This Kestrel spent much of the day, sheltering from the rain, in the cosy surrounds of the replica Iron Age roundhouse by the HHVC – Erin Bishop

After the on-going southerly blow, it was hoped an early watch from Mudeford Quay could have yielded more. As it was, the best was a 1cy Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter, with other interest coming from 2 Razorbill, a Guillemot, c100 unidentified auks and 5 Gannet. Also, a Sanderling on the sandspit and around 45 Turnstone through the Run. Stanpit, too, was reasonably quiet – the best being 2 Grey Plover, 45 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Drake Gadwall – Neil Jones

Dunlin – Neil Jones

Last night’s forecast looked good for clear skies at dawn, so cue the pigeons – unfortunately, there was more cloud than expected and the only return is of around 500 Woodpigeon west over Wick; with a (the) male Marsh Harrier and 3 Chiffchaff also logged from there. The rest is from Stanpit, where the Brent Goose numbered thirty-two and 2 Grey Plover, 28 Ringed Plover and 27 Dunlin were settled – all seen from Fisherman’s Bank – and a single Raven passed over. Meanwhile: there was a fleeting Yellow-browed Warbler, in the company of Long-tailed Tit, by the old Civic Offices; a drake Goldeneye, nowadays a real premium bird, and a Great Northern Diver passed quickly through; and a Curlew Sandpiper was noted.

Pied Wagtail were settled in various parts of Stanpit today – Clinton Whale

…and a pair of Wigeon, the drake (left) almost completely moulted out of eclipse plumage – Clinton Whale

Starting with the sea, which produced a Velvet Scoter and 26 Common Scoter – the former and most of the latter lingering – while a Red-throated Diver, 12 auks, 25 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Gull and 70 Gannet passed to the west. The exceptional Redpoll season continues to deliver, with around fifty seeming to have lifted out from roosting in the Double Dykes, early on, plus a further 108 to the west – along with: a Brambling, 54 Siskin, 95 Chaffinch, 105 Linnet and 135 Goldfinch. All of this from Hengistbury, where Kingfisher were encountered in Barn Bight and Rushy Piece.

The pick of the day is a Short-eared Owl over Central Marsh during the mid-afternoon. Moving back to the morning, when the initial drizzle grounded a few finches on Hengistbury, including a Brambling in trees with 22 Chaffinch by Holloway’s Dock, as well a 55 Redpoll – thirty of those lingering on the Batters – 15 Siskin and 40 Goldfinch; plus 40 Pied Wagtail and 15 Mediterranean Gull returned from the Head. The rest is from Wick and involves 7 Chiffchaff and a Kingfisher, that by the Wooden Bridge.

A few odonata, such as this Common Darter damselfly, are still on the wing – Clinton Whale

The clear dawn gave rise to the expected, westerly movement of Woodpigeon – around 10000 being the estimate, from first light to mid-morning, when many large flocks appeared to give up and descend into woodland north of the area. Meanwhile, the smaller travellers, again all west, comprised: a Brambling, 11 Siskin, around 45 Redpoll, 65 Chaffinch, 75 Linnet, 105 Goldfinch, 57 Skylark and 85 Starling; with a Red-throated Diver, 31 Kittiwake, 65 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Common Gull and 22 Razorbill heading in the same direction at sea. Moving to settled birds and all on Hengistbury – a Firecrest, 12 Goldcrest and 10 Chiffchaff, plus one each of Nuthatch and Treecreeper – and, to finish, a male Marsh Harrier was over Priory Marsh, early on.

The unexpected Mediterranean Gull presence continues – adult (upper) and 1cy – Scott Usher

…and what to look for among the Black-headed Gull – the dark mask around the eye and heavier bill – features present in all ages, right now – Scott Usher

As mentioned last night, sizeable parties of Long-tailed Tit seem to be present in all suitable habitat – Scott Usher

A clear dawn resulted in ‘lots’ of Woodpigeon being reported over Wick, while a Ring Ouzel came up and off from the Batters and a remarkable, for the date, 80 Mediterranean Gull headed across the top of the head towards the sea. On the sea, the 2 Velvet Scoter were still present, as were 8 Common Scoter – but the two species preferring not to mix. To finish, there are still more-than-expected numbers of Chiffchaff about, plus a scattering of Goldcrest, and, late in the afternoon, a female Marsh Harrier arrived over Ashtree Meadow.

