 75 Brent Goose; the latter now seeming to favour the area again after a disconcerting absence.
January 24th
A Common Sandpiper was at Stanpit this morning, along with the Spotted Redshank, 10 Grey Plover, a good total of 75 Ringed Plover and 185 Dunlin. At the same time, there was a welcome return of the Brent Goose on the marsh – 95 of them – with 8 Pintail making up the rest of the wildfowl interest. Meanwhile, a near-on 90-minute seawatch from the Beach Huts produced 16 Red-throated Diver – all but four west, including a high-flying flock of 9 birds – as well as 6 Shag and a Razorbill on the water, and a pair of Brent Goose west. Hengistbury hosted 3 Firecrest – two in the Wood and one at the end of the head – while a male Bullfinch was by the HHC.
January 23rd
Goldcrest in the Wood – Alan Crockard
It’s a little light on news today, but there were 2 Bullfinch and a Grey Wagtail on Wick Fields, while a Common Gull passed over to the west.
January 22nd
Stock Dove taking a chance in the Tawny Owl box – Clinton Whale
Today saw 2 Firecrest in the Wood on Hengistbury, but all the other news comes from Stanpit. A Spotted Redshank was on North Marsh, while some good, in-harbour wader totals included: a Grey Plover, over 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 54 Ringed Plover, 225 Dunlin and 24 Snipe. In addition, 2 Shoveler, 8 Pintail, the same number of Brent Goose and a single Common Gull were about the marsh.
January 20th
Pintail – Ian Wigley
The Red-breasted Merganser was again inside the harbour, just off Blackberry Point, after being seen coming in over Mudeford Quay. Meanwhile, on a cold morning, it was WeBS day – the best wader being the Spotted Redshank on North Marsh, as well as 15 Grey Plover, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 85 Ringed Plover and 193 Dunlin. Eight Pintail were the scarcer of the expected ducks, with 82 Teal and 498 Wigeon making the numbers. During what has been a poor winter for them, the only other waterbird of interest was a single Common Gull.
January 19th
Red–breasted Merganser is quite a scarcity around the area - Ian Wigley
As the photo caption suggests, it's always nice to have a settled Red-breasted Merganser about the harbour - this one was at Stanpit this morning. The only other news, however, is of a Firecrest by the Nursery.
January 18th
The Eider inside the harbour – Clinton Whale
A Marsh Harrier was seen arriving from the direction of Keyhaven over Mudeford Quay – an occurrence that is getting quite regular, so perhaps suggesting an interchange of birds between the two sites. Meanwhile, the Eider actually spent some time in the harbour, before drifting out down the Run. A total of 4 Mediterranean Gull and a Sandwich Tern was logged at the quay; a Great Northern Diver and 2 Red-throated Diver moved west at sea, and the Common Scoter flock of eight birds was settled. On Hengistbury, a Firecrest was in the Wood and over 200 Dunlin were scattered along the sandspit. The only other wader news is of a Grey Plover at Stanpit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit at Wick and 12 Turnstone on the spit.
January 17th
Goldfinch – Ray Scott
Grey Plover – Ray Scott
A Firecrest was again in the Wood, close to the Double Bends, while the now-regular, female-type Eider was very close inshore off the sandspit. Staying with the water, but later in the day, a Red-throated Diver passed east off Mudeford Quay and 8 Great Crested Grebe were settled off there. The best Dunlin return of the day was 62 in Holloway’s Dock, with other waders, all at Stanpit coming to 8 Grey Plover, a couple of Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Ringed Plover. Meanwhile, wildfowl came to 5 Pintail, 6 Shelduck and 26 Brent Goose.
January 16th
Ringed Plover and Dunlin on the sandspit recently – Clinton Whale
The Eider ventured into the Run today, while a Black-throated Diver headed west off Mudeford Quay. Also from there, ten arriving Grey Plover, 2 Mediterranean Gull and 5 Common Gull.