Sightings for November 2006

November 30th

Harbour birding appears to be in the doldrums at present, with just a few lunchtime sightings reported from Hengistbury today. There were 7 Purple Sandpiper on groyne S12, whilst Barn Bight held a female Goldeneye and a Kingfisher.

Additional news: a Red-necked Grebe in Barn Bight around noon is a really good record and, just before dusk, a Kingfisher was around Priory Marsh and a Peregrine was seeking supper over East Marsh.

November 29th

On the first clear morning for a couple of weeks, there were some straggling Wood Pigeon on the move. Around 300 were seen from Hengistbury, but several hundred seen slightly earlier just outside the recording area, suggest there could have been more. Also 12 Goldfinch and 7 Linnet heading south. The Wood held 'crests, including 2 or 3 Firecrest; while a Mediterranean Gull was in Barn Bight, also there a Little Grebe and Kingfisher. The regular Great-crested Grebe was again in that bight, along with a further 3 birds in Stanpit Bight.

November 28th

More torrential overnight rain, which had mercifully stopped by dawn. A brief excursion into the Wood on Hengistbury saw the Nuthatch and a Great-spotted Woodpecker, but no concentration of 'crests or tits could be found. From there, it became apparent there had been quite an influx of waders onto Stanpit and a subsequent visit to Crouch Hill vindicated this. A group of 45 Black-tailed Godwit appeared from the valley and joined those already settled, making a good total of 99 birds. Also impressive, was a group of 62 Turnstone seen briefly on Blackberry Point, along with 6 Grey Plover. A single Knot and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit also feature, as well as a creditable Dunlin presence of 187 individuals. Another healthy count was 221 Brent Goose and Shoveler had also increased to 12, including 5 drakes. Late in the morning, there was a near miss as a swift sp. came in off the sea, just 200meters east of the recording area.

November 27th

The strong winds and rain continued, deterring any morning activity; while an afternoon visit to Fisherman's Bank was foiled by the wind, incredibly high tide and bright sunshine, all combining to make observations nigh on impossible. Consequently, it's a blank news day.

November 26th

A real mixture of weather today - some rain clouds described as like a Badger's bum, then some finer conditions as the day progressed, but always a brisk south-westerly breeze. A seawatch this morning produced just a Mediterranean Gull and 12 Kittiwake; but there was an improved number of Purple Sandpiper, 6 in all, on the sandspit groynes, also 4 Ringed Plover there. The only other Hengistbury report is of a Firecrest, along with quite a few Goldcrest, in the Wood. The main activity was on Stanpit, where the November WeBS count took place. A single Common Sandpiper has wintered for the last 3 seasons, but so far none have been recorded this period. This changed today as a bird was heard around East Marsh. Other picks from the census include: a female-type Goldeneye in the strange location of Mother Siller's Channel; 2 redhead Red-breasted Merganser off Blackberry Point; and 7 Shoveler, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Knot around Stanpit Bight. There is so much floodwater coming down the rivers at the moment, meaning that, even at low water, there is barely any mud, and pathways and marsh are constantly flooded. This probably accounts for the low count of 11 Snipe and the relatively undisturbed Grimmery Bank holding 4 Turnstone. Some other counts for the day follow: 595 Wigeon, another good figure, 495 Lapwing, 357 Coot, 172 Brent Goose, but only 4 young birds, 157 Mute Swan, very high for the month, 154 Mallard, 104 Teal, around 200 down on last month, 87 Redshank, 43 Dunlin, 25 Curlew, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 22 Little Egret, 2 Great-crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, up to 10 could be expected, and 1 Greylag Goose.

November 25th

As is often the case since 1987, the forecast was graver than the actual realisation. Nevertheless, by recent standards, the well-attended Beach Huts gave an above average performance. A first-winter Little Gull passed by west just off the groynes and an adult Mediterranean Gull arrived from The Solent and entered the harbour. A couple of Pochard circled the sandspit before heading back inland; while an adult pair of Eider initially headed east, but shortly later returned and sat on the water not too far offshore. A Red-throated Diver also went east, and 6 Pintail, a Purple Sandpiper and 2 Sanderling went west, as did 5 or so Common Scoter and a single Gannet. After the deluge had ceased, a walk back through the Wood saw a Firecrest in the newly cleared of Holm Oak area in the Nursery and the Great-crested Grebe was in Barn Bight. The information services reported a Grey Phalarope, Little Gull and Red-throated Diver off Mudeford Quay, but no further details are currently known.

