It’s another very quiet day of news. This morning, a tight flock of around 50 Cormorant had found something to their liking close to where the River Mude enters the harbour. Otherwise, it’s just 4 female-type Marsh Harrier at Stanpit, late this afternoon, to mention.

Despite the reasonable weather, it’s a day fairly light on news. At sea, there were a couple of Kittiwake, both adults, to the west, but little else of note. The day’s only Ringed Plover return comes from the Long Groyne, where there were twenty-five; but, inside the harbour, there was a notable 150 Dunlin, along with 3 Grey Plover and 10 Black-tailed Godwit. Late in the day, a dozen Pintail left the area, while 7 Marsh Harrier were about and 13 Cattle Egret headed low across Stanpit to roost. A Kingfisher was around Grimmery Point and up to 7 Coot were present.

Three of the five young Brent Goose at Stanpit, today – Jackie Smith

Early on, there were 6 Marsh Harrier about and 27 Cattle Egret left the roost; while the Black-necked Grebe was out towards the Run, before coming more inside the harbour. Throughout the morning, an easterly movement of birds included: 2 Brambling, 7 Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 16 Linnet, 37 Chaffinch and 80 Goldfinch; as well as a Golden Plover, 3 Goosander, 9 Pintail and 28 Wigeon. At Stanpit, the Brent Goose increased to thirty-six, of which five were 1cy birds; with 4 Grey Plover, 70 Ringed Plover and 50 Ringed Plover, spread about, and four additional Pintail. To finish, a Kingfisher was hunting around Highcliffe Sailing Club, Mudeford Quay.

A Black-necked Grebe at the southern end of Mother Siller’s Channel, this afternoon, was a bit of a surprise and presumably the same individual as just over a couple of weeks ago. Earlier, 3 Velvet Scoter were logged off Hengistbury – two east and one in the 47-strong Common Scoter flock – as weel as a Great Northern Diver east and 3 Red-throated Diver, one of which landed inside the harbour. Also from Hengistbury, a Brambling and Treecreeper, while around 200 Black-tailed Godwit could be seen over at Stanpit. This evening, 6 Marsh Harrier were around – two of them adult males – and a Kingfisher was along the river, likewise, a Coot.

Female Kingfisher – Fisherman’s Bank (upper) and Hengistbury – Alan Crockard & Peter Taylor

In keeping with the month of November, there was a Woodcock today – one from Double Dykes, early on, when 19 Cattle Egret left the roost and 3 Marsh Harrier were about. Dabbling duck seemed to be slightly up in variety – 18 Pintail, 6 Shoveler and 4 Gadwall the pick – while some late overhead passage included: 8 Brambling, 3 Redpoll, 4 Siskin, 45 Linnet, 63 Chaffinch and 125 Golfinch; with singles of Firecrest and Goldcrest settled, both at the end of the head. Meanwhile, a Black-throated Diver and 6 Red-throated Diver passed at sea, where a notable total of 31 Shag was logged.

A Common Seal, that has been around for a couple of days, in the Run – Scott Usher

Colour-ringed Rock Pipit that is wintering on the saltmarsh at Stanpit. Ringed as an adult male, during March this year, in Norway, making it the group’s second, absolutely confirmed littoralis bird – Jackie Smith

Yesterday was never going to be matched, although the Arctic Skua was still going about its business inside the harbour. Almost as notable, however, was a brownhead Goldeneye, in-off over the Beach Huts and then settled off Argyle Road. Other than that, the best at sea was a Sandwich Tern west, but also a Great Northern Diver, 2 Shelduck and forty-strong Common Scoter gathering. To finish this short post, a Kingfisher was hunting around Crouch Hill and the White-tailed Eagle made a brief visit just aftern 08:00, but didn’t linger.

