Sightings for the current month
June 3rd
Rose–coloured Starling - Chris Chapleo
Kestrel – Joy Aubin
Late in the morning, CHOG’s second-ever, but first adult, Rose-coloured Starling was found on Solent Meads golf course. It soon disappeared, however; but this evening has been seen from roads south of the eastern end of The Broadway, outside of the recording area. Also during the morning a Black Tern was seen amongst feeding Swift over Wick. A skein of 8 Egyptian Goose that was seen to arrive over Whitepits, then spent the rest of the day at Stanpit.
CANCELLED
Our two Outdoor Meetings planned for June are, unfortunately, now off. We are, however, looking to extend our programme of Virtual Meetings.
Barn Owl Camera
There are now three surviving chicks in our box, with some adult dramas happening on most nights. Video clips are being posted frequently on our Facebook page.
Message from the Trustees
All information carried on the website is resulting from activities in accordance with current government restrictions.
Tides June 4th: H00:35 | L04:20 | H09:25 | H13:00 | L16:40 | H21:45
June 2nd
Grey Heron – Clinton Whale
On what was a very warm day, a couple of Crossbill headed east over Stanpit in the morning, when three female-type Pintail were present as well as a Whimbrel and the Wigeon. During the late afternoon, 2 Avocet were around Stanpit Bight, along with: 3 Mediterranean Gull – a second-summer and an adult pair, a Redshank and a Curlew, but just one Brent Goose. A Cuckoo sang throughout from various spots on the west side of the River.
Tides June 3rd: L03:25 | H08:40 | H12:10 | L15:50 | H21:00 |
June 1st
A northbound Grey Plover circuited Stanpit for a few minutes this evening, but didn’t appear to settle, while a Cuckoo sang from over on Wick. Also on the marsh, a single Barnacle Goose, 2 Brent Goose, the drake Wigeon and the pair of Gadwall.
May 31st
The only news for the day is of 14 Lapwing and the 2 Brent Goose at Stanpit; but there is an Oystercatcher update of mixed fortunes. All the eggs in the original nest have gone, but the pair are still present and acting territorially – so almost certain to be planning another attempt. On the upside, a recently discovered, further nest, also at Stanpit, has three eggs in it!
May 30th
Shelduck – Clinton Whale
The morning at Stanpit saw: singles of Ringed Plover and Curlew; the Wigeon, the 2 Brent Goose, a Gadwall and a pair of Shoveler; as well as 2 Mediterranean Gull over. In the early evening, however, there had been a clear arrival of Shoveler there – 12 birds, four of them drakes – when 4 Mediterranean Gull passed over to the west.
May 29th
Shelduck – Clinton Whale
From Fisherman’s Bank this morning, a single Grey Plover and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit were logged; as well as a Gadwall, the drake Wigeon and 2 Brent Goose. A pair of Mediterranean Gull headed west; while, this afternoon, a trio comprising each of the currently available plumages was over Stanpit car park. The breeding news involves: confirmation there is a second pair of Oystercatcher – on East Marsh; the Shelduck were again ten and three; and there were five recently fledged Long-tailed Tit in the North Scrubs.
May 28th
Brent Goose – Clinton Whale
A Purple Heron flew north over the area this morning, being mobbed by gulls and corvids as it did so. Meanwhile, there were some interesting records on the ground, including: a couple of Willow Warbler in song on Hengistbury, as well as a male Wheatear there; plus an adult and juvenile Treecreeper, so once again confirming breeding by this recent coloniser. The Barnacle Goose intrigue of yesterday continued, with a single bird in Stanpit Creek; while the 2 Brent Goose were on the Flats, a pair of Shoveler stopped briefly, the drake Wigeon is edging towards June, and 10+3 Shelducklings were logged. At sea, a total of 14 Common Tern headed east, as did 33 Sandwich Tern, with 15 Common Scoter passing in the opposite direction. This evening, the Oystercatcher pair were still reassuringly in attendance at the nest-site.
May 27th
Mallard – Clinton Whale
The news of the day is of four, just-fledged Firecrest this morning, when a skein of 35 Barnacle Goose flew and a Fulmar flew through the harbour. Meanwhile, the waders at Stanpit included: 3 Grey Plover, 3 Greenshank, 10 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and a Curlew; along with two, still-intact Oystercatcher eggs! Later in the day, a Spotted Flycatcher was on the Long Field and 2 Reed Warbler were singing softly from the Batters - where there are no reeds - so potentially late arrivees. There was a seemingly new brood of Shelduck – three just-hatched ducklings – to complement the existing which are now thought to number ten and two, and the Cuckoo sang this afternoon. Finishing off, the Wigeon and 2 Brent Goose remain.
