Sightings for November 2007

November 30th

An hour's seawatch this morning could muster just a single Red-throated Diver west, however, the present squalls are lending optimism to what might happen tomorrow. Waders inside the harbour included: 18 Turnstone on Blackberry Point and 40 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover and 6 Grey Plover elsewhere on Stanpit. An information services report from there contains a Spotted Redshank and the Avocet, with a Peregrine and 2 Raven over. Finally, apologies to Chris Chapleo for the incorrect crediting of yesterday's photo, a situation that has now been rectified.

November 29th

A little quiet this morning, although a Black-throated Diver east off the Beach Huts is not to be sniffed at, also a couple of Guillemot on the water off there. Three distinct pairs of Raven arrived over the harbour at the same time, interacting for a while, before heading off again. A drake Shoveler flew upriver, while the Wood Duck was again present, today in Barn Bight trailing around after a duck Mallard. The Stanpit Lapwing, when spooked, brought up 12 Black-tailed Godwit, but nothing else could be picked out amongst them. To wrap up, a Kingfisher was by the HHC and the information services report a Water Pipit from Stanpit.

Additional news: the information services report a Slavonian Grebe on the sea off the Beach Huts.

November 28th

The day's most unusual record was of a drake Wood Duck in Brewer's Creek. It would be stretching it to try and add this the year-list, nevertheless, it made an attractive sight. Meanwhile, the sea came up with some interest. A couple of Little Auk were seen on three occasions of the Beach Huts, as they couldn't decide whether they liked the look of The Solent or not, and a drake Scaup passed close by there, also a Guillemot. Quality continued right throughout the day, with a drake Goosander overflying Hengistbury this afternoon. Earlier, a Yellowhammer had been the pick, but also the Firecrest in the Wood, 9 Brambling, 6 Redwing and 5 Fieldfare. The Slavonian Grebe remains, along with 18 Little Grebe, and a single Raven went over eastwards. Returning to the sea, where an effort was made to count the Shag - the final total being a poor 22, which is relatively low for the time of year.

November 27th

On a very murky morning, only Stanpit received some brief attention and that was only from Fisherman's Bank. From there, the Avocet could be seen, along with 45 Dunlin, 25 Black-tailed Godwit a 5 Grey Plover. The high water levels are still exposing Snipe, with 39 being visible on the fringes of East Marsh, while a group of 15 Turnstone on Blackberry Point were thought to be just recently arrived. To finish this rather succinct post, a Rock Pipit was again along the Fisherman's Bank shore.

November 26th

Whether or not it was the mid-morning drizzle that was the cause of an unprecedented 150+ Siskin feeding in the Nursery is not clear. Whatever, they made quite a sight, as they were watched gorging for well over half-an-hour. The event is made even more puzzling if one takes into account that the main passage of this species petered out over a fortnight ago. Also, Firecrest and Coal Tit in that area. Out in the middle of the harbour, the Slavonian Grebe was again present, as were a minimum of 10 Little Grebe. On Wick Fields, a Kingfisher was seen sat on a fencepost.

November 25th

As a high spring tide this morning engulfed Stanpit, with the exception of one hardy individual, most of that area's WeBS counters huddled on the Argyll Road slip to conduct their business. From there, the Slavonian Grebe could be seen on the "deeps" of Stanpit Bight, while the Avocet roosted up to its belly off South Marsh, before eventually deciding to move elsewhere. On the Hengistbury side, a group of 4 Purple Sandpiper was on the end of the sandspit and a good number, 14 in fact, of Little Grebe and a single Great-crested Grebe were in Barn Bight. The day-total for the former actually reached 17, as 3 more were about Stanpit. Meanwhile, non-WeBS oddities included a Mistle Thrush over the Recreation Ground, a Rook across the harbour from Stanpit Village, a Raven over Wick Hams, and Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail along Fisherman's Bank, where there was also a Kingfisher up and down, with a further bird by the Noddy Train Terminus. Although the high waters generally made for poor counts of most species, Snipe tended to be more obvious as they were washed out of their normal retreats - a total of 39, mostly in flight, notched up today. Also, 60 Dunlin, 43 Black-tailed Godwit and 11 Grey Plover. To finish, the consolidated numbers for the more mundane species comprise: a low 278 Wigeon, 111 Coot, 104 Brent Goose, 95 Mallard, two fat ladies of Redshank, 85 Teal, all the sixes of Oystercatcher, a ridiculously poor 22 Mute Swan and 21 Curlew.