Left to right: Oystercatcher, 1cy Black-headed Gull, adult of the same (preening) and adult Mediterranean Gull – Adrian Simmons

It took a while for the visible migration to get going and it was actually the later part of the morning that yielded the best results. The pick was a Woodcock arriving over the Double Dykes, a notable 2000 Starling west – those not recognised as a numerous traveller over the area – 8(!) Kestrel in the same direction, ditto the previous comment, and 50 Mallard dropping in after a high approach from the east. Also: an estimated 3000 Woodpigeon, a House Martin, 11 Swallow and modest numbers of finches, comprising Brambling, Redpoll, Siskin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet and Goldfinch, plus a few Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail. The sea, meanwhile, was generally quiet although did manage a skein of five pale-bellied Brent Goose to the east and a briefly settled, female-type Eider. Moving to the waders at Stanpit, which included: a Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 117 Black-tailed Godwit, 34 Ringed Plover and 11 Dunlin; with the best of the wildfowl there being a Pintail and 11 Brent Goose, but just 2 Teal – where are they? The site-wide reckoning for Chiffchaff is thirty-five, mostly on Wick Fields, along with 4 Blackcap and a Firecrest; while a single of the latter was also at Stanpit, as well as a Nuthatch. Wrapping up: a conspiracy of 9 Raven headed high inland, early on, when a female-type Marsh Harrier left the area, and the Glossy Ibis along with 5 Cattle Egret came out of the roost; a Peregrine and around 20 Mediterranean Gull were logged; and, to finish, a rarely mentioned species – Long-tailed Tit – twenty-five at in the North Scrubs and with other sizeable parties encountered elsewhere it does seem they are faring rather well.

Velvet Scoter – Adrian Simmons

Although there is relatively little to report, it may be there are couple of Velvet Scoter hanging around – two seen heading west off Hengistbury, this morning. Meanwhile, a Wheatear was on the Double Dykes and 6 Chiffchaff were on Wick, over where 10 Redpoll passed.

Most of the news from a breeze-chilled day comes from Stanpit, where a Firecrest was in the North Scrubs and Wheatear was about Crouch Hill. In Stanpit Bight, a Grey Plover and at least 60 Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders, while an adult male Marsh Harrier hunted and 14 Brent Goose were counted. The only other returns are of 2 Velvet Scoter off the Long Groyne, some time during the morning, and a Redwing over Two Riversmeet after dark.

Immature White-tailed Eagle – Dave Miller

A late Garden Warbler was in the Double Dykes early on, when 17 Chiffchaff and a Bullfinch were in the North Scrubs. Meanwhile, the first migrant Woodpigeon of the season – around 300 birds – were logged, along with around 200 Redpoll, 300 Siskin, 220 Goldfinch, 160 Linnet, a Brambling, 40 Chaffinch, 20 Greenfinch, 40 Meadow Pipit, 25 Pied Wagtail, 21 Skylark, 12 Swallow and 6 Reed Bunting, all over Hengistbury and generally west; plus 3 Song Thrush arriving. A total of 8 Grey Plover was at Stanpit, where other waders included 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 65 Ringed Plover and 24 Dunlin; with other interest there coming from 12 Brent Goose, a Common Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull and a Kingfisher. To finish, the photographed eagle arrived at around 08:40 and spent just under forty-minutes in the area, mostly sitting on Blackberry Point.