Cory’s Shearwater (videograb) – the area’s fifth record, the others being in the Junes of 1987 and 1988 – Olly Frampton

Little Auk in the Run – Scott Usher

Dark-morph, juvenile Arctic Skua around Stanpit Bight – Scott Usher

…and adult (upper) and 1cy Little Gull – Scott Usher

The second day of Storm Bert served up arguably Mudeford Quay’s best-ever seawatch. The undoubted star of a star-studded cast was a Cory’s Shearwater, picked up on the water around 14:45 before spending a lazy five minutes soaring around. The bird had been seen earlier and then again later, just to the east, over the county border, off Milford and Hurst. Two Little Auk also graced the Run – one settling for around five minutes and then seemingly off to the south; the other going straight through and into the harbour. Just before 08:00, a juvenile Arctic Skua did the same and then spent most of the day around Stanpit Bight, frequently harrying the larger gulls and causing them to disgorge on at least three occasions. Rounding up the seabirds: there were 3 Little Gull – two adults and a 1cy, up to 50 Kittiwake, 7 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, around 55 Common Scoter and a Great Crested Grebe. Meanwhile, a couple of Goosander came in over the quay. The rest of the news is mainly of waders: as many as 35 Purple Sandpiper may have been around; with four each of Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit, and 100 Black-tailed Godwit, inside the harbour; where there was a lone Brent Goose.

1cy Kittiwake – Scott Usher

Under the onslaught of Storm Bert, the shelter afforded by Mudeford Quay was the only real option for field work of any length. Overall, it was quiet, but did include: 8 Kittiwake – five of them 1cy birds, an unidentified diver and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit. Meanwhile, the comings and goings of Purple Sandpiper gave rise to thoughts of as many as twenty-five. Elsewhere, a female-type Marsh Harrier was at Stanpit.

The only news from a gloriously crisp and sunny day is of the White-tailed Eagle around until just before 11:00, after being first noted on Blackberry Point around 8:00; and a Kingfisher hunting in Barn Bight.

Song Thrush – Jackie Smith

It was bitterly cold all day, with a morning scattering of snow to boot. In view the species’ rapid, local decline, it was feared a 2018 record of Marsh Tit may have been the group’s last – so a bird in Ashtree Meadow, this afternoon, was a real treat. Also about Stanpit, mainly around the bight: an exceptional total of 25 Grey Plover, 120 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Ringed Plover, 130 Dunlin and a Little Grebe; but just 2 Brent Goose and a total no-show of coot – until a couple of years’ ago, the latter was a winter staple of 2-300 birds! Meanwhile, a male Marsh Harrier hunted and a female-type was settled on Wick.

Grey Plover in the frost – Clinton Whale

On a very frosty morning, there was again an exceptional presence of Cormorant inside the harbour – counted at 154 – while, a Grey Plover, one or two Bar-tailed Godwit, 100 Black-tailed Godwit and over 150 Ringed Plover were also about there. Meanwhile, a couple of Lapwing on the Long Groyne were a bit of a surprise – presumably, cold-weather-displaced birds taking a rest – with 2 Purple Sandpiper and at least 30 Ringed Plover a little more expected for the spot. Nearby, a Black-throated Diver was on the sea and 2 Great Northern Diver were logged. Early on, a Black Redstart was by the HHC, with singles of Brambling and Fieldfare plus 3 Redwing, passing over and 2 Firecrest settled. To complete the post, the White-tailed Eagle left just after 10:00.

Most of the news is from the Long Groyne, which was today undisturbed and hosted 4 Purple Sandpiper, 75 Ringed Plover and 35 Dunlin. Meanwhile, a total of 28 Common Scoter were on the sea off there. As per yesterday, there was a notable figure of Cormorant inside the harbour – 70-80 birds estimated on South Marsh.

On the subject of the Long Groyne, any photographs of people on it would be appreciated. Please mail to: secretary@chog.org.uk

There was an above-average number of Cormorant around today – Clinton Whale

Cetti’s Warbler – Alan Crockard

The month’s WeBS count experienced something of a Cormorant bonanza. Over a hundred were reckoned, including a flock that appeared from the sea, around 11:00, loitered for ten or so minutes, and then headed inland. Waders were pretty much as expected – the figures for the more notable, mostly at Stanpit, being: 2 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 130 Ringed Plover and 176 Dunlin. After yesterday’s Brent Goose reference, there was only one, as well as singles of Pintail and Shelduck; but Teal and Wigeon weighed in with sixty-two and 614 respectively. As significant as the numbers, however, is the absence – coot a re-run of last winter? Also logged by the counters, a couple of Marsh Harrier, 3 Kingfisher, 93 Lapwing, 63 Redshank – that perhaps a little low – and 112 Mallard.

