Sightings for the current month
July 19th
Linnet – Robert Gray
Sandwich Tern – Gary Foyle
There are, so far, no reports received for today.
OUTDOOR MEETING: Saturday 18th August
Waders at Stanpit
Meet at 11:30 in the Stanpit car park to catch the waders on the rising tide. Please email David Taylor if you are coming along so we can ensure sufficient guides.
Tides July 20th: H03:35 | H06:50 | L10:45 | H16:10 | H19:15 | L23:20
July 18th
Dartford Warbler – Alan Crockard
Stonechat – Leo Pyke
There was little to be seen on Hengistbury this morning – the best perhaps being 2 Dunlin and nine westbound Mediterranean Gull, which included a family party of four. Amongst the counted 319 Mute Swan, there was a pair of Black Swan.
Tides July 19th: H02:35 | H06:00 | L09:50 | H15:10 | H18:35 | L22:20
July 17th
Adult Mediterranean Gull – Alan Hayden
Juvenile Black–headed Gull - Alan Hayden
The first juvenile Yellow-legged Gull of the season was at Stanpit this morning, with it or another also present in the evening. At least 8 Common Sandpiper and 5 Whimbrel were around, along with 8 Black-tailed Godwit. The Mediterranean Gull roosting on South Marsh nudged twenty, including four each of juvenile and first-summer. The only other birds of note for the day were a juvenile Peregrine and a Little Grebe, the latter on the Ironstone Quarry.
July 16th
This White–faced Whistling Duck – a species native to Africa and South America - was found wandering around on the sandspit today. No doubt, an escaape from a wildfowl collection - Nikki Hall
A flock of 14 Shoveler at Stanpit is a good record for the month, while the waders there included: 9 Common Sandpiper, 6 Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
July 15th
The first juvenile Common Tern of the season for the area was resting with an adult, presumably one of its parents, in Stanpit Bight late this afternoon, when at least 6 Mediterranean Gull, all adults, were present. Earlier, a further three ‘Meds’ passed north-west. The only small wader in an increasingly-algae-coated harbour was a Common Sandpiper, but there were 4 Whimbrel amongst the 24 Curlew. For the records, the Mute Swan were counted at 278 and the morning gathering of Black-headed Gull, including those around Mudeford Quay, was estimated at 2200.
July 14th
Juevenile Redshank – Ian Wigley
Mute Swan cygnet – Robert Gray
There were a couple of Little Ringed Plover at Stanpit this morning, a well as a Greenshank, two adult Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel and 22 Dunlin. The Mediterranean Gull encountered were two juveniles, while a Peregrine was about the marsh.
July 13th
The first returning Willow Warbler was in the area today, on Wick, where there was also 3 House Martin.
July 12th
Kestrel at Stanpit – Jackie Smith
A flock of 6 Crossbill flew south over the North Scrubs, Stanpit, this morning, when an equally-good record was a Dartford Warbler on Crouch Hill. There was an increase in the commoner waders; for example, around 40 Redshank and 31 Curlew. Meanwhile, 4 Common Sandpiper, a couple of Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 20 Dunlin were also present. The Mediterranean Gull – eighteen adults and seven juveniles – were generally heading south-west and 3 Common Tern were inside the harbour, as were a Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler and 18 Teal.
July 11th
Small Red Damselfly on Hengistbury Head today – Barrie Taylor
The recent run of Common Sandpiper continues – a dozen at Stanpit today, along with 2 Whimbrel, 12 Dunlin and a Snipe. A mobile Garganey headed the wildfowl list, which also included 7 Shoveler and 4 Teal. A Common Tern was logged, as were 15 Mediterranean Gull, while a couple of recently-fledged Sedge Warbler were by the Wooden Bridge on Wick.
July 9th
The first Green Sandpiper of the ‘autumn passage’ was seen from Fisherman’s Bank, where other returning waders included 9 Common Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel and 33 Dunlin, as well as 2 Black-tailed Godwit. The Mediterranean Gull tally was 31, with only one juvenile, while 2 Common Tern were also inside the harbour.
July 8th
There were at least 4 Common Sandpiper around Stanpit Bight this evening, while earlier a couple of Whimbrel and 22 Dunlin were also present. Mediterranean Gull were around throughout, perhaps as many as twenty, including four birds of the year. The first juvenile Sandwich Tern were on site, as well as 2 Common Tern. A spring of 4 Teal descended into Central Marsh and, for those who are interested in such things, there seems to have been a sudden increase in Coot numbers – twenty-five flocking together.