Brown Roll-rim mushroom – a deadly toxic fungi, the effect sometimes taking years to manifest – Barrie Taylor

…and a Carrion Crow attempting a bit of log-rolling – Barrie Taylor

Contrary to the last comment made on here, by the same author, about Chiffchaff – it does seem as if the presence is still notably high. Two figures were returned from Wick – twenty-four along Roebury Lane and into the fields, and around thirty-five mostly in the willows in the Wooden Bridge area – so it would seem at least fifty individuals. In addition, 2 Goldcrest and 3 Blackcap, plus a Wheatear on the golf course, were logged. Meanwhile, a flock of thirty or so Redpoll briefly dropped into the aforementioned willows, with a Kingfisher being seen from the Viewing Platform. Late in the afternoon, 4 Mediterranean Gull – two adults and two 1cy birds – rested in the Run.

An inundated Stanpit, viewed from Riversmeet Meadow, and with the Rusty Boat getting a bit more rusty – Clinton Whale

…and two of 19 Black-tailed Godwit just adjacent to the Pod – Clinton Whale

It was a day of near-constant rain and the pictures cover all the news received.

There is still plenty of Common Toadflax in bloom – Paul Mcauliffe

Grey Wagtail on the Ironstone Quarry – Paul Mcauliffe

…and the Bailey Bridge, on the extreme low of the tide, once again delivers Water Rail – Paul Mcauliffe

The only news from a near-complete, wash-out of day comes from 8 Chiffchaff on Wick and a Kingfisher by the Wooden Bridge.

Peregrine – Scott Usher

At first light, the Glossy Ibis was seen to leave the roost, likewise 13 Cattle Egret – those settling for some time at Stanpit. The marsh also saw a late Sand Martin head east with the Swallow, that around lunchtime, when a Golden Plover was logged and 459 Wigeon, plus 15 Brent Goose, were counted. Rounding up, the photographed Peregrine tussled with an adult male Marsh Harrier over Priory Marsh and at least 25 Chiffchaff were about Wick.

Another new moth species for the harbour – Clifden Nonpareil (without comparison) or sometimes referred to as Blue Underwing. This is one of the UK’s largest moths, the wingspan approaching 12cm, and, overnight, was part of a local influx of migrant moths – Robin Harley

It’s starting to look like some Marsh Harrier are moving in for the winter – both a male and female again being seen, late in the afternoon. Earlier, the Glossy Ibis was seen dropping into Central Marsh, while 12 Brent Goose arrived and settled off South Marsh. A figure of just 7 Chiffchaff from Wick suggests the bonanza is drawing to an end and, to finish, a definite 2 Kingfisher were in Stanpit Creek.

Orange Sallow moth – a new species for the area. The food plant is Lime, so more often seen in urban locations – Robin Harley

Glossy Ibis – Jackie Smith

The morning started to cloud, but the day finished in some nice sunshine, with heron-type birds heading the post. Early on, a Spoonbill came in off the sea and landed at Stanpit, while 22 Cattle Egret and a hefty number of 62 Little Egret left the roost; later a Glossy Ibis frequented North Marsh and a single Cattle Egret was looking as if it had just arrived. Meanwhile, an adult male Marsh Harrier again frequented Stanpit, with a Tawny Owl heard calling from the Wood on Hengistbury. To wrap up, the numbers and estimates from the eastern end of the Head: east – 520 Linnet, 380 Goldfinch, 275 Chaffinch, 230 Siskin, 96 Redpoll, 85 Meadow Pipit, 35 Pied Wagtail, 15 Skylark and 11 Crossbill; west – singles of Eider, Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern; north – 11 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing and a Fieldfare; no details – 130 unidentified auks, 35 Razorbill, 26 Swallow, 12 House Martin, 7 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Ruff.

Sea Bass and a slightly startled Little Egret – Linda Martin

There were notably fewer birds about today – just 15 Chiffchaff and 2 Wheatear noted as settled migrants; while 200 Linnet and around 25 Redpoll passed over Hengistbury. At sea, a hundred auks, 3 Shoveler, a Pintail, 2 Gadwall and 16 Brent Goose passed, all to the west; with 30 Common Scoter and a further 5 ‘brents’ settled on the water.

