April 8th

Tides April 9th: H06:35 | L11:25 | H15:05 | H18:55 | L23:50 |

April 7th

A not so Long–tailed Tit – Alan Crockard

The first Sedge Warbler of the spring was heard today – from Wick Fields, while at least 6 Willow Warbler were present; as well as 8 Blackcap and a male Bullfinch. Meanwhile, a Buzzard passed over. The only other news is of 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin and 6 Mediterranean Gull; all turned in from Stanpit. 

Tides April 8th: H02:05 | L05:50 | H10:35 | H14:20 | L18:15 | H23:00

April 6th

The Spotted Redshank starting to colour – Jackie Smith

Wren – Alan Crockard (upper) & Tina Scott

On a glorious day, there were a couple of pieces of overhead action. An Osprey passed north-east around 10:00 this morning and, a little earlier, a Spoonbill travelled west. At least 8 Willow Warbler were dotted about, as well as 2 Wheatear, while over 30 Mediterranean Gull were logged. To finish this short post, a single Bullfinch was on Roebury Lane. 

April 5th

A stunning shot of male Blackcap in song – Tina Scott

A brisk south-easterly breeze brought an incredibly early Swift to the area – east over Wick Fields – where a Swallow was also seen; while 6 Sand Martin prospected the cliffs at the end of the head. The wind also meant terns were conspicuous, as the first Common Tern of the season fished the ditches of Central Marsh and over 30 Sandwich Tern passed east at sea this morning. Later in the day, a couple of Sandwich Tern arrived at Stanpit and promptly fell asleep – it would be wonderful to know just how far they had travelled beforehand and to where they are headed. Another first for the year was a Whitethroat on Stanpit, but Blackcap and Chiffchaff are now in song all over the place. A total of 3 Whimbrel was on the marsh this evening, along with 5 Dunlin – two of those in breeding plumage – along with the Spotted Redshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit. The winter wildfowl were down to 6 Brent Goose, 7 Wigeon and 2 Teal, but the incoming Shelduck were returned as a dozen. Two male Bullfinch were seen on Wick and at least 10 Mediterranean Gull were logged. 

April 4th

A pair of Stock Dove are very interested in a box intended for Tawny Owl – Ray Scott

At least 4 Willow Warbler, two of them in song, were around today, along with 8 Blackcap and a single Wheatear. Sandwich Tern are starting to feature more regularly – two were in the harbour yesterday and a couple were around Hengistbury today. The final news for today is a Bullfinch on Wick. Moving back again to yesterday, an Osprey that passed over Wick Fields late in the day was also spotted, outside of the recording area, from a bus in Christchurch High Street.

Finally, the Barn Owl we feature in our camera a few miles north of Christchurch last night produced their first egg, and the excitement is now also being followed by Chris Packham’s Self-Isolating Bird Club – which is well worth a look while stuck at home. 

April 3rd

Linnet – Ian Wigley

Black–tailed Godwit – Tina Scott

The most impressive sight and sound of the day was a tight flock of 47 Mediterranean Gull that passed east over the harbour around 5:00 this evening – possibly the largest on-the-move gathering ever seen at Christchurch. In addition, at least twenty other birds were logged throughout the day. During the morning, at least 2 Willow Warbler were on the site, while 2 Redwing headed west over Wick, where a male Bullfinch was on Roebury Lane. The dwindling waders at Stanpit again included weary Curlew, plus the Spotted Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Dunlin. 

April 2nd

Avocet and Ringed Plover – Jackie Smith

Record of the day is undoubtedly a flock of 18 Knot that arrived at Stanpit, but didn’t settle and then continued east. Save for Curlew - some of which were sleeping during the low tide, as opposed to feeding, so also potentially travellers – plus some lingering Redshank, the waders were thin; a couple  Avocet and a Ringed Plover, in fact. The pale-bellied Brent Goose and a pair of Gadwall were on site, while a drake Shoveler dropped in from ahigh. A return of 4 Sand Martin from Hengistbury may indicate breeders are back on territory, likewise one or two singing Firecrest and a Bullfinch. It’s now getting difficult to distinguish between summer-resident Blackcap and Chiffchaff against those passing through, but there were seven and four respectively logged. Wheatear, however, are definitely transient – at least six for the post – as are Mediterranean Gull, a minimum of twenty moving over. 

