Sightings for November 2009

November 30th

There was barely a seabird in sight off Hengistbury this morning, as the wind swung to the north giving a mill pond sea and a definite chill to the air. The quality was provided by a couple of male Hen Harrier that found the conditions favourable for a channel crossing - the first came directly in-off and straight north, while the other attracted the attention of the local gulls and diverted westward over Poole Bay. A pair of Scaup west and an Eider east were almost equal in interest to the raptors, with the more expected comprising a Great Northern Diver, a Red-throated Diver, 3 diver sp. and an adult Mediterranean Gull, all west. To finish on Hengistbury, a Firecrest was again present, along with at least 10 Redwing. The best at Stanpit, which has been a little neglected of late, was a Jack Snipe and the Spotted Redshank; as well as 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, this is a good number to be wintering at Christchurch, 33 Ringed Plover, 39 Black-tailed Godwit, 64 Dunlin, a nice count of 155 Redshank and a minimum of 71 Brent Goose.

November 29th

An overnight increase in the wind brought on the area's biggest number of Leach's Petrel since the fabled Christmas of 1989! As is always the case with petrels, which disappear into troughs for long periods and are hard to see when they have the wind behind them, estimating exact numbers is difficult. However, 15, including 8 in one scan, is considered the absolute minimum; however, if you take every sighting as an individual, a policy that is not at all unreasonable, then a figure in excess of 50 is reached. Birds were being recorded from Mudeford Quay and the Beach Huts from 9:00 until dusk. Actually, the best views could be had just outside the recording area on Island View Avenue, as that spot benefits from some extra elevation. A Storm Petrel was also seen from the Beach Huts, and after a blank spring for this species it makes a surprise late entry onto the year-list. Additionally, there was a petrel seen inside the harbour from South Marsh, but that was not assigned to species. The day also saw a constant stream of Kittiwake moving into the wind, some of them entering the harbour via The Run, with 350+ being the total, as well as 5 or so Little Gull. A Great Skua was also seen heading into the harbour over Mudeford Quay, while a further bird moved west off the Beach Huts. A Grey Phalarope was logged from the huts, with another being off South Marsh, Stanpit, along with an unidentified skua species. Meanwhile, other seabird records included: 3 Great Northern Diver, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, a single Gannet and a Common Scoter. Throughout the day, Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone were continually flitting between the sandspit and Avon Beach, with maximum flock sizes of 8 and 25 respectively. Finally, a Firecrest was in the Wood on Hengistbury, from where 3 Redwing headed off northwards.

November 28th

Even in the strong westerly wind, there was still a hint of finch migration as a few charms of Goldfinch, along with a handful of Chaffinch, moved west over Hengistbury this morning. A couple of Golden Plover circled the HHC before heading off the same way, while a Firecrest and a Redwing were at the end of the head, 3 Purple Sandpiper were on the groynes and the Treecreeper was heard in the Wood. At sea, there was a steady trickle of westward bound Kittiwake, with over 45 distantly logged, but more were presumably out there. Additionally, a Red-throated Diver, a Gannet, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 7 Shelduck moved past. To round off, many thanks to Roger Peart for last night's excellent talk on 100-years of ringing.

Additional news: a Black Redstart was on Stanpit golf course, near the stile to Priory Marsh, this afternoon.

November 27th

Other than a Raven that was heard over Hengistbury this morning, it's the lunchtime Fisherman's Bank appointment that provides the news. The best from there were 2 Grey Plover and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, but also 23 Ringed Plover and 21 Dunlin, while there were surely more than 6 Black-tailed Godwit and 31 Brent Goose somewhere in the harbour. Finally, a word on the visible migration, or more the apparent lack of it being reported by this site. Given the reports over the last fortnight from elsewhere in Dorset, it certainly seems to be going on to some degree. For example, 21000 Woodpigeon were recorded at Durlston last week, along with several 800+ counts of Goldfinch from there and Portland. Unfortunately, here, the two or three main enthusiasts had juggled their combinations of leave, flexi-time, time-off-in lieu, spouse's goodwill and various other ruses, all to finish by mid-month. Hence, Hengistbury is barely being watched.

