Shelduck Alan Crockard

March 14th

This morning saw the spring's first 'proper' migrant, i.e. one that has certainly crossed the Sahara, in the form of a Wheatear. Surprisingly, it wasn't in the expected location of the Barn Field or the top of the head, but along Fisherman's Bank during the WeBS count! The rest of the post mainly comprises the numbers from what was the last survey of the winter, but before listing those, the other highlights. A couple of Pochard flew south down the river, a Knot was on Priory Marsh, 24 Redwing were in the North Scrubs and a Great Spotted Woodpecker in Sandhills caravan park was no doubt establishing a territory. After recent comments on this site about the winter duck appearing to have dropped in numbers, it was something of a shock to hear that 524 Wigeon and 122 Teal were counted today, while a total of 156 Brent Goose was equally unexpected. However, one species that has largely departed is Coot, with just 15 logged. Other numbers for the day included: 16 Bar-tailed Godwit, 33 Snipe, 11 Turnstone, 44 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Ringed Plover, 153 Dunlin, 167 Redshank, 5 Pintail, 31 Shelduck and last, and most certainly least, 4 Canada Goose.

Tides 15th March: L03:55 H08:45 H12:15 L15:55 H21:10

Starling Alan Crockard

March 13th

Despite the conditions seeming to be favourable here, there wasn't even a hint of any incoming migration this morning. One can only assume things were not quite right for departure on the other side of The Channel. Consequently, most of the time was spent casually scanning the sea from Coastguards, where the best was a Black-throated Diver east, a single Mediterranean Gull, 5 Common Scoter, a Curlew and 2 Canada Goose, all past; while 11 Great Crested Grebe were on the water. A Raven also passed over Hengistbury, at least 2 Dartford Warbler were reasonably conspicuous and 4 Jay were acting territorially by the Nursery.

Some of today's record number of Mediterranean Gull Darren Hughes

March 12th

An overnight change in the wind to the north-west made it eminently more pleasurable today. While a total of 22 Mediterranean Gull by Mudeford Quay at lunchtime is likely to be sniggered at by the larger, adjacent harbours and saltmarshes, it probably constitutes a record count for CHOG. All were adults and nearly all were in distinct pairs. Also there, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 18 Turnstone. Earlier in the day an hour-and-a-half around the Priory Marsh area produced: a Jack Snipe, 42 Common Snipe, 35 alba Wagtail of which one was a certain White Wagtail, 35 Meadow Pipit, a Mistle Thrush over and a Chiffchaff frantically feeding in the reeds by Parky Meade Rail. Meanwhile: there were definite signs of a Blackcap arrival, as 4 birds, 3 of them singing males, were about the northern part of Stanpit; at least 38 Meadow Pipit moved high over northbound; and 9 Redwing headed out of the area. On Hengistbury, the spring's first migrant Linnet went by Coastguards, where there was also 2 Raven. Also on the head, the Treecreeper in the Wood, a single Redwing on the Barn Field and a species of Seal just offshore from Whitepits. After its efforts in keeping the site going for the last couple of weeks, it seems rather unfair to relegate Fisherman's Bank to the final section of the post. Nevertheless, it turned in: the Spotted Redshank, 5 Grey Plover, a further 2 Bar-tailed Godwit that take the day's total to 14, 11 Ringed Plover and 10 Pintail. Finally, Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin flocks were reported from a few locations, so the day estimates are reckoned to be 60 and 200 respectively.

March 11th

No change in the weather and probably even less change in the birds. At lunchtime, Mudeford Quay produced a good count of 15 adult Mediterranean Gull; while throughout the day, Fisherman's Bank saw: the Spotted Redshank, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Grey Plover, 36 Black-tailed Godwit, several of these now in nice plumage, 10 Ringed Plover, around 200 Dunlin, the 10 Pintail and 17 Shelduck. Early in the day, for no logical reason, a 45-minute seawatch was undertaken from Double Dykes and, not unsurprisingly given the wind direction, came up with absolutely nothing.

Looking towards Hengistbury from Fisherman's Bank Dave Cooke

March 10th

The wind continues, but despite this Stanpit was given several hours today, with the maximum wader counts from there and Fisherman's Bank combined, coming to: the Spotted Redshank, 2 Grey Plover, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe and around 180 Dunlin; while earlier in the day, the Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 in all, had been roosting inside the harbour from Mudeford Quay. Although it looks as if the marsh is not holding many wildfowl, there are in fact still over 250 Wigeon knocking about, as well as 40 or so Teal, now 10 Pintail and 24 Shelduck. To conclude, 8 adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 of them paired, were loafing in the harbour around Mudeford Quay this evening.

