Grey Wagtail along Fisherman’s Bank – Richard Moore

Starting the post, from a rain-punctuated day, with a mammal – a single Otter briefly in the Clay Pool, around 09:00. Meanwhile, it was quite lively at sea, where 42 Red-throated Diver – flocks of twenty-three and sixteen included – passed to the west; likewise, a female-type Long-tailed Duck and three adult Little Gull; but, almost nothing else. Earlier, 5 Redpoll, a Fieldfare and a few Redwing were flying around Hengistbury, with 2 Treecreeper in the Wood. Later in the day, 2 Peregrine on the Priory was a very encouraging sign for the coming breeding season, which the Grey Heron in the Nursery are already well into preparation for.

Despite a decent morning of weather, before the rain set in after lunch, there are no reports to carry for today.

Bar-tailed Godwit with Dunlin (upper) and with a Black-tailed Godwit, plus a pair of Teal – David Faulkner

After a single bird was carelessly omitted from last night’s post, a couple of White-tailed Eagle over Solent Meads golf course, just after 11:00, made up for that slip. Meanwhile, the sea produced 13 Red-throated Diver – twelve of which came up from the water as a flock – as well as single Kittiwake and the usual twenty or so Common Scoter. During the afternoon, the pick inside the harbour came from a Shoveler and around 100 Lapwing – the latter coming in from the north.

It was a glorious day of weather with, for a lucky few, an equally stand-out wildlife experience; namely, 2 Otter showing well in Barn Bight for at least forty-five minutes from around 07:45. At one point, they seemed to be playing together with one partially leaping from the water. A little later, a couple of unseasonable Sandwich Tern, off the Beach Huts, was the best at sea; where, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter and a Mediterranean Gull were also logged. Despite the water levels, Stanpit got some welcome attention and returned: 15 Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Ringed Plover and 200 Dunlin; as well as 3 Pintail and an adult Mediterranean Gull. To finish, a Bullfinch was near the Viewing Platform on Wick, with 2 Cattle Egret over there.

Siskin along Roebury Lane – Kevin Scragg

…and Treecreeper in the Stunted Oaks – Kevin Scragg

After a night of Storm Chandra, other than the photos, the post is made up of short looks at the sea. Early on, a couple of Red-throated Diver, a Mediterranean Gull and 4 Gannet were seen from Mudeford Quay. Around lunch, off the Double Dykes, 2 Great Northern Diver and 4 Red-throated Diver passed by; while the quay returned another two ‘red-throats’ and 3 Common Scoter, plus an adult Mediterranean settled on the lawn there. Then, late in the day, singles of adult Kittiwake and Mediterranean Gull came into the Harbour through the Run.

White-tailed Eagle – Paul Mcauliffe

The morning saw a couple of White-tailed Eagle about the area, when 2 Siskin were along the Wick riverside path and a Kingfisher was seen from the Viewing Platform there. Meanwhile, there was a definite influx of grebes at sea – 32 Great Crested Grebe flying or drifting east, with a Red-necked Grebe amongst them. Also, 42 Red-throated Diver doing pretty much the same thing, while at least 25 Common Scoter were settled. To finish, the record of the day, based on date, has to go to a Greenshank in Holloway’s Dock – between the months of October and March, they are a premium rarity here.

The continuing and ever-nasty, south-easterly wind, plus periods of heavy rain, are no doubt the reasons there is no news for the day.

Turnstone – Simon Coupe

…and Oystercatcher – all from Mudeford Quay – Simon Coupe

In a southerly wind and bright sunshine, looking out to sea was not easy – nonetheless, 2 Little Gull, 7 Kittiwake and 12 Common Gull, all west, were logged from the Beach Huts. Meanwhile, due to high water levels, conditions at Stanpit were also challenging – but 18 Grey Plover, 12 Ringed Plover and 200 Dunlin, plus two pairs of Pintail, make the post.

Rock Pipit on the Stanpit saltmarsh – Clinton Whale

In the early part of the morning, an adult Little Gull was off the Beach Huts, where a single Purple Sandpiper lingered, and the Avocet was again in Holloway’s Dock. Later, an inundated Stanpit was a magnet for dip-feeding Black-headed Gull – hundreds being the report.

