Migrating Woodpigeon – Matt Doyle

Dartford Warbler, adjacent to a busy path – Jeremy Mayes

Probably due to a belt of offshore cloud, the pigeon numbers weren’t as high as hoped – nevertheless, 6752 Woodpigeon west over the area made for quite a spectacle, with 42 Stock Dove mixed in or in flocks of their own right. To put some perspective on this, however, over 38000 ‘woodies’ were logged at a site in south Devon – a number, which, when conditions align, is more than achievable here. The count took place between 06:30 and 09:30, when 376 Linnet, 122 Goldfinch, 71 Meadow Pipit, 39 Skylark, 22 Redpoll, 21 Chaffinch, the same number of Siskin and 13 Reed Bunting were also noted from the area of the NCI Lookout. It’s interesting to see, after Goldfinch domination last week, that Linnet topped the finch figures today; also, a decent showing of Skylark – in addition to those already mentioned, an exultation of twenty passed over Stanpit. A Black Redstart by The Hiker café, but soon off along The Broadway, was the pick of the grounded passerines, which also included 2 Firecrest on the Batters, plus 5 Chiffchaff across Hengistbury and Wick, where a Kingfisher was by the Wooden Bridge. As the afternoon tide ebbed through the Run, the place attracted small gulls – four 1cy Little Gull still about the place. Finishing the birds with now traditional raptor roll call: a Merlin travelled east over the Head and a Peregrine headed out to sea – perhaps hoping for a pigeon breakfast; and female-type Marsh Harrier were sighted, a couple of hours apart, along the western side of the River. The warm temperature saw a few insects on the wing: Migrant Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Darter dragon/damselfly; Clouded Yellow and Red Admiral butterfly; and some quite vicious mosquitoes.

The morning saw a few Little Gull still lingering – two were seen from Mudeford Quay and one from the Beach Huts, where a Yellow-legged Gull was also logged; plus, one each of Mediterranean Gull from the two sites. Another highlight, meanwhile, from the quay, was a Goosander west, as well as 10 Brent Goose to the east. Inside the harbour, there were a further 16 ‘brents’, with the best of the waders being: 9 Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 22 Ringed Plover and 9 Dunlin. Tomorrow’s early morning conditions look right on the money for a Woodpigeon movement – even 150 over Hengistbury in the unsuitable weather today; along with a Redwing and very modest numbers of finches, as well as a settled Firecrest. Finishing the birds: around 08:30, a male and female Marsh Harrier hunted Wick Hams, with an individual about Priory Marsh at midday; the White-tailed Eagle pair arrived around 10:00, but left singularly at 11:15 and 11:30 respectively – the male being the last to leave – after, between the two of them, catching a Coot. Moving to mammals – by the early afternoon, the wind had dropped significantly, so much so that at dusk several pipistrelle bats were feeding low over the Run.

It was another day of wind and rain, but this time the blow came largely from the south. Once again, Little Gull feature: during the morning three came into the harbour, over Mudeford Quay, in a hattrick of plumages – 1cy, 2cy and adult; also in that period, an adult passed the Beach Huts; while the afternoon saw three feeding close off the quay. For the monthly collator, a day-total of seven would be a reasonable assumption. Although there was a feeding flock off the end of Hengistbury, the waters of Christchurch Bay itself were pretty devoid of birds – but there was a small, shore-hugging movement of gulls, including 8 Mediterranean Gull – two of them 2cy birds – and 3 Common Gull, as well as 6 Brent Goose. To finish a sea-dominated post, an adult Gannet was sitting on the water, inside the harbour, just off the lifeboat station!

Although this adult Little Gull was photographed 100m or so outside the recording area, it would seem a shame not to make an exception and publish – particularly as, in all likelihood, it did venture inside

The best count of Little Gull came in the first few hours of the morning, when twenty-seven were logged from Mudeford Quay – either heading into the harbour or passing by the sandspit. A couple of hundred metres to the north, however, just outside of the recording area, at Avon Beach, there was an aggregation of 30-40 birds, feeding in the surf, which dwindled to around five by the mid-afternoon – presumably those departing that scene also travelled past or over the quay. Age-wise, adults dominated, with lesser numbers of 1cy and a single 2cy. Otherwise, there isn’t too much to report: a Red-throated Diver moved by offshore, where the drake Common Scoter remained, and there was a modicum of finch migration, but uncensored, taking place over Hengistbury. To finish, the only raptor news for the day is of a Marsh Harrier at Stanpit.

Little Gull – an adult in the upper shot and a 1cy on the right in the lower

1cy Kittiwake – see the similarity in upperwing pattern to Little Gull of the same age

Mediterranean Gull – again a 1cy

…and a 2cy Common Gull

Within an hour of the second storm in two days hitting, at around 13:00, Little Gull began to feature. At least sixteen were seen off Mudeford Quay with, towards the end of the day, a minimum of the same number resting inside the harbour. Although the figures are equal, some of the offshore birds went straight past – so a total in excess of twenty is reasonable to assume. Meanwhile, however, sites in Hampshire were seeing over 100 birds being blasted east – does this mean, when things calm tomorrow morning, there could be something of a re-orientation through Christchurch Bay? Also logged during the blow, from the quay and to the west, an Arctic Skua and a flock of 5 Kittiwake, all 1cy birds. Earlier, a Red-breasted Merganser – a species that may, nowadays, have the fewest records across the year of those mentioned in this post – also headed west; while, throughout, the drake Common Scoter was on station and 7 Mediterranean Gull – one of those a fine-looking 2cy individual in plumage not often seen here – 5 Common Gull, a Brent Goose and a Great Crested Grebe, all passed by into the wind. Winding back to the first couple of hours of daylight and an overhead migration of 200+ Goldfinch, along with lesser numbers of Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Linnet and Siskin. Finishing the post from an eventful day, it’s almost as if the White-tailed Eagle pair knew what was coming in terms of weather – they were on site by 08:00, but didn’t hang around for long – when a Peregrine was about Stanpit.