As has been suspected, a Glossy Ibis is roosting in the area – one seen to leave, along with 31 Cattle Egret, this morning; when a female-type Marsh Harrier also headed inland. Meawhile, the waders at Stanpit included: a Greenshank, a Grey Plover and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit. Moving to settled passerines, the Chiffchaff numbers were reckoned to be down – less than twenty-five reported – but there was an observation about a possible influx of Robin around Wick, as well as an estimate of at least 50 Goldcrest on Hengistbury. The day’s Kingfisher action came from the tried-and-trusted Wick Hams area, where a bird was taking advantage of the favoured network of fences. The list from the end of the Head comprises: east – 730 Linnet, 220 Swallow, 170 Chaffinch, 160 Siskin, 145 House Martin, 75 Meadow Pipit – but, strangely no wagtails, 56 Greenfinch and a Woodlark; west – a Red-throated Diver and 3 Tufted Duck; arriving – 8 Brent Goose and 4 Snipe; leaving – 6 Pochard; on the sea – 28 Common Scoter; and, no information – 3 Sandwich Tern and a Mistle Thrush. To finish, around 16:00, a 1cy Caspian Gull and 6 Mediterranean Gull were returned from Mudeford Quay.

Some of a flock of forty or so Linnet stopping off at Stanpit – David Faulkner

Starting at Stanpit, where a Glossy Ibis was seen near the Pod at around 08:00, but not since; while, at dawn, 29 Cattle Egret were seen to leave the roost. Later in the morning, a male Marsh Harrier hunted Central Marsh and, during the afternoon, a Chiffchaff estimate, about the northern sections, largely based on one call is one bird came to thirty-five. That said, a period of intense ‘pishing’ at one spot turned a single call into at least five birds – so clearly a lot more out there than the logged total. The rest of the post comprises a list of visible migration reckonings from the eastern end of Hengistbury, in an order of direction then quantity: east – 1400 Linnet, 570 Goldfinch, 385 Chaffinch, 315 Siskin, 240 Swallow, 215 Redpoll, 159 Crossbill, 130 House Martin, 125 Pied Wagtail, 85 Meadow Pipit, 72 Song Thrush, 63 Reed Bunting, 39 Skylark, 12 Redwing, 45 Greenfinch, 12 Redwing, 6 Golden Plover, 2 Brambling, and singles of Ring Ouzel, Woodlark, Velvet Scoter and Red-throated Diver; west – 105 auks, 26 Brent Goose, 24 Mediterranean Gull and 19 Common Gull; no information – 68 Wigeon, 39 Common Scoter, 7 Shoveler, 4 Pintail and a Sandwich Tern.

Dartford Warbler and Silver Y moth – Scott Usher (photo) & Mervyn Rochester (moth ID)

Finches migrating over Hengistbury – Linnet (upper) and a mix of the same and Goldfinch – Scott Usher

Shag – Alan Crockard

The second WeBS count of the winter season produced some nice totals of birds, although it wasn’t possible to get coverage at Hengistbury. As such, in an attempted order of interest, here are selected numbers: waders – 3 Greenshank, 2 Grey Plover, 8 Sanderling, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 75 Ringed Plover, 39 Dunlin, 12 Snipe, 96 Lapwing and 137 Redshank; wildfowl – 2 Brent Goose, 455 Wigeon, 5 Teal, a really low number(!), 194 Mallard and 312 Mute Swan; others – 262 Coot, 10 Water Rail and 2 Kingfisher. Meanwhile, the visible migration event enjoyed the spectacle, as opposed to attempting any numbers – that said, there were clearly a lot less birds than yesterday, except perhaps for Pied Wagtail. Rounding things up: at first light, 28 Cattle Egret left the roost; a Firecrest was at the end of the head; at least 25 Chiffchaff were about, but only casually observed, so certainly more; and, late in the afternoon, a female-looking Marsh Harrier was about Stanpit.