May 26th
On another glorious day, a first-calendar-year Golden Oriole was seen briefly in flight at Wick. Otherwise, all the other news is from Stanpit, where: 2 Bar-tailed Godwit stopped for a short time; 5 Ringed Plover were with a couple of Dunlin; and 2 Redshank were also present. As ever, there was the drake Wigeon, but today just 2 Brent Goose.
May 25th
The warmest day of the season so far saw a scatter of northbound waders early on, most of which went straight through and comprised: a Little Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Sanderling, 19 Ringed Plover – of which eleven settled, a Dunlin and 2 Turnstone. Conversely, a Curlew, 2 Redshank and 6 Lapwing were presumed to be on their way back after some early breeding failures. Also during the morning, at Stanpit, a Little Tern briefly, a third-calendar-year Mediterranean Gull, the Wigeon and the 3 Brent Goose. This evening, a couple of Spotted Flycatcher were on the Long Field and the first fledged Blackcap were out, while the summer herd of Mute Swan numbered 254. Today was perhaps the busiest the harbour waters have ever been, so it’s pleasing to report that at 6:00 tonight the Oystercatcher nest seemed to be intact and had even enjoyed some Bank Holiday DIY – the two eggs with freshly placed pebbles around them, so making them even more cryptic.
May 24th
Sanderling – Clinton Whale
Sand Martin – Clinton Whale
For the fifth year in succession, this pair of Mute Swan have produced some 'polish' cygnets – the paler ones. Look out for them from the paths to Mudeford Quay - Tony Clarke
May 23rd
Great Spotted Woodpecker – Alan Crockard
As the post is being written, news is coming in of Manx Shearwater moving off Hengistbury – more details on those will follow tomorrow. The gusting south-westerly put most people off this morning, but there are still some snippets of interest. A female Goosander was on the River , when at least 15 Sanderling were on the beaches. In the Wood, a Spotted Flycatcher was in the Stunted Oaks, a Firecrest was near by and a male Bullfinch was on the Long Field. To finish, a duck Gadwall was by the Wooden Bridge.
May 22nd
Sandwich Tern – Clinton Whale
Brent Goose – Clinton Whale
A strong south-westerly that gathered strength overnight gave rise to some seawatching this morning. From Mudeford Quay, a petrel, which given the date and conditions must surely have been a ‘stormie’, was glimpsed on a couple of occasions; while a Red-throated diver moved west. The best from the Beach Huts was a Great Skua west, but also: 4 Fulmar, 4 Kittiwake, around 25 Gannet, a first-summer Mediterranean Gull, 18 Guillemot and six unidentified auks. Meanwhile, fly-past waders included: a Whimbrel, 23 Sanderling, 8 Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin east and 19 Black-tailed Godwit north; with a further 12 Sanderling settled. Finishing with the water, a couple of Swift and 8 House Martin were seen coming in over it. Of breeding interest, five cygnets have now hatched from the nest on Stanpit Creek, but of more significance is another active Oystercatcher attempt – this time at Stanpit; the first time in over 50 years! After being informed by CHOG, BCP Council have acted quickly and a rope fence is already in place, with signage going up tomorrow. If you are out on the marsh and see people approaching too closely, to an area that is already out of bounds, please do speak to them and let them know what is going on. Please do be courteous, however, as most will be unaware they are causing some disturbance.
May 21st
Ringed Plover – C;inton Whale
A fine–looking, male Linnet – Leo Pyke
Whimbrel – Clinton Whale
Reed Bunting – Jackie Smith
The two, late-moving, photographed Ringed Plover were in Holloway’s Dock this morning, along with 5 Dunlin, while a Whimbrel was on the sandspit. Later in the day, a Spotted Redshank dropped in from ahigh and seemed to come down around the mud adjacent to the Christchurch Harbour Hotel. At Stanpit, there was an eclectic-for-the-date mix of wildfowl – the drake Wigeon was joined by a single duck as well as a Pintail of the same gender, and the Brent Goose gaggle swelled to a total of 6 birds. Rounding up, the calls of Mediterranean Gull could be occasionally heard, likewise the song of Cuckoo, and a male Bullfinch was by the Wooden Bridge.