The only news from a truly storm-lashed day is from Mudeford Quay, where the offshore, north-westerly blast meant there was next to nothing on view. The exception being a drake Common Scoter that rode the waves for much of the afternoon, a lone Brent Goose finding sanctuary on the sandspit and a female Grey Seal in the Run.

Curlew – Dave Miller

Not many Treecreeper have been recorded on Wick – Dave Miller

After a couple of wet mornings, the visible migration was back on – albeit it lighter. A one-hour sample period, from 07:15, yielding: 187 Goldfinch, 48 Starling, 34 Linnet, 21 Meadow Pipit, 14 Pied Wagtail, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Siskin and 2 Redpoll; also, throughout the morning, singles of Bullfinch and Redwing. Over on, in addition to the photographed Treecreeper, a Kingfisher and a Water Rail were seen from the Wooden Bridge. The only wader news is of Bar-tailed Godwit – the area off the inner shore of Mudeford Quay, where the Bure Brook flows in, has recently hosted birds – a couple there today. Finishing with raptors: between Priory Marsh and Wick, a minimum of 2 Marsh Harrier was reckoned; and the White-tailed Eagle pair arrived at 13:15 and left around three hours later – the male catching one fish.

Some ringing news, on Tuesday, a colour-ringed 1cy Herring Gull was in the area described above for the ‘barwits’. It was ringed in August as a chick at rehabilitation centre near Chichester. It is a dark-blue, appearing black, ring with NZX in white lettering.

All the news is from Stanpit, where 9 Grey Plover, 11 Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin were around Stanpit Bight, along with 44 Brent Goose. In addition, a Redwing over the recreation ground, late in the afternoon, was a nice record; with a female-type Marsh Harrier about and the first reported Rock Pipit of the season on the salt marsh.

The rain eventually eased around 14:00, when Hengistbury was visited – primarily to check out the bushes. As it turned out, however, there was some unexpected visible migration – with a 90-minute period producing, all to the west and into the stiff breeze: 300 Starling – not really known as an overhead migrant here – in five flocks, the largest being around ninety birds; 80 Chaffinch, again a good number for the area – the most numerous group being around forty; 50 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler and a Teal; plus 7 Jackdaw, 5 Lapwing and 2 Black-tailed Godwit. As it was, the vegetation held up to 6 Firecrest – four of those on the Batters – while Chiffchaff numbered around twenty-five. Also from the head: a Grey Wagtail was decked in the main car park, 13 Common Scoter were offshore and 3 Mediterranean Gull passed by. A short time later, at Stanpit, a Spoonbill was discovered on Blackberry Point; with the in-harbour wildfowl there headed by a nice count of 11 Shoveler, as well as 60 Teal and 43 Brent Goose. To wrap up a damp, but ultimately productive day, a Peregrine hunted Stanpit Bight.

An easterly wind on this date is a near certainty for a good passage of birds, particularly finches, and so they came. Until the weekend, Linnet were the dominant species numerically; but, yesterday, Goldfinch closed the gap and today were outright leaders – a tad over 1500 versus 160, from sunrise until 09:30, all to the east. Moving with them, again in that direction, were: 75 Meadow Pipit, 33 Pied Wagtail, 25 Siskin, 6 Skylark, two each of Brambling, Redpoll, Chaffinch and Starling, and singles of Greenfinch and Reed Bunting. Meanwhile, in conditions far from optimal for Woodpigeon to attempt to travel, 360 of them did, with two accompanying Stock Dove, all to the west. To complete the moving birds: 3 Redwing, 4 Blackbird and a Mediterranean Gull arrived; 2 Common Gull passed toward the Solent; and 3 Brent Goose headed in the opposite direction. Sticking with ‘brents’, the in-harbour total rose to forty-two, where the wader notables were 6 Grey Plover, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plover and 6 Dunlin. Passerines were tricky in the conditions, but the shelter of the Natterjack Pond area held at least 10 Chiffchaff and a further dozen or so were at Stanpit, where a Firecrest was on Riversmeet Meadow.

Migrating Spoonbill

It was a good autumn day. The visible migration over Hengistbury – from 07:20 to 10:50 – started with incoming thrushes, including: 3 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, 9 Blackbird and a Song Thrush. Meanwhile, Woodpigeon were again on the move – 3884 to the west, along with ninety-five accompanying Stock Dove, plus 213 Wigeon, 13 Lapwing, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Snipe and a Great White Egret all in the same direction. The northerly breeze again meant the coastal movement went both ways – the best of the easterly passage being 9 Spoonbill, but also 10 Brent Goose, 59 Teal and 35 Wigeon at sea, as well as 331 Linnet, 276 Goldfinch, 74 Meadow Pipit, 27 Siskin, 11 Pied Wagtail, 8 Reed Bunting, 6 Skylark, 3 Chaffinch and a Brambling over. It’s good to see the Brent Goose appearing – in addition to those mentioned, fifteen were inside the Harbour and eight rested off the sandspit; with 85 Teal at Stanpit and 10 Gadwall in Parky Meade Rail, specifically, completing the wildfowl news. Moving to waders around Stanpit Bight, where 12 Grey Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin were the best. Before the raptors, a Kingfisher was about Stanpit Creek: a Red Kite closely inspected Crouch Hill, before heading off west, and an adult male Marsh Harrier hunted Wick Hams at around 10:30. To finish, despite the influx of winter birds, in the sheltered spots the all-day sunshine tempted Clouded Yellow butterflies onto the wing – a minimum of ten on a single plant along Fisherman’s Bank and a conspicuous presence in the Mudeford Quay area.