November 24th

The heaviest frost across the area for quite some time, made for a cold start to the day and prompted a small influx of thrushes, with 22 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush over the HHC very early on, plus a lingering Fieldfare in the Nursery throughout the morning. On the walk to the Beach Huts, the Slavonian Grebe, along with a Great-crested Grebe, was showing well in Barn Bight. Then, interestingly, one of the first birds found on the mill pond sea was also a Slavonian Grebe. Unfortunately, the "two" were never recorded simultaneously, so only one can go into the records. Further small grebe frustration came via a couple of birds that were seen, distantly, on at least two occasions, but they couldn't be completely pinned down before heading off west. As it was, the water was watched morning and afternoon. During the first session, from 9:00 to around 11:00, a single Velvet Scoter came out of The Solent; while a group of 10 more duck, which contained 2 smaller individuals, was more than likely the party of 8 Velvet Scoter and 2 Common Scoter that the Hurst guys had, 10 minutes prior, warned us to expect. Further interest before lunch came from a Little Auk, 7 Gadwall, 30 Common Scoter, 3 Great-crested Grebe and 5 auk sp. west, 10 Red-throated Diver, all but 3 of these east, and a strange collection of 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Teal also east. After lunch, the later shift saw 2 more Little Auk, both west and one particularly close, a drake Scaup west and then back again, a Black-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. Duck more associated with freshwater were also moving around, including 8 Pochard and 2 Tufted Duck over the harbour, along with 100 or so Wigeon heading generally west. The Wood held 1, but possibly 2, Firecrest and at least 8 Chiffchaff were dotted about the Wick area. A few finches continue to trickle by; for example, 11 Brambling, 5 Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch, a couple of Siskin and several Chaffinch this morning, with remaining interest for the day being a Purple Sandpiper and 32 Ringed Plover about the Long Groyne and a Kingfisher past Goldeneye Point.

Additonal news: it has been confirmed there were 2 Firecrest in the Wood.

November 23rd

On a crisp clear morning, a few Goldfinch and Chaffinch were still on the move, also 4 Brambling over Wick Fields. The Slavonian Grebe was still in Barn Bight, together with 3 Little Grebe and a Great Crested Grebe. A Kingfisher was seen by the HHC and a flock of 31 Ringed Plover was on the sandspit. On Wick, 2 wintering Chiffchaff were by the Wooden Bridge and this evening a Little Owl was heard near the Driving Range. Check back to yesterday for late news.

November 22nd

Firstly, a frustrating near miss this morning, as two egrets, which were seen from behind the HHC and also from Wick Fields, were considered by both observers to be Cattle Egret. The birds were heading off south-west but were very distant. The Slavonian Grebe was off Goldeneye Point mid-morning and in Barn Bight a little later, while at least 13 Little Grebe were in the harbour. A flock of 74 Fieldfare was at the far end of Wick and 2 Raven went north over the Barn Field. An Avocet was on Stanpit until the local Peregrine made a pass and then wasn't seen again. Other waders included 20 Dunlin, 12 Grey Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit. Singles of Pintail and Gadwall were present on Stanpit, also a Kingfisher around Mother Siller's Channel and another one on the river. Later in the day, the 2 Raven were pair bonding on the ground on South Marsh.

Late news: A Merlin at the north end of Stanpit headed off over the Civic Offices.

November 21st

On a very welcome fine and bright morning, there were a few bits and pieces. Another 4 Little Gull were seen; the birds moved west in a single flock past the Beach Huts, also 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 west and 1 east. There were 5 Raven today and also a Peregrine over Stanpit, the latter putting to flight the Lapwing flock, amongst which were 23 Black-tailed Godwit. Chaffinch were still on the move over Hengistbury with 170 counted, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the Wood and 2 Chiffchaff were at the end of the head. From Fisherman's Bank at lunchtime, there were 2 Little Grebe, a Kingfisher and a good count of 99 Redshank.

November 20th

An adult Little Gull was on the Solent Meads golf course briefly this morning. Unfortunately, the bird moved on before any of the photographers arrived. On Wick Fields, there were 10 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare, the latter eventually flew south; also a Brambling passed overhead. The only other report was of 9 Little Grebe on the river and the feral Greylag Goose circuiting the harbour.

