Sightings for March 2005

March 31st

A damp and misty morning conspired to make it probably the best day of the season so far. Uncharacteristically for both the area and the time of year, thrushes were present. A group of 36 Redwing in trees on the eastern Batters held a male Ring Ouzel and 3 Song Thrush; and, slightly earlier, singe Fieldfare and Redwing were on Wick Fields. The first Redstart of the year, on the same day as last, a male, was by the HHC, while 3 Black Redstart were seen to arrive at the Beach Huts. Also seen making landfall around 8:30 were at least 30 Wheatear. These day travelling birds leave the French coast at dawn and arrive with us a couple of hours later. Also seen on the move were 370 Meadow Pipit and 6 Swallow, and in the vegetation a count of 26 Goldcrest represented a small influx. Waders were noticeably mobile, with 3 Knot seen to arrive, 2 Sanderling west and 21 Grey Plover east. There were also 3 Purple Sandpiper on the groynes and 21 Turnstone on the Sandspit. At sea, 2 Goldeneye went west and 11 Common Scoter east, and a pair of Canada Goose moved past the Beach Huts. Other interest on Hengistbury was provided by 3 adult Mediterranean Gull overhead and a Red-legged Partridge in Wick Hams. On the game bird theme, at least 8 cock Pheasant could be heard calling from various parts of the head this morning. March is the peak month for Water Pipit and the last day saw 11 birds on Stanpit, presumably Priory Marsh, also 3 Ruff and 210 Black-tailed Godwit on that side of the harbour.

March 30th

In conditions infinitely more favourable than yesterday, the area saw some good birds. Best was certainly an adult Spoonbill in off the sea over the Barn Field, then landing on Blackberry Point, before flitting over to East March. This was late morning, but, unfortunately, the bird was not subsequently seen, despite searching. Also seen over the Barn Field were first-winter Mediterranean Gull and 2 Raven. Over on Stanpit, there was a single Avocet on Blackberry Point and 3 Water Pipit on Priory Marsh, and a drake Red-breasted Merganser, a pair of Pintail and 1 Knot around Stanpit Bight; while, a high count of 62 Shelduck was made on East Marsh. At lunchtime, 4 Purple Sandpiper were resting on a groyne by the Point House Café. At least 12 Sandwich Tern were around the area today, also 4 Wheatear on Hengistbury, a Swallow north and small numbers of phylloscopus warblers across Wick Fields. Although the spring migrants are building up, there are still plenty of winter visitors using the harbour. Today, Black-tailed Godwit numbered 140 birds and there were 58 Brent Goose in the harbour, however, their passage has started as 150 birds, including two skeins of 70 and 60, were seen heading east into The Solent.

March 29th

Almost a complete washout, but one individual commendably ventured out. On the Sandspit, there were 5 Purple Sandpiper roosting on groyne S9 and, nearby, were single Turnstone and Wheatear. Holloway's Dock held 12 Black-tailed Godwit and there was a Great-crested Grebe in Barn Bight. Only other news is a postscript to yesterday.

28th March

After eight quality days in Southern Israel, it's back down to earth with a bump! The fog returned this morning and Hengistbury was far from action packed. Wick, however, produced the highlights, with the year's first Whimbrel heard calling in the mirk and a single Red-legged Partridge at the village end of the fields. Also new for the year was a sub-singing Sedge Warbler, heard from the HHC. The only other migrants were 1 Wheatear on, and 1 Sandwich Tern over, the Common. A Peregrine was seen heading north and 2 Gadwall and a Great-crested Grebe were in Barn Bight. A trip to Stanpit this afternoon produced a few more incomers, with 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap and 3 Willow Warbler being recorded. By mid-afternoon, the whole area was again fog bound.

Mid-evening update. On Stanpit this morning, there were 9 Water Pipit and 1 littoralis Rock Pipit, also 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Canada Goose and 2 Greylag Goose. On Hengistbury in the late morning, there were 3 Purple Sandpiper on groyne S1 and 2 Swallow feeding over the Barn Field.

PS: On Hengistbury, there were 25 Turnstone on the Sandspit and 2 Swallow passed north-west over the HHC just after lunch.