A Glossy Ibis seen around Central Marsh, this afternoon, certainly lends weight to suspicion there is at least one bird lingering around the general area. Meanwhile, the Chiffchaff keep on coming – fifty-eight counted on Wick Fields and forty-five estimated on Hengistbury, during the morning – with birds actually being active throughout the whole day. Also, from the Head a Spotted Flycatcher and 35 Goldcrest; where a male Marsh Harrier hunted Wick Hams and 29 Cattle Egret left the roost. At times, gatherings of Swallow, plus a very late Sand Martin, swarmed the area to feed on their travels; while birds seen to be moving were reckoned at: 3200 Linnet, 410 Chaffinch, 515 Siskin, 235 Redpoll, 235 Goldfinch, 72 Crossbill, 530 Meadow Pipit and 190 Pied Wagtail, all to the east; with the sea contributing, all west, 31 Common Scoter, 29 Brent Goose, 12 Mediterranean Gull and 11 Common Gull. To finish, birds from Hengistbury with no known details: 2 Little Gull, a Spotted Redshank, a Ruff, 18 Sanderling, a Redwing and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Early this morning, there was a reasonable piece of visible migration noted over Hengistbury – all to the east and in order of quantity: 750 Linnet, 250 Swallow, 230 Meadow Pipit, 130 Goldfinch, 63 Redpoll, 45 Siskin, 45 Chaffinch, 36 Pied Wagtail, 10 House Martin and 2 Crossbill. Meanwhile, a Curlew Sandpiper was on the Long Groyne, 8 Common Scoter were on the sea and an estimated 40 Goldcrest were around. The only Chiffchaff reckoning is from Wick – thirty-five being the return – where a male Marsh Harrier was seen heading to Stanpit and 3 Cattle Egret were about.

Long-tailed Blue butterfly – near the old Point House Cafe, now Ocean Point apartments – the second year on the run for this rare migrant at the site – Tracy Whincup

After last year’s strange drop in presence, Sparrowhawk are again commonplace about the area – Clinton Whale

Speckled Wood butterfly – Clinton Whale

…and, still, the Chiffchaff keep coming – Barrie Taylor

A Mistle Thrush about Hengistbury, this morning – always a good bird to encounter in the locale – seems a good place to start. Meanwhile, the Chiffchaff estimate, from across the area as a whole, is 170 – some of the calls being notably varied around the typical ‘hweet’ – and, with them, 6 Blackcap, 3 Firecrest, 12 Goldcrest and a Wheatear. Amongst the light overhead movement were a couple of Crossbill, 15 Redpoll and 24 Siskin; while the only wader returns are of 2 Golden Plover and a Greenshank at Stanpit.

Cormorant – Peter Corbin

…and one of Stanpit’s sentinel Lesser Black-backed Gull – Ray Scott

There was a definite arrival of Goldcrest, and perhaps even Treecreeper, overnight: at least thirty-five of the former on Hengistbury, this morning, as well as twelve about the North Scrubs in the afternoon; with two of the latter in the Wood and one by the Long Field. Meanwhile, the Chiffchaff numbers continue – at least thirty-five around Wick Fields for the duration and, late in the day, a minimum of forty around the northern compartments of Stanpit. Also, across the area, a Wheatear and 9 Blackcap. The good showing of over-flying Redpoll continues – fifteen, plus 36 Siskin, counted moving over the Head. Rounding up: a female-type Marsh Harrier passed to the west; three adult Mediterranean Gull were inside the harbour; and, from a recording-area perspective, 2 Rook feeding with Carrion Crow on the Recreation Ground, mid-afternoon, was something of an event.

Razorbill just south of Hengistbury – Alan Crockard

Linnet at Stanpit – Neil Jones

For a short time this morning, a Yellow-browed Warbler was along the riverside path, north of the Viewing Platform, but was not seen or heard since. Meanwhile, we’re getting into the third week of a near omni-presence of Chiffchaff – the estimates from today being: a minimum of seventy-five along the Batters, in the morning; and up to forty, during the late afternoon, on Wick,. Early on, a couple of Redpoll and 16 Siskin were noted moving over Hengistbury; with a Wheatear and at least 20 Meadow Pipit being on Crouch Hill.