Numbers of Brent Goose visiting each day remain relatively low – twenty-seven, this morning, being perhaps the highest of the season so far – Scott Usher

A gloomy morning saw 10 Grey Plover and around 100 Dunlin at Stanpit, as well as, briefly, the White-tailed Eagle. Meanwhile, Hengistbury was quiet – the only notable reports being a Firecrest and 5 Goldcrest, plus 2 Egyptian Goose in-off the sea.

The rock pool features in the Long Groyne are already supporting life – Robin Harley

Beadlet Anemone and Common Limpet – Robin Harley

Common Mussel and Barnacle – Robin Harley

Despite the relatively late date, the visible migration, this morning, was not so bad – the two hours from 07:20 yielding: 2 Brambling, 11 Redpoll, 7 Siskin, 28 Linnet, 235 Goldfinch and 25 Meadow Pipit, all east; 3 Redwing in-off; and a single Skylark west. A couple of Brambling were also briefly settled along Roebury Meadow, along with 4 Chiffchaff; while at least five of the latter were at Stanpit. The Long Groyne again held a nice wader presence, including: 6 Purple Sandpiper, 70 Ringed Plover and 10 Dunlin; with 25 Common Scoter settled on the sea. Back to Stanpit, where Grey Plover could be heard and male Marsh Harrier was about.

A record shot of a Long-tailed Duck, in what must be one of most bizarre locations ever. Holloway’s Dock, barely 6” of water and a silt bottom – until just a few years ago, a bird desert; it’s incredible what a difference a simple fence can make, as many other waterbirds will testify – Bob Groves

As the photo caption suggests, the moment of the day came from a Long-tailed Duck in Holloway’s Dock, but all too briefly. Also on Hengistbury, a couple of Firecrest and a Bullfinch in the Wood; while a Swallow went over Wick Hams. The rest is from Stanpit, where in addition to a Marsh Harrier, there were an Avocet, 7 Grey Plover, 10 Mediterranean Gull, 8 Common Gull and 12 Brent Goose.

The CHOG bird hide offers close views of typical woodland species – Great Spotted Woodpecker (upper) and Nuthatch – Alan Crockard & Clinton Whale

Purple Sandpiper – Peter Taylor

The best of a quiet day was a redhead Goosander just off South Marsh, this morning, when a count of 8 Grey Plover certainly suggested an arrival. Another notable quantity, meanwhile, was a group of 12 Gadwall in Parky Meade Rail. Out at sea, 3 Pintail circuited Christchurch Bay, 16 Common Scoter were settled and a Marsh Harrier was seen arriving. Sticking with raptors, the White-tailed Eagle left to the north, around 09:15, and 2 Buzzard soared together over the North Scrubs. Passerines were light – a couple of Firecrest, one in the Wood and one along Roebury Lane, and 4 Chiffchaff being the only returns; and a single Purple Sandpiper was on the sandspit.

Up to six Marsh Harrier were logged today – three at either end of the day inside the harbour, potentially four in the later period – and two west far out at sea. There was a bit of an arriving-wader theme, as a Golden Plover, 14 Dunlin and 2 Turnstone were seen to come in off the sea; joining 29 Ringed Plover already in the area. A handful of thrushes also made landfall, amongst them a Fieldfare, 9 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush; while, 2 Brambling, 3 Redpoll, 3 Siskin, 119 Chaffinch, a good figure of 530 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting and a Skylark headed east. There were again 3 Firecrest on Hengistbury; with other bits and pieces coming from: 2 Pintail, 5 Common Gull and 5 Brent Goose west; nine of the latter at Stanpit; and 6 Shelduck east, plus one settled.

Black-necked Grebe – Scott Usher

Caspian Gull –  click for more images… – Scott Usher

The first in-harbour Black-necked Grebe for a month under six years was off Grimmery Bank this afternoon; while the Caspian Gull was again on the tip of South Marsh for some of the morning – but not this evening. Redpoll were something of a surprise over Hengistbury, early on – a total of thirty-six, including a flock of twenty-eight! Meanwhile, 6 Purple Sandpiper were on the Long Groyne and the Golden Plover, a Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 55 Ringed Plover and 20 Dunlin were around Stanpit Bight. The morning also saw an apparent movement of Great Black-backed Gull, with ‘flocks of up to ten birds passing.’ More settled, however, were 3 Mediterranean Gull, all adults, and 6 Common Gull. To finish, the male Marsh Harrier was about and 2 Kingfisher were using Stanpit Creek.

