Sightings for November 2002

November 30th

An almost still day with just a hint of a southerly, which barely unfurled the flags on the Golf Course. In the early morning 12 Redwing moved north-west and a Fieldfare pitched into the trees on Wick Ditch. There was a small overhead finch presence, highlights being 2 Brambling and 9 Siskin, also small numbers of Goldfinch, Linnet and Chaffinch; however, there did seem to be more Reed Bunting around than last weekend. Just after 10:00 the shooting in the valley must have started as the skies filled with duck, over 195 Pintail, 150 Wigeon and 36 Shoveler appeared from the north and flew out to take stock of the situation while sitting on the sea, where they joined a flock of 18 Common Scoter. Otherwise, the sea was almost devoid of interest, only 1 Red-breasted Merganser and 1 Great-crested Grebe. From Wick this morning a Red-throated Diver was seen to fly out of the harbour over Double Dykes. The Wood still holds 1 Firecrest, a few Goldcrests and a Coal Tit. A scan of Stanpit from Hengistbury yielded at least 70 flighty Teal, 72 Snipe, 50 Dunlin, 10 Shoveler and 2 Grey Plover. The Goldeneye flock has now increased to 3, including one pristine drake, and there were 5 Little Grebe in Barn Bight, where the Common Seal spent most of the morning lounging in its favourite spot. And so one of the most exciting months in the history of Christchurch Harbour birding draws to a close, during which it would have been possible to see Bobolink and Pallid Swift on the same day.

November 29th

For the first time this week a rather waterlogged Stanpit was visited. Brent Goose numbers are slightly higher than average at 134 while Teal are about 75, but Wigeon are now down to around 80. The flooded Avon valley is obviously more attractive but maybe some shooting tomorrow will push them back down into the harbour. The Dunlin flock is around 100 birds, there are now 25 Ringed Plover but only 2 Grey Plover, a decrease since the weekend. An oiled Common Gull was seen and there are at least 4 Little Grebe in the area.

November 28th

Another mild, cloudy morning with only a moderate wind. The 12 Common Scoter are still just off the end of the head, seeming to favour the same spot, and a Red-throated Diver passed by them. In the Wood, there were marginally more Goldcrests today, plus Jay and Coal Tit, both notable harbour birds, also the resident Green Woodpecker. Overhead there were 11 Siskin and more Linnet moving. A Goldeneye was in Barn Bight, we should expect the flock to start building up to at least 10 birds in the next couple of weeks, 2 Little Grebe and 1 Kingfisher were also around that area. The Seal was again hauled out on the Barn Bight shore, it can usually be seen at high tide by looking immediatley left as one gets to the start of the Bight.

November 27th

This morning saw partially clouded skies with a stiff southerly blowing, which made seawatching very difficult. Nevertheless, the lingering flock of 12 Common Scoter could be seen just off the Beach Huts. Elsewhere on Hengistbury, the Wood seems to have largely emptied of Goldcrest as only very few were detected, but 2 Jay were in that area and 3 Redpoll passed overhead. In Barn Bight there are still 50 or so Teal, today just 1 Grey Wagtail and the regular Kingfisher. The flighty Lapwing on Stanpit are now estimated at around 600. As the migration season draws to a close, the birders are becoming sparser.

November 26th

Yesterday's heavy mist had cleared by morning and the day started mild and settled. In the harbour this morning were 2 late Sandwich Tern and a Little Gull, and there are still 2 Firecrest in the Wood. Barn Bight held over 50 Teal, 2 Grey Wagtail and 2 Little Grebe, a Kingfisher was also seen there. A couple of Pintail flew into Stanpit, while on the sea 1 Red-throated Diver was seen moving east. Finally, one Poole birder, recently returned from South America, is still trying to see the Bobolink !

November 25th

This morning saw the first ice of the winter and by mid-morning a dense mist had descended onto most of the harbour and stayed put throughout the day. Best bird today was a Brambling over Wick Fields along with a few Siskin and Redpoll.