April 1st

It was a day of decent north-bound flyovers – with a Cattle Egret in breeding plumage, a Short-eared Owl and a Little Ringed Plover seen in the morning, while an Osprey passed over at 6:00 tonight. The only other news is of 3 Wheatear – two on Hengistbury and one at Stanpit – and a couple of new-in Blackcap. 

March 31st

Pied Flycatcher from 2008 – Alan Hayden

The best of the day was a male Pied Flycatcher. This is a very early date, possibly the earliest for the group - the bird shown above being present on the first of the coming month. A Gannet close offshore from Hengistbury was probably not expected in a northerly wind, while at least 4 Mediterranean Gull and a Buzzard were over the airspace. A flock of 34, very smart-looking Black-tailed Godwit were at Stanpit, while a pair of Bullfinch were on Wick. After an apparent poor showing yesterday, the settled Wigeon were around 300, with the Brent Goose numbering twenty-four. 

March 30th

This drake Garganey, now long gone, was in the area last week – Chris Chapleo

Stock Dove – Rod Jenkins

The now-traditional, early spring exodus of young Red Kite from their natal areas to the south-west of England is well underway and one strayed into harbour airspace today – being seen from Wick Fields in the early morning. Also on the fields, singles of Redwing and Bullfinch, plus 6 Chiffchaff, while 6 Mediterranean Gull passed over. This afternoon, Stanpit was noticeably light on Wigeon – less than 40 birds – so perhaps most have departed over the last couple of days to their breeding grounds across the North Sea. In fact, 170 or so seen from Wick in the morning could have been part of that migration. To finish up, the detail at Stanpit, where the pale-bellied Brent Goose was present with around seventy regulation birds and 4 Black-tailed Godwit were in Mother Siller’s Channel. 

Tides March 31st: H03:00 | H06:25 | L10:20 | H15:30 | H18:45 | L22:40

March 29th

There are no reports for today.

March 28th

In these uncertain times, there were some moments of spring cheer this morning; not least from 2 Swallow over Wick Fields, but also at least 4 Blackcap in song about the area. Meanwhile, a single Redwing was in the No Dogs Field and 10 Mediterranean Gull headed west.

March 27th

The only news of the day is of 3 Shoveler - two drakes and a duck - which arrived at Stanpit, where three each of Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin were also present. 

March 26th

Again, there is little news. A Firecrest and Chiffchaff were on Hengistbury, where a pair of Wigeon were on the Ironstone Quarry pool; the latter a quite remarkable sight on what is normally the domain of Mallard. Over at Stanpit, the best were 8 Black-tailed Godwit, all in nice plumage, 4 Pintail and a Sparrowhawk.

March 25th

Kestrel – David Faulkner

 A pair of Pintail with Wigeon – Jackie Smith

Reed Bunting – Ray Scott

As is only right in the circumstances, more intense field activity is being limited. A Willow Warbler on was on Wick, as were 15 Chiffchaff, while at least 8 Blackcap were across the site. A pair of Pintail were with the dwindling Wigeon numbers at Stanpit. 

March 24th

The only news is of Mediterranean Gull calling above Stanpit this evening. 

March 23rd

Skylark – Gary Foyle

The mix of warm sun and wind chill continued for the third day in succession, but there was quite a bit to be seen around the harbour. A Spoonbill passed east over Hengistbury during the morning, when a Little Ringed Plover arrived over the Long Field; as did 3 Jackdaw. A reasonably productive seawatch came up with: a medium-sized grebe, a redhead Goosander, a Sandwich Tern, 4 Mediterranean Gull and 43 Wigeon moved east; while 3 Common Scoter headed west. After being taken for granted for a few months, Marsh Harrier records have recently become sparse again – so a female-type hunting the area was very welcome; with a Merlin through to the east. Arriving passerines were thin on the ground, but did include around 7 Blackcap, a Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff and 3 Wheatear. To round up: the pale-bellied Brent Goose was present for its seventh day; 6 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit; a Grey Plover was at Stanpit; and 3 Great Crested Grebe were inside the harbour. 

March 22nd

Wheatear – Scott Usher

Dunnock – Alan Crockard

Common Lizard – Gary Foyle

More of the same weather-wise today – blue skies, but a cold, easterly wind. A pair of Bearded Tit by the Wooden Bridge on Wick made for a real highlight, while 9 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and an over-flying Mediterranean Gull were all recorded from the fields. 