May 20th
Sedge Warbler – Jackie Smith
It was even warmer today, when the morning saw 4 Spotted Flycatcher by the Wooden Bridge on Wick, where a male Bullfinch was also loitering. Once again, the sandspit produced the lion’s share of the travelling waders; namely: 21 Sanderling, 7 Ringed Plover and a Turnstone, all settled; while a Curlew arrived high from the east, so perhaps may have given up already; also checking-in in similar fashion was a Grey Heron and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull. Meanwhile, inside the harbour, a Whimbrel and 5 Ringed Plover were logged. The recent lifting of some restrictions has enabled a modicum of breeding-bird surveying to get underway. The most notable from the early estimates being: 5 Sedge Warbler in the HHC reedbed alone, which is a significant number nowadays; a potential 43 Sand Martin burrows; and up to 5 Rock Pipit on the head. Elsewhere, the Stanpit Shelduck broods now stand at ten and one.
May 19th
Greenfinch – Roger Tidball
It was another very warm day, which saw 2 Hobby over Wick in the morning, when there were also 3 Common Sandpiper and a Spotted Flycatcher in that area. The only migrant waders were seen very early on – 4 Sanderling and a single Ringed Plover on the sandspit. Rounding up, the Cuckoo was again about Stanpit, where the drake Wigeon and the 3 Brent Goose edge towards the summer.
May 18th
A very early morning visit to Stanpit, commencing just before 5:30, saw small flocks of waders dropping in; but most very briefly. These comprised a Sanderling, 21 Ringed Plover – groups of ten, four, three, three and one, 11 Dunlin – five, three, two and one, and 3 Turnstone – two and one. Later, singles of Common Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit were more settled. Before moving elsewhere, a Spotted Flycatcher, the Cuckoo, the 3 Brent Goose, the drake Wigeon and the pair of Gadwall were also about the marsh. Meanwhile, a further 3 Spotted Flycatcher were on Wick, by the Wooden Bridge, where there was also a male Wheatear and 2 House Martin. Finally, a strange record for the date was a party of 8 Lapwing moving west.
May 17th
The only news from another day of fantastic weather comes from Stanpit, where, this evening, there were 10 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin; as well as the Cuckoo and the 3 Brent Goose
May 16th
Spotted Flycatcher – Alan Crockard
Green Hairstreak – Chris Chapleo
A couple of Spotted Flycatcher were seen this morning – one on Wick and one behind the Nursery = while and the Cuckoo again sang. The only wader news is from the sandspit, which hosted 5 Sanderling and a couple of Dunlin; with 2 Common Tern and 12 Common Scoter passing east. A female Bullfinch was by the HHC, at least 3 Bearded Tit were about and the first Sedge Warbler hatch has fledged.
May 15th
Dartford Warbler immediately adjacent to a public footpath – Clinton Whale
Other than a fledge of 4 Dartford Warbler on Hengistbury, all the news is from Stanpit, where: a male Wheatear, so no doubt Atlantic bound, was on Crouch Hill, a Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel were on East Marsh, and the 3 Brent Goose remain.
May 14th
Green Hairstreak – Clinton Whale
The resident Cuckoo was vocal at various times of the day, which saw a good number of Whimbrel at Stanpit – twenty-four being the maximum return; as well as 2 Grey Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Dunlin. The now, open-again Mudeford Quay saw a Little Tern and 3 Common Tern offshore, while the 3 Brent Goose and the Gadwall pair were again about the marsh, where 14 shelducklings – 11 and 3 – remain.
May 13th
Recently fledged Stonechat – Clinton Whale
Whitethroat – Roger Tidball
There were a few more waders stopping-off from their travels to the Arctic, or close to, today at Stanpit, including: a Grey Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, at least 6 Whimbrel, a minimum of 7 Ringed Plover, a Dunlin and a Turnstone; while the 3 Brent Goose and the drake Wigeon remained. Meanwhile, 3 Sanderling travelled east past Hengistbury, with singles of Siskin and Yellow Wagtail, plus 4 Swift, passing over. A seawatch produced 33 Common Scoter, 25 Gannet and an auk towards the Solent, plus fifty-five milling Sandwich Tern. The concluding miscellany comprises: the singing Cuckoo; an adult Mediterranean Gull on East Marsh; a Tufted Duck circuiting the area; and a male Bullfinch by the Viewing Platform on Wick.