November 24th

A night of very heavy rain dawned with almost no wind, but some early morning thunder and hail gave rise to a moderate southerly. At dawn, 13 Fieldfare passed south-west over the northern end of Wick Fields and 15 Redwing were in the bushes there. A Kingfisher also passed over the flooded fields. The Wood on Hengistbury held around 50 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff and 1 Coal Tit. Again there was a Kingfisher in Barn Bight. The WeBS count always means Stanpit is comprehensively covered and the totals follow, in particular, the numbers of Snipe, Shoveler and Grey Plover are good for the site, also notable was a Peregrine seen over the marsh. Lapwing 555, Coot 385, Dunlin 195, Brent Goose 186, Wigeon 110, Snipe 97, Redshank 90, Mallard 65, Teal 52, Oystercatcher 50, Shoveler 25, Grey Plover 17, Curlew 10, Black-tailed Godwit 7 and 3 Water Rail.

November 23rd

No Pallid Swift today, but in the way of consolation the Bobolink was seen, it was first found on the 1st of this month. A redhead Goosander on the water by the Nursery early morning is assumed to have roosted overnight. In the Wood, 1 Firecrest, 1 Blackcap and several Goldcrests were present. Seawatching was mediocre, despite the conditions and the time spent looking; just 8 Pintail, 4 Sanderling, 3 Little Gull, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Great-northern Diver. The settled flock of around 10 Common Scoter were just off the head. Another late Swallow passed over the Common mid-morning, along with small numbers of Goldfinch and Redpoll, while a Red-breasted Merganser left the harbour over Double Dykes and a Kingfisher and Goldeneye were in Barn Bight. Looking over towards Stanpit, there seems to be around 150 Dunlin, at least 16 Shoveler and a few Grey Plover. The wader numbers are surprising given the paucity of exposed mud, even at low tide. A first-winter Little Gull passed over Stanpit and headed north up the Avon. Tomorrow is WeBS count day, so a fuller picture from Stanpit should emerge. Finally, a Seal was seen in the harbour, is this the same animal that spent last winter here? If so, it should be easily viewable on the Barn Bight shore.

November 22nd

This incredible year for new harbour birds continues with a Pallid Swift in the area for most of the afternoon. This is species 316 for the harbour list. Laurie Chappell found the bird at around 1:20, a 45 minute lull followed until Ian Southworth and Alan Hayden, who were on the verge of giving up, re-found the bird over the Stanpit road. It then spent the rest of the afternoon over the water in the harbour, sometimes disappearing for up to 30 stressful minutes. It was last seen over the Holloway's Dock area just after 4:00, the weather then set in and darkness fell very quickly. Before all this excitement, there had been another damp and fairly uneventful seawatch. The Velvet Scoter is still present off the Beach Huts and around 18 Common Scoter were also seen. Other birds past included 2 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Red-breasted Merganser. Sadly, there was a badly oiled Guillemot on Long Groyne, also 1 Purple Sandpiper there. A Firecrest was in the Wood.

November 21st

When there is an easterly element in the wind even the Beach Huts offer no solace; hence, there was scant reward for the few who attempted to seawatch this morning. Just 16 Common Scoter, 10 on the water and 6 going east, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake passing west and 1 Gannet were the rewards for a good drenching. Only other bird of harbour note was a Coal Tit in the Wood, in which there are still many Goldcrests.

November 20th

Some poor weather early morning prevented anyone from venturing out onto Hengistbury. Late morning, however, a visit to Wick Fields revealed that the Bobolink is still present. From the relative comfort of Mudeford Quay, 6 Turnstone, 3 Gannet and a Diver sp. were also seen. The information services reported 1 Little Auk, 1 Great Skua, 3 Eider and 4 Little Gull past the head, along with a Firecrest and Woodcock presumably in the Wood. Subsequent information indicates the latter report may relate to Durlston, rahter than Hengistbury.

November 19th

A stiff south-easterly wind blew for most of the day. Despite this, there was some limited finch movement with Linnet, Goldfinch and Redpoll all being heard, but not seen. At sea, 2 Red-throated Diver went west while 1 Razorbill and 1 Diver sp. went east.