March 21st

Chiffchaff – David Faulkner

Mediterranean Gull – Rod Jenkins

Great Spotted Woodpecker – Ian Wigley

Despite clear skies, a cruel easterly wind made things very uncomfortable this morning. A couple of Mistle Thrush on Wick Fields is a good record; while a Willow Warbler was by the Viewing Platform there, 14 Chiffchaff were dotted about and there were 3 Bullfinch. The only other news concerns 2 Mediterranean Gull on the inner harbour shore at Mudeford Quay. 

March 20th

Bullfinch – Leo Pyke

Wren – Robert Gray

There was another Willow Warbler this morning, but only around 15 or so Chiffchaff reported. Meanwhile, the Wheatear numbered around a dozen – these are still dominated by male birds racing for the best territories, but females are now also appearing. Finishing with the obvious incoming birds, 3 Blackcap were spread about. The Purple Sandpiper on the sandspit had dropped to just 2 birds today, with the only other wader news being of a Common Sandpiper and the Spotted Redshank both at Stanpit. Also on the marsh, the pale-bellied Brent Goose and 19 Shelduck. A Firecrest was again in the Wood, a pair of Bullfinch were by the Viewing Platform, a Redwing was by the Wooden Bridge and 16 Gannet headed towards the Solent off the Beach Huts. 

March 19th

Pale– and dark-bellied Brent Goose - Jackie Smith

Wheatear on Crouch Hill – Ian Wigley (upper) & Jackie Smith

The Chiffchaff count from Hengistbury was around 30 birds, but there was a really early Willow Warbler at Stanpit, where: the maximum Sand Martin estimate was 100, a pair of Garganey flew north, a Woodlark went over Crouch Hill and a Water Pipit was about, as were a Merlin and a White Wagtail. Sticking with the marsh: the Whimbrel was seen again, along with the Spotted Redshank; just under 50 Black-tailed Godwit passed over to the west, flocks of seventeen and an estimated thirty; a couple of pair of Shoveler and 12 Shelduck were in the bight; and 35 Meadow Pipit fed-up on Crouch Hill. On the sandspit, there was an impressive total of 25 Purple Sandpiper on groyne S9, with 10 Common Scoter settled off there. The Wood again held 2 Firecrest, but today also a couple of Blackcap; while 2 Great Crested Grebe were inside the harbour. 

March 18th

Carrion Crow with apple – Roger Tidball

Reed Bunting – Alan Crockard

Chiffchaff continue to pile in – at least 60 around today – but just 3 Wheatear. Meadow Pipit and alba Wagtail passed over in numbers of 163 and seven respectively, as well as a Red Kite and a Merlin, while a White Wagtail was settled at Stanpit. Despite the fast-approaching spring, the Salt Hurns still holds Snipe, including a Jack Snipe amongst 30 or so of the more expected. The first Sand Martin of the season were very welcome, a total of six birds, with a Sandwich Tern moving offshore. The pick of the seawatch was a westbound, second-calendar-year Little Gull, but also: a lingering Red-throated Diver; 5 Common Scoter – four east and the regular female; and 6 Mediterranean Gull. The final piece is a bit of medley and in no particular order: the pale-bellied Brent Goose remains at Stanpit, along with a Knot, the Spotted Redshank and, the scarcity of the winter, Black-tailed Godwit, three birds; 11 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit; a couple of Bullfinch were on Wick; and a single Great Crested Grebe was inside the harbour. 

March 17th

Pale–bellied Brent Goose - Jackie Smith

Shelduck – Alan Crockard

An early Whimbrel and a pale-bellied Brent Goose were at Stanpit today, but otherwise the marsh was fairly quiet. After yesterday’s good numbers, Chiffchaff were down – around fifteen, mainly on Wick Fields – but no other obvious arrivees were present. A couple of Firecrest were once again in the Wood, while the regular was by the Wooden Bridge. There was also a trip to the sandspit, where 16 Purple Sandpiper were present; with the sea producing: 9 Brent Goose seeming to head home, the settled Common Scoter and a couple of westbound, adult Mediterranean Gull. Finishing up, single Great Crested Grebe was in Barn Bight. 

