An Otter with fish was watched, around 09:30 this morning, close to the Black House! Meanwhile, a newly arrived Garden Warbler was in the No Dogs Field.

The Ringed Plover chicks are growing up fast – Scott Usher

Little Gull – illustrating just how diminutive it is – Scott Usher

A couple of Firecrest in the Wood, early evening, were a bit of a surprise – so perhaps returned as a breeder? Earlier, the 2cy Little Gull was at Stanpit, as it was post post yesterday, along with Bar-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Common Tern. During the afternoon, at least 15 Shelduck were around Stanpit Bight.

One of 23 Sanderling on Hengistbury, last evening. We’re hopeful there is another on the photos of the ring to give some kind of trace – Scott Usher

Several Small Heath were about the Long Field, today – Clinton Whale

Adding to yesterday’s news from the photo caption, it’s reckoned there are now 3 Ringed Plover chicks in the fenced area. Moving to today and more new-in birds along Roebury Lane – namely, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Sedge Warbler. Otherwise, it’s just the mystery Peregrine on the Priory to mention.

Meadow Pipit on the sandspit, where, last season, they bred in the fenced area – Clinton Whale

The only new for the day is of 6 Sanderling on Hengistbury, plus a Bar-tailed Godwit and the seven shelducklings at Stanpit.

The combination of wind direction, strength and the date meant that a Storm Petrel west past Hengistbury was almost expected. In addition, and also to the west, went: 2 Little Gull, both 2cy birds, 5 Common Tern and 38 Sandwich Tern; plus 19 Sanderling. Meanwhile, 11 Common Scoter and 9 Gannet moved with the wind. Newly arrived birds included: a Hobby coming in-off, a Tree Pipit on Wick and at least 2 Sedge Warbler on Hengistbury. The only news from Stanpit is of Shelduck – the seven ducklings were again in Stanpit Creek, with nine adult birds, including the parents, also seen from Fisherman’s Bank.

After being realised as a recording-area breeder last season, it’s confirmed Lesser Black-backed Gull are again doing so – Scott Usher

Speckled Wood – Clinton Whale

The feeding flock off the end of Hengistbury attracted a 2cy Little Gull and 45 Common Tern, as well as around 30 Sandwich Tern and 3 Gannet, this morning. Meanwhile, a total of 14 Common Scoter headed east and a Sanderling was around. Over at Stanpit, an adult male Marsh Harrier arrived from inland and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit were logged. To finish, it’s great to report a seven-strong Shelduck brood was seen in Stanpit Creek.

It’s still thought at least three of the original four Ringed Plover chicks are about – Clinton Whale

The brisk south-westerly and quite chilly wind brought Manx Shearwater to the bays this morning – as many as fifty moving between Christchurch Bay and Poole Bay – also 14 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, a couple of auks and ‘lots’ of terns feeding; most of this seen from the Long Groyne area. Meanwhile, a female Redstart and 2 Reed Warbler were along Roebury Lane – so birds are still arriving. Elsewhere, a Whimbrel was at Stanpit.

We have been fortunate enough to receive these videos of House Martin around the CHOG-facilitated tower on the Hoburne Estate, Christchurch, located at BH23 4UU.

A couple of Great Northern Diver – one in full breeding plumage – passed west off Hengistbury, this morning; while 2 Greenshank headed the same way over Wick Fields, over which 3 Swift arrived. Inside the harbour, a Whimbrel and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit were settled, where the Barnacle Goose again appeared – so starting to lose any sign of wild pedigree.

Moving back to the week and there are seemingly at least 6 Nightjar using Hengistbury – some away from the traditional Warren Hill spots.

Bar-tailed Godwit – Scott Usher

Male Greenfinch – Clinton Whale

…and yesterday’s Barnacle Goose – Scott Usher

The only news involves waders, namely: 6 Sanderling, the same number of Bar-tailed Godwit remaining from yesterday and a single Black-tailed Godwit, all at Stanpit.

Sanderling – one of them in very fine breeding plumage – stopping off as they head to the Arctic – Clinton Whale

Dartford Warbler – a resident breeder. This bird was showing itself immediately adjacent to a public path – Clinton Whale

A Barnacle Goose at Stanpit, this evening, is an unexpected record for the date; while 7 Sanderling on the sandpit, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel were more expected. Other things of note were: after a recent surge, just 2 Shelduck about; and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Unfortunately, no reports have been received today.

Presumably due to the lure of surrounding areas in spring, there are no reports for today.

Male Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly, on Riversmeet Meadow – Clinton Whale

The only news is of a Nightjar, uttering a brief churr, from the Long Field, this afternoon.