White-tailed Eagle – you really can see it this well here – Scott Usher

Great White Egret – Leo Pyke

…and in complete contrast, size-wise, Goldcrest – Alan Crockard

A 1cy Caspian Gull pre-roosted on the tip of South Marsh, this afternoon, as it probably did a couple of days ago, but wasn’t seen well enough to confirm. This is only the third record of the species for the recording area. Otherwise, it’s bits and pieces: around 30 Cattle Egret left the roost and a Great White Egret was around the Salt Hurns area; a Wheatear was at the end of the head, with 3 Firecrest and Chiffchaff also on Hengistbury; a single Purple Sandpiper was on the sandspit, and one each of Golden Plover and Grey Plover were at Stanpit. Meanwhile, it really is getting to the tail-end of the overhead movement – Goldfinch again the most numerous of a light passage. A Great Crested Grebe joined 26 Common Scoter on the sea and the White-tailed Eagle was around early on.

Golden Plover – Roger Tidball

It’s all a bit of mixture from yet another day of constant cloud – the best probably being a settled Golden Plover on Crouch Hill, this afternoon, when a Swallow headed west. Earlier, Stanpit Bight hosted a Sanderling, 7 Knot and 2 Grey Plover, while 4 Purple Sandpiper were on the Long Groyne. Settled birds were sparse – just 3 Firecrest and 5 Chiffchaff in the Wood – with overhead migrants even lighter, only Goldfinch getting into three figures. To round up: the male Marsh Harrier was about; 4 Cattle Egret fed on Wick and eleven were seen going to roost, this evening; a Dartford Warbler was on Crouch Hill; a Nuthatch was on the feeders; and a Raven scavenged with gulls by the Hiker café.

Following the apparent influx a couple of days ago, Water Rail are still quite confiding – these at Stanpit – Sharon Towning

Phllyoscopus warblers head the post today – namely, a ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff, race tristis, on Whitepits and a Yellow-browed Warbler by the HHC. The undoubted pick of a light overhead passage was 5 Crossbill to the east, but also: 123 Goldfinch, 22 Linnet, 29 Greenfinch – the first time they’ve been noted this season, 10 Chaffinch and 2 Reed Bunting; with 5 Fieldfare and 23 Redwing incoming; and a Firecrest, plus 31 Chiffchaff settled. The roosting waders on the Long Groyne comprised: 50 Ringed Plover, 56 Dunlin and a Turnstone; while 13 Black-tailed Godwit headed east, as did 4 Common Gull and 66 Guillemot. Close by, a female-type Red-breasted Merganser was on the sea, along with 15 Common Scoter. In addition to visiting Peregrine and Buzzard, there were two male Marsh Harrier – the regular adult bird and a younger individual west – and the White-tailed Eagle spent until 09:10 around Stanpit Bight. To finish, a Bullfinch was on Wick and drake Shoveler was flushed by the eagle.

Kingfisher – Alan Crockard

One of 18 Turnstone at Mudeford Quay – Clinton Whale

It was a relatively quiet day – the best actually being a Mistle Thrush in the Long Field; but also a Brambling on the Wick riverside path. Visible migration was almost non-existent – a couple of Rook, high to the east, being the only return. Meanwhile, the were at least 5 Firecrest in the Wood; 2 Red-throated Diver headed towards the Solent at sea, where 20 Common Scoter were settled; and a drake Pintail and 5 Shoveler were at Stanpit. The male Marsh Harrier was around throughout the day, with the White-tailed Eagle leaving at 10:15.