Most of the news is from the morning’s visible-migration watch – a free event for CHOG members – which was highlighted by a Merlin zapping through and a Brambling heard from the vicinity of the Wood. Other birds moving, in rough order of presence, came from: Goldfinch and Linnet, both into three figures, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch, Skylark, Siskin and a single House Martin. Meanwhile, Sparrowhawk were seen on five occasions, including two together, so it’s quite conceivable some of those, at least, were on the move. All of the previous were to the east, but the cold northerly breeze encouraged some early Woodpigeon movement – around 200 to the west – with a general amassing of birds noted around the fringes of the recording area. Moving to other things, a small number of Chiffchaff were about the site and a female-type Marsh Harrier passed east over Wick at around 07:15.

An hour’s worth of visible migration, commencing 07:30 until some rain, from Hengistbury, saw: 215 Linnet, 21 Greenfinch, 8 Siskin, 5 Pied Wagtail, 4 Swallow, a Skylark and a Grey Wagtail; with the precipitation then causing over 20 Meadow Pipit and half-a-dozen Skylark to drop onto Crouch Hill, where they joined a single Wheatear. Meanwhile, the bushes seemed quiet – just 4 Chiffchaff reported, all from Wick. To wrap up, a Glossy Ibis was seen in flight from the aforementioned site and, around 17:15, an adult male Marsh Harrier passed over Stanpit Bight.

Bar-tailed Godwit with several Redshank – David Faulkner

Glossy Ibis – David Faulkner

Relating to some recent rare and scarce birds, there have been suggestions that CHOG has intentionally delayed or withheld news. For the first three species of this post, therefore, here is some context. The birds were all recorded by an observer who does not participate in the local WhatsApp group, meaning news wasn’t received, in the case of the pipit, for at least an hour, and for the other two, longer, by the wider birding community of the area. An Olive-backed Pipit, which, pending acceptance, is a harbour first, landed for around ten seconds on Hengistbury, where a Yellow-browed Warbler and two ‘Continental’ – race ater – Coal Tit were briefly on the Batters. Meanwhile, the overhead migration, mostly to the west, included: 470 Linnet, 130 Goldfinch, 110 Meadow Pipit, 85 Greenfinch, 55 Pied Wagtail, 35 Chaffinch, 8 Redpoll, 2 Swallow and a Redpoll; with thinning numbers of Chiffchaff about and a Firecrest in the Wood. Offshore, there was a reasonable feeding flock, which attracted a Little Gull, 6 Mediterranean Gill and around 30 Gannet; while a light, but steady, passage of auks went west across Christchurch Bay. To finish, the Glossy Ibis was seen both sides of the area, 3 Cattle Egret lingered about the roost and a Great White Egret headed east through the Harbour.

The morning saw a reasonable movement over Hengistbury – mostly to the east and including, in numerical order: 584 Linnet, 81 Meadow Pipit, 72 Goldfinch, 20 Pied Wagtail, 13 Skylark, 12 Reed Bunting, 7 Swallow, six each of Redpoll and Siskin, 5 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch and a House Martin; with 108 Woodpigeon heading in the opposite direction. Also to the east, a single flock of 21 Cattle Egret that was first seen low over the harbour, before exiting over the Long Field and out into Poole Bay, closely followed by a Little Egret. Grounded passerine numbers were lighter than of late – the pick being 4 Redwing briefly at Stanpit, a Firecrest on the Head, and single Wheatear either side of the area. After apparently being none yesterday, it was a slight surprise to see 13 Bar-tailed Godwit around Stanpit Bight, where 26 Black-tailed Godwit – these seeming to have a good content of 1cy birds – 3 Grey Plover and 7 Ringed Plover, along with 2 Brent Goose, were also logged. Rounding things up, Glossy Ibis returns came from East Marsh and Priory Marsh, and a Great Crested Grebe passed Mudeford Quay.

Other than an early seawatch from Hengistbury, which produced an unidentified diver, 8 Razorbill, 12 auk sp., and 11 Gannet – all to the west, save for a single Gannet – the majority of the news is from Stanpit. The Glossy Ibis was on North Marsh around 13:00, while the late afternoon into the early evening on Crouch Hill saw 2 Wheatear and a pre-roost gathering of around 30 Pied Wagtail. Nearby, 5 Grey Plover, a Sanderling, 17 Black-tailed Godwit and a Dunlin were in Stanpit Bight.

Barely a minute went by without moisture, of varying degrees, being in the air. The most bizarre moment of the day came late in the morning, when an Avocet was seen taking a stroll on the Mudeford Quay promenade! Meanwhile, waders inside the harbour included 7 Grey Plover, a couple of Sanderling, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Black-tailed Godwit. Stanpit also held some passerine interest: a Ring Ouzel was in the North Scrubs, briefly, feeding on rowan berries; a Whinchat and a couple of Wheatear were about Crouch Hil; and a Firecrest and 15 Chiffchaff were logged. To finish, the Peregrine preferred the shelter of the east side of the Priory tower.