March 16th

Chiffchaff – Leo Pyke

There was a definite surge of Chiffchaff and Wheatear today. The former numbered at least sixty – the vast majority on the south and west of the harbour; while the latter came to twenty-two: ten on the Barn Field, eight on the end of the sandspit and four in the Bobolink Field. Also incoming, a couple of Blackcap – each either side of the river at the north of the area – plus a White Wagtail on East Marsh. Bird of the day, however, was a Hawfinch that headed east over Roebury Lane. Other notables from the reports are: 3 Firecrest on Hengistbury, as well as a Rook, 11 Meadow Pipit and 2 Mediterranean Gull over there; 4 Shelduck north; the female Common Scoter still on the water off the Beach Huts; and 2 Great Crested Grebe in the harbour. 

March 15th

There was a single Wheatear on the Barn Field this morning, while at least 6 Chiffchaff were about. The Purple Sandpiper count peaked at 15 – these on tip of the sandspit – and a late morning seawatch produced an unseasonable Manx Shearwater, plus a Fulmar. For those of you who may follow the barn owl camera, there has been considerable drama over the last 36 hours. A summary of which will follow here when things return to normal. 

March 14th

The two 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit at Stanpit today – Jackie Smith

Blackbird getting ready for spring – Jackie Smith

The morning saw the first Wheatear of the season – a couple of birds on the Barn Field – but on a slightly belated date. At least 7 Chiffchaff were about the area and a Firecrest was in a new location on Wick. In contrast, 2 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit were still at Stanpit, but one assumes they will soon depart. Otherwise, it’s just the male Kingfisher that currently favours Mother Siller’s Channel to report upon. 

March 13th

Purple Sandpiper – Leo Pyke

At least 7 Chiffchaff were around the area today, three of them in song, while around 100 Meadow Pipit were recorded coming in-off. A Sandwich Tern was off the sandspit, but it can't be certain as to whether that was a bird recently arrived or not. Also seen from the sandspit, 4 Purple Sandpiper, on a groyne around halfway along, with the walk there producing a Firecrest in the Wood. To round up: a Common Scoter was on the sea, 3 Mediterranean Gull passed over and the same number of Great Crested Grebe were inside the harbour. 

March 12th

The first trans-Saharan migrant of the season was seen today – a Swallow that headed west over Stanpit. Also new-in, were a couple of Chiffchaff, one of them in song, by the Pod. The status of a drake Garganey, however, is clouded by the over-wintering individual in the Avon Valley. A Marsh Harrier, a male, was the first for a while about the marsh, where: a ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 12 Pied Wagtail and 5 Skylark were on Crouch Hill; with 4 Pintail and 3 Great Crested Grebe on the in-harbour water. On Wick, the Firecrest remained faithful to the Wooden Bridge and 3 Bullfinch were again recorded. 

March 11th

PLEASE SEE  NOTE BELOW ABOUT TONIGHT'S MEETING
All the day’s news is from Wick, where: 8 Mediterranean Gull passed over to the west; 14 Redwing were by the Wooden Bridge; and 3 Bullfinch were present – a pair near the Viewing Platform and one on the central path. 

March 10th

There were 2 Firecrest in the Wood this morning, as well as 3 Redwing. Meanwhile, Stanpit hosted the currently regular selection of: 3 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit and 3 Skylark on Crouch Hill; plus the Spotted Redshank, a Grey Plover and 3 Black-tailed Godwit. At least a dozen Mediterranean Gull passed over to the west, while 8 Common Gull, 12 Pintail and 3 Shoveler were settled. 

March 9th

The morning, when the weather was very spring-like, saw a White Wagtail in the No Dogs Field, Wick, plus the regular Firecrest by the Wooden Bridge. Meanwhile, over on Stanpit, there were three, very-confiding ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit on Crouch Hill, along with 14 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtail, 3 Skylark, 8 Stonechat and 4 Reed Bunting. There does still seem to be a dearth of linnet, however. Green Sandpiper outside of the summer months are unusual, so one up-and-out from Central Marsh is a good record. Also about the marsh in general: the Spotted Redshank, 3 Grey Plover, 8 Mediterranean Gull over and 5 Common Gull. 

March 8th

The best of the day’s WeBS count was 12 Purple Sandpiper on groyne S9, along with 80 Dunlin there. Inside the harbour, however, no small waders at all were encountered. Finishing on the survey theme, there are still up to 750 Wigeon around, as well as 231 Brent Goose. A late-afternoon seawatch saw a female Common Scoter settled and 2 Mediterranean Gull east; while the morning at Stanpit, namely Crouch Hill, yielded a nice-looking ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 25 Meadow Pipit and 12 Pied Wagtail. Moving to Wick, a pair of Bullfinch were along the central path. 