November 19th

Given the slight improvement in the weather this morning, a seawatch was attempted from the Beach Huts, but the direction of the wind and the frequent squally showers made it a thoroughly unpleasant experience. It also yielded very little with just 40 Gannet moving slowly east, 11 Brent Geese, close in, heading into the Solent, plus 3 Kittiwake and a female Common Scoter heading west. On Stanpit, waders numbered 50 Dunlin, 16 Ringed Plover, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Grey Plover and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, also the local Peregrine was seen this afternoon.

November 18th

Needless to say, today was almost a total washout. An attempted seawatch from Mudeford Quay this morning was brought to an early conclusion by the strong south-easterlies and driving rain, with just a single Purple Sandpiper seen.

November 17th

A Long-tailed Duck, the first of the year, which flew west past the Beach Huts, was about the only highlight of this morning's seawatch. Prior to that, the Slavonian Grebe, not seen since last month, was on the river behind the HHC, also present were 18 Little Grebe. A Woodlark passed high over Warren Hill and the Firecrest was in the woodland. To complete the picture from the Beach Huts, 2 Red-throated Diver moved east, while 2 Tufted Duck went west, also 9 Common Scoter were seen and 9 Turnstone were on the groynes. A winter flock of more than 50 Long-tailed Tit was in the Wood, also a dozen Goldcrest and 3 Chiffchaff. In the alders near Holloway's Dock, there were 3 Siskin with another 4 overhead, also on the move were 21 Song Thrush, 14 Redwing, 8 Fieldfare, 14 Reed Bunting, 6 Brambling and 4 Redpoll. Waders today included 5 Golden Plover heading north, while the Grey Plover count on Stanpit had increased to 31, also on Stanpit were 70 Dunlin, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Spotted Redshank, plus a Jack Snipe on Priory Marsh. Finally, 11 Shoveler were seen arriving, while a group of 3 Pochard did a circuit of the harbour.

November 16th

After another heavy frost and conditions not dissimilar to yesterday, rather surprisingly there was no Wood Pigeon movement over the harbour today. A group of 6 diving duck, 4 Pochard and 2 Tufted Duck, circuited the area, 3 Shelduck flew north and a drake Gadwall was on the river. At sea, just a single Great Northern Diver moved east. The wintering Common Sandpiper was on Fisherman's Bank at lunchtime, the first report for a couple of weeks, also 2 Kingfisher present. On Stanpit, there were 25 Dunlin, 15 Ringed Plover and 11 Grey Plover. Finally, 3 Purple Sandpiper were on the sandspit opposite Mudeford Quay this morning.

Additional news: late this afternoon, 4 Purple Sandpiper were on Hengistbury.

November 15th

Up to 40 years ago, when there was a large wintering presence in the Avon Valley, White-fronted Goose were frequently recorded in the harbour. However, in the last few decades, they have come close to achieving mega status; meaning a skein of 5 in off the sea over Double Dykes and continuing north, just west of The Priory, was a significant event indeed. To support these, a Little Auk was seen briefly from the Beach Huts, before it settled on the water, but could then not be picked out with a telescope, and a Firecrest was in the Wood. Also at sea, 8 Red-throated Diver and 2 diver sp. west. Earlier, the day had broken to the heaviest frost of the autumn so far and, for a 45 minute spell, Woodpigeon abounded. At total of 17000 passed west, including 10000 in five minutes around 7:15. There were also good numbers of passing duck and waders, the former west and the latter contra to that. Figures include: 19 Shelduck, 10 Pochard, 7 Common Scoter, 7 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 of these settled in Parky Meade Rail, along with a few Pintail and Wigeon, also an arriving Avocet that couldn't later be found on Stanpit, 23 Snipe, 21 Grey Plover and 139 Dunlin. Other passing birds were made up of: 55 Blackbird, 27 Redwing, 21 Song Thrush and 12 Fieldfare, along with 630 Starling and 53 Skylark; while 55 Brambling, 220 Chaffinch, 9 Redpoll and a single Siskin were also recorded. As has been usual of late, a couple of Peregrine were around the area, and a trip along the sandspit saw 27 Ringed Plover settled with 10 or so Dunlin and 5 Turnstone. Finally, a Kingfisher was by Barn Bight.

November 14th

A return to clear skies and light easterly wind saw the pigeons on the move again. A prolonged count wasn't undertaken, but in the half-hour subsequent to 7:30, a total of 4750 Woodpigeon were logged, all heading conventionally west-south-west. On Wick Fields, a Yellowhammer and 2 Redpoll were decked in the same bush and 15 Black-tailed Godwit arrived to join an existing bird on the Hams. A trip to the Beach Huts saw that the 2 Purple Sandpiper have not yet been joined by others, while a quiet sea produced just a single Razorbill. A Peregrine was seen attacking Woodies over Mudeford Village and a further bird was resting on the gargoyles. Please check back to yesterday for some rather frustrating additional news.