It was WeBS count day – a full census of all waterbirds each month from September to March – with the in-harbour wader highlights coming from: a Grey Plover, a notable figure of 19 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 36 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin and a nowadays good total of 126 Lapwing – only a couple of decades ago, four figures may have been expected; as well as 3 Golden Plover over Hengistbury. Moving to wildfowl and 2 Brent Goose arrived to join 485 Wigeon, 237 Mallard, 8 Teal and 243 Mute Swan. Wrapping up the statistics, others worth a mention include a Glossy Ibis, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Kingfisher and 380 Coot. Moving to other birds, a couple of Wheatear were on site – on South Marsh and by the Ironstone Quarry – and there was another reasonable presence of Chiffchaff in most bushes across the area – the junction of the Solent Meads and central paths on Wick, and the tip of Hengistbury, holding particular concentrations. A Peregrine was on a grotesque on the south side of the Priory tower, while the White-tailed Eagle pair arrived at 13:00 but chose not to linger due to the high water.

This seemingly long-winged Wheatear was on Crouch Hill yesterday and the day previous. Assuming the apparent wing length isn’t a trick of the lens, it’s a good bet this bird may have already crossed the Atlantic on its way back to Africa. Just the Sahara to go now!

On a reasonable day of weather, A Yellow-browed Warbler was heard a few times on Wick, this morning, when there were at least 30 Chiffchaff active – with the site-wide total reckoned to be approaching around a hundred; with other birds in bushes on Hengistbury including singles of late Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest and 3 Firecrest. Meanwhile, there was a reasonable finch movement to the west, including: 430 Linnet, 160 Goldfinch, 46 Chaffinch, 26 Siskin, 2 Redpoll and a Brambling; along with 75 Meadow Pipit, 35 Pied Wagtail and 12 Swallow; plus 6 Song Thrush incoming. At sea, an adult Little Gull passed, as did a few auks; while the early roost flight contained a Glossy Ibis – one later seen on East Marsh – and 6 Cattle Egret. Rounding things off: the overhead passage carried 2 Merlin with it; a Peregrine was about; and a White-tailed Eagle arrived at 14:00 and settled on Blackberry Point.

Turnstone – Peter Corbin

On a blustery and sometimes wet day, nearly all the news is from the sea. A total of 31 Common Scoter was logged – all but five to the east – along with, in the opposite direction, a single Red-throated Diver, 2 Mediterranean Gull and 3 auks. Meanwhile, around 20 Gannet lingered, as did up to 5 Sandwich Tern. Otherwise, it just twenty or so Cattle Egret in the roost to mention.

Although not as numerous as last year, there is still a reasonable presence of Chiffchaff each day – Dave Miller

…but it’s been another concerningly poor return migration of Wheatear

On a clear morning, the first Redwing of the season was close to the Pod, before heading off inland. Over at Hengistbury, despite there having been four days of unsuitable conditions for movement, the hoped-for release of birds didn’t really happen. In what is best described as a light passage, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Goldfinch, Siskin, Redpoll, Swallow, Skylark and Song Thrush featured in quite modest numbers. Meanwhile, the photographed Wheatear was on Crouch Hill and Chiffchaff were scattered across the site. It’s been remarked that Teal and, indeed, Brent Goose are both late arriving for the winter – although the former saw a slight increase to around twenty and three ‘brents’ circled; with the best of the waders coming from: 7 Knot, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, and 12 Black-tailed Godwit, all around Stanpit Bight. A Glossy Ibis was on East Marsh, during the morning, and one was on Priory Marsh, at dusk, when 12 Cattle Egret went to roost. To finish, a Marsh Harrier passed over high and a Peregrine was on the Priory.

We finally have some information about the colour-ringed Curlew that was first seen at the end of August and was still present yesterday. It was ringed, presumably as a juvenile, as part of the Duke of Norfolk’s reintroduction scheme, at Peppering in West Sussex – Louise Powell-Hills. More details of the project here… 

Rain for much of the morning limited field activity to some degree, but a venture onto Stanpit did produce a notable sight of an 18-strong flock of Golden Plover – always a good bird here – heading west over Crouch Hill; as well as 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 33 Ringed Plover. Meanwhile, a Glossy Ibis was seen throughout the day on both South Marsh and East Marsh.

There was more early fog, so it was a little late before people really got out there – with all the news coming from Stanpit. Around the Bight, there was a nice count of 12 Bar-tailed Godwit, along with 6 Black-tailed Godwit, with wildfowl interest there headed by 4 Tufted Duck. A late Yellow Wagtail was the best of a modest presence of migrant passerines, which also included a Firecrest; with a Treecreeper also being logged. Meanwhile, the Glossy Ibis was seen about East Marsh and North Marsh, and a Kingfisher was along Fisherman’s Bank. A Marsh Harrier and a Red Kite overflew; while the White-tailed Eagle show commenced at 09:00, the male of the pair arriving and fishing, but not joined by his mate until 12:30 – they both left at 13:45 – although a single bird was back on Blackberry Point around thirty minutes later, remaining for an hour or so.