Tides March 9th: L03:25 | H08:25 | H12:00 | L15:50 | H20:50 |

March 7th

Jay – Robert Gray

As we await the first trans-Saharan migrant, there is little other news. A Water Pipit was on Priory Marsh, however, and the Firecrest remains by the Wood Bridge on Wick. At least 3 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit were at Stanpit, along with 14 Pied Wagtail; while the 3 Bullfinch were again on Wick and male Kingfisher was around the area.

Additional news from Stanpit: during the morning, the Spotted Redshank was seen, as was a Grey Plover and Ringed Plover. The Brent Goose were counted at 233 and 9 Common Gull were returned.

March 6th

Two male Greenfinch not seeing eye to eye – Robert Gray

Brent Goose – Ray Scott

There was a Sandwich Tern at Stanpit this afternoon, but as a young bird it was unlikely to have been a migrant. A couple of Knot there were also unexpected amongst the waders, which included: the Spotted Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 41 Dunlin. The morning congregation on Crouch Hill comprised: a White Wagtail, 17 Pied Wagtail, 5 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 10 Stonechat and 3 Skylark; by the afternoon, however, the majority had dispersed, but there was one very smart-looking pipit remaining. The remaining passerine interest comes from 6 Redwing in the North Scrubs and 3 Bullfinch by the Viewing Platform on Wick. At least 7 Mediterranean Gull were around late in the day, along with 11 Common Gull, 4 Pintail, 175 Brent Goose of which twenty or so were youngsters, 5 Great Crested Grebe and 5 Shelduck. Finishing off, a male Kingfisher was around Barn Bight.

March 5th

Spotted Redshank – David Faulkner

Other than the photographed Spotted Redshank at Stanpit, there is no news for the day. 

March 4th

The over-wintering, drake Garganey from the Avon Valley again visited briefly – flying around Stanpit with 3 Mallard. Meanwhile, other wildfowl on site, included 4 Shoveler, 8 Pintail and a single Gadwall. The day also saw a slight arrival of Mediterranean Gull – four turned in from Hengistbury and three from the marsh. There was another good total of Snipe returned from the Salt Hurns, 50 birds; with Crouch Hill again hosting passerines, but in reduced numbers, 2 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 9 Pied Wagtail, 3 Skylark and 4 Stonechat being the maximum. Finally, just under a couple of hours at the Beach Huts produced: 10 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Shelduck and 2 Common Gull; all moving at sea. Nearby, at least 60 Dunlin roosted on the sandspit.

March 3rd

This Chiffchaff, photographed at Stanpit yesterday, was certainly a new–in bird. The encrusted pollen at the bill base proving it has very recently been a way south of here – presumably around the Mediterranean - Mazz Blehs

This morning, the Crouch Hill gathering included: a White Wagtail, 18 Pied Wagtail, 3 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 25 Meadow Pipit, 11 Stonechat, 3 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting and a long overdue Linnet; by the late afternoon, however, all but four of the Pied Wagtail had dispersed. On Wick, a pair of Bullfinch was again by the Viewing Platform; while, on Hengistbury, a Firecrest was behind the Nursery. Finishing up: a Buzzard passed over the area – west to south; a Red-breasted Merganser and up to 2 Great Crested Grebe were inside the harbour; and 5 Shelduck overflew the Long Field. 

March 2nd

On a fine day of weather, two reasonably common species which have been notable by their recent absences put in a return – 3 Black-tailed Godwit were at Stanpit and a Kingfisher was hunting around Barn Bight. Meanwhile, a Golden Plover on the marsh is a decent record for the month, with the Spotted Redshank again being returned. Another bird scarce to the area is Mistle Thrush, so two over Wick around lunchtime is well worth writing about; as are 3 Firecrest and a Redwing in the Wood. A Little Grebe on the Ironstone Quarry could well be making an early return to territory, while three Bullfinch along Roebury Lane could be doing the same. The Crouch Hill gathering today included: a Water Pipit, 6 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 21 Pied Wagtail and 3 Skylark; with the site-wide total for Stonechat being as high as 31 birds. 

March 1st

Redwing – Livi Almond (upper) & Jackie Smith

As is often the case when winter turns to spring, Crouch Hill hosted a nice selection of migrants – both incoming and outgoing. Today’s medley included a ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 14 Meadow Pipit, 22 Pied Wagtail, 2 Skylark and 12 Stonechat. Also at Stanpit, the Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Pintail, 2 Shoveler and 12 Shelduck, as well as a single Redwing in the North Scrubs. Meanwhile, the solitary Brent Goose was again on the lawn at Mudeford Quay. 