March 27th

On another fine day in the harbour migration continued to stutter along with very little new to report. On Hengistbury there were just 6 Sand Martin, 3 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, the odd Willow Warbler and a few Chiffchaff, whilst 2 Sandwich Tern flew in over the Common. On groyne S9 there were 9 roosting Purple Sandpiper. Canada Geese are increasing their numbers - 5 flew in over the Double Dykes and a further 8 were on Stanpit. The Ruff was seen in flight with the Black-tailed Godwit flock heading towards Wick and there was a Knot in Stanpit Bight. Elsewhere on Stanpit, the 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Shoveler were still present. There was just 1 Water Pipit on Priory Marsh today. Finally, in the North Scrubs a pair of Blackcap appear to be on territory.

March 26th

No fog this morning, just wall-to-wall sunshine after a clear night. The conditions didn't promise too much in terms of grounded migrants, however, there were one or two quality birds around. Firstly, almost immediately after a Common Buzzard had passed low over the Barn Field and drifted off south, a Goshawk came in from the north and headed south-east over the Nursery where it caused panic amongst the local corvids. Secondly, a Firecrest was found in Double Dykes, where it showed well for a couple of hours. There were 14 Wheatear, about a dozen Willow Warbler, a few Chiffchaff, 2 Swallow and the first 2 Blackcap of the spring. At high tide, the 2 Red-breasted Merganser were roosting on East Marsh, the pair of Gadwall was in Barn Bight with a further 2 drakes on Stanpit; also 4 Shoveler on Stanpit and 7 Canada Geese were in the area. The Ruff deserted its favoured haunt on Wick and flew over to Priory Marsh, where there were still 4 Water Pipit. There was still an impressive 154 Black-tailed Godwit on Stanpit today, but the number of Grey Plover has fallen to just 5. From the Beach Huts, a single Red-throated Diver moved east and 6 Purple Sandpiper were on the groynes. Finally, just 1 Red-legged Partridge was seen today near the former Pitch and Putt course on Hengistbury.

March 25th

The harbour was blanketed in fog again this morning but fortunately it lifted just before 10am and we enjoyed a fine spring day. Searching for migrants in the gloom wasn't easy hence only 55 Meadow Pipit, 20 Goldcrest and 10 Chiffchaff were logged. However as conditions improved the first Yellow Wagtail of the year flew over Stanpit; also seen were 7 Sand Martin, 7 Wheatear, 7 Sandwich Tern, 3 Swallow and 2 Willow Warbler. A futher half a dozen Sand Martin were around the nest holes at the eastern end of the head. Red-legged Partridge was another addition to the total with 1 by the Nursery and 1 on Wick. The flooded fields on Wick held 3 Water Pipit whilst another 6 were on Priory Marsh. The lone Ruff was still on Wick and 2 adult Mediterranean Gull were overhead. A male Bullfinch in the copse in the cattle field was a good harbour record. Later, on Stanpit, the Black-tailed Godwit numbered around 100 and there were 32 Turnstone, 2 Ruff and 1 Sanderling feeding off East Marsh. The 2 Red-breasted Merganser were in Stanpit Bight and a 2nd year Yellow-legged Gull was on Blackberry. Just before lunchtime, 17 Buzzard, including a kettle of 11 birds, were soaring to the north of the harbour.

March 24th

On what was a very pleasant morning with a slight south-easterly breeze the first Swallow of the year hurried over the Common then north up the Avon Valley. A short time later the first Willow Warbler sang briefly in the woodland. There had clearly been a small influx of Goldcrest and Chiffchaff; estimated at 50+ and 25+ respectively, most of the birds being between the Nursery and the end of the head. There were just 3 Wheatear on the Barn Field, 5 Sand Martin overhead and a Sandwich Tern in the harbour. On Stanpit, 2 Avocet were on South Marsh today; also 92 Black-tailed Godwit and 31 Turnstone on the high tide roost. The 2 Red-breasted Merganser flew into the harbour over The Run, the female Goldeneye was again off the Nursery and 2 Gadwall were in Barn Bight. A Raven headed south over Wick and a Fulmar was prospecting the cliffs below the Coastguards.

March 23rd

On a glorious spring day in the harbour migrants were still hard to come by with just a couple of Wheatear, a Sand Martin and a few Chiffchaff to be found. The Avocet was still on East Marsh and the Ruff on the flooded fields on Wick; also on Wick there was 1 Water Pipit. A Pintail headed north whilst 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a single Goldeneye were in the harbour. Around lunchtime, 6 Purple Sandpiper were on groyne S8.