Grey Heron – Adrian Simmons

The Mute Swan pair on Grimmery Bank started with a remarkable nine and are currently holding a commendable eight – Adrian Simmons

Other than a Cuckoo singing from Wick, all the news is from Stanpit – the best being 2 Common Gull, an excellent mid-May record, a 2cy Little Gull and a Mediterranean Gull; plus, for the second day in succession, a female-type Marsh Harrier. The pick of the waders was 3 Sanderling, off Jimmy’s Point, this afternoon; but also 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 7 Ringed Plover, a Dunlin, 4 Turnstone, 3 Redshank and a Curlew. Finishing, a late Wheatear was on Crouch Hill.

‘Thousands’ of these small fish, presumably fry of mullet, but more correct or detailed information welcome, were in Mother Siller’s Channel, this afternoon – Clinton Whale

Linnet on Crouch Hill – Clinton Whale

The morning at Stanpit saw a Marsh Harrier about the northern part of the area and an Osprey hunting the Harbour, around 08:15, when it flushed: 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Knot, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Ringed Plover, 6 Turnstone and a Curlew. Meanwhile, 3 Spotted Flycatcher overflew Wick and a Little Gull, 3 Little Tern, a Shoveler, 20 Gadwall  and a Raven were also seen. To finish, a new-in Reed Warbler was singing from brambles at the Stanpit car park.

The only submissions for the day are of 4 Whimbrel at Stanpit and confirmation the Ringed Plover family remains intact on the sandspit.

News for members: the CHOG annual report, The Birds of Christchurch Harbour 2024, is now being distributed – both by mail and, for those who opted to go green, email. If you don’t receive your copy in the way you expect in the next couple of days, please email: secretary@chog.org.uk

A trio of waders – Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel – Clinton Whale

An Osprey visited and caught its supper at just after 4:00, this afternoon, before heading off inland. Meanwhile, there seems to have been an influx of Shelduck, over thirty reported from Stanpit, where the waders, mostly in Stanpit Creek, included: a Common Sandpiper, 8 Whimbrel – it was said a few days ago, but the numbers really do seem high for such late date – 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin.

White Stork over Fisherman’s Bank – not possible to see if ringed or not – Martin Lewis

Iceland-bound Black-tailed Godwit (plus a kayak where it shouldn’t be) – Clinton Whale

The photographed White Stork was at around 10:10, but an earlier watch from the Argyle Road slip was not too shabby either, and included: a Little Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Tern; 2 Grey Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Ringed Plover and a Turnstone – all presumably heading north to try their luck for the season; while 3 Lapwing and 2 Redshank may have tried, and for whatever reason, failed already. A little later a flock of forty or so Black-tailed Godwit passed through.

Two Nightjar were churring on Hengistbury, at dusk – one by the Ironstone Quarry, the other towards the end of the Head. A little earlier, offshore, hundreds of gulls had been feasting on the Whitebait, before settling on the mirror-calm waters. To complement the still-four-strong family of Ringed Plover, there were around a dozen migrant birds, so presumably tundrae race, plus a couple of Dunlin and a Turnstone, about the sandspit.

Redshank in breeding plumage – Clinton Whale

This morning, a drake Garganey and a Little Gull were almost side by side on East Marsh, viewed from the Argyle Road slip. Earlier, there had been the bizarre sight of a Ring-necked Parakeet over the marsh being chased by two gulls and a Brent Goose! For the date, the rarest wader on site was a Redshank, but also 5 Whimbrel and a single Dunlin. To finish, another breeding Ringed Plover update – without the efforts being put in by the beach hut owner, this ongoing success would not be possible….

‘So yesterday we gave up trying to find the plover family in the enclosure, we guessed that they were hunkered down out of site so decided to go back to my hut for a cuppa. Only to find the family (4 chicks and the two adults) were virtually outside my hut some 100yds from safety?!! A few of us started to Herd them back (memories of a repeat performance 3 years ago with four BCP rangers). Half way through the exercise a very large dog appeared luckily on a lead and all hell broke loose. The dog owner was very good about things as he was dragged across the sand with a determined dog wanting to chase the chicks. All ended well though.’

Ringed Plover – Scott Usher

Large Red Damselfly – Clinton Whale

Over the last few days, the Ringed Plover pair on the sandspit have hatched four young – although only three were seen today, it’s quite probable the other remained hidden – Roger Edwards

All the news for today is in the photos.

There was an emergence of Four-spotted Chaser about the Lily Pond, today – Barrie Taylor

Whimbrel in Holloway’s Dock – George Garland

The only bird news for the day is of a Grey Plover and a Whimbrel in Holloway’s Dock, plus a new-in Reed Warbler sub-singing from Hawthorn on Wick.

