Sightings for the current month
April 18th
An early flurry of birds at Hengistbury included: a Hawfinch, 3 Brambling, a Yellowhammer, a Wood Warbler, a female Pied Flycatcher, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit, 8 Yellow Wagtail and an Arctic Skua. Those arriving slightly later added a further two Grasshopper Warbler – one on Wick and one in the Nursery – 5 Wheatear and up to 30 Willow Warbler. The first Hobby of the year headed north over the Long Field, while a Great White Egret spent some time on East Marsh, Stanpit. Finishing off with the miscellany: a couple of Sanderling were inside the harbour, as were 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Whimbrel and 31 Shelduck; a Fulmar passed west off the Beach Huts; a male Bullfinch was on Wick; and the day-count for Mediterranean Gull came to just over 105, mainly from Stanpit and including a flock of 25.
Tides April 19th: H00:50 | L04:35 | H09:30 | H13:05 | L16:55 | H21:50
April 17th
There was a huge fall of spring migrants this morning, in particular Willow Warbler with a minimum of five hundred birds across Hengistbury and Wick. Blackcap were also present in good numbers with 120 on Hengistbury and 9 on Stanpit. The stars of the show, however, were Pied Flycatcher and Redstart with eight of the former and seven of the latter; the stunted oaks along the harbour side of the wood held 5 Pied Flycatcher and 4 Redstart. Other totals were 13 Wheatear, 4 Whitethroat and 2 Reed Warbler; also logged were 135 Meadow Pipit, 85 Swallow, 35 Sand Martin, 6 House Martin and 3 Tree Pipit. The Spotted Redshank was by the Bailey Bridge on Stanpit and 8 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit. A group of 4 Whimbrel headed north while four remained on the marsh where there were around 250 Black-tailed Godwit and 46 Dunlin, also 5 Common Gull. Mediterranean Gull were again on the move with c45 birds noted. Finally both Buzzard and Peregrine were over the harbour.
Tides April 18th: H00:10 | L03:45 | H08:55 | H12:30 | L16:10 | H21:20
April 16th
There was a complete change in the weather today as the recent dominant easterlies gave way to much milder conditions albeit with a some light rain. A pair of Garganey came out of the murk and settled in Stanpit Bight then moved to Stanpit Creek before flying towards Central Marsh. The Spotted Redshank was also present on Stanpit plus 7 Dunlin, 5 Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Ringed Plover. Another 18 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel arrived on the sandspit where there was a single Purple Sandpiper and 3 Turnstone. The flock of 305 Black-tailed Godwit moved between Holloway's Dock and Stanpit. Migrants were again hard to come by with just 12 Swallow and two each of Wheatear and Willow Warbler. This afternoon around a dozen Mediterranean Gull were inside the harbour while earlier sixteen were logged heading west and six moved east off the quay. The Brent Goose was on Stanpit together with 8 Gadwall and 8 Wigeon.
April 15th
Off Mudeford Quay this morning most birds travelled east into the strengthening wind, the exceptions being Kittiwake and Common Scoter which headed west. Totals were 15 Gannet, 12 Common Tern, 7 Common Scoter, 4 Swallow, 2 Shoveler, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Brent Goose, the regular Brent Goose remained on the marsh together with 6 Gadwall and 5 Greylag Geese. Over Hengistbury another 2 Swallow and 16 Mediterranean Gull were logged. The Mudeford Sandspit held 3 Bar-tailed Godwit while less Black-tailed Godwit were around today with 120 in Holloway's Dock and 44 off Fisherman's Bank. This afternoon a young Peregrine was settled on East Marsh. As I finalise this post 2 Arctic Tern are off the Quay.
April 14th
With little change in the weather migrant numbers didn't improve, just 4 Wheatear on the Barn Field, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and a Swallow. Offshore from Mudeford Quay, moving east, were 13 Common Scoter, 12 Sandwich Tern, another 22 of these around the harbour, also 3 Whimbrel and four each of Mediterranean Gull, Common Tern and Common Gull. A further 6 Mediterranean Gull moved west over the HHC. Settled waders today included 2 Sanderling on the tip of the sandspit, the Spotted Redshank, a Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 15 Dunlin and 318 Black-tailed Godwit. The Brent Goose was still inside the harbour together with 7 Gadwall and 11 Wigeon.
April 13th
The recent dearth of migrants coupled with a stiff easterly breeze directed attention towards the sea this morning. From the beach huts a Great Skua was seen moving west and 16 Common Scoter headed east while off Mudeford Quay an Arctic Skua, 2 Common Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet and 12 Common Gull moved east; another 8 Sandwich Tern were inside the harbour. The few migrants were 5 Wheatear on the Barn Field, 3 Willow Warbler on Wick and a single Swallow. On Stanpit the Spotted Redshank was again present plus five newly-arrived Whimbrel, also a Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Grey Plover, 15 Dunlin and 313 Black-tailed Godwit. A late Brent Goose was in the harbour where between five and nine Gadwall were present.