February 29th

Red–breasted Merganser off Fisherman's Bank recently - Jimmy Main

Peregrine – Jimmy Main

A Sandwich Tern east past Mudeford Quay this afternoon would seem a good candidate for an early migrant, while an unidentified skua headed in the same direction. In between the showers, which were nowhere near as bad as forecast, Stanpit produced a Ruff, the Spotted Redshank, 16 Pintail and 3 littoralis Rock Pipit. Across the river, a female Bullfinch and 7 Stonechat were on Wick. 

February 28th

It was a quite awful day with heavy rain and a strong wind throughout. Nevertheless, Stanpit received at least one visit and produced: a pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Pintail and a couple of Gadwall. The high water levels made waders difficult, but 3 Grey Plover and 80 Dunlin were returned.

February 27th

Chiffchaff – Jackie Smith

A Chiffchaff behind the Pod this afternoon, where none have wintered, was potentially an incoming bird from the south for the spring. Nearby, a Water Pipit and ten Rock Pipit, all presumed littoralis, were on the approach to Crouch Hill. The only other news is of a Peregrine over Wick in the morning. 

February 26th

Great Spotted Woodpecker – Livi Almond

There were a couple of Firecrest in the Wood this morning, one of them in song, plus the single bird by the Wooden Bridge on Wick; where two male Bullfinch were present. At Stanpit, a total of 12 Stonechat underlines the return of birds to these shores for the breeding season, while two ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, both acquiring their breeding plumage, will soon be on their way. Also on the marsh, the Spotted Redshank. 

February 25th

A total of 3 Firecrest was in the Wood today, while an Avocet was nearby on the Salt Hurns before being moved on by a Black-headed Gull towards Stanpit. Before the weather turned colder later in the day, a couple of Skylark were in song over the Barn Field. 

February 24th

A strong, south-westerly blew up overnight and meant there were some things to see from Mudeford Quay this morning. The best was an unidentified skua on the sea that was seen a couple of times, but not well enough to clinch the identification. Also on the watch, 3 Fulmar, 2 Gannet and a Red-breasted Merganser, all at sea, while a couple of Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit. 

February 23rd

Bullfinch – Robert Gray

Other than the photographed Bullfinch, the news is from Mudeford Quay; where a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull was logged, as well as a Red-breasted Merganser, a Tufted Duck and 3 Great Crested Grebe – the latter three species all inside the harbour.  

February 22nd

Little Egret – David Faulkner

The day - a mixture of sun and showers, but with the constant of a cruel, south-westerly wind - saw: a Water Pipit on Central Marsh, just beyond the Bailey Bridge, and the Spotted Redshank showing well on North Marsh; while a concentration of 7 Stonechat at the southern end of the Bobolink Fields could represent a spring arrival. To finish, once again, 2 Bullfinch were on Wick Fields. 

February 21st

The day's only news is of at least 5 Purple Sandpiper, again on groyne S9. 

February 20th

Treecreeper – Ian Wigley

Purple Sandpiper returned to the area today – five birds on the sandspit groyne S9 – along with 75 roosting Dunlin there. Elsewhere, a Treecreeper was immediately behind the Pod at Stanpit. 

February 19th

A sign of the impending spring was 3 Cetti’s Warbler in song around Wick Meadows this morning; when a pair of Bullfinch was by the Viewing Platform, an area that now presents an excellent chance of connecting with the seldom-heard song of the species. Off Mudeford Quay, there were three settled Shag and a Pintail passed west, while 25 Wigeon came in-off. Off mammal interest, the Grey Seal was again in the Run. 

February 18th

The only news from a reasonable day of weather, save for a chilly south-westerly wind, is of 2 Common Scoter and a Shag off Hengistbury around lunchtime. 

February 17th

Pied Wagtail – David Faulkner

The only news is of a Redwing by the HHC and 3 Bullfinch on Wick – one male and two females by the Viewing Platform. 

February 16th

Storm Dennis brought winds and persistent, heavy rain today.  The only news concerns the Spotted Redshank, which was on East Marsh at Stanpit. 

February 15th

A little bit of news crept in ahead of the rain. A couple of Kittiwake sheared west past Mudeford Quay this morning, when a Grey Wagtail and 3 Bullfinch were on Wick.