November 24th

The wind had moved just to the east of south this morning, making the Beach Huts as uncomfortable as they were birdless. A one hour vigil saw a single Kittiwake, 3 Dunlin and an auk sp. The Wood was also pretty quiet, apart from a pocket of activity by the first of the Double Bends, where the Nuthatch was with a tit flock. In Barn Bight, there was a drake Gadwall and the Great-crested Grebe. Stanpit this afternoon was impassable, even with wellington boots. Consequently, a brief look from the Golf Course, before the rain set in, saw 14 Black-tailed Godwit coming up from the other side of the river, at Wick. Meanwhile, a total of 56 Turnstone were seen entering the harbour over The Run. By this time, however, the wind had swung back to south-west and is forecast to be very strong indeed by tomorrow. There's nothing like talking it up again.

November 23rd

After what seemed like a night of almost constant rain and a reasonable south-westerly blow, there were high hopes for the sea. When will we learn? After an hour of 2 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 6 unidentified auks and a Sanderling on the beach, it was back towards the HHC. Things then picked up a little, as a drake Goosander was seen in flight heading out of the harbour over Holloway's Dock, also a Firecrest heard in the Wood and a noticeable influx of Goldcrest, both there and in Double Dykes. The Great-crested Grebe remains in Barn Bight.

November 22nd

Only Hengistbury received a visit today, but it did provide a nice record of 2 redhead Goosander on the water just off Rushy Piece. Further interest came from 2 Firecrest in the Nursery, as well as the Nuthatch. I know it's been used before, but it's such a good phrase - a Rattlewing, aka Goldeneye, was briefly in Barn Bight. This is the sort of date when the small winter flock should start to arrive. Also in Barn Bight, a Great-crested Grebe and a Kingfisher. A scan over to Stanpit saw a single Sanderling in with a few Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

November 21st

A bitterly cold north-westerly wind discouraged any morning activity, so it was left to Stanpit this afternoon to serve up the reports. Red-breasted Merganser are always notable inside the harbour, so a redhead roosting with the Wigeon in Stanpit Bight was particularly interesting. The best of the waders were 2 Knot and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, but also present were a single Grey Plover, 14 Black-tailed Godwit and 33 Dunlin.

November 20th

Some quite awful overnight rain had slowed by the morning, but, unfortunately, also weakening was the accompanying south-west gale. With the exception of a Black-throated Diver west, a 60 minute spell at the Beach Huts could best be described as a "typical Hengistbury seawatch". The remaining events were: 2 Kittiwake, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot and an auk sp., all to the west. A Raven over the Nursery upset the local Woodpigeon and the regular Kingfisher was at Barn Bight.

November 19th

A day that was punctuated with some quite unpleasant and squally showers - it doesn't do to get caught out on South Marsh in one of these! Nevertheless, there were some nice birds for most of the day on Stanpit. The first-winter Pale-bellied Brent Goose was seen both morning and afternoon, as was the Spotted Redshank. However, the Ruff and 2 Knot could only be located on the first visit. Other variety came from 7 Grey Plover, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, but just 2 Black-tailed Godwit, although the Dunlin numbered 100 or so. Before lunch, there was a reasonable count of 11 Common Gull, while the pre-roost congregation held at least 20. Additional interest came from 6 Shoveler and a Kingfisher. Wick also got some coverage - 6 Redwing and 1 Chiffchaff the best from there. On Hengistbury, the Nuthatch was in its favoured spot by the Nursery and a Kingfisher was around Barn Bight.

November 18th

The cloud and wind diminished overnight, making it ever so slightly chilly. A couple of Fieldfare passed north-west over the HHC just after dawn, it has certainly not been a significant autumn for these in the area. A Buzzard also passed over there, but a marauding male Peregrine over Stanpit provided the most interest as it flushed a Ruff, along with 800 Lapwing, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 40+ Dunlin and a Grey Plover. The woodland still holds the prized double of Nuthatch and Treecreeper, but never, it seems, for the same pair of eyes or ears. The sea was far less interesting, an hour's stint producing just a single auk sp. and 3 Turnstone. A pair of Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe and a Kingfisher were around Barn Bight; while Wick had a wintering Chiffchaff, at least 3 Cetti's Warbler were heard along the riverbank, as was a Water Rail.