Early morning fog, which persisted until gone 09:00, made for a pretty dismal start. After things cleared, however, there was a modicum of movement: during a 45-minute spell from 09:45, around 250 Swallow passed south-east over Hengistbury; while, in a similar period, 20 House Martin and 80 Meadow Pipit were logged at Stanpit. Chiffchaff dominated in the bushes – a site-wide total in excess of fifty, plus 4 Blackcap and a gathering of 50 Linnet in the Barn Field. The pick of the wildfowl was another Pochard, a drake and, by the author’s reckoning, the third of the season, which is pretty good nowadays, was seen – heading north up the river; with the best of waders about the marsh coming from: 2 Grey Plover, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Black-tailed Godwit. Glossy Ibis sightings occurred throughout the day, from around Stanpit, at one point being spooked by the eagles, along with 3 Great White Egret – this by Crouch Hill. Before the raptor wrap-up, Cattle Egret are no longer always mentioned, but there does seem to be three which are faithful to Wick Water Meadows, where the day’s only Kingfisher was recorded. A Buzzed and female-type Marsh Harrier passed over the Harbour, during the morning; when the White-tailed Eagle pair arrived around 09:30 and stayed until just after 16:00 – feeding well – with recent prey looking to include a type of mullet, Flounder and Eel.

On-the-ground Woodlark are nearly always, if not always, associated with extreme cold weather, but the early morning fog was responsible for this one on Crouch Hill – Adrian Simmons

The decked Meadow Pipit in the same area were attracting the attention of this Sparrowhawk – Adrian Simmons (upper) & Alan Crockard

…and the incumbent Peregrine on the Priory is unringed – Paul Dore

All the news is from Stanpit, where the early, dense fog resulted in the photographed Woodlark, around 20 Meadow Pipit and a couple of Pied Wagtail being stranded on Crouch Hill – all of which left as soon as the conditions cleared. Meanwhile, waders in or around Stanpit Bight included 2 Grey Plover and at least 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, as well as a very distant and equally brief Little Stint. Before moving to the raptor news, the southern embankment of Riversmeet Meadow hosted thirty or so Chiffchaff, with regular sightings of the Glossy Ibis coming from South Marsh, East Marsh and Priory Marsh, and a Tawny Owl was heard from the car park. To finish: a female-type Marsh Harrier was about the north of the area; the Peregrine from the Priory pursued Lapwing, unsuccessfully; a Buzzard passed over; and, for some reason best known to them, the White-tailed Eagle pair visited individually – he emerged from the mist, already on Blackberry Point, at 09:00, then caught a Flounder and a couple of small Eel before heading off at 13:00 – some time after that, she slipped in unnoticed but was seen to leave at 14:30. Moving to mammals – a Grey Seal was off Mudeford Quay, around 17:30.

This drake Wigeon with a colour ring, but seemingly no metal ring, was photographed a couple of days ago. After some discussion, the feeling is the plastic ring was probably put on to mark the bird in a wildfowl collection. As such, this likely explains the summering bird we had – i.e., it was an escapee from captivity that had no migratory urge, rather than a wild individual that was unable to undertake a reasonably long-distance migration – Adrian Simmons

Starting with mammals – an Otter casually trotted from Parky Meade Rail to Central Marsh, around 07:45, barely yards in front of the observer. Moving to birds and although the morning’s migration over Hengistbury was light, there were a couple of highlights: a Lapland Bunting passed west and a Woodlark headed off along the sandspit after circling the end of the Head; with a single Brent Goose passing at sea. Earlier, the dawn roost flight of Cattle Egret numbered seventeen birds; while at least one Glossy Ibis, but probably two, were around Stanpit – one favours the North/East Marsh area, the other Priory Marsh. Around Stanpit Bight, in addition to around a mixture of around fifty Ringed Plover and Dunlin, an increase from the last few days, there were 2 Grey Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and at least 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Meanwhile, a minimum of two, but maybe four, Kingfisher were along Fisherman’s Bank. The only Osprey was a high, southbound bird and the 2 White-tailed Eagle came at 08:30 and spent at least two hours on Blackberry Point – from where they were occasionally catching Eel, as well as regularly terrorising Grey Heron and Cormorant.

There are a couple of notables to start the post: a Green Woodpecker, once commonplace, but in less than a decade a rarity, was on Ashtree Meadows; while the first returning Brent Goose – a skein of five – passed west over the Barn Field. The early part of the morning saw some decent visible-migration numbers, the period from 07.10 to 8:30 yielding: 1200 Meadow Pipit, 230 Swallow, the same for Linnet, 80 Pied Wagtail, 20 Goldfinch, 10 Chaffinch, a late Sand Martin and a Grey Wagtail, all the west. It seems likely there were more, however, as it was remarked the passage was continuing when the observer had to leave. Meanwhile, on the deck, there was another good presence of Chiffchaff – forty and a dozen estimated from Wick and Priory Marsh respectively – but, with no reports from Hengistbury, it’s reasonable to assume there were far more across the area; also, a couple of Blackcap and a cameo Yellow-browed Warbler by the Wooden Bridge. The migrant waders continue to dwindle – just the ‘North Marsh’ Whimbrel, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin at Stanpit, although 118 Redshank was a good count. Also, on the marsh, a single Common Gull. Wrapping up, an Osprey was about at some point in the afternoon, when the White-tailed Eagle pair arrived at 14:00 and settled on Blackberry Point, leaving some time prior to 16:30.

Update: after singles of Glossy Ibis were seen on North Marsh and Priory Marsh, two went to roost this evening, along with 16 Cattle Egret.