November 18th

The previous evening's clear skies clouded over during the night and warded off any threat of a frost. The female Velvet Scoter is still mixing with 12 Common Scoter to the south of Long Groyne, while a Firecrest was seen in the bushes at the end of the head. Another Firecrest was in the lone bush halfway along the Barn Bight shore. The other highlight of the morning was a small passage of Red-throated Diver; in total, 15 birds passed west, including a group of 9 which went high overhead. A single Black Redstart was by the Coastguard lookout and 2 Bullfinch were feeding in the Wood. The autumn migration continues, with 50 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, 22 Fieldfare and 4 Blackbird passing north-west in the first 20 minutes of daylight. Throughout the morning, 300 Greenfinch, 250 Goldfinch, 150 Linnet, 100 Chaffinch, 30 Redpoll, 25 Siskin, 25 Siskin, 20 Reed Bunting and 3 Yellowhammer all moved eastward, while another late Swallow headed south. 6 Pochard were seen over the harbour today while 2 Pintail were settled on the water.

November 17th

Another still morning with just a hint of a north-westerly breeze. A female Velvet Scoter is still present off Hengistbury. The bird loosely associates with a feeding group of 11 Common Scoter, best viewed by looking south from the Long Groyne area. Also on the sea was 1 Great-northern Diver, while 2 Diver and 5 Auk sp. moved west. 3 Black Redstart were around the Beach Huts and on the groynes mid-morning, but as the trippers arrived the birds became elusive, as did the lone Purple Sandpiper seen earlier. Up to 3 Firecrest are still in the Wood, most frequently seen around the Nursery. Migration was a little slower than yesterday; before light Redwing could be heard moving over Wick, while 2 Fieldfare were in the fields and later a flock of 9 moved overhead to the north-west, also in that direction travelled 150 Starling. In an easterly direction, 150 Goldfinch, 150 Greenfinch, 20 Redpoll and 15 Reed Bunting were also on the move. Just after dawn a group of 20 Little Egret flew out of the harbour and followed the course of the Stour. Late morning, a Grey Wagtail flew over the Hungry Hiker.

November 16th

Some bizarre weather at dawn, misty skies to the east but a distant thunderstorm to the west. Wind was a light north-easterly. A major harbour rarity was found today, in the form of a Marsh Tit. The bird was seen early afternoon from the Batters just beyond the Nursery and is the first record since 1999 and, prior to that, 1992. 1 Black Redstart was on the main Hengistbury path just after daybreak, but was soon moved on by the dogwalkers. During the course of the morning some migration was noted, 450 Goldfinch, 150 Chaffinch, 50 Meadow Pipit, 35 Redpoll, 35 Siskin, 35 Stock Dove, 20 Reed Bunting, 9 Brambling, 8 Pochard, 3 Mistle Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Jackdaw and 1 Swallow, passed over the head. On a quiet sea 2 Red-breasted Merganser passed west and 2 Grey Plover arrived in the harbour. On the groynes close to the Run there were 11 Turnstone and a single Purple Sandpiper was on the Long Groyne. An adult and first-winter Little Gull were in the harbour late morning. In the early afternon 2 Firecrest were seen in the Wood, a second-winter Mediterranean Gull was in the harbour , 2 Kingfisher were in Barn Bight and a Fieldfare passed overhead. Looking towards Stanpit, 60 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 6 Turnstone and 1 Black-tailed Godwit could be seen. Reported from the Beach Huts were a few Purple Sandpiper and a Velvet Scoter.

November 15th

A much more settled day.There were 3 Firecrest on Hengistbury, 2 in the Nursery and one further along the main path towards the Beach Huts. A Merlin was seen harrying the Lapwing on Stanpit. The information services reported an exceptional 20 Purple Sandpiper on the groynes around the end of the head.

November 14th

Some truly atrocious conditions meant that, once again, seawatching was the only option this morning; but despite the strong south-westerlies, the birds were not as numerous as might have been hoped. Best of the pick from the Beach Huts was 1 Long-tailed Duck east and 1 Velvet Scoter west. Other birds seen from there included 35 Common Scoter, 30 Kittiwake and 7 Little Gull, all moving west, while a Black-throated Diver pitched onto the sea close inshore. Things had brightened up for the return journey through the Wood where a Woodcock was flushed, it had possibly been pushed off the Salterns by the very high tide. 1 Firecrest was also still present there. From Mudeford Quay, at least 50 Dunlin, 30 Ringed Plover and 1 Turnstone were on the end of the sandspit at dawn and shortly afterwards a Red-breasted Merganser flew into the harbour. It was a 2 sawbill day as a Goosander circled the harbour late morning, this species is being recorded with increasing frequency.