July 7th
Barn Owl on Wick last night – Scott Usher
Apologies for the early post, but there’s something else going on later today! It was already very hot by 9:00 this morning, when 4 Common Sandpiper, a Sanderling, 2 Whimbrel and 13 Dunlin were seen from Fisherman’s Bank. A Bullfinch was heard calling around Wick, while 10 Mediterranean Gull, including two juveniles, and a Common Tern were logged.
July 6th
Linnet – Robert Gray
Kestrel – Roger Tidball
A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was the best of the waders at Stanpit today, along with 2 Whimbrel, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Dunlin. A couple of juvenile Mediterranean Gull were around, as were two adult Common Tern and 2 Raven.
July 4th
Linnet – David Faulkner
During the morning, there were a couple of Common Sandpiper at Stanpit, along with 4 Dunlin still in breeding plumage. A total of 3 Mediterranean Gull, all adults, passed over and of 170 Black-headed Gull fifteen were recently-fledged juveniles. To round up, a Peregrine was patrolling the area.
July 3rd
No need to mention the weather! At Stanpit today, in addition to two each of Greenshank and Whimbrel, there was a juvenile and adult Mediterranean Gull.
July 2nd
Kestrel – Steve Hogan
The only reports from another sweltering day are of a Common Sandpiper on the end of the sandspit, plus a Black-tailed Godwit and 9 Swift over there. This afternoon, it got so warm that the pine cones on the conifers at Stanpit car park were making a sound like cooking popcorn.
July 1st
Around mid-morning, the humidity level rose dramatically and made things very sticky indeed. With this, came the first, big ant-hatches of the season. At Stanpit, the best during the early morning were 2 Little Tern, a Common Tern, a Common Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull and a Whimbrel. An early evening visit to the marsh added: a Common Sandpiper, a Grey Plover, two passing Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Black-tailed Godwit. A pair of Gadwall was also present, along with broods of twelve and two Shelduck.
June 30th
One of the recently–fledged Kestrel – David Faulkner
Male Stonechat – Alan Crockard
There was some genuine migrant wader activity at Stanpit today, when 4 Greenshank and a Grey Plover were present. Also there, 5 Teal.
June 29th
Sparrowhawk – David Faulkner
Juvenile Lapwing at Stanpit – David Faulkner
More of the same weather-wise and nothing to report bird-wise. Roll-on July and the start of the return migration.
June 28th
Needless to say, it was very hot again; although a brisk easterly breeze made it tolerable in the more-exposed areas. There was a big increase in common waders at Stanpit, most notably 26 Curlew and 24 Redshank, as well as 9 Dunlin and several Lapwing. Around four of the latter being very young birds indeed. Also turned in from the marsh, the Spoonbill, a Common Tern and five, passing Mediterranean Gull.
June 27th
Water Rail – Jacky Smith
It’s still hard work at Stanpit and there are now small green patches of algae starting to appear. The pick of the waders were 4 Black-tailed Godwit, but also at least 6 Curlew, 15 Redshank and 25 Lapwing; plus, of course, the Spoonbill. This evening, at least 5 Mediterranean Gull passed through.
June 26th
Kestrel – Robert Gray (upper) & Roger Tidball
On what seemed like an even hotter day, there are no reports to mention.
June 24th
Linnet – Gary Foyle
Song Thrush – Gary Foyle
The only news from another very hot day is of 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Curlew at Stanpit.
June 23rd
Great Spotted Woodpecker – Gary Foyle
Black–tailed Godwit – Jackie Smith
On a very warm day, Stanpit was visited morning and afternoon, with the peak wader totals coming to 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Curlew and 12 Lapwing. Also, the Spoonbill, 5 adult Mediterranean Gull over, 2 Egyptian Goose and two Shelduck families, of 12 and 2 ducklings respectively. In-harbour Sandwich Tern have been thin of late – just one bird again today – but a count of Carrion Crow feeding on mud in Stanpit Bight came to 63!
June 22nd
Kestrel at Stanpit – Jackie Smith
Despite it being a glorious day weather-wise, there is nothing to report upon today.
June 21st
At least 3 Blackcap are still in song about the area – Leo Pyke
Spoonbill – Jackie Smith
The Spoonbill was around for most of day, during which it favoured the tip of South Marsh. Also around that area, the first returning Teal – two pairs – 7 Dunlin, 7 Redshank, a Curlew and 2 Lapwing. Meanwhile, four adult Mediterranean Gull passed over to the east and a tatty, first-summer bird was inside the harbour. Of course, the terns received some real scrutiny, but only a dozen Sandwich Tern off Mudeford Quay and a single bird at Stanpit make the post.