March 22nd

After the overnight rain Hengistbury was damp and overcast this morning but the wind had eased to a gentle south-easterly. There was very little sign of movement so the sea seemed the best option. A Fulmar heading east was surprisingly the first of the year; also moving east were 2 Eider, an increasingly scarce species in the area. Heading in a westerly direction were 10 Common Scoter and 3 Sandwich Tern, whilst a Canada Goose left the Harbour over The Run. On the Sandspit were 21 Turnstone and 2 Sanderling. There were 4 Purple Sandpiper on the groynes and Holloway's Dock held 51 Black-tailed Godwit. Two Peregrine were seen today, one on the seaward side of the Head moving westwards and one over Stanpit a little later. The Avocet was still on Stanpit this afternoon and a Sand Martin was over Priory Marsh. Finally there was just 1 littoralis Rock Pipit on Central Marsh. Check yesterday's sightings for one or two additions.

March 21st

Despite today being the first official day of spring it still felt quite cold in the strong easterly breeze. However there was some evidence of movement with Goldcrest and in particular Meadow Pipit being more numerous but only 3 Wheatear were reported. A half-hour seawatch produced the day's highlight when a pair of Goosander moved east; 8 Common Scoter, 2 Canada Geese and a single Guillemot also moved in the same direction. A Raven flew over the Common towards the Coastguards mid-morning. On Priory Marsh, 3 Water Pipit were still present and 5 Sand Martin were noted. The Black-tailed Godwit using Stanpit are looking more impressive by the day as many birds moult into summer plumage; the flock numbered 140 today, also counted were 14 Grey Plover, 14 Ringed Plover and 9 Turnstone. The first Avocet of the year was also on Stanpit and a Mediterranean Gull was present.

March 20th

Today was a better day weather wise but there was still a bit of mist around this morning and a stiff south-easterly breeze. Once again Meadow Pipit were trickling through in ones and twos with up to 60 birds being logged by 10am. A Buzzard also came in over the head and headed north over Wick. Newly arrived Chiffchaff were in good voice with one singing in the woodland and 4 around the Purewell stream. Wheatear today were 5 on Hengistbury, 1 on Crouch Hill and 1 on Priory Marsh. On Wick the Water Pipit were still on the flooded fields with 3 present this morning and the Ruff remained faithful to its favoured pool. Priory Marsh also held 3 Water Pipit and 5 littoralis Rock Pipit with 1 Sand Martin over the pools. On Stanpit the Grey Plover count was 35.

March 19th

For once the forecasters got it right as the harbour was blanketed in fog for most of the morning and the early part of the afternoon. Hence there is very little to report although Meadow Pipits could be heard moving overhead and about two dozen grounded birds were on Hengistbury. Two Sand Martin were seen today, 1 over the beach huts and 1 over the Coastguards. There were also a few more Chiffchaff around with 8 near the Ironstone Quarry and a couple on Wick. By late morning 3 Wheatear were on Crouch Hill with 5 being present late pm. Over 20 Turnstone were on Stanpit with another 7 on the Mudeford Sandspit this morning, then by 3.00pm, 31 birds were just off the Salt Hurns. An early afternoon walk on Wick produced 2 Water Pipit and a Ruff. Finally a male Gadwall was just off Fisherman's Bank with another in Barn Bight. Check yesterday's sightings for one or two additions.

March 18th

A much nicer day, which saw the numbers of spring migrants increasing. There were probably in excess of 24 Wheatear on Hengistbury today, numbers building up from 9:00 onwards; and this afternoon, at least 8 were on Crouch Hill, Stanpit. A couple of Sand Martin were showing an interest in the cliffs on Hengistbury and another bird fed over Stanpit Golf Course all afternoon. Stanpit received a lot of attention today and produced a good wader selection. The best was a Golden Plover, arriving with Lapwing, and then sleeping on East Marsh, also single Ruff and Knot. A single Water Pipit flew off Priory Marsh over the Golf Course, heading towards Stanpit Scrubs. No definite littoralis claims today, although a couple of photographed birds show characteristics. There are certainly some finer examples out there. After a two week absence, Goldeneye were again seen, with 3 birds from the Black House. From the same spot, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Knot were also reported; and closeby, on groyne S8, there were 6 Purple Sandpiper during the afternoon. A couple of Raven made their now daily visit at 7:15 for a short while, before returning north. A Mistle Thrush was at the far end of Wick near the driving range. Stanpit still holds 74 Brent Goose, up to 100 Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Turnstone, 23 Grey Plover, 54 Shelduck and also 2 Canada Geese on Blackberry.