November 26th

More showers again put most observers off, but for the early risers there was a Golden Plover, presumably the same bird as Sunday, on Solent Meads golf course in the company of a few Lapwing. Otherwise, it's just a Dartford Warbler on Crouch Hill and at least 94 Brent Goose around the harbour to report upon.

November 25th

The continuing blowy conditions saw, not before time, the first Grey Phalarope of the year off the Long Groyne this morning. However, a little later, one of 3 Peregrine that were hunting over the sea was seen making off with something small, grey and white in its talons. Also at sea, and I've been away for 11-days but am assured that a single Gannet is well worth a mention, given their recent paucity; as well as a Little Gull and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. Although there was no obvious movement of Wood Pigeon, an above average 3500 are roosted in the Nursery, along with 36 Stock Dove, 11 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare. Definitely on their travels, however, were: 2 Brambling, 6 Siskin, 11 Redpoll, 63 Chaffinch, 210 Linnet and 360 Goldfinch, while at least 3 Firecrest remain in the Wood. For the first time in a few days, the Spotted Redshank was seen from Fisherman's Bank in the morning, as were 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, around 60 Black-tailed Godwit, 22 Dunlin and 86 Brent Goose.

November 24th

Although the wind showed no sign of abating, it was a relatively dry day for once. Despite this, the only report received from Hengistbury this morning is of 3 redhead Goosander, which appeared to lift off out of Barn Bight before flying upriver. A lunchtime visit to Fisherman's Bank found 100 Brent Geese opposite, also 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin and a pair of Shoveler, while later 35 Turnstone moved west past Mudeford Quay.

November 23rd

Field activity was down to a minimum again this morning as the inclement weather persisted. A midday visit to the Beach Huts saw 2 Leach's Petrels moving west, then a little later 2 more sightings, possibly of the same bird, further into The Solent. Earlier, 2 Red-breasted Merganser had moved past Mudeford Quay. On Hengistbury, 4 Firecrest were also present.

November 22nd

The wind strengthened and moved round to the south-west once more, bringing with it frequent heavy showers, thus ensuring that the harbour WeBS counters got a soaking this morning! An attempted seawatch yielded just 1 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Common Gull west, also c45 Shag on the sea and a Purple Sandpiper on the groynes off the Beach Huts. Another 3 Purple Sandpiper were off Mudeford Quay and a Red-throated Diver passed by, while a Golden Plover was on Solent Meads this afternoon. A Jack Snipe on Priory Marsh was probably the best bird of the WeBScount, also 58 Snipe there. Meanwhile, other harbour totals included 540 Wigeon, 416 Coot, 122 Brent Geese, 111 Teal, 78 Black-tailed Godwit, 66 Dunlin, 38 Ringed Plover, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit and 7 Shoveler.

Additional news: on the northern limit of the harbour a Woodcock was flushed from the small nature area just south of the Civic Centre this morning.

November 21st

A change in wind direction to south or south-easterly did little to improve things today. A one-and-a-half hour vigil from the cliff top saw just a Great Northern Diver, adult Mediterranean Gull and Common Scoter east, with two more of the latter and a Guillemot west, while a Red-breasted Meganser flew east through the harbour. The only hint of migration came in the shape of 5 Redwing, a Fieldfare and a Redpoll.

November 20th

Another rainy start saw little or no field activity this morning. Around lunchtime, Stanpit still held c100 Brent Geese, 80 Dunlin, 30 Ringed Plover and at least 1 Bar-tailed Godwit; also 2 adult Mediterranean Gull and 2 Shoveler, while 65 Black-tailed Godwit were opposite Fisherman's Bank. A Mistle Thrush was on the edge of the North Scrubs and on Hengistbury this afternoon a Firecrest was in the Wood; also 2 Chiffchaff there.

November 19th

A fine day, but the persistent strong south-westerly wind meant that the sea was the only option this morning. It was watched from two points, the cliff off Double Dykes and also from the Beach Huts. Nothing of note was seen from the cliff top, but from the Beach Huts a Leach's Petrel moved west shortly after 9am; also from there 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Razorbill. A little later, an Avocet was opposite Fisherman's Bank, plus 102 Brent Geese, 30 Black-tailed Godwit and 10 Dunlin. Finally, the regular Kingfisher was in Barn Bight.