June 20th
This evening, at Stanpit, there were 5 Mediterranean Gull – three adults and two first-summers – as well as 10 Redshank, 2 Curlew and a Lapwing. Earlier in the day, a brood of four, recently-hatched Reed Bunting was on Wick.
June 18th
After a day or two of south-westerly wind, there was a petrel – presumably a Storm Petrel – seen off Mudeford Quay this evening; along with a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a Fulmar. During the morning, a sub-adult male Marsh Harrier hunted Wick Hams, while Cuckoo were encountered in the Wick water meadows and at Whitepits. A Bullfinch carried food along Roebury Lane and a pair passed over the riverside path towards the HHC. Also over, 5 Mediterranean Gull to the south-east. At Stanpit, there were 7 Dunlin, plus the broods of twelve and three Shelduck.
June 17th
There were at least five returning Curlew and 3 Whimbrel around Stanpit this morning, as well as 6 Dunlin. Meanwhile, the first juvenile Black-headed Gull arrived on the site and an additional Shelduck brood – of two ducklings – was noted. The Spoonbill remains, sleeping out most of the high tide on the tip of South Marsh, and a pair of Gadwall was off Fisherman’s Bank.
June 16th
Lapwing at Stanpit – Ian Wigley
Common Lizard on Hengistbury – Gary Foyle
Once again, there is nothing of significance to report.
June 14th
Almost–ready-to-fledge Grey Heron and a Little Egret - Gary Foyle
With the wind coming from the south-west, the sea was given some attention from Mudeford Quay. In a couple of hours this morning, there were 10 Manx Shearwater – in a variety of directions – an adult Kittiwake, a Common Tern, up to 35 Common Scoter and fifteen, lingering Gannet. Also from there, 2 Whimbrel, a Sanderling, a Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. Meanwhile, inside the harbour, there was a further Common Tern and the Spoonbill. Unfortunately, the former 13-strong Shelduck brood has reduced by one.
June 13th
Mute Swan – Alan Crockard
The Spoonbill was seen from Fisherman’s Bank during the day; while an evening visit to Hengistbury produced good views of at least 2 Nightjar, but possibly three.
June 12th
The best for today is a total of 8 Mediterranean Gull – six east and two west – as well as a Peregrine about the area and 5 Common Tern off Mudeford Quay. Even on this late date, there are Swallow arriving – several coming in-off over the quay – where a Grey Seal was loitering.
June 11th
The late-season wader trickle continued this morning, when 2 Bar-tailed Godwit were off Fisherman’s Bank. Meanwhile, with the Spoonbill still being present it does look as if it may summer with us. Elsewhere, three each of Mediterranean Gull and Swift passed over Wick; and a redhead Goosander with five young was on the river by the Civic Offices.
June 10th
A few waders were around the harbour this morning, including a Common Sandpiper, 4 Whimbrel, 4 Dunlin and 15 or so Black-tailed Godwit. A Kingfisher seen at both the Pod on Stanpit and the Wooden Bridge on Wick was also a bit of a surprise for the date. Meanwhile, it seems there may only be one churring Nightjar on Hengistbury this year and the Kestrel pair there now have four, hatched young.
June 9th
A Whinchat on Hengistbury this morning was a good record for the date; also a Bullfinch, 4 Swift and a Mediterranean Gull over there. Elsewhere, the Spoonbill was in Stanpit Creek on the early low, while 25 Lapwing came and went all day, and 2 Curlew and 2 Redshank were present.
June 8th
A Cuckoo was again conspicuous around Wick, where there was a pair of Bullfinch. At Stanpit, a Grey Plover was most likely a late, northbound bird, while 4 Dunlin could have been going either way; but a Lapwing and a Curlew were probably early returners. Also, 4 Black-tailed Godwit out there. Meanwhile, a couple of Little Tern, a Common Tern, 4 Mediterranean Gull, a Fulmar and 10 Gannet headed east off or over Hengistbury; plus a further two, vocal ‘meds’ moving west.
June 7th
The morning at Hengistbury saw a Cuckoo at Whitepits, as well as a Common Scoter west at sea.
June 4th
Whitethroat on Hengistbury – Brian Wadie
Painted Lady on Stanpit – Jackie Smith
No news reports were received for today.
June 3rd
Male Kestrel arriving with some food for his mate – Roger Tidball
On another scorcher of a day, all the news comes from Stanpit and involves a Spoonbill, 2 Ringed Plover and 4 Lapwing. Of interest, there has been a mix-up of the Shelduck young – the broods now 14+2 rather than 13+3.