March 17th

A day earlier than last year, a Black Redstart put in an appearance, with 1 bird being seen on the Beach Huts late this afternoon. Earlier in the day, a strong south-westerly meant that Stanpit was probably the best place to be, in particular, Crouch Hill; where there at least 7, but possibly 10, Scandinavian littoralis Rock Pipit, along with 7 Wheatear. A good count of 6 Jack Snipe was made - 5 in Central Marsh and 1 in Priory Marsh. It seems 5 Gadwall were present in the area today, 4 on the River from the HHC and 1 on Stanpit. Hengistbury was visited, but gave up little. Just a single Wheatear around the Barn Field and 33 Black-tailed Godwit in Barn Bight. The sea was desperate, a lone Guillemot the only reward, while, in the Wood, 2 Jay and a Great-spotted Woodpecker were present. This evening, there were still 4 male Wheatear on Crouch Hill, birds which are most likely to be additional to the morning's.

March 16th

Five new species to record for the year, including an unexpected raptor. A ringtail Hen Harrier being seen moving along the harbour-side Beach Huts towards Mudeford Quay, while mobbed by 2 Sparrowhawk. More traditional newcomers were: 1 Firecrest on the Golf Course Bank at Stanpit; 4 Sand Martin, 3 moving quickly north over Priory Pools and 1 heading up river; and 3 Sandwich Tern encounters, the year's first, east past Hengistbury at 07:20, 1 heard slightly later from Wick and, at lunchtime, 1 fishing in The Run. To complete the quintet, a Sanderling at Stanpit is an excellent early spring record. More Wheatear came through today, an estimated 12 in total, 10 on Hengistbury this morning and 2 on Stanpit in the afternoon. Also obvious as migrants were Chiffchaff and Stonechat, 13 of the former, including a singer, mainly around Stanpit Golf Course, which also held 7 of the latter, 5 of them males. A second-winter Mediterranean Gull with a green ring on its left leg was on the HHC sandbar, and may be 1 of 3 recently seen at Poole. Reflecting their recent frequency, Raven only warrant a mention this far down the posting, with 1 seen heading west from Stanpit over to Wick. Final bits and pieces include 3 Jay in the Wood, at least 11 Turnstone on the Sandspit and 1 Great-crested Grebe on the sea off Mudeford Quay. Late news: a female Peregrine was over the harbour at lunchtime and single littoralis Rock Pipit was on Stanpit.

March 15th

A strong south-westerly made Hengistbury pretty unwelcoming for both birds and birders this morning. As yesterday, there was barely any overhead passage, just a couple of alba Wagtail. Only other report from there, is 30 Black-tailed Godwit in Barn Bight. This afternoon, the wind had dropped and Stanpit was visited. However, before any real watching had started, multiple low passes by a Coastguard helicopter flushed off most birds. Brent Goose are still quite numerous at 88, but Grey Plover have certainly dwindled, just 12 today. A small influx of Lesser Black-backed Gull was evident, with 24 adults counted, along with 4 Common Gull. Other counts were 60 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Turnstone. A pair of Jay was seen around the Old Council Depot, a breeding site last year, but since largely cleared of trees for the new development. It will be interesting to see if they hang around.

March 14th

The most promising day so far brought the Wheatear. Two birds were on the Barn Field, Hengistbury, for most of the day. The first arrived at around 9:00 this morning and the second appeared a short while later. As would be expected, both were males, in a driven race to get onto the best territories first. Last year's date was a day earlier with 2003 being a day earlier still. Just before this, a couple of Raven had been seen overhead and, around lunchtime, there were 2 Purple Sandpiper on rocks by the Point House Café.