The ‘North Marsh’ Whimbrel has been frequenting that area for around two weeks now – David Faulkner

Kingfisher – Dave Miller

Although migration was light this morning, a Ring Ouzel was seen coming in off the sea over the top of Hengistbury, which experienced an unenthusiastic movement of Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Linnet, Reed Bunting and Swallow, plus a single Grey Wagtail. On the ground, Chiffchaff were conspicuous across Wick and the Head – in excess of three figures would seem reasonable – along with a Whitethroat, a handful of Blackcap and 6 Firecrest. Heron types were again well represented: the Glossy Ibis frequenting the North Marsh area; a Great White Egret descended in from the north with 4 Grey Heron; and 21 Cattle Egret exploded from the roost at 07:00 prompt. As is often the case, the following day’s post contradicts a seemingly sage observation from the previous – in this instance, the sea, where a sizeable feeding flock of gulls attracted up to 10 Gannet and a drake Common Scoter was settled just off the Long Groyne. Waders continue to be relatively sparse, but at least one Whimbrel, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, around 30 Black-tailed Godwit and the colour-ringed Curlew, all at Stanpit, were decent consolation. To finish: the photographed Kingfisher was by the Noddy Train Terminus and the raptors went something like this: a Peregrine on the Priory; Osprey at 10:00, 11:30 and 13:00; and the White-tailed Eagle pair arrived at 13:45 and stayed until 16:15, when the flood tide covered Blackberry Point.

Male Migrant Hawker dragonfly – this species is traditionally one of the last to be on the wing – Peter Boardman

Little Grebe – Alan Crockard

Glossy Ibis – Roger Tidball

A day of very light news. At Stanpit, Glossy Ibis were seen on North Marsh and Priory Marsh – it’s not certain whether both instances relate to the same individual, however. Meanwhile, there were around 30 Chiffchaff across the Wick Fields. Some may have noticed, for the last few days there have been no reports from the sea – the reason being it is near devoid of birds; while, the only large raptor for the post is an eastbound Buzzard.

Grey Plover – Adrian Simmons

…and a Sparrowhawk taking stock after repeatedly failing to catch any of the Meadow Pipit passing over Hengistbury – Matt Doyle

There was another Yellow-browed Warbler today – this time, by the bench on the Wick central path, during the morning; but not located on subsequent visits. Meanwhile, around 30 Chiffchaff and 7 Blackcap were scattered around the No Dogs Field; with a further 20 ‘chiffs’ on Hengistbury as well as 2 Firecrest. After some speculation yesterday, a couple of Glossy Ibis, at least, were confirmed – two on East Marsh for a period; with a single bird frequenting North Marsh at different time. The only other news of settled birds, however, is the photographed Grey Plover in Stanpit Bight. Visible migration over the Head was dominated by Meadow Pipit – 454 in a two-hour count – along with 100 Linnet, 78 Swallow, 57 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail and a House Martin. Wrapping up with the raptors, the day’s only Osprey encounter came at 11:00 and a White-tailed Eagle passed west at 11:45.

Glossy Ibis – Dave Miller

The not-quite-right looking Razorbill – Dave Miller

An afternoon visit to Hengistbury that produced 9 Firecrest suggested something of an influx; while a trip from Solent Meads to the Wood, returning through Wick, yielded 35 Chiffchaff and 12 Blackcap, with 4 Wheatear on the Barn Field and a further two on Crouch Hill. Earlier, there was a report of a Yellow-browed Warbler at the eastern end of the Head – but with no details. Meanwhile, the Glossy Ibis, assuming it is just the one bird, put in settled appearances at Holloway’s Dock, East Marsh and Barn Bight; and a Great White Egret passed south through the area. Gull interest is currently minimal, so an adult and 1cy Common Gull south west through the Harbour and four adult Mediterranean Gull on South Marsh were welcome; also, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit in Stanpit Bight. The Razorbill was off the inner shore of the sandspit, between the Black House and the Beach House café; with just two Osprey visits noted – at 12:00 and 14:45. To finish, a Weasel was seen on Crouch Hill.

Shoveler

Peregrine with three Oystercatcher and a single Black-tailed Godwit – Rich Moore

Glossy Ibis and a couple of Little Egret

Although normally associated with a northerly, as opposed to a direct southerly, wind – there was a small arrival of wildfowl today. The undoubted highlight was a Pochard – nowadays a species that is barely annual – at Stanpit, where three each of Pintail and Shoveler, 6 Gadwall and 128 Wigeon were counted; along with 307 Coot. Meanwhile, the Glossy Ibis was around for most of the day and seeming to favour Central Marsh. Despite the wader numbers generally dwindling, there was a nice total of 9 Bar-tailed Godwit at Stanpit, as well as the ‘North Marsh’ Whimbrel, a Grey Plover, a Common Sandpiper and 7 Black-tailed Godwit. The stiff breeze made it difficult to encounter small birds, but an all-day movement of small parties of Swallow was noted and, rather bizarrely, a Blackcap was in sub-song on Fisherman’s Bank. Before the bird-of-prey routine, a Razorbill was ridiculously close in to Mudeford Quay, as it fed in the Run, and a Kingfisher whizzed around the aforementioned bank. The standout raptor was a female-type Merlin that came high across the Harbour in thrush-impersonation mode, before stooping down to mix it with the birds on South Marsh. Peregrine and Kestrel were two more falcons recorded, with Sparrowhawk seen a number of times. Rather surprisingly given the weather, all the Osprey visits were successful and came at 09:00, 11:00, 15:00 and 15:30.