April 12th
The Spotted Redshank was showing well again this morning, viewed from Fisherman's Bank; also 10 Dunlin and around 300 Black-tailed Godwit. Shelduck numbers are increasing with ten on Stanpit together with 5 Gadwall and 8 lingering Wigeon. There were just 2 Wheatear on the Barn Field today while Wick held a Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and five each of Chiffchaff and Blackcap plus 3 Bullfinch, two of which were male.
April 11th
Cetti's Warbler – Alan Crockard
Despite a chilly start, the year’s first Reed Warbler was on site this morning – a bird in sub-song around the Wooden Bridge on Wick. A Blackcap total of twenty was returned from Wick Fields, but some of these may be birds holding territory as opposed to passing through. For example, three singing males were logged. Definite travellers, however, were Willow Warbler and Wheatear – three and two respectively – while a female Bullfinch remains. A Marsh Harrier hunted the Wick side of the river during the afternoon.
April 10th
One of two Osprey this morning – Leo Pyke
There were 2 Osprey around during the morning: one at 07:45 that caught a fish and moved off quickly; then one around an hour later that fished for twenty or so minutes before succeeding and also leaving with its prey. In addition, a male Merlin was logged. The best of the waders was the Spotted Redshank, now starting to darken, off Fisherman’s Bank, but also a Greenshank, 147 Black-tailed Godwit and 9 Dunlin in Holloway’s Dock. The only passerine news concerns a Yellow Wagtail over, plus two each of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat. Wrapping up, at least 12 Mediterranean Gull were returned, along with the pair of Gadwall.
April 9th
The day started well enough with a little sunshine, but by lunchtime a drizzle held in the still air. Before that, at least 8 Willow Warbler were on site and 3 Swallow moved through. The singing Blackcap on Wick were counted at eight, along with 10 Chiffchaff.
April 8th
Spoonbill – Jackie Smith
Blackcap – Alan Crockard
An adult Spoonbill, in breeding attire, that stopped briefly at Stanpit this afternoon was probably the bird of the day; as, after a night of fog, it was hard-going on the incoming migrant front. The Willow Warbler total nudged 20 birds, while the Wheatear numbered five. Overhead, a couple of Swallow and a House Martin were logged, but that was pretty much it. Two Whimbrel were at Stanpit, but the only other wader note is the 150+ Black-tailed Godwit.
April 7th
The second Osprey of the season passed over the eastern fringe of
the area thins morning, after approaching from the west.
Meanwhile, a first-for-the-year was a Whitethroat briefly around
Solent Meads car park. Also seen coming in – a Yellow Wagtail and
a couple of House Martin, one of the latter narrowly escaping the
talons of a young Peregrine. The peak Wheatear return is of four
on the Barn Field and 2 Willow Warbler were on Wick. At sea a
Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar both headed towards the Solent,
while a male Marsh Harrier was about the area.
Omission: a Water Pipit was on Priory Marsh.
April 6th
Ruff - Scott Usher (upper) & Ray Scott
There were a couple of out-of-the-ordinary gull records today.
Firstly, a second-calendar-year Ring-billed Gull was seen in
flight off the Beach Huts; then, later in the day, a Yellow-legged
Gull of the same age was coming to chips on Mudeford Quay. There
were a number of first-of-the-spring returns, all from Stanpit and
namely: a House Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail and a Whimbrel; while at
least 2 Ruff were on the marsh, as were 220 Black-tailed Godwit.
The Wheatear total for the day was six and there were just 3
Willow Warbler logged on Hengistbury. Elsewhere, the male Marsh
Harrier and a male Bullfinch were seen from Wick, a Peregrine
passed over the Long Field, and 6 Shoveler and 4 Gadwall were
inside the harbour.
Omission: at least 55 Mediterranean Gull moved over Stanpit.
April 5th
Avocet – Ray Scott
Black–tailed Godwit - Ray Scott
The clear highlight of the day was a Hoopoe in the North Scrubs mid-morning - being seen briefly before heading off towards the former golf course, where it unfortunately couldn’t be re-found. With the wind coming from the south-east, seawatching was given some rightful attention. Unlike some of the Solent sites, however, there were no skuas, but a couple of morning sessions at Mudeford Quay did produce: a Manx Shearwater, a Little Gull, 4 Eider, a Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake, 3 Fulmar, 2 Common Tern, 16 Sandwich Tern, 7 Mediterranean Gull and 28 Common Scoter. A further 30 Mediterranean Gull were turned in from elsewhere, but going uncharacteristically west. The best of the waders at Stanpit was an Avocet, but 367 Black-tailed Godwit, the majority of them in beautiful colour, toured the area; while the Ringed Plover and Dunlin came to just four and six of each respectively. Finishing off, a male Marsh Harrier was around during the afternoon, a Firecrest was in the Wood and a single Wheatear was at Stanpit.
April 3rd
Spring migration was much slower today with just a single Willow Warbler in Stanpit Scrubs, 3 Blackcap in the North Scrubs and 4 Wheatear on the Barn Field being returned. Meanwhile, at least 30 Mediterranean Gull trickled through overhead. A couple of Bullfinch were again on Wick, but the Brent Goose and Teal are shipping out – 15 and 30 respectively being the day’s estimates.