Redshank – Neil Jones

…and Black-tailed Godwit with a Curlew – Clinton Whale

A small flock of Redpoll was again around the Pod on Stanpit, or in the hedge along the southern edge of the Recreation Ground. Meanwhile, up to 15 Grey Plover and 3 Pintail were close by on the marsh, and a Peregrine was on the west face of the Priory tower. Early on, a Crossbill, a further 5 Redpoll and & Linnet were returned from Hengistbury, where a nice selection of waders in Holloway’s Dock included: an Avocet, a Knot, a Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Black-tailed Godwit; with a Purple Sandpiper about the sandspit. Offshore, the highlight was a Little Gull, but also twenty-three, eastbound Red-throated Diver and twenty-two settled Common Scoter.

The only news for today isn’t too shabby – an Otter in Barn Bight at 3:45, this afternoon.

The Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – from Hengistbury, last night – Jeremy Mayes

After last night’s comments about the coming spring, the weather responded – a very uncomfortable, south-easterly blow and rain to boot. As such, the only news is from early in the morning on Wick, where singles of Fieldfare and Bullfinch were noted.

Black-tailed Godwit – Scott Usher

It was far quieter today, although the reappearance of the pair of Mandarin in Parky Meade Rail, where they spent the day, was a complete surprise. Equally out of the ordinary, meanwhile, was a Dartford Warbler in the Marsh Scrubs. The song of Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin and Great Tit has been a feature of the recent, mild days; with 3 Linnet on Wick Fields – a species largely absent in winter here – being another indicator of the coming spring season. The only offshore news for the post comes from Mudeford Quay and involves 4 Red-throated Diver and a presumably island-commuting Peregrine.

Weasel – Chris Cowell

White-tailed Eagle – Scott Usher

…and the thirty or so Turnstone on the sandspit – Clinton Whale

The morning was mostly about raptors, when between 07:55 and 08:30, a total of 5 Marsh Harrier was seen to leave the roost. Meanwhile, sometime during that period, the first of the 3 White-tailed Eagle arrived – being joined by the other two, first seen outside the area, but heading towards it, over the Stony Lane roundabout – around 09:00. In addition, and coincident with all of this, a further two birds were settled in the Lower Avon Valley, meaning five in all around the greater Christchurch area; which may have accounted for an apparent exodus of 56 Pintail from inland and out to sea. Talking of the sea and it was all about Red-throated Diver again – at least fifty, mostly west, including incredible views of one taking a shortcut and grazing the Beach Huts. Also offshore, a Black-throated Diver west, 35 Common Scoter and a few auks. Early on, 5 Fieldfare from Hengistbury was a good January record, while 2 Firecrest were more expected. Finishing with a mammal, and a Grey Seal was off the Long Groyne.

The morning saw another nice flight of Red-throated Diver off the Beach Huts – twenty-three, all to the west, as well as three on the water. Meanwhile, a Great Northern Diver, and 12 Common Scoter were also logged from there. Also before lunch, inside the harbour, there was a really nice total of 19 Grey Plover, along with an equally notable 250, Dunlin; plus, a single Ringed Plover, 3 Pintail, 10 Brent Goose, an estimated 1200 Wigeon and a minimum of 3 Marsh Harrier. Moving to the afternoon and a nice view of an Avocet in Holloway’s Dock. Kingfisher were seen throughout the day, including one putting on a really good show by the HHVC, but also briefer views at the Pod and one hover-fishing by the Noddy Train Terminus. Finally, thanks to those submitting Little Grebe records – just one, today, in Barn Bight – please keep them coming.

There was a clear influx of Red-throated Diver today – a morning seawatch reckoned at least seventy birds, the largest flock being sixteen to the west, with the other numbers being somewhat random in their activity, however. Also, a couple of Great Northern Diver west, along with two premium grebes – singles of both Slavonian Grebe and Red-necked Grebe. Meanwhile, a supporting cast came from: 3 Kittiwake, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 16 Common Gull and 48 Pintail, all west; a few Gannet and both auks; plus, around 15 Common Scoter settled. A little earlier, Wick produced a Bullfinch on Roebury Lane, a Chiffchaff and two, post-roost Marsh Harrier.