June 2nd
A fine day produced a reasonable selection of birds. A first-summer Little Gull hawked Wick Hams and Barn Bight, while a Spoonbill headed high to the west over there. A flock of 35 Sanderling on the sandspit was nice, while 4 Bar-tailed Godwit also put in a brief appearance and a late Whimbrel left over Mudeford Quay having previously being in Stanpit Creek. A Fulmar was the best at sea, but also 5 Common Tern and 4 Mediterranean Gull, the latter westbound. A total of 24 Shelduck inside the harbour included the 13+3 ducklings.
May 31st
Raven – Ian Wigley
Hot on the heels of Sunday’s surprise owl, there was another today; although perhaps slightly less out of the ordinary. At 7:50 this morning, a Short-eared Owl headed high to the north-east over the harbour. Otherwise, it’s just the Lesser Whitethroat and a Bullfinch to mention.
May 30th
All the day’s wader news comes from Hengistbury, from where the following were logged: 6 Knot over the harbour; 5 Grey Plover arriving over the Barn Field; 7 Bar-tailed Godwit on Stanpit; 16 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin. A couple of Stanpit visits returned no waders, instead 3 Mediterranean Gull over and confirmation that all shelducklings as well as cygnets, are still doing well. Feeding Swift were conspicuous during the morning, with the minimum total for the area reckoned at 100 birds, but likely more. In addition to a Little Tern on the tip of South Marsh, a seawatch yielded fly-bys of: 3 Common Tern, 3 Mediterranean Gull, a Fulmar, a Grey Plover, a Peregrine and 15 Gannet. The only passerine migrant reported was a Spotted Flycatcher at the eastern end of the Wood.
May 29th
This evening, there was a quite unexpected flock of 50 Common Tern settled on the sandbar off Mudeford Quay – amongst then, two first-summer individuals – before moving on eastwards. Earlier: four, adult Mediterranean Gull headed west, a total of 5 Swift went through, the Cuckoo was on Wick meadows and a male Bullfinch was in the Wood.
May 28th
Barn Owl in the recording area is always a major event - particularly in the month of May! This morning one was being chased north along Roebury Lane by Magpies, so was assumed to have left never to be seen again. Around 20 minutes later, however, it reappeared at the HHC end of the No Dogs Field. This is the group’s first record since 2010 and may be linked to a road casualty seen yesterday a mile or two up the Stour at Blackwater Bridge. The only signs of passage were a Reed Warbler singing in the Long Field, plus two each of Swift and House Martin; but a pair of Swallow have now taken up residence in the purpose-built facility on the Barn. A couple of Mediterranean Gull passed over to the east, the Lesser Whitethroat at the HHC is still very vocal and a pair of Greylag Goose was on the sea off Mudeford Quay.
May 27th
During the morning, an Ashy-headed Wagtail showed well near the Rusty Boat on Stanpit, before being flushed and heading to Priory Marsh. Also around Stanpit: a Little Gull, an Avocet, a Greenshank, a Ringed Plover, a Lapwing, a Redshank, the Brent Goose and a Cuckoo. On Hengistbury, a late Tree Pipit went over the Batters, while a Cuckoo on Wick Hams was likely the same as that just mentioned. A flock of 11 Black-tailed Godwit moved east over Wick and the Lesser Whitethroat was again singing by the HHC. Meanwhile, the 13-strong Shelduck brood was in Stanpit Bight.
May 26th
A more relaxed moment during this morning's raptor watch in the New Forest – Barrie Taylor
Just before 10:00 this morning, an Alpine Swift was seen heading
east over Hengistbury Head. In the period prior to this, a total
of 21 Spotted Flycatcher was logged on the head, including a flock
of eight coming in-off-the-sea. Meanwhile, 9 Manx Shearwater and 2
Razorbill were also seen offshore. Over at Stanpit, an Avocet was
off Fisherman’s Bank, a Bar-tailed Godwit headed south and a
couple of Dunlin were about. A Cuckoo was again heard from Wick
and a pair of Bullfinch was there, with a further in the Nursery.
Now some more-definite breeding bird updates. The initial brood of
13 Shelduck remains intact, while a further set of three, smaller
ducklings was seen for the first time. Additionally, the first
five cygnets of the season are around – seeming to prefer the
Mother Siller’s Channel area.
The New Forest Outdoor Meeting this morning enjoyed close-up views
of Redstart, a pair of Hobby seeing-off a Peregrine, a Honey
Buzzard and a Red Kite. Our next meeting is only six days away –
details below.
May 25th
Most of the day’s news comes from Stanpit, where the Brent Goose remains for its third day. Also there, a Spotted Redshank and 6 Dunlin, plus a Spotted Flycatcher. Elsewhere, there were 22 Sanderling at Mudeford Quay.