Stonechat on the Barn Field Alan Crockard

March 9th

Slightly cloudier today, but still just as cold when in the east wind. Other than the suggestion of an influx of Stonechat onto the Barn Field, it's all down to Fisherman's Bank again. At lunchtime, a large-looking Peregrine briefly terrorised the 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Grey Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 180 Dunlin and a minimum of 7 Mediterranean Gull that were present; while by 5:00 this evening the 8 regular Pintail and the Spotted Redshank had put in an appearance.

Snipe in Brewer's Creek Alan Crockard

March 8th

Near identical conditions to yesterday, but Fisherman's Bank offered some welcome shelter from the wind and the accommodating neap tide left mud exposed for the entirety of the day. The Spotted Redshank remained as faithful as ever to the northern end of Stanpit Creek, while 45 Black-tailed Godwit, at least one of these now looking very handsome, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Snipe, 8 Ringed Plover and 190 or so Dunlin were more scattered. The last few days has seen a sharp increase in Shelduck numbers, culminating in 42 today, so hopefully they may return to their status of breeder in the area; also 8 Pintail, 3 of them drakes, still hanging around Stanpit. On the inner shore of Mudeford Quay, there were 11 Turnstone and 2 pairs of Mediterranean Gull, with a further, lone bird off Argyle Road.

March 7th

Clear skies all day were somewhat tempered by a blasting easterly wind that made field condition quite miserable. A Bullfinch over Hengistbury was certainly the best, although the Fieldfare and 9 Redwing were still on Wick, but that's it save for a Great Crested Grebe at sea.

No sooner than the first report had been posted, was news received from Stanpit; where, this morning, there were 3 Mediterranean Gull, all adults, 3 pairs of Pintail, 2 Grey Plover and 25 Black-tailed Godwit.

March 6th

A light, but cold northerly wind brought on the first visible migrants of the year, as 4 Meadow Pipit and 2 alba Wagtail came in-off over Coastguards. Not exactly mind-blowing numbers, but at least it's a start! Also new-in, were 2 or 3 male Stonechat on the top of the head, while other signs of movement included 4 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail overhead, as well as 3 Great Crested Grebe, a Common Scoter and 10 or so Common Gull east at sea. Pipit interest at Stanpit was kept up with a Water Pipit on Priory Marsh and 12 Rock Pipit on the greater part of the marsh, 2 of them being of Scandinavian descent. Meanwhile, winter thrushes were again hanging about the area, with 27 Redwing in the North Scrubs as well as a single Fieldfare and 18 Redwing on Wick Fields. Mediterranean Gull were present all day, but heard as often as seen - 8 at Stanpit, 6 over Hengistbury and 3 off Fisherman's Bank, almost all of them adults - being the total. The latter site also held 20 Black-tailed Godwit, some of them already turning into breeding plumage, and close by the Stanpit car park conifers held a Goldcrest and 2 Coal Tit. Also at Stanpit, a Grey Plover, 35 Snipe and 21 Ringed Plover. Finally, at least 4 Cetti's Warbler were setting up territories - three at Wick and one at Stanpit.

March 5th

An absolutely glorious day, which produced the sight and sound of the year so far. A skein, estimated to number around 50 birds, of Barnacle Goose passed south over Stanpit this morning and appeared to head out to sea. Although there are some feral birds using the Avon Valley, there nothing like these numbers. A really intriguing record to say the least. Otherwise, it was reasonably standard fare and included: the Spotted Redshank off Fisherman's Bank, where there were also 22 Snipe, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Grey Plover, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 21 Ringed Plover, 192 Dunlin and a reasonable count of 31 Shelduck. At least 5 Redwing were in the North Scrubs, while a further bird was on Wick, and a Rook soared high over the harbour this afternoon.

A much calmer Fisherman's Bank than yesterday Barrie Taylor

March 4th

Although still reasonably unpleasant, the east wind certainly kinder than yesterday. The date is quite typical for an arrival of Firecrest, so singles in the North Scrubs and close to Two Riversmeet leisure centre were no real surprise; but a calling Greenshank around Priory Marsh was less expected, a mid-April date would have been perhaps more in line with this record. The morning saw 2 Rook east over Hengistbury and a couple of Yellowhammer high over Stanpit, where in general bird numbers seem to be dwindling; for example, just 5-7 Bar-tailed Godwit, a single Grey Plover, far fewer Wigeon and Teal, 13 Brent Goose and 1 Ringed Plover Conversely though, there were probably in excess of 300 Dunlin about the marsh, as well as 22 Shelduck, 8 Pintail and 60 or so Black-tailed Godwit. Meanwhile: the Spotted Redshank remains on site; many of the recent Redwing have moved on - 3 on Wick and 3 in the North Scrubs being the only records today; just one Mediterranean Gull could be picked out in Stanpit Bight this evening; a Kittiwake passed east off Double Dykes; and a Goldcrest was in song on Stanpit golf course.