The BCP Raptor Watch, assisted by CHOG, was treated to the pair of White-tailed Eagle, multiple Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Red Kite. Some great photos can be seen on Facebook Groups: CHOG.org.uk and White Tailed Eagles and Raptors of Christchurch Harbour – Rich Moore

Glossy Ibis – Adam Ord

House Sparrow – Linda Morris

Water Rail – Paul Thomas

Although the high-profile raptors grabbed most of the attention, small passerines were also an overhead feature – frequent calls of Skylark, along with less from Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Swallow – heard during the morning from Crouch Hill. Grounded migrants were sparse, but did include a Willow Warbler, amongst the Chiffchaff, as well as a handful of Whitethroat and Blackcap, and a couple of Wheatear. Around 10:30, the photographed Glossy Ibis arrived from inland, having being seen just north of Christchurch; then spent much of the afternoon on East Marsh, before going on a little tour. Also, a Great White Egret over Wick. Meanwhile, the waders at Stanpit were headed by 5 Grey Plover, a Whimbrel on North Marsh, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and the colour-tagged Curlew. Wrapping up the water birds: it was nice to see the Wigeon now number at least seventy-five, although more may have left to spend the day in the Avon Valley, likewise, 2 Shoveler; and an adult Mediterranean Gull was logged. To finish: Marsh Harrier were around at 09:30 and 15:45; a juvenile Peregrine seemed settled on the Priory; a Red Kite was over Stanpit Creek; the White-tailed Eagle pair arrived at 09:30 and spent at least ninety minutes, but likely longer, on East Marsh; and Osprey came at: 10:15 – that bird not fishing and lost to view as it gained height ahead of a Channel crossing, 10:30, with a second bird fifteen minutes later; 12:00 and 13:30. A final note: this site doesn’t routinely mention disturbance, but it did seem that kayakers inside the yellow buoys around Stanpit Bight were particularly conspicuous today.

A handful of the thousands of House Martin which passed through the area today – Dave Miller

Spoonbill – Dave Miller

House Martin were the feature of the morning – prior to 10:00 large groups were milling or steadily moving west, along with a few Swallow; then, birds started to stream west – a sample count of 2000 in half an hour. What happened after that, however, we will never know as the observer had to leave. Also, a couple of Tree Pipit, plus very small numbers of Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch and Reed Bunting, on their travels. Meanwhile, 2 Spotted Flycatcher – on the eastern Batters and in the Stunted Oaks – around 15 Chiffchaff and up to 80 Meadow Pipit were settled about Hengistbury. Before moving to the raptors, in keeping with the last few days there was a presence of Spoonbill – three arriving from the east, circling and then coming down on the saltmarsh adjacent to Holloway’s Dock; a Great White Egret was in Stanpit Creek; and 6 Rook were with 2 Raven and 25 Carrion Crow on the Barn Field, early on. The White-tailed Eagle pair arrived at 11:30 and spent then next two and a half hours around Stanpit Bight, where they fed on a fish; Osprey visited at 10:30, 15:30 and 16:00; and a Peregrine went over at 17:30. A final and hopefully not too sobering note about House Martin; although today’s spectacle would have been impressive, it’s within the lifetime of this website, a little over twenty-five years, that five-figure counts were ‘just expected.’

Great White Egret taking flight over the Beach Huts – David Faulkner

An overnight weather front brought a cooler air mass down from the subpolar North Atlantic and Arctic regions, with the associated “push” from the north heralding the first Short-eared Owl sighting of the autumn over Wick Meadows this morning. The bird subsequently continued north towards the Avon Valley. The arrival of colder air also appeared to favour wildfowl, with just over 100 Wigeon and a handful of Teal, with Canada Geese topping the count with 113 birds. Heading in the opposite direction, and presumably continuing their journeys south to escape the advancing cold, several migrants were recorded. A Grasshopper Warbler was found holding up on Long Field, while a single Wheatear was noted on Stanpit Recreation Ground, with a further two on Crouch Hill. Other migrants included 37 Chiffchaff, five Blackcap, two Firecrest, a Yellow Wagtail and 57 Meadow Pipit. Linnet once again topped the passerine numbers, with over 130 birds recorded. Two Osprey were back in the harbour today following yesterday’s absence, although how much longer they remain before heading off to warmer climes remains to be seen. The Spoonbill count increased to four birds, which settled briefly on Blackberry Point, while a Great White Egret was also recorded in the area.

Bar-tailed Godwit in Holloway’s Dock – Dave Miller

Sparrowhawk circling the Harbour – Dave Miller

Today heralded the start of autumn and, after yesterday’s onslaught of passerines, it was relatively quiet in the area today, with autumn still not quite ready to deliver the goods. Another clear blue sky enveloped the harbour once more, but nonetheless there was still plenty to see. Firecrest were perhaps the highlight, with a good total of thirteen birds recorded, along with both Grey Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail. Meadow Pipit numbers were down from yesterday, with around forty birds present, while Linnets topped the numbers with an impressive eighty-two counted. Chiffchaff and House Martin numbers were also lower today, with thirty-six and thirty respectively. Two Spotted Flycatcher were a particularly nice find on Stanpit. Away from the passerines, two Bar-tailed Godwit were photographed in Holloway’s Dock, while 32 Mediterranean Gulls were recorded past the Gully. Last, but certainly not least, a good-sized flock of 30 Cattle Egret was seen feeding amongst the cattle on Wick Fields, while yesterday’s Spoonbill was still about.