November 17th

Despite Christchurch suffering a deluge for the entire day, a hardy soul did manage a 90 minute stint at the Beach Huts. During that time, 61 Kittiwake moving west was a good local count, but otherwise it was more routine. A couple of Red-throated Diver moved by, as did 2 Common Gull, a Guillemot and 4 auk sp. A single Turnstone also flew past the watchpoint.

November 16th

Rain stopped play for the morning, so it wasn't until lunchtime that any field trips were made. There is still at least 1 Firecrest on Hengistbury, in the Nursery by the first of the Double Bends. Further along, Holloway's Dock excelled itself by holding a good count of 29 Turnstone and a single Black-tailed Godwit. Moving even further, in fact as far as the Black House, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit could be seen on the Flats. Just before dusk, Fisherman's Bank received a visit, from where 8 Canada Goose were blotting the landscape. There were 96 Brent Goose visible on East Marsh, but more were present in Stanpit Bight. A group of 15 Curlew were seen to leave and head north in the fading light, perhaps these birds roost up in the valley, rather than on the marsh?

November 15th

A change of wind to the south produced a reasonable number of seabirds off Hengistbury. A Great Skua penetrated the flock of large gulls that were feeding distantly offshore; also 57 Auk sp., 9 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver west. A drake Goldeneye heading in the same direction was also nice, while a Red-breasted Merganser moved east. On the land, a Yellowhammer in bushes by the Ironstone Quarry probably heads the bill, although there were at least 2 Firecrest in the Wood around the Nursery, as was the Treecreeper. Only other bird news is a single Purple Sandpiper, but a Weasel was seen carrying a mouse sp. by the HHC.

November 14th

Today's report is entirely from Stanpit, as mid-morning drizzle curtailed any activity on Hengistbury. The North Scrubs produced some really notable records, not least a Brambling and 3 Siskin, but also a Firecrest. Meanwhile, Smithy's Field held 2 Blackcap and 4 Chiffchaff, all potential winterers. The only wader note involves a Ruff, while of the 219 Brent Goose, 1 was a Pale-bellied individual. The interesting point here, is that it was an adult, as opposed to the first-winter seen on Sunday. It seems that 2 birds are, on and off, using the harbour.

November 13th

So it seems the pigeon frenzy at the start of the month really was this year's visible migration swansong. Given the records of the last week or so, it' difficult to imagine any further movement. What a contrast to this time last year, when birds were still piling through. There were a total of 5 Firecrest on Hengistbury today, 3 of them around the Double Bends. The same area also produced the amazing woodland brace of both Nuthatch and Treecreeper, but not to the same observer. That trophy is still to be claimed. The westerly wind triggered a hopeful seawatch, but only 7 Kittiwake and a single Red-throated Diver were logged. The Brent Goose behaviour on Stanpit this morning was interesting. Up until 10:15, there were no birds present, then in the subsequent 15 minutes 3 skeins arrived, presumably from Poole, to form a gaggle of 221 birds, including a Pale-belled Brent Goose. There were also 13 Black-tailed Godwit on Stanpit, as well as several hundred Starling feeding on South Marsh.

November 12th

After the distractions of yesterday, it was back to normal. Stanpit was visited both morning and afternoon. Due to impending neap tides, neither visit was particularly well timed in terms of exposed mud, but the latter period produced the most birds. What was presumably yesterday's Pale-bellied Brent Goose was again present, but interestingly, this bird is a first-winter, meaning it is a different individual to last Sunday's. The best of the waders was a Ruff on East Marsh, also at least 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and a similar number of Grey Plover in that area. There were also over 20 Black-tailed Godwit spread cross East and South Marshes. The morning period saw 2 Knot and a single Ringed Plover, and the Brent Goose were counted at 189 birds, but there were far less this afternoon, a gaggle of perhaps 100 birds and containing just 4 dark-bellied youngsters; also 2 Common Gull on South Marsh and a Kingfisher watched fishing in pools by the path approaching Crouch Hill. On Hengistbury, the Purple Sandpiper numbers are slowly increasing - today, there were 3 by groynes S6 and S7 at 11:00. Please check back to Friday and Saturday for some additional news.