November 13th

Yesterday closed with a frost, but overnight rain cleared that away and raised the morning air temperature. Nevertheless, a cold wind made fieldwork uncomfortable, thereby ensuring this post isn't going to take too much of my time. To reinforce the point, the best was a drake Pochard circuiting the harbour before pushing off inland! A Peregrine was watched pursuing a Redshank, which eluded capture by plunging into the harbour; while other waders spooked by the incident included 8 Grey Plover, 40 Dunlin and a Turnstone. Meanwhile, 8 Little Grebe were on the river and 9 Black-tailed Godwit fed on Wick Hams floods.

Additional news: unfortunately 24 hours after the event, a work colleague described seeing a very small black and white bird furiously paddling about The Run at lunchtime. Oh well!

November 12th

Clear skies, light frost, slight wind - classic pigeon conditions. An impressive 41500 moved west this morning, with most flocks passing about 1km or so inland. Also 240 Stock Dove picked out from some of the closer groups. The season's total now exceeds 120000 birds, so there are probably not many more left to come through. On a reasonable morning, quality came courtesy of a Snow Bunting heard over Hengistbury and seemingly heading towards Stanpit; also a Little Auk glimpsed briefly as it appeared out of the sun before being lost to view around the end of the head, a Woodlark over and a Firecrest in the Wood. Also of interest were a Ruff and 2 Knot seen leaving, while 8 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard and 2 Gadwall passed by northwards. As is usual, dawn was the best time for thrushes - 53 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush and 7 Fieldfare recorded moving off the head - but Starling were arriving for most of the morning, 370 in total. Brambling were particularly abundant, with 117 logged, some apparently settled in the woodland; also 47 Siskin, 25 Redpoll, 520 Chaffinch, 117 Goldfinch and 87 Linnet. The sea was watched, but other than the already mentioned auk could muster just 2 Red-throated Diver into The Solent; however, up to 20 Shelduck were more notable, having been largely absent since departing for their late summer moult. A Peregrine on The Priory tower was thought to be a different individual to one over the Coastguards.

November 11th

Given the numbers being reported off the east coast in the last couple of days it's not surprising that a Little Auk was seen heading west off the beach this morning. There was very little else, however, just 4 Kittiwake, 3 Red-breated Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 15 Ringed Plover and 25 Common Gull, all west, plus 6 Razorbill offshore. The 2 Firecrest were again in the wood showing very well. There was just a hint of passerine migration with 13 Brambling and 4 Siskin on the move. Both Merlin and Peregrine were seen from the beach huts and the 2 Purple Sandpiper were roosting on their favoured groyne. Finally 2 Raven were on the car park at Mudeford Quay.

November 10th

Other than 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and 23 that couldn't be named, the hoped for auk bonanza failed to materialise. But, we sort of suspected that would be the case! However, during the extended watch, a few bits and pieces were picked up, including; 1 Black-throated Diver, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great-northern Diver and 5 diver sp.; also 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Kittiwake and 52 Common Gull, while duck weighed in with singles of Goldeneye, Pintail and Shoveler, plus 14 Common Scoter and 4 Red-breasted Merganser, with other fowl comprising a few Brent Goose and 2 Great-crested Grebe. There were also 3 species of raptor seen over the water - a juvenile Peregrine and female Merlin west, the latter then hunted over the Barn Field before being moved on by an adult male Peregrine; and a Sparrowhawk that seemed to arrive from the south. In fact, despite the very strong westerly blow, there were reasonable numbers of passerines on the move. A total of 4 Bullfinch went over the end of the head, with a further calling furiously from within the Barred Warbler Bush; also 19 Siskin, 16 Brambling, 14 Redpoll, 295 Chaffinch and 75 Goldfinch, mainly east, plus small parties of Starling, summing to 50 birds, from the south-east. A single Firecrest was in the Wood, while 2 Purple Sandpiper and 18 Turnstone were on the sandspit, with a mixed group, 35 strong, of Ringed Plover and a few Turnstone passing by. At dawn, a Fieldfare was by the HHC and, later, another was on Wick Fields, where there were also 3 Brambling. Meanwhile, the adjacent flooded Wick Hams held a Spotted Redshank and 8 Black-tailed Godwit.