Grey Wagtail about the Clay Pool – Alan Crockard

…and Dartford Warbler on Crouch Hill – Adrian Simmons

On a lovely day of weather, there were a couple of Whinchat about – one on Crouch Hill and the other on the Long Field. Meanwhile, across the area, 2 Wheatear, up to 50 Chiffchaff, but likely far more of those, and 5 Blackcap were returned. During the morning, the sky above Stanpit resonated to the contact calls of migrating Siskin, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit, but the blue skies made seeing the subjects very difficult. To finish: a Weasel was on Crouch Hill; waders at Stanpit included a Greenshank and 2 Grey Plover; singles of Brent Goose and Mediterranean Gull were logged; and Kingfisher were seen on three occasions around the marsh.

The afternoon at Stanpit was lively – the best coming at around 17:00, when a Whooper Swan was found amongst the Mute Swan herd. Meanwhile, the waders presented a nice selection – the best a juvenile Little Stint, but also: 2 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 2 Greenshank, 6 Sanderling, 2 Knot, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 66 Ringed Plover and 29 Dunlin. Interestingly, although an admittedly low sample size, at least seven of the ‘blackwits’ were 1cy birds, so perhaps suggesting a decent breeding season in Iceland. Also on the marsh, two 1cy Common Gull; while, much earlier in the day, Wick held an estimated fifteen Chiffchaff.

The aftermath of Storm Amy meant the area took a chilly westerly blast for nearly all the daylight hours. Around midday, there was the surprising sight, from Mudeford Quay, of a Glossy Ibis battling into the wind over the sea and then veering directly over The Haven and into the Harbour; where, an hour or so later, it was seen briefly in flight from the Pod. Waders at Stanpit were headed by a Curlew Sandpiper, a Greenshank and a Grey Plover, but also 2 Sanderling and 78 Ringed Plover. Also there, 4 Wheatear on Crouch Hill, an over-flying House Martin and counts of 214 Wigeon, 126 Mallard and 136 Coot.

A couple of hours, mid- to late-afternoon, at Mudeford Quay saw 15 Curlew, 9 + 6, again head purposefully to the south-east – lending more weight to the IOW roost theory, perhaps? In terms of seabirds, however, it was pretty woeful – the only notables being: a couple of Mediterranean Gull – an adult and a 1cy – 2 Sandwich Tern, around 25 Gannet and a Great Crested Grebe, all to the west.

Wryneck – Dave Miller

…and some of the 11 Cattle Egret which passed over it – Alan Crockard

The Wryneck showed intermittently, again along the southern edge of the Long Field, during the morning and just into the afternoon – last reported at just before 13:00 – but not seen thereafter, despite some searching. Otherwise, the only news is of a Green Sandpiper by the Wooden Bridge and the continued Chiffchaff presence – around thirty estimated on Wick, but calls near constant in several other spots.

As the month turned to October, there was talk of a blank season for Wryneck – until just before 16:00 that is – when a bird was found sunning itself on the path along the southern edge of the Long Field, before it flew up to the Natterjack Pond area, but couldn’t immediately be re-located. A couple of hours later, however, brief flight views were had as the bird dropped back down to the Long Field. Back to the start of the day, when 2 Green Sandpiper were about Wick Water Meadows, as well as a Cattle Egret and several vocal Water Rail there – the sounds perhaps suggesting an influx and the subsequent squabbling over territory? Meanwhile, the waders at Stanpit included: the Avocet, a Grey Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit and 12 Black-tailed Godwit. Amongst the finches moving over Hengistbury, during the morning, were 20 Redpoll and 30 Siskin; with around seventy auks, a few identified as Razorbill, passing at sea across a two-hour period, as well as a Brent Goose. To finish, a Grey Wagtail was in the Wood, a Wheatear was at Stanpit, 15 Chiffchaff were returned from Wick and there has been an exponential increase of Wigeon to at least 500.