Striped Hawk-moth – found in the field by Paul Morrison – a rare migrant from continental Europe, last recorded in the area in 2006 – Robin Harley

Certainly not expected for approaching mid-May, a pair of Wigeon – Jeremy Mayes

To start, some Peregrine news – there is a bird, sex not yet determined, nor observed to be ringed, lingering around The Priory still. Clearly, not one of the late breeding pair, so what is happening is quite a puzzle. Throughout the day, ones and twos of Swift were being reported passing through – this, coupled with news of a quite a congregation just inland from the recording area, suggests there may have been an arrival. During the morning on the ebb tide at Stanpit, the pick was 2 Avocet; but also 2 Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin, as well as a couple of Common Tern. Just about as the post was to be closed, a late seawatch from the Gully has, so far, produced a two pale-morph Arctic Skua.

Whimbrel – Clinton Whale

Firstly, some more bad news from The Priory – with the direct quote below.

‘We are very sad to let you know that our resident male peregrine falcon (VA) has also died.

We can report that the eggs still in the nest after the death of the female were unfortunately not found to be viable. The deaths of both adults are being investigated by the appropriate authorities. We will post any information we receive in due course.’

On the more positive side, however, the sandspit Ringed Plover eggs have hatched – at least three chicks seen today. Meanwhile, the rest of the news is mostly from Stanpit and mostly of fly-throughs, including: 42 Whimbrel – although twelve were settled, this afternoon, as was a Brent Goose – 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank, 7 Grey Plover, a Sanderling, 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin; a Great Northern Diver high and over to the east; a Garden Warbler, a Willow Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Yellow Wagtail. To finish, a count of 19 Coot is perhaps unexpected for the date.

Holly Blue – Clinton Whale

Banded Demoiselle are now on the wing at Stanpit – Clinton Whale

…and a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gull – Clinton Whale

The first Spotted Flycatcher of the season were around today – a lingering bird in the Stunted Oaks, likewise in the North Scrubs, and one in flight over Wick. Meanwhile, a Hobby, 3 Swift – there’s not been many of those, so far – and a Yellow Wagtail also headed north. A total of 13 Whimbrel, mostly at Stanpit, is good for quite a late date in their passage, while the 2 Grey Plover remained from yesterday and a Little Stint put in a cameo. Rounding up: an Osprey circled around 13:40; a Common Tern and 12 Mediterranean Gull were about; and the Cuckoo is still faithful to the Wick Fields area.

All the news is from Stanpit, which hosted a mild selection of waders: namely, a Greenshank, 2 Grey Plover, 5 Whimbrel, a Ringed Plover and a Dunlin. Without wanting to sound too miserable, in not-so-many years gone by, three-figure counts of the latter would have been the norm for the date. Also from the Marsh – singles of Cattle Egret, Yellow Wagtail and Willow Warbler.

To finish, some sad news: The Priory are reporting the death of the female Peregrine. CHOG’s understanding, so far, is there is nothing to suggest this was anything other than a natural event.

Great Spotted Woodpecker – Roger Tidball

Sand Martin – Alan Crockard

On a day that was somewhat uncomfortable in a brisk northerly wind, the only report is of the pair of Bullfinch again by the gates of the HHC – from now on referred to as the HHOC, to reflect the now community-focussed operators of the centre, of which CHOG are a participating user group. Please do consider joining Hengistbury Head Outdoors – just £10 for life membership.

Also of real community interest, The Bournemouth Echo today ran this story about CHOG’s lead in opening of the House Martin tower.

Common Sandpiper – Clinton Whale

Black-tailed Godwit – Clinton Whale

Although it’s light on news today, there was a really good record for the date – a Green Sandpiper by the Solent Meads car park, early on. There can’t be that many instances for May in the archives. Otherwise, it’s just singles of Common Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit, plus a(the?) female Wheatear, at Stanpit to mention.

Great Northern Diver passing Hengistbury – Scott Usher

Blue Tit – Alan Crockard

Other than the photos, the only news is of a Barn Owl again in the area.

Over the last few weeks, CHOG members, Paul Morrison, Jackie Smith and Ian Wigley, have been working hard to restore the pond in the grounds of the HHO Centre – to the point where it is now, again, ideal for dragon- and damselflies.

There were a couple of Cuckoo about today – the seemingly resident male on Wick and a further bird in the Stunted Oaks; while, early on, a Barn Owl was again around. The only other news is from Stanpit, where there were at least 3 Whimbrel, a party of urgent-to-head-north Ringed Plover and a female Wheatear.

Reed Bunting – Ian Wigley

Cetti’s Warbler – Ian Wigley

The sea was a bit of a disappointment, this morning, with just a small feeding flock of Common Tern and Sandwich Tern out there; plus, a Sanderling, a Fulmar, 16 Common Scoter and 8 Mediterranean Gull, all east. A smart, male Grey Plover at Stanpit and 5 Common Sandpiper on the Long Groyne was the best of the settled waders; but also 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel and 3 Ringed Plover about the place. To finish, up to 30 Shelduck were around and a female Wheatear was on Crouch Hill.