November 9th

As the finch passage dwindles, it was good to get 3 Crossbill over Hengistbury this morning, along with 8 Brambling. However, the commoner species numbered just 125 Chaffinch, 45 Goldfinch, 21 Siskin and 3 Redpoll. A largely quiet Wood did hold 2 Firecrest, both around the Double Bends area, while, at dawn, a party of 9 Fieldfare were hopping around on Solent Meads golf course. Later, another went over, as did 15 Redwing and 61 Skylark. The sea was very quiet, just a Razorbill west to remark upon, but there were 2 Purple Sandpiper in front of the Beach Huts. Remaining interest came from a Raven mid-morning and a Kingfisher by Wick Hams. With the southern North Sea currently stuffed full of small auks, there are possibilities over the weekend…

November 8th

In a strengthening north-westerly, there was very little evidence of movement this morning, although a few Chaffinch and the odd Siskin passed overhead, also a Grey Wagtail over the HHC. A Peregrine was seen briefly above the cliff, where the 2 Raven were being harrassed by the local corvids. The Little Grebe count was 14 today and 2 Shoveler flew down river towards Stanpit. As the Lapwing flock took flight over the harbour, at least 40 Dunlin, 11 Bar-tailed Godwit and 5 Grey Plover accompanied them. At low tide this afternoon, 85 Brent Geese were off Mudeford Quay and 3 Turnstone passed there.

November 7th

A Cattle Egret, presumably one of the birds seen further west in the last few days, paid a brief visit to the harbour this morning. It arrived from the west in the company of 2 Little Egret and appeared to go down on the Salt Hurns, but couldn't be relocated. A Short-eared Owl was another welcome visitor, seen being mobbed by a couple of corvids over the HHC. The sea produced the first Velvet Scoter of the autumn, 2 birds heading west, also 3 Tufted Duck, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver east and 2 Razorbill. The Firecrest was again by the first bend in the Wood, a Bullfinch was by the Beach Huts and 16 Goldcrest were counted. Passerine migration was slow with just 110 Chaffinch, 58 Goldfinch, 11 Redpoll, 8 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 3 Redwing and a Fieldfare. On the groynes, 18 Turnstone were feeding, while small flocks of Ringed Plover, totalling 53 in all, headed east. The number of Little Grebe is still on the increase with 18 on the river today, also 11 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Grey Plover were noted. Finally, the 2 Raven were again present.

November 6th

On a crisp and clear morning with little or no wind, in seemingly ideal conditions, only 280 Wood Pigeon were logged heading west. Finches and wagtails were also in short supply, with just 25 alba wagtail and a few Siskin, Redpoll, Chaffinch, Linnet and Goldfinch on the move. The Firecrest was in its favourite area between the bends adjacent to the Nursery, while 2 Bullfinch by the HHC were worthy of note. A couple of Raven came off the Head and headed north up the Avon Valley. Waders today included 20 Dunlin and 3 Black-tailed Godwit amongst the airborne Lapwing flock and, at lunchtime, 2 Spotted Redshank seen from Fisherman's Bank. Finally, a duck Shoveler was on South Marsh and 2 Little Grebe were on the river.

Check back to yesterday for some additional news.

November 5th

The last few years have proved November to be the month with the best hit rate for Woodcock, something that was reinforced today as one was flushed by a birder taking a "natural break" at the end of the head. Last night's starry skies and light easterly wind brought on yet more Woodpigeon. At least 19500 were recorded, as well as 137 Stock Dove and 24 Jackdaw, with the routing being slightly more southerly and seaward than of late. At dawn, the Wick Fields held grounded thrushes and Brambling - the actual numbers, including later flyovers, tallying at 37 of the latter, 61 Redwing, 26 Song Thrush and 6 Fieldfare. Meanwhile, other movers were made up of: 375 Chaffinch, 330 Starling, 175 Goldfinch, 68 Linnet, most of these seem to have gone through now, 19 Siskin and 18 Redpoll. A couple of Bearded Tit were in the HHC reeds, while 3 Knot and 75 Dunlin passed east and 3 Golden Plover headed north. To wrap things up, a pair of Shoveler circuited the area, a Greenshank was heard and 2 Little Grebe were in Barn Bight.

Additional news: A Crossbill flew over the Solent Meads Golf Course this morning, also the 2 Red-legged Partridge were in the usual spot on the driving range.