Stonechat close to the Visitor Centre – Alan Crockard

The juvenile Honey Buzzard from Sunday – Scott Terrell

Although today was the final day of astronomical summer, the weather certainly didn’t suggest it. A dawn of clear skies soon gave way to a flood of activity throughout the harbour, with plenty of signs of visible migration (vismig) noted during the morning. Good numbers of hirundines were on the move, with House Martin particularly prominent and seemingly everywhere. Chiffchaff were recorded in impressive numbers, with over 200 birds noted throughout the area, accompanied by similar numbers of Meadow Pipit. Among the other migrants recorded were 16 Skylark and 17 Blackcap. Early on, a Glossy Ibis emerged over the harbour before later being picked up at Holloways Dock. Shortly afterwards, an unusual sight of a siege of 18 Grey Heron appeared to arrive from the east, continuing westwards over Hengistbury Head. Adding to the long-billed theme, a Spoonbill was a welcome sight on South Marsh before later being seen in Siller’s Channel. Waders were rather thin on the ground, with Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe the only species noted, although a few Curlew seem to remain on site. Among the gulls, a small flock of six Mediterranean Gull provided the highlight. Wigeon numbers have increased slightly, a sign of things to come, with 30 recorded, along with four Shoveler. Osprey continue to favour the harbour as a fishing ground, with two birds seen hunting today. To finish, good numbers of Clouded Yellow butterfly were noted throughout the area, with around twenty-five recorded.

A footnote to Sunday’s sightings: the Buzzard photographed and initially identified has now been re-identified as a Honey Buzzard, following examination of video footage. A still from the footage confirming the identification is published above.

This great year for Clouded Yellow butterfly just keeps going – during the warmer parts of the day, right across the area, barely five minutes pass without an encounter – Peter Boardman

The highlight of the day was a Yellowhammer – usually only one or two records a year – over Wick during the late afternoon; while the morning’s visible-migration included ‘hundreds’ of House Martin milling over there and a two-hour spell on Hengistbury produced: 170 Meadow Pipit, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 7 Pied Wagtail and 45 Linnet. In addition, a Redstart and a Willow Warbler were in the Salt Hurns Scrub, plus a couple more of the latter on Wick, singles of Spotted Flycatcher were on either side of the area, 5 Wheatear were across the site, and a Firecrest and Nuthatch were in the Wood. Also early on, a Spoonbill headed west and 18 Cattle Egret came out of the roost. The bright sunlight made wader viewing difficult, but a Knot, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and over 20 Black-tailed Godwit were around throughout, as was the colour-tagged Curlew. Moving to wildfowl and Wigeon may now be starting to arrive – around thirty were reckoned at the start of the day – but the evening saw another twenty or so drop in, along with 9 Teal. It’s been another busy day of raptors: a Marsh Harrier, thought to be a young male, was again low over the water and scaring Coot; a couple of juvenile Peregrine were around on and off; a trio of Buzzard kettled over the centre of the area; and the Osprey performance went as so: 09:15 a two-bird arrival, 10:45, 11:30, 15:00 and 17:15 – on each occasion successful.

Some local juveniles – Honey Buzzard in the top shot and Peregrine – are starting to mix it with Osprey – Rich Moore (upper)

…and the platforms in Holloway’s Dock are becoming a favourite for Kingfisher – Dave Miller

There was a definite movement of Meadow Pipit, most heavy during the morning when 596 were counted in three hours over Hengistbury, but odd birds were still travelling on a broad front as late as 16:30. Also on the move were hirundines – 204 House Martin, 51 Sand Martin and 12 Swallow, in the mentioned period over the Head – with a trickle of the latter noticeable throughout; plus single figures of Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and Pied Wagtail. Sticking on the visible-migration theme, 54 Linnet over Hengistbury could be the start of the finch passage – always a highlight of the year. Settled migrants were not as numerous, however, but did include returns of 2 Willow Warbler, one in song, on Wick, 37 Chiffchaff spread across the southern side of the area, a couple of Wheatear on Crouch Hill, where up to 70 Linnet flocked, and a Firecrest in the Wood. A quick look at the sea produced 4 Common Scoter to the east, as well as 40 Ringed Plover and 20 Dunlin in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, inside the Harbour, the pick of the waders was a Knot, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper. Now the raptors: a female-type Marsh Harrier appeared from high and then went uncharacteristically low to the water, before heading inland: as the photos show, two different ‘mullet hawks’ attracted the attention of a Honey Buzzard and Peregrine respectively; Osprey visited at 10:00 as two birds, 12:30 and 16:00; and 2 White-tailed Eagle came in from high north at 11:30 and settled for around two hours.

A brisk south-westerly did nothing for the Members’ Day ringing demonstration – unfortunately, no birds caught at all; but a big thanks to Ed Brett for his improvisation. As a result of the wind, the sea was watched from the Gully morning and afternoon. The early session came up with 28 Sandwich Tern, a Guillemot, 25 auk sp. and a Sanderling; with the later stint providing an adult Little Gull, 21 Sandwich Tern, 3 auk sp., 71 Ringed Plover and 50 Dunlin. As would be expected in the conditions, migrant passerines were hard to find, but did include a very light Meadow Pipit passage, along with a single Yellow Wagtail; as well as 6 Firecrest, a Wheatear and 10 Chiffchaff, all settled on Hengistbury. Around 11:30, there was the strange sight of a juvenile Cattle Egret feeding right alongside the path at the eastern end of the Salt Hurn and, at one point, catching a Clouded Yellow butterfly. Sticking with butterflies, at least 2 Wall Brown were on the Head – still a scarce species here. Wrapping up the post, Osprey continue to visit – 08:45 and 16:15 being the times today.