March 13th

A warm and spring like morning that gave the merest hint of incoming birds, as 36 Meadow Pipit headed north over Stanpit Golf Course during a 90 minute spell early on. Despite the paucity of migrants, it was a good day, headlined by a Red Kite seen at 9:45 from Stanpit Golf Course. The bird initially drifted south towards The Priory, before returning north. Also seen from that spot, were a single Brambling north, male Merlin and an adult Mediterranean Gull. Common raptors were also taking advantage of the warm air, with several Sparrowhawk and Buzzard seen soaring to the north of the area. Sub-specific pipits again provided interest on Crouch Hill, at least 6 littoralis (Scandinavian) Rock Pipit, in the company of Meadow Pipit, being in the area for the early part of the morning. Slightly later, this had reduced to one bird, albeit a good example of the race, but by the afternoon, all the pipits had cleared out. Red-breasted Merganser within the harbour have become something of a rarity in recent years, so a group of 3 birds this afternoon was very welcome. The regular scarce waders were all recorded: 2 Ruff were on East Marsh in the morning and 1 bird was on Priory Marsh this afternoon; a Knot and a Bar-tailed Godwit were on East Marsh; and the Common Sandpiper was on Fisherman's Bank. A familiar colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit, "Bird 3", was seen. Other interest from Stanpit came from a high count of 61 Shelduck, 5 Greylag Goose in flight, 5 Pintail and a single Turnstone on the grass of East Marsh. A couple of Linnet on Crouch Hill represent just the second record of the year for this rare winter species, but soon they will be everywhere, and a pair of Jackdaw feeding in the same area definitely warrant a mention. Counts of Brent Goose and Black-tailed Godwit were 79 and 95 respectively.

March 12th

A strong westerly breeze put off the hopes of any early migrants today. In fact, it's difficult to imagine any arriving until the conditions change dramatically. The best birds were early: on Stanpit, a Scandinavian Rock Pipit afforded good viewing close to Crouch Hill; while, on the other side of the river, 3 adult Mediterranean Gull were vocal as they overflew the HHC. A total of 5 Jack Snipe were recorded on Stanpit, from Central Marsh and Priory Marsh. The compulsory Saturday seawatch produced just 3 Red-breasted Merganser west, and a couple of Great-crested Grebe and 1 Razorbill on the sea. Late morning saw a high spring tide, which made Snipe very conspicuous around Wick Hams. Unfortunately, for one hapless individual, it was also very obvious to a female Sparrowhawk, who left the area with lunch. Not much to say about the afternoon, although a Buzzard north over Wick is noteworthy and the Common Sandpiper was by Mudeford Sailing Club. Some late wader interest: Stanpit held 2 Knot and the Bar-tailed Godwit, also 250 Dunlin and 25 Grey Plover, while there were 23 Turnstone on the Sandspit.

March 11th

The start of the day saw a south-westerly wind, which raised hopes for some migrants. These were short lived, however, as, by lunch the direction had turned northerly with a significant increase in strength. This was enough to deter me from an afternoon stroll around Stanpit. From the warmer environs of the car on the Argyle Road slip, 3 Knot and 2 Pintail could be seen in Stanpit Bight. While writing this, 4 Ruff have just overflown Stanpit Village and headed onto the marsh.

March 10th

No news again today, but there is a late item for yesterday.

March 9th

Late news from Stanpit: there was a classic looking Scandinavian littoralis Rock Pipit around the top end of Mother Siller's Channel this evening.

March 8th

A much milder day, but, unfortunately, not a great deal to report on. As is becoming the norm, Raven were again seen, with 2 over the Barn Field heading north. Just a few snippets from Stanpit, where a Water Rail could be seen in Mother Siller's Channel, just upstream from the Girder Bridge, also 5 Snipe dotted about and a couple of Goldcrest in the North Scrubs.

March 7th

The mercury dropped below zero last night, giving a light covering of frost this morning and yet more Raven. Around 8:00am, 2 birds were seen heading upriver over the HHC. Slightly later, a single bird appeared over the harbour and as it approached the Nursery, 3 more joined it, with all 4 pitching in around Coastguards. Almost immediately, a further 2 birds were seen, giving a day total of at least 6. At lunchtime, from the comfortable observation point of Argyle Road, single Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit were recorded, as well as 90 Black-tailed Godwit.