May 12th
On a day that was far more pleasant than perhaps forecast, a Red Kite passed north over the area just after 8:00 this morning. Also passing over were at least four tardy, adult Mediterranean Gull on their journey east. Meanwhile, the settled birds inside the harbour included: 3 Whimbrel, the 3 Brent Goose, now just the drake Wigeon and a second brood of Shelduck bringing the count to twenty-six adults and nineteen juveniles.
May 11th
Ringed Plover – Clinton Whale
Dunlin – Clinton Whale
No doubt due to the blasting, north-easterly wind, the only reports relate to the two photographed birds. From a point of complete ignorance, any comments as to whether the Ringed Plover maybe a tundrae bird would be very welcome. Please email secretary@CHOG.org.uk if you have a view.
May 10th
The only news for the day, which ended up bitterly cold in a strong, easterly wind comes from the morning at Hengistbury, when: a Firecrest sang in the Wood; 25 Common Scoter passed west; and a Great Crested Grebe was in Barn Bight.
May 9th
Great Spotted Woodpecker – Alan Crockard
Reed Warbler – Jackie Smith
A couple of Red Kite were seen from Stanpit this morning, where a Cuckoo was in the North Scrubs. Later in the day, 2 Yellow Wagtail were settled by Mother Siller’s Channel, while Stanpit Bight held a single Whimbrel and around 20 Ringed Plover. The 3 Brent Goose are still on East Marsh, as were the pair of Wigeon.
May 8th
The only reports from another very warm day are of an eastbound Grey Plover high over Wick Fields, where there were 2 Lesser Whitethroat.
May 7th
There is no news from the morning, but this evening there were four resting Grey Plover at Stanpit, as well as heard-only Whimbrel. Also about the marsh, a vocal Cuckoo, the 3 Brent Goose and the pair of Wigeon.
May 6th
Whitethroat in display flight – Alan Crockard
On a day that saw not a single cloud, there is little to report. A Lesser Whitethroat remains in the No Dogs Field, presumably on territory, while a late-arriving Willow Warbler was also on Wick; as was a pair of Bullfinch. Overhead, a small number of Swift and Swallow travelled north. This evening, a Cuckoo could be heard from Stanpit.
May 5th
Although the weather was nowhere near as bad as forecast, there is little to report for the day. Around lunchtime, a Cuckoo was heard on Wick and a single Wheatear was on Whitepits. Later, up to 5 Whimbrel were at Stanpit and fifty or so Dunlin were whizzing about the Run.
May 4th
Sand Martin – Alan Crockard
A few Manx Shearwater were seen off Hengistbury this morning, along with 4 Little Tern. Meanwhile, there was a clear arrival of Swallow, with birds being seen in most areas; including sixty passing over the head. Dunlin were also up in numbers – 45 in Holloway’s Dock this morning and 60 at Stanpit this evening being the tallies, as well as a single Grey Plover and up to 5 Whimbrel. There were once again 2 Cuckoo about and a pair of Bullfinch was on Wick.
May 3rd
Cuckoo – Scott Usher
Gadwall – Scott Usher
Two, or one very mobile Cuckoo, were vocal for much of the day on the western side of the River, while the morning on Hengistbury included 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Garden Warbler; as well as an out-of-reeds Reed Warbler. Waders are still sparse – just 8 Dunlin and a Whimbrel at Stanpit this afternoon – where the 3 Brent Goose and Wigeon pair were still present. To round up, a male Bullfinch was on Wick.
May 2nd
Great Spotted Woodpecker – Alan Crockard
Yellow Wagtail – Jackie Smith
A couple of Cuckoo were displaying about the area this evening, while earlier in the day there had been singles of Yellow Wagtail and Garden Warbler, at least 5 Wheatear and 10 or so Willow Warbler. A total of 20 Whimbrel was at Stanpit, where around 15 Dunlin loitered; with the Hengistbury side contributing a couple more Whimbrel, a Ringed Plover and 5 Turnstone. The 3 Brent Goose remain inside the harbour; where of 48 Shelduck, eleven were barely a day old.