November 4th

Early mist soon burnt off, but no real movement was evident from the lower parts of Hengistbury. Perhaps if a trip had been made to the top, then more could have been recorded. As it was, just small numbers of the normal finches, pipit and lark were noted, however, a flyover Bullfinch and singles of Brambling, briefly settled in Wick Ditch and Wick Hams respectively, are worth a specific mention. A continental Coal Tit was with a sizeable Long-tailed Tit flock about the Batters, also Redwing heard from there. For a moment, as the skies cleared, it looked like a pigeon passage was underway, but the end result was just 300 west. A trip to the sandspit saw a Red-throated Diver east and 9 Turnstone on the groynes, also around 75 Brent Goose bobbing up and down on the surfline. This behaviour has been quite frequent lately and it is thought they are feeding on the beached seaweed. A group of 25 Ringed Plover arrived on Stanpit from over the Barn Field, to join 3 Black-tailed Godwit, a single Grey Plover, around 600 Lapwing and a drake Shoveler. From the HHC, 7 Common Gull were on the bar, the same number of Little Grebe were on the river and a Kingfisher squeaked past.

November 3rd

With fairly thick cloud and an inland bank of mist, the biggest surprise of the morning came at 8:30, when a flock of 1200 Woodpigeon was seen from the top of Hengistbury heading west over Wick Fields. Subsequent close scrutiny of the distant skies revealed there was indeed a movement going on. In total, over 16000 were logged, also 97 Stock Dove, with the main passage ending around 10:30. The flight line was well over a kilometre inland and it's interesting to speculate how many certainly slipped past unnoticed. A very late Sand Martin moved east in the company of a Swallow, while another of the latter was also recorded. A Tree Sparrow passed over the HHC and there was a Firecrest, along with 31 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff and a Coal Tit, in the same sort of area. At sea, 3 Red-throated Diver passed, 2 west and 1 east, and a group of 3 Great-crested Grebe sat on the water. The best from a couple of afternoon Stanpit visits were a Ruff, a Common Sandpiper off Fisherman's Bank, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Also, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Dunlin, 7 Grey Plover and 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, plus singles of Shoveler and Kingfisher. A Peregrine caused havoc and earlier in the day a bird in juvenile plumage gave good views from the Coastguards. Finally, the day's movers: 38 Song Thrush, 12 Fieldfare, and 54 Redwing, all north, other than 2 Song Thrush south out to sea; 420 Chaffinch, 125 Meadow Pipit, 111 Goldfinch, 96 Linnet, 30 Redpoll, 36 Siskin, 23 Brambling and 21 Reed Bunting, to the east; and 236 Starling west.

November 2nd

Less cloud than yesterday, but nearly as mild, and a short but sweet early movement. Prior to 7:45, a total of 17000 Woodpigeon and 95 Stock Dove took the traditional westerly heading, with long lines of birds passing over the harbour after approaching from over the New Forest in more rounded flocks. Strangely, there were no accompanying corvids, but 105 Starling and 98 Skylark did move the same way. Birds seen coming in for the winter included a Merlin and 2 Sparrowhawk off the sea, 26 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush, including a flock of 5, 12 Fieldfare and 5 Redwing off the head and over Wick Fields, also 8 Pochard and 2 Tufted Duck upriver. A Firecrest was in the Wood, along with an apparent influx of Great-spotted Woodpecker, at least 3 birds, plus half a dozen or so settled Redpoll. A group of 15 Turnstone were on the sandspit, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit arrived onto Stanpit to join 22 Dunlin, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Grey Plover. Finally, the other migrant numbers, all east: 440 Chaffinch, 180 Goldfinch, 158 Linnet, 150 Meadow Pipit, 32 Siskin, 31 Redpoll, 26 Reed Bunting and 8 Brambling.

November 1st

Overnight temperatures of over 14C, which belied the date, were the consequence of thick, early cloud that stifled almost all movement. The most notable record was a Wheatear, always nice in November, hanging around the Coastguards, but the only migration witnessed from there was made up of 14 Jackdaw and a Grey Wagtail west, along with token numbers of finches, Meadow Pipit and alba Wagtail. At dawn, 7 Redwing, a Fieldfare and Song Thrush moved past the HHC towards Wick Fields, while there was another, but today smaller, wagtail roost in the reeds adjacent to the centre. Of other interest, a pair of Shoveler were in Barn Bight, 7 Black-tailed Godwit were hanging around Parky Meade Rail, 7 Grey Plover were dotted about Stanpit Bight and a male Peregrine hunted the area.