March 6th

The last WeBS count of the winter means there is lots to write about today. Conditions were similar to yesterday and it was actually very pleasant if one was out of the wind. Best bird was undoubtedly a Greenshank, which was in Barn Bight this morning; this species is extremely rare in the area outside the passage periods. As touched on yesterday, the status of Raven in the harbour seems to be changing fast. A couple were seen to arrive on Hengistbury from the Avon Valley at 08:30, before returning after an hour or so, while another was being mobbed by a Peregrine over the Priory. The most spectacular raptor of the day was a huge Saker that left north with what looked like a Grey Plover in its talons. To complete the falcon list, a Merlin was seen briefly over the HHC. The more interesting wader counts include: single Ruff and Bar-tailed Godwit, both seen in flight, 3 Jack Snipe up from Central Marsh, a Knot in Stanpit Bight and the Common Sandpiper on Fisherman's Bank. The most interesting wildfowl were a drake Shoveler and 2 Canada Goose in Parky Meade Rail, there were also 2 Greylag Goose about that area and a lone Goldeneye was in Barn Bight. Of other interest, a Water Pipit was on Wick Fields, Grey Wagtail were heard over Fisherman's Bank and the North Scrubs, a Dartford Warbler was on South Marsh and a Kingfisher was seen by the HHC. For those interested, edited highlights of the WeBS count follow. Generally, numbers are down, with birds certainly starting to disperse to their breeding grounds, just 33 Coot and 25 Mallard, for example. The only real exceptions were Wigeon and Dunlin with 507 and 508 respectively. Other counts are: 19 Snipe, 21 Ringed Plover, 33 Grey Plover, 58 Brent Goose, 34 Shelduck, 87 Teal, 18 Turnstone and 231 Lapwing.

March 5th

More wind with a northerly vector meant more chill. Since Christmas, Hengistbury has been rarely birded at dawn, except for Saturdays, when Raven sightings have been reasonably frequent. Statistically, this suggests the birds may actually be fairly regular first light visitors. Today, there were 2 birds on the top of the head, before being shooed off west by the local Carrion Crow. Other corvid interest was provided by a Jackdaw over the Wood. A 2 hour seawatch is probably best described as a social event, even plummeting to the depths of sub-specific Cormorant identification. Just 1 Gannet, 1 Common Scoter and 1 Curlew east were noted. There was a hint of the impending season, as both Sparrowhawk and Buzzard could be seen displaying to the north. Conversely, a small number of Lapwing in the unusual location of the Barn Field are likely to be linked to the recent cold weather movement. LAte reports froom Stanpit include a Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 6 Ruff, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Knot. Finally, the best news of the day actually relates to last week, when a Woodcock was flushed from the Long Field by the Nursery.

March 4th

Another cold day, another early seawatch. Unfortunately, no better than yesterday, with just 2 Great-crested Grebe being seen on the water. Later, on the HHC sandbar, there were 4 Canada Goose, which are far from commonplace in the area, also 6 Common Gull and a Kingfisher. Looking across the harbour from Barn Bight, a group of 5 Pintail, comprising 2 drakes, could be seen off Blackberry Point and lone, female-type Goldeneye was just offshore Rushy Piece. Lapwing numbers went above 200 today, these could well be birds moving ahead of the cold weather to the east of here. This afternoon was uneventful, apart from the Common Sandpiper, which was around the Argyll Road slip on Fisherman's Bank.

March 3rd

Again it's down to Fisherman's Bank to save the day, but naturally so, given the shelter there from the biting north-east wind. A total of 124 Black-tailed Godwit were feeding in the channel this morning, a slight increase from the earlier part of the week. Also up in total are Knot, now 3 birds around Stanpit, one of them accompanying the now familiar Bar-tailed Godwit.

March 2nd

A raw northerly wind did not deter an early morning seawatch. However, results were mediocre. Just 4 Curlew east, 1 Diver sp. east and 2 Great-crested Grebe on the sea being the sum total from a 45 minute spell. On Stanpit, most of the regulars were clocked, including the Bar-tailed Godwit and the Knot around Stanpit Bight and the Common Sandpiper on Fisherman's Bank. Around 70 Black-tailed Godwit were estimated, mainly in the Fisherman's Bank channel, but most seemed to leave towards Priory or Wick. Finally, 35 Grey Plover were counted.

March 1st

In spite of a westerly wind warming things up considerably, the only reports are from a short, late morning visit to Hengistbury. From there, just 2 Turnstone could be seen on Blackberry Point, along with 22 Grey Plover, but there are certainly more of both those species around. Most Lapwing have left the area, which is normal for this time of year, a mere 30 or so stragglers remaining. Only other slight interest, was a Black-tailed Godwit in the SSSI.