November 13th

After a deluge of rain in the small hours there were very few birds around today; however, a Little Auk was on the sea off the Beach Huts along with 6 Common Scoter. Only other reports were of 6 Siskin, 2 Redpoll and 1 Chiffchaff in the Wood, as well as a Kingfisher in Barn Bight.

November 12th

Those brave enough to make the wet and windy walk to the Beach Huts were rewarded with 3 close Little Auk, 2 Velvet Scoter and 2 dark juvenile Arctic Skua, also off there were 50+ Kittiwake, 40 Common Scoter, 36 Little Gull, 8 Red-breasted Merganser and 1 Gannet. All these were seen prior to 11:00. 3 Purple Sandpiper were on the groynes at the end of the head. The conditions precluded most other birding, but 2 Firecrest were seen in the Nursery on Hengistbury. From Mudeford Quay at lunchtime 6 Little Gull and 1 Red-throated Diver were recorded.

November 11th

The Bobolink was seen today by 3 visiting birders, while a new arrival on Hengistbury was a Yellow-browed Warbler in the Nursery. The bird favoured a couple of silver birches viewable by looking back into the Nursery just after the right hand bend. A Firecrest and 5 Siskin were also in that area. A Little Auk was seen from the Beach Huts, it landed on the sea for a short time before continuing its journey west. Another late Sandwich Tern was also passed by at sea. Before first light, a Little Owl was in the Whitepits area. Thrushes were conspicuous today after the clear overnight conditions, 300 Redwing, 70 Song Thrush and 40 Fieldfare went north-west, also in that direction went 5 Golden Plover. Despite the promising conditions, the pigeon passage comprised of just 70 Stock Dove. Perhaps the wind was a little too strong. Other migrants seen today were 270 Greenfinch, 200 Goldfinch, 150 Chaffinch, 120 Linnet, 45 Redpoll, 30 Siskin, 7 Brambling and a single Yellowhammer, all going west, while 4 more straggling Swallow went south. A Bullfinch was heard from in the Wood.

November 10th

The Bobolink continues its stay on Wick Fields. The early morning steady rain made birding very difficult, however, by 9:00, as the conditions cleared the birds became more active. 1 Short-eared Owl is still on Wick Fields, its presence betrayed by a gathering of 20 mobbing Blackbirds, also on Wick were 2 Bullfinch. Overhead, 10 Golden Plover passed northbound, 2 Avocet headed south and a group of 6 drake Pochard went west. Small numbers of Siskin and Goldfinch were also around Wick, and a couple of Redwing were noted. During the late morning, another Short-eared Owl was seen at Stanpit, also at least 22 Swallow over there. A count was made at Stanpit and totalled 200 Wigeon, 116 Brent Goose, 80+ Dunlin, 55 Ringed Plover, 55 Snipe, 13 Shoveler, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Grebe and 4 Grey Plover.

November 9th

The Bobolink is present for a second weekend and still attracting visitors to Wick Fields, a Short-eared Owl was also in that area during the morning. Visible migration over Hengistbury was slow to start with, but picked up as the weather brightened. Birds were mainly moving east and included 400 Redpoll, one flock numbered over 80 birds, 300 Goldfinch, 200 Siskin, 200 Greenfinch, 150 Linnet, 150 Meadow Pipit, 75 Chaffinch, 20 Reed Bunting and 4 Brambling. A Bullfinch was also heard, but may have been settled in the trees. In the Wood there was 1 Firecrest and 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker. A Great-northern Diver was on the sea off the Beach Huts, 1 Black-throated Diver passed east, also heading that way was a late Sandwich Tern while a single Red-breasted Merganser went west, 2 Guillemot and 1 Common Scoter were also seen. There was very little thrush movement, just a few Song Thrush seen and a single Redwing heard before light. A total of 11 Swallow were noted in small groups over the head and Wick. Looking into the harbour, 7 Grey Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Turnstone could be seen. On Stanpit this afternoon, there was a Firecrest on the old depot site and 4 Bullfinch in the North Scrubs. The Brent Goose gaggle is 88 including 12 first winter birds and 1 Kingfisher was in Stanpit Bight. A Kingfisher was also in Barn Bight, Hengistbury, this morning. There was a significant passage of Redwing evident during the evening.