March 3rd

After two days of calm, a quite nasty easterly wind whipped up overnight. Nevertheless, from the limited shelter of the Beach Huts, there was in fact some interest moving by at sea. For example, the year's first 4 Eider, a Great Northern Diver, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 15 Common Gull and 14 Common Scoter all went east; while 2 Red-breasted Merganser headed in the opposite direction. A walk over the top of Hengistbury was also perhaps better than could have been expected, with singles of Yellowhammer, Bullfinch and Redpoll logged, as well as 3 Siskin. In the Wood, a Firecrest and the Treecreeper were again present, and 3 Goldeneye, including an adult drake, returned to the harbour just off Rushy Piece. The only news from Stanpit involves 6 Pintail on East Marsh and a very confiding Water Rail just beyond the Visitor's Centre.

March 2nd

Again, the weather was quite outstanding - mirror calm waters and blue skies - but there was unfortunately very little field activity. What there was all came at lunchtime, when 6 Mediterranean Gull, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit at 6 Pintail were seen at Stanpit, and a Red Admiral butterfly was on the wing there.

Long-tailed Tit at Stanpit today Alan Crockard

March 1st

A gloriously, clear morning that saw some welcome elements of quality to report upon. From the Stanpit golf course, which was just about the only part of the marsh area above water, 2 Crossbill, a female Merlin and 2 Siskin were seen passing over north. Not to be outdone, the Wood on Hengistbury provided a Firecrest, over 4 Goldcrest, possibly representing a small arrival, and the ringed Treecreeper that has been here since last summer. Then, to complete the better-than-average records, a Jack Snipe, in the company of 30 Common Snipe, was seen on the edge of East Marsh from Fisherman's Bank this evening. Also from there: the Spotted Redshank, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover, 160 Dunlin, 2, but almost certainly more, Mediterranean Gull, 3 pairs of Pintail and a drake Shoveler; while elsewhere on Stanpit, there were 6 Redwing in the North Scrubs, 4 Gadwall about Priory Marsh and a territorial Cetti's Warbler by the Purewell Stream. On the subject of local breeders, it was good to see the pair of Little Grebe back on the Ironstone Quarry for what I reckon will be their fifth season.

February 28th

Another very wet day, with Stanpit producing most of the limited interest. A Scandinavian Rock Pipit was between the Visitor's Centre and Crouch Hill, while 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Grey Plover and 5 Pintail were around Stanpit Bight, where at least 5 Mediterranean Gull arrived to bathe late in the afternoon. The only other report concerns a couple of Great Crested Grebe in breeding plumage off Mudeford Quay. Regarding the trip to south-west London mentioned yesterday, some probably enjoyed it more than others!

February 27th

Heavy downpours in the early hours deterred most of the remaining regulars not on their travels to Stamford Bridge and beyond. The pick of the day's small collection of sightings was a rather distant Great Skua heading west, with two Red-breasted Merganser heading the same way, and a Red-throated Diver going nowhere. In the woods, both the Treecreeper and the Firecrest were encountered, and 4 Redwing added a little interest. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was around the Hiker area, and an adult Mediterranean Gull flew upriver behind the HHC - good numbers of this species have been seen at Coward's Marsh in recent days. Finally, thanks to Mike Mockler for an excellent talk on "Brazil - The Pantanal and more" last night.

Looking down Mother Siller's Channel towards Hengistbury Richard Cordery

February 26th

An irritating westerly wind made field conditions difficult throughout the day, meaning the only reports are of 2 Grey Plover and 5+ Snipe from Fisherman's Bank, along with estimates of 200 Dunlin, 50 Brent Goose, 100 Redshank and 100 Lapwing. Yesterday did actually come up with some reports, so please do check back.

Records of Otter are still filtering into the site. Yesterday at 8:20, a single animal was fishing close to the riverbank just opposite Priory Quay. This spot is virtually in Clay Pool itself, so the sighting may represent the first in recent times of one inside the recording area. From the various and frequent reports over the last few weeks, it seems there may be a lone individual, presumably a male, favouring the above-described area, while the family seems to prefer to stay a few hundred yards upstream around the Tuckton Bridge area.

Omission: the Spotted Redshank was in Stanpit Creek.

Additional news: a Black-throated Diver was seen from Hengistbury.