May 1st
The only news for the day comes from Stanpit, where there were 6 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 40 Dunlin, the latter all in breeding plumage. Otherwise, it’s just the 3 Brent Goose to mention.
April 30th
The best from a day that was dominated by a strong, south-westerly wind and frequent showers were 2 Common Tern, a Mediterranean Gull and 6 Common Scoter. The only wader news involves a single Whimbrel.
April 29th
A Great White Egret flew over the area this morning, when 30 Common Scoter passed east at sea. A selection of warblers on Hengistbury included: a Grasshopper Warbler, a Wood Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler and at least 20 Willow Warbler; as well a Whinchat and 4 Wheatear, plus 5 Tree Pipit over. Meanwhile, a total of 45 Blackcap – made up of resident and transient birds – was logged. Also on the move were Mediterranean Gull, around fifteen towards the Solent, while a Bullfinch was on Wick.
April 28th
Reed Bunting – Alan Crockard
It was a day of little wind, but much drizzle; although things were a little drier by the end of it. A lunchtime walk around Hengistbury saw 2 Fulmar pass west and a Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Dunlin in Holloway’s Dock, and heard a Cuckoo. Late in the afternoon, there were around 100 hirundines feeding above Parky Meade Rail – the majority being Sand Martin, but also c10 House Martin and 5 Swallow; along with a Swift. Meanwhile, at least 10 Bar-tailed Godwit and 6 Whimbrel were around Stanpit Bight.
April 27th
This female Pied Flycatcher was present yesterday afternoon – David Faulkner
Sandwich Tern – Jackie Smith
...and the pair of Gadwall – Jackie Smith
The Cuckoo could be heard throughout the day from most parts of the area, with the suspected source of the noise being Wick Hams; while a Tree Pipit decked on Wick early on, where a Lesser Whitethroat sang. This afternoon, at Stanpit, around 10 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit were present, along with the trio of Brent Goose and the pair of Wigeon.
April 26th
Reed Warbler enjoying the midday sun – Alan Crockard
...and a Fox soaking up the morning sun – Jackie Smith
A Wood Warbler was vocal on Hengistbury this morning, while a Cuckoo, a Whinchat and three female Wheatear were at Stanpit in the afternoon, and the site-wide total for Willow Warbler was three. Also on the marsh, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit and 5 Whimbrel; plus the 3 Brent Goose.
April 25th
Sedge Warbler – Alan Crockard
Given the date for this male Wheatear to be making landfall here, one suspects it may be heading towards some kind of Atlantic crossing – Ray Scott
The easterly winds persist and aren’t bringing anything particularly spectacular with them. Early on, a Cuckoo was very vocal on Wick, where a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler and a Bullfinch were also returned. Meanwhile, Stanpit hosted: a couple of new-in Whitethroat; around 6 Black-tailed Godwit; 8 Dunlin; and the sounds, but not seen, of Grey Plover, Whimbrel and Ringed Plover. This evening, at least 6 Wheatear were about the place, as well as the 3 Brent Goose and the two pairs of Gadwall.
April 24th
It was a fairly low-key day, with just a single Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler on Hengistbury this morning; although a pair of Bullfinch on the Long Field was a bit of a surprise. Over at Stanpit, the early waders included: 4 Whimbrel, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin. By the afternoon, however, the ‘smalls’ seemed to have moved on; but a mixed flock of 4 Bar-tailed Godwit and 8 Whimbrel arrived from on-high, begging the question of just how far away to the south-west they had started their flight. For the second day in succession, there were 3 Brent Goose on the marsh.
April 23rd
Fox – Alan Crockard
Natterjack, viewed from a public path – Alan Crockard
It was the warmest day of the year so far, as the wind moved to almost south-west and then dropped completely by the evening. Early in the day, 38 Mediterranean Gull headed east over Wick, where there was a single Willow Warbler and 2 Bullfinch. Later, at Stanpit, a Common Sandpiper was the best of the limited waders, which also included: a single Curlew that all of a sudden left vociferously high to the west, around 10 Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwit. A total of 3 Brent Goose was a bit of a surprise and the Gadwall increased from the expected-two to four.