May 23rd
Swallow – Clinton Whale
Medow Pipit – Gary Foyle
A Cuckoo on Wick Field was a nice surprise today, while the wader selection at Stanpit included: a Greenshank, 6 Sanderling, 9 Ringed Plover and 29 Dunlin. Also inside the harbour: a late Brent Goose, the Spoonbill and 3 Common Tern. Equally behind the times as the goose, was a drake Red-breasted Merganser from Mudeford Quay this evening.
May 22nd
After yesterday's comment about getting close–up views of Ringed Plover, we received this today from Clinton Whale. Still none the wiser regarding tundrae, however. If anyone out there can help, advice would be gratefully received.
Sedge Warbler – Gary Foyle
Sanderling – Clinton Whale
The only news for today concerns migrant waders on the sandspit and Holloway’s Dock, which included 2 Sanderling, 4 Ringed Plover and 19 Dunlin.
May 21st
Whitethroat – Ray Scott
Skylark – Clinton Whale
The pick of another glorious day was a cracking, male Yellow Wagtail on the deck at Whitepits, plus a Spotted Flycatcher on Wick. Once again, Ringed Plover were inside the harbour – four of them – and on these dates it would be good to be able to get close enough to them to see if they show characteristics of tundrae; also 4 Dunlin and the lame Redshank that has been here a few days. Amongst the summering wildfowl, a drake Shoveler was unexpected, but the Gadwall pair less so; while there were nine adult and thirteen duckling Shelduck. Rounding up, a Common Tern was seen from Fisherman’s Bank, as was the Spoonbill.
May 20th
An interestingly–plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit, presumably a bright female - Clinton Whale
...and with a Ringed Plover and some Dunlin
Other than a Spotted Flycatcher by the HHC, most of the day’s news comes from waders, which included: a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Sanderling, two stunning Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Ringed Plover, 21 Dunlin, a Turnstone and a Redshank. There were 3 Common Tern at Stanpit, where a few Mediterranean Gull were also present. Finally, a correction to the Shelduck brood – it is actually thirteen.
May 19th
Common Tern at Stanpit yesterday – Jackie Smith
No doubt due to the thick fog that enveloped the area for most of the morning, there is nothing to report for today.
May 18th
Grey Plover in Holloway's Dock – Clinton Whale
Fox cub – Clinton Whale
The last day or so have once more experienced the calls of Mediterranean Gull over the area, after an absence of around three weeks. Today, at least seven birds were recorded, but likely more. The poor wader passage was enlivened by the stunning Grey Plover in Holloway’s Dock, while 12 Black-tailed Godwit flew from Stanpit to there and a party of 7 Dunlin were inside the harbour; as was a single Common Tern. The Lesser Whitethroat is still frantic by the HHC, so presumably is still without a mate, but a pair of Bullfinch are getting on with things in the Nursery. On the subject of breeding, potentially anyhow, a pair of Gadwall remain, a Redshank was close to the Salt Hurns and a Willow Warbler was in song on Hengistbury; the latter, of course, could just be a late traveller. More definitely, Shelduck have been successful - twelve ducklings at Stanpit!
May 17th
Some of the birds currently breeding about the area: Meadow Pipit – Tina Scott
Kestrel – Roger Tidball
Stonechat – Colin Raymond
Grey Heron and Little Egret – Robert Gray
The only news for the day involves the Spoonbill at Stanpit and the Lesser Whitethroat by the HHC.
May 16th
Spoonbill at Stanpit yesterday – Clinton Whale
The only news for today actually relates yesterday, when the Spoonbill was at Stanpit.
May 15th
Whimbrel – Clinton Whale
As the spring passage, which actually never really got going, peters out, the best today were a Garden Warbler in the North Scrubs and a Spotted Flycatcher on Wick. Inside the harbour, there were 4 Whimbrel and 6 Dunlin, while the sandspit hosted 9 Sanderling and further two and one of Whimbrel and Dunlin respectively.
May 14th
One of 13 Sanderling on the sandspit today – Clinton Whale
The first Green Hairstreak of the season are now on the wing – Clinton Whale
It was another hot day, but made comfortable with a refreshing, northerly breeze. Several Red Kite were seen over Christchurch, with a couple being logged from the confines of the harbour recording area. On Hengistbury, there were 2 Spotted Flycatcher in the stunted oaks just east of the Nursery and a Whinchat was on the Barn Field. The only migrant waders inside the harbour were 5 Greenshank, while 13 Sanderling were on the sandspit.
May 13th
Sedge Warbler at Stanpit – Scott Usher
The only news comes from Fisherman’s Bank, from where the
Spoonbill and 8 Dunlin were logged.