8th November

Not much to report today, largely due to the dismal weather. However, the Bobolink is still on Wick Fields. An excellent talk at the indoor meeting tonight, thanks go to Chris Chapleo for what is probably a record attendance of exactly 40. Redwing could be heard over the HHC prior to the meeting. Apologies for the incorrect date on yesterday's report.

November 7th

Clear skies throughout the night did not tempt the Bobolink to leave, it is still with us for what is now the 6th day. An adult male Hen Harrier arrived off the sea and headed north over Hengistbury, other raptors today were Peregrine and Merlin. Despite the promising conditions the pigeon movement was relatively poor, just 4500 Wood Pigeon and 600 Stock Dove passed over the north of the harbour in a short spell just after 7:30. 2 Black Redstart were seen today, 1 by the HHC and 1 on the cliffs. A Black-throated Diver was on the sea just off the head, while 3 Knot and 2 Golden Plover went east, and a Goldeneye, the first of the autumn, passed west. In the first 20 minutes of daylight, 370 Starling, 47 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush and 8 Fieldfare moved north-west over the HHC. Throughout the morning there was a steady passerine passage of 300 Linnet, 300 Chaffinch, 200 Goldfinch, 120 Siskin, 80 Redpoll, 27 Reed Bunting, 2 Bullfinch and 2 Yellowhammer, all moving west, while 5 late Swallow went south. Settled birds included at least 2 Firecrest in the Wood, along with 5 Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap, also a small feeding flock of Siskin in some alders. 3 Jay and 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker may be intending to spend the winter here. A Kingfisher was feeding around Mudeford Lifeboat Station at dawn. Late afternoon the information services reported 2 Short-eared Owl around Wick Fields.

November 6th

Some atrocious conditions persisted for most of the day and, as would be expected, there is very little to report. The information services indicate that the Bobolink is still present, but showing only intermittently. From the shelter of the car, a brief Mudeford Quay seawatch produced 9 Common Scoter heading west.

November 5th

The Bobolink is still here, but reportedly elusive in the murky weather, which also put paid to any hopes of another pigeon bonanza. However, the next clear morning should see another big movement. In general, passerine migration was slow today, but 1 Lapland Bunting was heard going towards the top of Hengistbury. The combination of poor visibility and SSW winds did help with seawatching as the birds passed very close to the Beach Huts. As would be expected most movement was west and totalled 47 Common Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Black-throated Diver, 1 or 2 Red-necked Grebe, 2 unidentified small grebe, 1 brown Scaup and 1 Long-tailed Duck, the latter 2 migrating in the scoter flocks. 1 Red-throated Diver went east. Like yesterday, there was some gull movement, with 50 Common Gull and 75 Lesser Black-backed Gull passing west. Other birds at sea included 60 Dunlin, 9 Kittiwake, 8 Sanderling, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Little Gull, 3 Razorbill and 2 Auk sp., all these passed west, while 60 Golden Plover went north-west over the head. Thrushes were grounded in the area around Holloway's Dock with 40 Song Thrush, 20 Redwing, 7 Fieldfare and 1 Ring Ouzel being seen. 10 or so Redwing and Song Thrush passed over the HHC prior to daylight. Other birds on the head were 27 Redpoll and 12 Siskin in the Wood, and 1 Bearded Tit presumably in the HHC reeds. Overhead passerines were going west and numbered 180 Chaffinch, 100 Skylark and 10 Brambling. At lunchtime 8 Common Scoter, 1 Kittiwake and 1 Turnstone passed Mudeford Quay. Stanpit seems to have been a little neglected recently, so any counts of birds from there would be welcome.