April 2nd
As the long spell of fine weather came to an end today the first Common Tern of the year put in an appearance moving east past Mudeford Quay. Otherwise there were just 3 Willow Warbler and 3 Sandwich Tern at Hengistbury, also 8 Sand Martin at the eastern end of the head. Meadow Pipit were also on the move with a minimum of two hundred and fifty birds arriving over the beach huts. A flock of 310 Black-tailed Godwit was in Holloway's Dock this morning with the bulk of these birds moving across to Stanpit Creek where 248 were counted this afternoon. The sandspit held 15 Turnstone and 12 Purple Sandpiper were seen from the quay while at Stanpit 28 Brent Geese and 68 Redshank are hanging on, also two each of Shelduck and Shoveler. Finally 7 Mediterranean Gull headed west.
April 1st
It was much quieter this morning with just 3 Wheatear on the Barn Field, plus on Wick, 18 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and a couple of Bullfinch. Overhead 11 Mediterranean Gull moved east.
March 31st
Shortly after 10am this morning an Osprey arrived over Wick Fields and continued north over Stanpit. Earlier soon after first light 'first of the year' Redstart and Sedge Warbler moved off the head past the HHC, also c50 'phylloscs' split 60:40 in favour of Willow Warbler. On the ground, mainly on Wick, were 35 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap and 5 Willow Warbler plus a minimum of 25 Wheatear on the Barn Field; another three of these were on Crouch Hill. Waders at Stanpit were 130 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover and singles of Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit. A couple of Brambling passed over Stanpit with two Raven there, while 28 Mediterranean Gull moved west over the harbour and a Buzzard, seen from Wick, headed north.
Tides April 1st: H00:25 | L02:40 | H07:45 | H10:50 | L15:00 | H20:10
March 30th
There was clearly an arrival of Wheatear this morning but oddly only on the Barn Field where fifteen birds were present. Elsewhere there were 35 Chiffchaff and 10 Blackcap, mainly on Wick plus 5 Sand Martin and 2 Swallow. Mediterranean Gull were also on the move with seventeen counted over Hengistbury.
March 29th
The whole of the harbour was blanketed in an early morning mist that fortunately cleared by 8am. Stanpit had the pick of the birds with a female Garganey in Mother Siller's Channel and an early Whitethroat on the golf course bank. Other migrant totals from across the area were 7 Swallow, 6 Wheatear, 4 Sand Marin, 3 Sandwich Tern and 2 Blackcap, also 3 Mediterranean Gull on the move. The sandspit still held 5 Purple Sandpiper plus 11 Turnstone, also 12 Snipe were logged on Hengistbury while on Stanpit there were 85 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover and 2 Shoveler.
March 28th
Migrants today included the first Black Redstart of the year, by the beach huts at Hengistbury, plus, on Wick, a Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and 15 Chiffchaff, also a Swallow and 2 Sand Martin over Stanpit this afternoon. There was an Avocet on Stanpit where just 10 Dunlin were present while a flock of 180 Black-tailed Godwit commuted between Stanpit Creek and Barn Bight. A single Sandwich Tern was logged and 6 Mediterranean Gull passed over. For late March a count of 56 Teal on Stanpit was noteworthy.
March 27th
The only reports received for today were from the Hengistbury side of the harbour where 2 Wheatear were on the Barn Field and 3 singing Blackcap together with a couple of male Bullfinch were on Wick.
March 26th
On another glorious spring morning migrants were once again few with just 3 Sand Martin, a couple of singing Blackcap on Wick and 8 Chiffchaff. On Stanpit there were 141 Black-tailed Godwit, another 65 of these were in Barn Bight, 30 Brent Geese, 28 Dunlin, 17 Ringed Plover, the red-head Goosander and 260 Wigeon. To round up just 4 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit today, a Grey Wagtail was on Wick Water Meadows and 2 Mediterranean Gull were over Stanpit.
March 25th
Despite a keen northerly wind the first Tree Pipit of the spring was recorded at Stanpit this morning; CHOG has only had three earlier ‘first of the year’ records, in 1988, 1990 and 2004. Otherwise there was just a single Sand Martin at Hengistbury, a few Chiffchaff and a singing Blackcap on Wick and half a dozen Wheatear across the area. A single Bar-tailed Godwit headed west over Double Dykes followed, a few minutes later, by a flock of 80 Black-tailed Godwit also moving west. A Red Kite was over Stanpit where, later in the day, there was a red-head Goosander and a pair of Shoveler. There were two pairs of Bullfinch today, one by the Lily Pond and one on Roebury Lane.
Tides March 26th: H00:25 | H04:00 | L07:45 | H12:50 | H16:30 | L20:10
March 24th
Purple Sandpiper – Clinton Whale
Dartford Warbler – Clinton Whale
On a fine day, the first Willow Warbler of the year arrived with us – a bird by the HHC gates. Also, a maximum of 8 Wheatear on the Barn Field and at least 15 Chiffchaff on Wick, where there was also a Redwing and a Bullfinch. A total of 10 Mediterranean Gull passed over, while 8 Purple Sandpiper were again on the sandspit and a Buzzard visited the Stanpit airspace.
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.
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.