Other than 3 Marsh Harrier from the Wooden Bridge, early on, the rest of the day’s post is an eagle update. Thanks to the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, we have had it confirmed there has been a total of five birds in the area during the last five days – G625, G633, the familiar G818, G841 and an unknown bird – the latter being either a vagrant from mainland Europe or Scandinavia, or a 2024 Sussex bird that has somehow shaken off its identity.

Wren – Alan Crockard

Just a week or so ago, there were comments being made about how thin on the water Little Grebe were this winter – so a party of five in Barn Bight, this afternoon, was most welcome. A look at the sea, during the morning, produced 12 Red-throated Diver, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Common Gull, 3 Gannet and three auks, all east; as well as 26 Common Scoter and 9 Great Crested Grebe, mostly settled. Meanwhile, a number of Purple Sandpiper also passed the watchpoint, at the Beach Huts. Earlier, in addition to 12 Redpoll and a Chiffchaff along Roebury Lane, a Merlin passed north, and 2 Redwing, 2 Treecreeper and a Nuthatch were in the Wood.

The only news from a very wet day is actually a significant update to last night’s post.

Carrion Crow – Roger Edwards

…and Long-tailed Tit in the early light – Alan Crockard

A small flock of Redpoll in the North Scrubs, early in the afternoon, was a great record for the month and location; while a Knot was again with the Dunlin around Stanpit Bight. Earlier, a White-tailed Eagle spent some time in the area, before, as always, heading inland. (Out of bounds, but worth a mention, were two seen together over Christchurch railway station – so it’s a case of looking up wherever you are.) Back to the Harbour and an Avocet in Holloway’s Dock and 3 Treecreeper in the Wood. To finish, the best offshore were: an adult Little Gull, 2 Red-throated Diver, the same number of Razorbill and at least 15 Common Scoter.

Eagle update: the morning actually saw a total of 4 White-tailed Eagle in the recording area – three together on Blackberry Point, while one was seen heading off.

Some of last night’s Marsh Harrier from the members’ walk. The upper bird, seemingly an adult male, was the one continually hassled by a Carrion Crow – Roger Tidball

One of the confiding Purple Sandpiper at Mudeford Quay – see post for more details – Mark Taylor

Continuing the Marsh Harrier theme, a dawn visit saw a certain nine leave the roost – although, it is easy to miss birds in the early gloaming. Meanwhile, a Knot and a Grey Plover were around Stanpit Bight. With the wind picking up, the sea was given a couple of glances – from the Beach Huts and Mudeford Quay – and produced 2 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Razorbill; while the quay’s Purple Sandpiper peaked at twenty-five. Currently, on the low tide, the latter are favouring the ledge beneath the promenade at the northern end of the car park – just opposite the play park.

White-tailed Eagle – Paul Dore

A record shot of Common Seal – Roger Edwards

…and a fine shot of a 2cy Black-tailed Godwit in the evening sun – Simon Coupe

This evening, up to 12 Marsh Harrier were reckoned into roost. (A word for those members on the walk – after the bulk of us left, one of the spotters stayed on and saw a further two birds come in from high.) During the morning, the two photographed White-tailed Eagle spent some time settled on Blackberry Point, before leaving for the Avon Valley, where a further two birds awaited them. Rounding up: a small flock of 5 Siskin, close to the HHO building, was a nice record for month, while a single Cattle Egret was in the Bobolink Field, the day’s only Kingfisher sighting came from Grimmery Bank and the pictured Common Seal loafed out the low tide on Branders Bank.

It back to the cold again, today – courtesy of a more-than-chilling breeze. During the morning, Mudeford Quay hosted just 3 Purple Sandpiper; while, a little after lunch, a Firecrest and a Treecreeper were around the Lily Pond. Later, at least 4 Marsh Harrier were seen about the roost.