November 11th

It was just as well that things were pretty quiet on Hengistbury this morning, as when the news confirming the murrelet in Devon came through, the place was suddenly deserted. Several carefully negotiated changes to domestic plans later, and there were two cars containing CHOG regulars heading to Dawlish. Some brownie point balances are currently in the red! Now the local news, where the sea was predictably quiet in a light westerly breeze. In the 60 minute watch, a Red-throated Diver was just off the sandspit, a couple of Kittiwake were mixing with large gulls around a fishing boat and 3 Common Scoter headed west. The most remarkable sight of the day was of 11 Long-tailed Tit flying very high over the sandspit, and then dropping into the area by Holloway's Dock. It is not certain, but these may have been arriving birds. There were also single Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone on groyne S4, and 24 Reshank and a Dunlin in Holloway's Dock. The only other notes from Hengistbury concern 2 Redpoll in the Wood, a Great-spotted Woodpecker leaving the Nursery and a Kingfisher by the HHC. A visit to Stanpit this afternoon by about the only birder left in town, produced a Pale-bellied Brent Goose.

Additional news: the Nuthatch was in the Wood, a Grey Wagtail was on the Lily Ponds; and a Gadwall, Great-crested Grebe and Kingfisher were around Barn Bight.

November 10th

A fairly routine day, with the Spotted Redshank perhaps topping the bill. This is now considered to be the longest staying individual ever to use the area, and looks set to spend the winter. Having said that, the continued presence of the Nuthatch on Hengistbury is equally remarkable. Today, the bird was by the Double Bends, as was a single Firecrest. On Stanpit, this morning, a good selection of waders included: 7 Grey Plover, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Knot, also 62 Dunlin, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Ringed Plover. Amongst the many Wigeon, there were 7 Shoveler, but only 80 or so Brent Goose. A male Peregrine was around for most of the day and, encouragingly, was seen perched on the tip of The Priory tower. They always get a mention and today is no different - a Kingfisher was by Barn Bight. Despite the colder weather, canoe disturbance in Stanpit Bight continues. Throughout the summer, this was attributed to uninformed visitors, but today's culprits looked like real enthusiasts. A dog called Scruffy on North Marsh also made a nuisance of himself.

Additional news: a ringtail Hen Harrier passed high over Stanpit late in the morning, also a few Golden Plover over there.

November 9th

A largely quiet day, with the only highlight being a Firecrest in the Wood, from where most other birds seem to have left; although a couple of Chiffchaff were elsewhere on Hengistbury. There was the merest hint of a Wood Pigeon movement, as around 600 passed west, the largest group numbering 440 birds. Other migrants were Redpoll, Goldfinch and Skylark, all heard in small numbers. A Kingfisher was settled around Barn Bight.

November 8th

A morning that didn't see great numbers of birds, but there were, nevertheless, snippets of interest. An errant dog on the top of the head flushed a Jack Snipe, the first of the winter; also 3 Brambling over there. There has been a certain influx of 'crests, including 4 Firecrest in the Wood, but also 45 Goldcrest. The Nuthatch was between the Double Bends and, continuing their recent good presence, 4 Raven were over Hengistbury. Also a Great-spotted Woodpecker heading towards Wick.

November 7th

Although there was some fog over the river, much of the harbour was clear this morning. After the last few days it was pleasantly mild, almost springlike, with just a hint of east in the slight breeze. Just after dawn a Ring Ouzel headed north-west, together with 9 Song Thrush, 4 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing. Otherwise migrants were scarce, with just 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin and a Redpoll, plus a few Skylark, Goldfinch and Linnet; also on the move were 211 Starling west and a single Golden Plover. The 2 Firecrest were still in the Nursery, while 2 Yellowhammer were on top of the head and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker were around Double Dykes. In Barn Bight, there were 5 Pochard and 1 Gadwall, together with 48 Wigeon. Another 4 Gadwall and 3 Pochard flew upriver. The sea produced just 2 Kittiwake east. A late Wheatear on Stanpit this afternoon initially caused a little excitement, when two visiting birders suggested that it may be one its rarer cousins. It wasn't to be, however, but it did mean that Stanpit received some unscheduled coverage. Present were: 204 Brent Geese, 11 Shoveler, 11 Common Gull and, amongst the more regular waders were, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Knot, 3 Turnstone and the Spotted Redshank.