November 18th

The only report received so far today is from a late afternoon visit to Fisherman's Bank, where 105 Brent Geese and 25 Black-tailed Godwit, plus most of the Coot and Wigeon, sought refuge from the ferocious winds.

Check back to yesterday for late news.

November 17th

A near cloudless sky with just a slight breeze encouraged some movement this morning, with small flocks of Woodpigeon heading west, 900 in total. The finches were moving in the opposite direction, numbers being 152 Goldfinch, 125 Linnet, 70 Chaffinch, 25 Siskin, 9 Redpoll and a Brambling, also 65 Meadow Pipit and 16 Reed Bunting; while 3 Fieldfare moved north. There were 3 Firecrest in the Wood and the Treecreeper was still present. From Fisherman's Bank this afternoon, both the Avocet and Spotted Redshank were on show, also 90 Dunlin, 28 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Ringed Plover.

Late news: 2 Purple Sandpiper were on the groynes on the beach this morning.

November 16th

The early morning squalls certainly led to limited coverage today, with just a visit to the Wood on Hengistbury, where a Treecreeper and at least 2 Firecrest were still present. The only other report received so far is of 2 Little Gull off Mudeford Quay.

November 15th

On a fine day with nothing more than a breeze and only the odd shower, migration resumed, albeit in a small way. The highlight was a Richard's Pipit, which flushed from the old pitch & putt course and headed high east over the head. Also on the move were 230 Goldfinch, 95 Linnet, 85 Chaffinch, 75 Meadow Pipit, 12 Redpoll, 6 Siskin and 2 Brambling, all east; while 8 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing headed north. The sea was somewhat disappointing after yesterday's storms with just 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver and 7 Red-breasted Merganser, all west; plus a couple of Little Gull off Mudeford Quay. Also on the sea, there was a good, by local standards that is, total of 47 Shag. From Fisherman's Bank this afternoon, there were 2 Knot and the Spotted Redshank, plus 189 Dunlin, 82 Black-tailed Godwit and 9 Bar-tailed Godwit. To round up there, were still 3 Firecrest in the Wood, the Great Crested Grebe was in Barn Bight and a Golden Plover passed high over the harbour.

Of interest just north of the harbour area, a Cattle Egret was about half a mile from Winkton on the Burley Road this afternoon. The bird was last seen flying south towards the harbour, possibly to the egret roost in the Nursery?

November 14th

The "biggest storm of the year" didn't prevent a couple of the Saturday regulars making it to the Beach Huts this morning. Given the conditions, there were very few birds around, but rather predictably the first Leach's Petrel of the year was seen - three, in fact, moved quickly into the Solent; also 2 Little Gull, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Kittiwake and a Great Crested Grebe on the sea. Past Mudeford Quay, there was another Common Scoter and 33 Turnstone, the latter west.

November 13th

A total wash-out and given the weather forecast for the weekend tomorrow doesn't look much better!

November 12th

Initially, it was a reasonably clear and settled day, but that changed dramatically by lunchtime. However, prior to the afternoon's lashing rain, singles of Crossbill, Yellowhammer and Bullfinch headed west over Hengistbury, as well as 4 Brambling, 14 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 72 Linnet, 135 Chaffinch, 270 Goldfinch, 15 Reed Bunting and 3150 Woodpigeon. Meanwhile, 5 Fieldfare, 39 Redwing, 53 Song Thrush and 19 Blackbird pushed-off towards Wick Fields. Over the last day or so, there has been a suspected clear-out of Firecrest and a walk through the Wood confirmed that, with just one being recorded; in addition to 2 Goldcrest. At sea, there was something of a diver bonanza, with all three expected species logged - 2 Great Northern Diver, one of these actually through the harbour, and 6 Red-throated Diver west, along with a Black-throated Diver east - while a Kittiwake and 35 Common Gull also went by. At Stanpit, an Avocet and the Spotted Redshank remain, as do 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 48 Black-tailed Godwit, 68 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plover. The Brent Goose count was in the region of 90, a duck Shoveler mingled with the many Wigeon, a female Gadwall was on the river and a Kingfisher was by the HHC.