Weasel – Ben Tulley

On a largely wet day, it was good for mammals – two seals were reported inside the Harbour, where a Common Seal was positively identified and the photographed Weasel was on Crouch Hill. Bird-wise, there was a fine total of 29 Purple Sandpiper on the sea wall ledge at Mudeford Quay, close to the play area. Meanwhile, a couple of Velvet Scoter passed east at sea, on which 23 Common Scoter, 14 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Shag and a Razorbill. Just east of the area, off Highcliffe, there were also birds on the water, including some close-in divers. In addition to 3 Chiffchaff at the end of the head, the Wood held 7 Redwing, a Firecrest, 2 Treecreeper and a Nuthatch; and 4 Marsh Harrier left the roost, early on, when a Barn Owl was about. Finishing at Stanpit, where a Firecrest was on Riversmeet Meadow and 13 Ringed Plover were logged.

Goldcrest – Alan Crockard

Redshank, doing what waders often do in cold weather, in order to retain heat – stand on one leg – Ian Curtis

In the early cold, Riversmeet Meadow was lively with Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit; while, a little later, the only bird of note from Stanpit was a Woodlark. To finish, Wick contributed a single Marsh Harrier.

A record shot of 2 Grey Seal – Anne Parramore

Not necessarily in the recording area, but a feature of the last week or so has been ocassional, tight flocks of high-flying Lapwing heading purposefully south or west to seek warmer conditions – so eighteen doing likewise over Wick, this morning, ticks that box. Also there, post roost, four female-type Marsh Harrier.

Stonechat – Alan Crockard

Purple Sandpiper – Jackie Smith (upper) & Clinton Whale

In the continuing cold, which is now also very icy, a total of 11 Purple Sandpiper, as well as a Grey Wagtail, could be seen from Mudeford Quay throughout the day; while 3 Marsh Harrier were returned from Wick, early on. To finish this short post, 22 Cormorant were in the roost.

Rock Pipit in the frost – Alan Crockard

Immense credit to the WeBS counters whom ventured out onto a treacherous Stanpit, this morning, when a combination of ice and mud resulted in at least one, thankfully injury-free, tumble. Some species were well down in numbers with respect to last month – no doubt, a result of the chill – namely: 5 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 21 Lapwing, no godwits and 41 Mute Swan; although many of the latter may have taken to grazing in the arable fields on the eastern side of the Avon Valley. Meanwhile, perhaps more expected numbers came from: the seemingly resident Great White Egret, a nice group of 12 Purple Sandpiper seen from Mudeford Quay, 2 Grey Plover, 88 Ringed Plover, 106 Dunlin, a Pintail, 33 Teal and 1025 Wigeon. Also, singles of Common Gull, Kingfisher, Buzzard and Marsh Harrier. Moving to mammals, and a Grey Seal was in the Run.

Cold weather often brings Lapwing to the Barn Field – this one of six there today – Peter Boardman

Tonight’s Wolf supermoon rising over Mudeford – David Taylor

After long being suspected, this evening saw the first confirmed roosting of Great White Egret in the area, along with 4 Cattle Egret and 3 Little Egret. It’s fair to say, since the start of the recent cold weather, egret numbers seem to have reduced quite significantly. Early on, a trio of Firecrest by the HHO site perhaps suggested a small influx, while a Kingfisher was by the Wooden Bridge and a single Marsh Harrier was seen from Wick.

Despite some glorious, mid-winter sunshine, all the news comes from the extremes of the daylight hours. Early on, at least 3 Marsh Harrier left the roost; then, at dusk a Great White Egret headed over Mudeford Quay towards Hengistbury and just before 17:00 a Barn Owl moved purposefully towards Wick.

Curlew in the unusual location of Ashtree Meadow – Ray Scott

Dunlin – Clinton Whale

Marsh Harrier – Scott Usher

Happy New Year!

After another cold night, it was reckoned that 5 Marsh Harrier came out of the roost; while a Merlin hunted Wick Fields and 2 Raven passed over. There was little from elsewhere – in fact, just 3 Chiffchaff on Ashtree Meadow and the colour-ringed Black-headed Gull, VTC – featured here on November 30th – on his favoured telegraph pole.