April 22nd
The clear, blue skies continue to dominate, but the slight easing of the recent, easterly breeze made things feel a lot warmer. Early on, at least 200 Mediterranean Gull passed east over Stanpit; 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Peregrine also went over the marsh. Settled passerine numbers were low – with just six each of Wheatear and Willow Warbler being clear migrants; while a Lesser Whitethroat on Wick is now probably on territory. A total of 26 Whimbrel was returned from Stanpit, with a further seven travelling east, along with: a Grey Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin. To finish up, 3 Swift were logged and the Brent Goose remains.
April 21st
Sandwich Tern – Alan Crockard
The only news for the day of a Swift and 2 Swallow over Wick, plus a female Bullfinch there.
April 20th
Bar–tailed Godwit - Ray Scott
Bar– and Black-tailed Godwits - Jackie Smith
On another glorious day of weather, the only passerine migrant of note was a female Pied Flycatcher on Wick this morning, when around 35 Mediterranean Gull headed west. The wader selection at Stanpit is again worth writing about and included: the 2 Ruff, a Knot, a Greenshank, at least 22 Whimbrel, 15 Dunlin and 30 Black-tailed Godwit. Meanwhile, the pairs of Wigeon and Gadwall remain.
April 19th
Blue Tit – Jackie Smith
The morning saw a clear influx of Whitethroat, with seven males clustered around the HHC and a further two birds at Stanpit. The early part of the day also saw the most-varied selection of waders, when: a Common Sandpiper, a Grey Plover, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone and 42 Dunlin were in Stanpit Bight. Later in the day, the additions were 3 Whimbrel and 40 or so Black-tailed Godwit. The familiar wildfowl were all still present and correct, namely the Brent Goose plus pairs of Wigeon and Gadwall, but there was also a drake Shoveler, a Great Crested Grebe and a pair of Teal.
April 18th
Pied Flycatcher – Chris Chapleo
There were some moments of real interest throughout the day. The morning contributed a Ring Ouzel, at least 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, a few Willow Warbler and up to 20 Blackcap; as well as a Firecrest. Later on, a total of 13 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Whinchat were settled. A couple of Swift also arrived, while Swallow and Sand Martin were pulsing through. All in all, with what’s going on in the world, it’s hopefully lifting spirits to know the summer birds are arriving. As ever, there was the near-constant, vocal backdrop of Mediterranean Gull.
April 17th
Yellow Wagtail – Ray Scott
Black–tailed Godwit - Alan Crockard
The year’s first Lesser Whitethroat was singing today and at least 10 Yellow Wagtail were logged, including a flock of five that settled briefly. Also fleeting in their presence were: a Merlin, a Spoonbill and an Arctic Tern; while the five-plus Blackcap which were obvious in the North Scrubs suggested an arrival. Waders at Stanpit were again headed by the 2 Ruff, along with: 3 Grey Plover – a couple of those gaining some nice feathers, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 57 Black-tailed Godwit and 9 Dunlin. In addition, the Brent Goose, the Wigeon pair, 7 Gadwall and a Common Gull were returned from the marsh; and the calls of overhead Mediterranean Gull were constant.
April 16th
Rock Pipit – Alan Crockard
There were a few more migrants around this morning, including 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Whincaht and as many as 20 Willow Warbler and 3 Wheatear; with a couple of Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Whitethroat present in new locations. The wader interest at Stanpit was headed by a couple of Ruff, but also a Grey Plover, 10 Whimbrel, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 or so Black-tailed Godwit and 21 Dunlin. At least 40 Mediterranean Gull had passed east by 07:45, while the Brent Goose, the 2 Wigeon and the 2 Gadwall remain. To finish up, a Firecrest was again in song.
April 15th
Bar-tailed Godwit – Jackie Smith
Marsh Harrier – Jackie Smith
Early this morning, a couple of Great White Egret headed north over the harbour, while 35 Mediterranean Gull were logged at Stanpit. On Wick, the Whitethroat have risen to five and at least 2 Willow Warbler were also there, as well as 2 Bullfinch. The south-easterly winds gave rise a good wader selection at Stanpit, including: 4 Greenshank, the Spotted Redshank, 8 Whimbrel, 2 Grey Plover, 11 Bar-tailed Godwit and 72 Black-tailed Godwit; plus 3 Common Tern around Stanpit Bight. Three pairs of Shoveler were around most of the day, as were the pairs of Wigeon and Gadwall, and the lone Brent Goose. Just a single Wheatear was on Crouch Hill and a female-type Marsh Harrier struggled east into the breeze.