November 4th

A fairly clear morning with a light westerly breeze saw the Bobolink present for its fourth day on Wick Fields. One of the hallmarks of November is the overhead passage of pigeon and today heralded the first major movement. An estimated 22500 Wood Pigeon and 480 Stock Dove passed west along the northern fringes of the harbour during the first 2 hours of daylight. These movements tend to happen in clear skies, so tomorrow could be worth checking for the spectacle. All in all, today was excellent for visible migration, 2 Hen Harrier, 1 grey bird and 1 ringtail, came in off the sea and headed north, as did 2 Merlin. 2 Tree Sparrow and 1 Snow Bunting headed east over Hengistbury, while the north-westerly thrush movement comprised 140 Redwing, 60 Song Thrush, 23 Fieldfare and 1 Mistle Thrush. A westerly movement of small passerines included 600 Chaffinch, 400 Skylark, 350 Linnet, 300 Goldfinch, 250 Greenfinch, 130 Redpoll, 120 Meadow Pipit, a good late number for this species, 130 Redpoll, 70 Siskin, 18 Bullfinch and 8 Brambling. 110 Jackdaw going in the same direction was also impressive and 3 Swallow headed south. Other species noted were 12 Pintail and 9 Tufted Duck east over the harbour and 23 Golden Plover going north. There was also evidence of some gull movement with 100 of both Common and Lesser Black-backed Gull going west. 1 Firecrest was in the bushes towards the end of the head and the regular Kingfisher was in Barn Bight. Over on Stanpit around 50 each of Dunlin and Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Plover and 3 Black-tailed Godwit were counted.

November 3rd

The Bobolink is still present in Wick Fields. The bird was found on Friday by Wick regular Steve Simmonds who, having never previously seen the species, was unsure of the identity. However, an excellent description allowed Graham Armstrong to venture the correct identification before even seeing the bird. Fortunately, it was quickly re-located and confirmed. There are also several Dartford Warbler in Wick Fields. 2 Firecrest were in the Nursery area, along with around 20 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay and 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker. A Raven was around the Coastguards mid-morning and attracted the attentions of the local Crow population. Migration was lighter today with 150 Goldfinch, 150 Meadow Pipit, 100 Linnet, 50 Reed Bunting, 17 Skylark and 6 Redpoll moving into the south-west wind, 8 Swallow were also seen and 5 Fieldfare and 4 Redwing moved north-west. The Skylark flock feeding on the Golf Course is now about 25 birds. From the Beach Huts, 2 Common Scoter and 1 Grey Plover went west, and 1 Siskin was feeding with a small charm of Goldfinch in the cleared area behind the huts. A Kingfisher spent most of the morning around Barn Bight.

November 2nd

The Bobolink on Wick Fields performed for the crowd although it wasn't until 8:15 that the bird was located, making it an anxious hour or so for those who had journeyed far. A Short-eared Owl was seen in the same area just after first light and there are Dartford Warbler in the fields. There was a good visible migration over Hengistbury despite the drizzly, still conditions. The finches were represented by 500 Chaffinch, 250 Goldfinch, 200 Linnet, 100 Siskin, 50 Redpoll and 2 Brambling. The direction of movement was mixed, but mainly easterly. Thrushes moved north-west and numbered 30 Song Thrush, 20 Redwing and 7 Fieldfare, there were also increased numbers of Blackbird on the ground. Other migrants included 75 Meadow Pipit, 70 Reed Bunting, a few alba Wagtails, 9 Jackdaw, 5 Swallow, 1 Rook and 1 Yellowhammer. Starling were also on the move with 1 flock of 300 west and another of 150 east. 3 redhead Goosander flew over the harbour from the north, while 1 Pochard and 1 Shoveler flew up river. 2 Razorbill were visible on the very calm sea, 2 Purple Sandpiper were on rocks at the end of the head and the Wood held small numbers of Goldcrest and Chiffchaff. Lapwing on Stanpit have built up to around 500 birds and Snipe are at least 25. A Kingfisher was in Barn Bight late morning. By lunchtime the rain had set in making birding very difficult.

November 1st.

Another bird was added to the harbour list today, in the form of a Bobolink, a rare visitor from North America. This is species 315 for Christchurch Harbour. The bird was found in Wick Fields by a local observer this morning, but then kept low as the weather deteriorated. However, as conditions improved during the afternoon the bird was marginally more obliging. Late migrants today included 7 Swallow and 1 Sandwich Tern around Hengistbury. A reasonable finch movement saw 200 Goldfinch, 150 Linnet and 8 Redpoll heading south-east. 6 Pochard overflew the harbour as did 2 Grey Wagtail. Blackcap and Chiffchaff were also noted. A young Gannet with something caught in its bill was in the harbour being harassed by gulls before leaving over the Golf Course.