Given that it's almost mid-November and the forecast for the next few days is poor, it may be safe to assume the autumn migration is largely over. That being the case, it seems a good time to mention that since September 1st, during 226 hours of observation, 310 880 birds of 105 species have been recorded migrating through Christchurch Harbour. Note, this figure does not include settled warblers, chats or waders. The top five species in terms of numbers were: House Martin 87 658, Wood Pigeon 82 892, Swallow 49 284, Meadow Pipit 20 327 and Goldfinch 18 666.

November 11th

A dry night and an easterly breeze got things going again this morning, when a Crossbill, 11 Brambling and a Swallow were the best of the overhead movement at Hengistbury; while the numbers came from 335 Goldfinch, 285 Chaffinch, 89 Greenfinch, 72 Linnet, 22 Siskin and 57 Meadow Pipit. All of these were heading into the wind, but as always 17 Fieldfare, over 15 Redwing and a Fieldfare moved off inland. Over the sea, an Avocet and a Red-breasted Merganser passed directly west, but a couple of Great Northern Diver came from the east and then about-turned at Double Dykes. For the first time in a few days, there were some very welcome wader records from Stanpit, including: 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, a Grey Plover, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 90 Dunlin and 35 Ringed Plover. A total of 10 Chiffchaff was returned from Hengistbury and, inside the harbour, 8 Little Grebe and a Great Crested Grebe were in Barn Bight.

November 10th

Heavy rain throughout the morning resulted in zero coverage today. However, there is surely still life in the season and a clearing of the skies could see some more action.

November 9th

Fog made Hengistbury a grim and almost depressing place this morning, with the highlight being a Woodcock flushed from the vegetation at the end of the head, where over 9 Firecrest were also present. However, record of the day, by this autumn's standards that is, must surely go to a flock of 4 Goldcrest on the northern edge of the Nursery. Overhead, the following were either heard or just about seen as they circuited aimlessly in the 'soup' - 4 Brambling, 2 Redpoll, 6 Siskin, 40 Chaffinch and 2 Pintail. Surprisingly, thrushes were well represented, despite the conditions, and numbered 18 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing and 23 Song Thrush, while 6 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were settled on Wick. From Stanpit, there is an information services report of 2 Water Pipit, 3 Bearded Tit, 2 Avocet and a Spotted Redshank. Finally, at 02:50 this morning, a Little Owl was heard just outside the recording area close to Hengistbury, meaning this species is perhaps still an option for the year-listers, and it is also well worthwhile checking back to yesterday for some good, additional news.

November 8th

At first light, it was actually reasonably clear along the coast, but a north-westerly wind soon brought down the inland cloud. In the available hour prior to this, however, 2730 Wood Pigeon and 30 Starling did pass over west. Of the pigeon, 150 were a flock that literally plummeted out of the sky and into Wick Fields when faced with the oncoming bank of cloud. Any other overhead passage was pretty much non-existent, the exception being a nice record of Woodlark over the Batters, along with small numbers of Redpoll, Brambling and Redwing that were either seen or heard from Hengistbury and Wick. A single Golden Plover spent some time on the HHC mudbar, while a small flock was heard over the Long Field. Another good Firecrest presence was obvious, with singles recorded in the Wood, on Wick and by Holloway's Dock, as well as, per the information services, 3 in the North Scrubs on Stanpit. Meanwhile, Chiffchaff linger on Hengistbury and Wick - half-a-dozen being the day's estimate. To round off the weekend, other miscellany included: the Treecreeper in the Wood and 2 Raven over it, a Kingfisher from Wick and 15 Black-tailed Godwit in Barn Bight.

Additional news: an afternoon seawatch at Hengistbury saw an unprecedented 1100 Starling in-off the sea and north, while over the water: 2 Velvet Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Common Scoter and 35 Common Gull moved west, with a Great Crested Grebe passing east. Higher up, there was a marked movement of Lesser Black-backed Gull, as 320 moved down channel, along with 14 Snipe and a Grey Plover.