November 6th

Heavy fog, which didn't clear until mid-morning, made seeing birds very, very difficult today. The only news is of 2 Kingfisher in Barn Bight.

November 5th

There has certainly been an influx of Brent Goose into Dorset over the last few days, but unfortunately, we haven't experienced quite the same numbers and accompanying individual rarity as further west. However, a high count of 206 on Stanpit today did involve 1 Pale-bellied bird. Stanpit also seemed to hold an increased number of waders, including: 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Knot and 2 Grey Plover; as well as 23 Dunlin, 18 Black-tailed Godwit and a noteworthy 120 Redshank. On Wick, 3 House Martin over the northern-most field is a good record, given the absence of hiurundines in the last week, and there were another couple of these just west of the recording area. Also good for November, was a Wheatear on Crouch Hill, Stanpit. Hengistbury was not without interest, the best being a couple of Firecrest and the Nuthatch in the Nursery, and a drake Pochard in Barn Bight, also a Kingfisher there. Looking north from Mudeford Quay, a Red-throated Diver was very close off Avon Beach, from where excellent views were had. There is further evidence that the Hengistbury Dartford Warbler are regaining numbers; today a single bird was on Wick Fields, the first for ages, and during the week birds have been seen on Stanpit.

Errata: a Blackcap was on Wick Fields.

November 4th

One of the most unusual sights of the day came at dawn, when a bush along Wick Ditch started to squeak and then exploded with Long-tailed Tit, as around 25 birds shot vertically into the air before heading towards the Barn Field. The start of the seawatch was promising with a Red-throated Diver west and a Great-northern Diver on the water, just off the Beach Huts. The next two hours or so were fairly uneventful, punctuated only by 2 very late Sandwich Tern, but patience was rewarded by a Little Auk heading into The Solent. Also recorded were 10-20 Common Scoter, birds seen moving in each direction, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, a Turnstone and then a series of species - 2 grey goose to the west, 1 diver and 1 auk. Travelling Wood Pigeon numbered just 1600 heading west, also a few Redwing and 2 Fieldfare north-west. Small numbers of Skylark, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Redpoll and Brambling were heard, but were almost impossible to pick out of the blue skies. Gadwall were very obvious this morning, over 10 birds in or over the harbour, also 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, a Great-crested Grebe and a Kingfisher. Looking towards Stanpit, a healthy total of 160 Brent Goose could be seen. A visit to the same site this afternoon, produced the Spotted Redshank, a Grey Plover, 15 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover and 6 Black-tailed Godwit. Suspiciously, the Brent Goose then numbered just 17, presumably something had moved the others on. Finally, thanks to Ian Lewis for a very entertaining and informed recount of his Pacific travels last night.

Additional news: the information services report a Little Auk off the jetty, presumably the Long Groyne, at 3:15 this afternoon; and another, or the same, was seen from the sandspit around 45 minutes later.

November 3rd

Despite identical conditions to the last two mornings, things were much quieter today. Perhaps all the available birds took advantage of the fine weather and have passed on through. The Wood Pigeon count was just 8500 birds, all moving very distantly west, north of the harbour. Raptor interest was provided by 2 Marsh Harrier - an adult female came out of Wick Hams reeds and crossed the harbour, while moments later, a younger bird passed west over the sea. Later in the morning, the adult bird caused havoc over East Marsh. Also a Merlin north and a Peregrine west. Not so many duck around today, but there was a female-type Goldeneye tucked in the corner of Barn Bight, along with 2 Tufted Duck; and 7 more Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler and 2 Gadwall went overhead. The best passerine was a Yellowhammer, but little else with just a few finches, including Brambling and Redpoll, and 10 or so Redwing and a single Fieldfare upon which to remark. Wader-wise, it was only a few Dunlin, 2 Golden Plover and 2 Knot, all arriving and all seen from Hengistbury, where the Nuthatch was still present in the Wood. If you are planning to visit Stanpit this weekend, tomorrow would be recommended, as the firework display on the Recreation Ground is likely to empty the marsh of birds for Sunday morning.