Male Marsh Harrier – Scott Usher

There was a Wheatear in the fenced area on the sandspit, this morning, where there was also the strange sight of 8 Long-tailed Tit – those, well away from any significant vegetation. Meanwhile, other settled, passerine interest came from: a Yellow-browed Warbler by the Viewing Platform; a Black Redstart on the Long Groyne; and 4 Firecrest, at least 12 Chiffchaff and 21 Stonechat, about Hengistbury and Wick. Overhead passage was reasonably busy and included: 5 Brambling, 4 Redpoll, 12 Siskin, 270 Chaffinch, 220 Goldfinch, 6 Skylark, 43 Redwing, 11 Blackbird, 6 Song Thrush and 90 Starling – nearly all to the east. Incoming waders and wildfowl were also noted – a Ruff and 6 Golden Plover, plus a Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler and 5 Shelduck, respectively. It was only a matter of time before Purple Sandpiper discovered the Long Groyne – two there today – while 66 Ringed Plover were counted inside the harbour. Finishing up: a Red-throated Diver and up to 400 auks passed east at sea; around 10 Mediterranean Gull and 15 Common Gull were about; a male Marsh Harrier hunted Wick; 30 or so Cattle Egret left the roost; 2 Great Crested Grebe were in Barn Bight; a Grey Wagtail was by the Clay Pool; and a Kingfisher was on Wick.

Water Rail were both visually and aurally conspicuous today – perhaps an influx – Clinton Whale

For the fourth day in succession, the sky was 8/8 leaden grey. Anyhow, the birds: the morning saw a Firecrest and Redwing on or over Hengistbury, while 8 Chiffchaff and 3 Water Rail were on Wick. The latter may well represent a bit of an overnight influx, as several were noted squealing about Stanpit during the day. Later a female Red-breasted Merganser was off the Beach Huts, with 19 Common Scoter, 12 Shoveler and a Great White Egret also being logged about the area. This evening, in addition to the quite spectacular pre-roost gathering of the three commoner corvids around Stanpit Bight, 26 Cattle Egret were seen going into the roost.

Drake Teal – Stanpit can offer close-up views of wild, winter duck – Clinton Whale

There were at least 5 Firecrest about Hengistbury, this morning, along with a Nuthatch and a Treecreeper in the Wood. Despite the continuing, heavily overcast conditions, there was overhead movement, including, in numeric order: 680 Goldfinch, 270 Starling, 185 Linnet, 110 Chaffinch, 34 Skylark, 75 Lapwing and a Tree Sparrow, generally east; plus 23 Redwing, 9 Fieldfare and 2 Greylag Goose, incoming. Als, 24 Meadow Pipit and 21 Pied Wagtail settled around Whitepits. Meanwhile, singles of Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver, plus 2 Red-throated Diver, headed east at sea; likewise, 470 auks, 40 Brent Goose, 17 Common Scoter, 8 Wigeon and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. The pick of the waders inside the harbour was a Greenshank: where a gathering of Pied Wagtail on Grimmery Bank for the last few evenings, suggests a nearby roost; the morning gathering of Cattle Egret on Blackberry Point was thirty-one, with a Great White Egret around for some of the day; a Marsh Harrier was logged; and 2 Kingfisher patrolled Stanpit Creek.

Fieldfare rarely settle in the area – Scott Usher

Lapwing at Stanpit – Clinton Whale

It was another day of total greyness – not even a flicker of sunshine and an unpleasant easterly breeze. That, however, did bring the first 5 Fieldfare of the season – including the photographed, perched bird on Stanpit – as well as a Yellow-browed Warbler at the end of Hengistbury. Meanwhile, the real highlight of the day was a Goldeneye in the harbour – once a winter constant, but nowadays barely annual; and 3 Red-breasted Merganser passed west at sea. The White-tailed Eagle was settled on Blackberry Point until just before 08:00, when it headed off east over the Black House; but seemingly returned to the general area slightly afterwards – passing north over the Somerford Estate.

Just after dawn, the was a post-roost gathering of 32 Cattle Egret on Blackberry Point – before it dispersed into the Avon Valley and adjacent pasture land. Later, the unexpected run of in-harbour Mediterranean Gull continued, with around fifteen – all adults other than a 1cy bird – around Stanpit Bight, where a pair of Shoveler rested. Close by, a Great White Egret spent the afternoon about Stanpit Creek and a Dartford Warbler was on Crouch Hill.

Firecrest – Alan Crockard

Jay – Peter Taylor

A couple of Firecrest were by the Double Bends on Hengistbury, with a further bird on Wick Fields along with 5 Chiffchaff there. A male Marsh Harrier was again about, the White-tailed Eagle left just after 08:00 and 2 Nuthatch were again on the feeders by the Hide.