November 7th

The date, a light westerly breeze and a frost-warning indicator in the car, all combined to pretty much guarantee a Wood Pigeon movement, and the early regulars were not disappointed. Today's tally was 17500, but mostly on an inland route - in fact, St. Catherine's Hill would have been an ideal watch-point. Actually, given the conditions, the number was expected to be higher, but while the passage was yesterday curtailed by wind and cloud, today's stoppage seemed to be down to lack of supply of birds from the east. The rest of the overhead migration was almost a non-event, with just: 11 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing and 10 Song Thrush, north-west; as well as 9 Brambling, 11 Redpoll, 75 Chaffinch and 70 Goldfinch, west. On the sandspit, there were at least 2 Black Redstart and 27 Turnstone just north of the Beach House, while a minimum of 7 Firecrest were about the Wood, the pool at the end of the head and the Batters. Again though, no other 'crests were present! The remaining avian interest comes from: a Red-throated Diver, a diver sp. and 3 Common Scoter off the Beach Huts; a Goldeneye, 3 Pintail, a Shelduck, 5 Snipe and a Grey Plover over the harbour; and 3 Chiffchaff on Wick. The fine weather encouraged some late butterfly onto the wing, with Painted Lady and Red Admiral both recorded.

Omission: a Peregrine seemed rather overwhelmed with the pigeon feast on offer, managing to miss out on breakfast despite the odds being stacked in the falcon's favour.

November 6th

With almost no breeze and reasonably clear skies overnight, it didn't take long for the pigeons to get going again. However, one can't help feeling that a strengthening south-westerly wind, which fully established itself by around 8:30, put paid to a really big count. Nevertheless, 22800 Wood Pigeon and 65 Stock Dove were logged heading west prior to 9:30. Unlike yesterday, the bulk of the passage was 1-2km inland, so it is entirely possible that some flocks were missed. By local standards, it was a huge day for Fieldfare, as 220 moved north-west before it was properly light; as well as 95 Redwing, 25 Song Thrush and 15 Blackbird. There were at least 3, but probably 4, Black Redstart on the top of the head, but grey geese again frustrated with a distant, inland skein heading east. At Stanpit, a good selection of waders included: an Avocet, the Spotted Redshank, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Knot that will hopefully winter, a Grey Plover, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 83 Dunlin and a healthy 124 Redshank. As some of the commoner finch numbers dwindle, the more interesting are perhaps on the increase, particularly Brambling, Redpoll and Bullfinch, at 23, 112 and 2 respectively. All of the morning's movement was westerly and in total comprised: 760 Chaffinch, 365 Goldfinch, 160 Linnet, 125 Greenfinch, 57 Siskin, 41 Reed Bunting, 95 Starling, 110 Meadow Pipit and 37 alba Wagtail. The information services carry a report of a Lapland Bunting south over Stanpit; while on Hengistbury, a 'chuu' was not heard well or often enough to differentiate between lapland and snow.

November 5th

I believe the term 'surprising' was used to describe yesterday's pigeon movement, so it's hard to find a suitable phrase to precede the details of this morning's. In a blustery west wind and light cloud, it was inconceivable that birds famed for their liking of still, clear conditions would dare to venture onto the wing. However, they did, and re-wrote all the local theory! From dawn until 9:45, a total of 27300 Wood Pigeon and 146 Stock Dove passed west, with the wind keeping most of them low and thereby serving to enhance the spectacle. From the top of Hengistbury, looking towards the towers at New Milton and Sway, it was possible to see flock after flock appearing from the New Forest and gradually gain height before coasting towards Bournemouth. Species of the day, however, goes to 9 White-fronted Goose that passed east at sea into The Solent, while an earlier skein of around 15 birds that moved in the same direction, but inland, were just too far away to be clinched; although they were suspiciously small for local, feral geese. Quality raptors also put in some appearances, with a ringtail Hen Harrier and Merlin in-off and north, and a Marsh Harrier over Stanpit golf course on a similar bearing. The best of the thrushes was a Ring Ouzel over Wick, which also saw 39 Fieldfare and 7 Redwing passing above after leaving the head. The rest of the coastal movement, excluding 156 Goldfinch, was into the wind and comprised: 380 Chaffinch, 75 Linnet, 22 Redpoll, 9 Siskin, 6 Brambling, 46 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rook and 146 Starling. Meanwhile, Firecrest were prevalent in the Wood and on the Batters, and a figure of 7 would be the bare minimum for the day. On Stanpit, an Avocet remains and the Brent Goose and Black-tailed Godwit were logged at 85 and 40 respectively.