Additional news: 3 Rook came from the north over the harbour, reached the sea and headed straight back again.

November 2nd

The continuing clear skies heralded the autumn's first frost, which, in tandem with a north-easterly breeze, made for a very cold morning. There was reward, however, courtesy of another record-breaking Wood Pigeon experience. From dawn to 08:10, 63000 passed west, and in the subsequent hour a further 18000 did the same, producing a grand total of 81000 birds. Also 2850 Stock Dove mixed in, but by 09:15 the movement stopped in its tracks. The main flyway was similar to yesterday, but a few of the birds did move well north of the area. In terms of witnessing this spectacle, which could possibly happen again tomorrow, there are two options. Firstly, Stanpit Golf Course, where the birds are more or less overhead; or secondly, Hengistbury, from where the birds are more distant, but perhaps the view is more spectacular, as the wider vista allows more birds to be seen at once. The sea threw up two firsts for the year, as a total of 3 Little Auk went west close past the Beach Huts; from where a Black-necked Grebe was also seen. Other goodies moving past included: a Velvet Scoter, east then west, a couple of Little Gull west, 3 unidentified grey geese at 10:15 heading into the Solent and a Red-throated Diver just off Double Dykes. Also 33 Common Scoter and 10 Red-breasted Merganser west. Both Woodlark and Yellowhammer passed over the top of the head, as did 8 Sparrowhawk and a Merlin, all the raptors north; while there were also at least 3 male Peregrine, 2 tussling high over the harbour, a later bird and then The Priory faithful. A couple of Firecrest were in the Wood, along with the Nuthatch and the Great-spotted Woodpecker. Meanwhile, Barn Bight was full of locally uncommon diving duck, numbering 7 Tufted Duck and 5 Pochard, also 15 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler and a Great-crested Grebe in the harbour. There was a seasonally good count of 10 Bar-tailed Godwit on Stanpit; and 98 Dunlin, 3 Knot and a Golden Plover moved westwards past the head. The early thrush movement over the area totalled: 94 Redwing, 22 Fieldfare, 20 Song Thrush and 1 Mistle Thrush. Finally, the other passerines, which all moved generally west: 410 Starling, 340 Chaffinch, 145 Goldfinch, 80 Brambling, 75 Linnet, 24 Redpoll and 12 Siskin.

November 1st

This is the month for pigeon and, right on cue, we were fortunate to enjoy a really clear dawn sky - the first for a while - that played host to one of the biggest, if not the biggest, movements ever recorded here. The estimate from dawn to 10:30, when birds were still moving, was 74000, all directly west. Some sample times include: dawn to 07:25 from Hengistbury, 14000; and 07:25 to 08:15 on Stanpit Golf Course, 22500. The main flyway actually seemed to be over Central Marsh/Crouch Hill, with the vast majority of birds at medium height. In the mayhem, it was difficult to pick out Stock Dove, but at least 2200 were noted. Raptors were also moving in the clear conditions, a male Hen Harrier came in from the south, quite high; and a total of 16 Sparrowhawk headed north, as did 25 Song Thrush and 16 Redwing. Wader and duck activity comprised: a trio of Avocet leaving the harbour just after dawn, the "winter's" first Purple Sandpiper on the Long Groyne and a total of 21 Golden Plover north-east; also 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard and a Pintail. A Yellowhammer was around the top of the head, and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull and 74 Common Gull passed by west. Not too many smaller migrants to report, other than 430 Chaffinch, 190 Skylark, 110 Goldfinch, 65 Brambling and 20 Redpoll, but almost no Linnet whatsoever. The Nuthatch was in the Wood, a Great-crested Grebe was in Barn Bight and 2 Sandwich Tern were off Hengistbury. Over on Stanpit, there was a Wheatear on Crouch Hill and a Common Sandpiper in Mother Siller's Channel; while, around Stanpit Bight, there were 36 Dunlin, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, Sandwich Tern and a Pintail, also a Kingfisher by Parky Meade Rail.