November 4th

Despite another day of south-westerly breeze and relatively low coverage, there were a few snippets of interest. Not least at Mudeford Quay this afternoon, when a pair of Pale-bellied Brent Goose appeared settled in The Run. Earlier, Stanpit produced a late Curlew Sandpiper, the Spotted Redshank, an Avocet, 2 Knot and a Jack Snipe. In fact, the very high tides have made these and Snipe quite obvious of late - please check back to yesterday for some respectable numbers. Surprisingly, there was some kind of Wood Pigeon movement this morning, with 2650 birds counted prior to 9:30, but the vast majority went through much earlier. Also over Hengistbury, 6 Swallow east, 3 Pintail south and 4 Shelduck north, as well as 6 Brambling and small numbers of Redwing, Siskin, Redpoll and Skylark. A couple of Blackcap remain by the HHC and a Kingfisher fed well about the flooded Wick Hams.

Additional news: a couple of Black Redstart were around beach huts midway along the sandspit.

November 3rd

It was pretty quiet this morning, both in terms of birds and birders. Nevertheless, the Yellow-browed Warbler was again recorded by the HHC; also a couple of Chiffchaff there and 13 Snipe seen pitching into Wick Hams. The only other areas visited were the Long Field and the Wood, where at least one Firecrest could be heard, while the former produced just 2 Redwing and a Bullfinch over. Tomorrow's first high is a 1.9m spring, which coupled with the amount of floodwater in the harbour could just about sink Stanpit!

Additional news: the high tide at Stanpit moved 3 Jack Snipe and 56-60 Snipe into more open locations, while 35 or so Black-tailed Godwit were off Fisherman's Bank.

November 2nd

If notice had been taken of the weekly forecast that was broadcast last night, then one could have been forgiven for not even bothering this morning. However, clear skies and a south-westerly wind that soon died down put pigeons up. At first there was some debate as to whether they would get going, but they did and eventually totalled 7300 Wood Pigeon and 79 Stock Dove, all west, but moving quite high and sometimes difficult to pick out against the blue sky. Flock sizes were relatively small, on average 50-100 birds, but there was one in the region of 500. Incredibly, the Yellow-browed Warbler by the HHC remained overnight and showed very well indeed throughout the morning, while another was seen on the Batters in the company of a few Blue Tit. The pick of the overhead movers was a Lapland Bunting, in the company of 3 Reed Bunting, which seemed to come down onto the Long Field, as well as 7 Crossbill, a Yellowhammer, 3 Bullfinch and 16 Brambling over there. At first light, there was a flurry of Redwing - over 90 north-west - the final tally being 111 along with 21 Song Thrush. With the exception of Goldfinch, at 275 birds, all other movement was west and the full numbers comprised: a good 710 Chaffinch, 65 Linnet, 60 Redpoll, 43 Siskin, 61 Skylark, 96 Meadow Pipit, 48 alba Wagtail and 53 Reed Bunting. A couple of Avocet spent a short time in Stanpit Creek during the morning, where the Spotted Redshank, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 13 Black-tailed Godwit were more settled. During the 'yellow-browed' stake-out in the Wick Fields, a Firecrest, up to 9 Blackcap and 6 Chiffchaff were found to be present; elsewhere, 14 Snipe arrived and a Red-breasted Merganser passed west at sea.

Additional news: a Greenshank was at Stanpit.

November 1st

A Yellow-browed Warbler was heard and subsequently seen in the grounds of the HHC around lunchtime. The bird then disappeared, but early in the afternoon it called repeatedly for 2-3 minutes from the hedge bordering the No Dogs Field. However, the vegetation proved too dense to allow further views, let alone photographs. There were again vocal and sometimes-showy Firecrest in the Wood, perhaps up to 4 birds, with the area around the Double Bends being the best today; while a Black Redstart was around the Beach Huts. With the forecast storm hitting just before dawn, as soon as the rain abated several hopefuls headed for the Beach Huts, but received little reward. In fact, a Little Gull off Mudeford Quay was the best from the sea, with the supporting cast comprising just 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Common Scoter and 9 auks, most of them Razorbill. The lingering Greenshank remains into November, which is quite notable for the area, but a Knot and 2 Grey Plover are the only other wader reports for the day.