It’s a day that is fairly light on news, but a couple of Crossbill over Hengistbury, this afternoon, was a nice record. Otherwise though, it’s just 3 Mediterranean Gull, all adults, a Common Tern and 37 Sandwich Tern on Blackberry Point; with, for the records, a gathering of 229 Black-headed Gull in Holloway’s Dock.

Ringlet butterfly (upper) and Gatekeeper butterfly – Peter Boardman

There was a little bit of miscellany at Stanpit today, including a Whinchat on Crouch Hill, 2 Common Sandpiper, an inland-headed Great White Egret and five westbound Swift. Meanwhile, twos of Cattle Egret were seen at various spots, but the only detail is the couple at Stanpit were both adults. Finishing on Hengistbury, where 12 Redshank were in Barn Bight and 2 Lapwing were on the Barn Field.

A mention of tomorrow night’s CHOG Social, which is at 19:00 in the Ship in Distress, Stanpit. At 18:00, however, there will be an earlier meet, in Stanpit car park, for a walk onto the Marsh.

Recently fledged Dunnock – Alan Crockard

The morning had a couple of raptor moments – a Hobby went over the No Dogs Field at around 08:45; then, around fifteen minutes later, an Osprey arrived from inland and fished. The only other sightings were a Curlew and 7 Lapwing from Fisherman’s Bank, however. To finish the post, an update on the breeding Ringed Plover – unfortunately, the second brood were all lost within twenty-four hours of hatching. It seems some Carrion Crow had latched onto them!

This Latin moth, caught a day ago, is only the fifth record for Hampshire – in which, for moth-recording purposes, is where Bournemouth still resides – Robin Harley

Broad-borderd Bee Hawk-moth – Peter Boardman

Rosebay Willowherb – Peter Boardman

…and Peacock butterfly are again on the wing – Peter Boardman

A Treecreeper in the North Scrubs, this morning, was a nice location for a record – no doubt a juvenile dispersed from adjacent-to-area breeding locations. Meanwhile, a total of 4 Cattle Egret was by the Wooden Bridge, early on, with a juvenile being seen just north of the recording area later in the day. To finish, singles of Black-tailed Godwit and Lapwing were at Stanpit.

Although the temperature was a little more normal today, the only report received is of a single Cattle Egret by the Wooden Bridge.

As the heat continues, to start, a Nightjar update – it’s possible there may be five churring males on Hengistbury this season, which would constitute something of a success. In contrast though, it’s sad to learn the Swallow pair have lost their brood of four – reason unknown. Back to the positives though, and the second clutch of Ringed Plover eggs were hatched today – so fingers crossed for this brood. To finish, the Cattle Egret on Wick, this morning, numbered three.

Bull Thistle – also known as Spear Thistle or Common Thistle – Peter Boardman

Silver-studded Blue butterfly – male (upper) and female – Peter Boardman

As suggested by the photos, Silver-studded Blue are starting to emerge – three males and female on the heathland at the eastern end of Hengistbury. The species is a fairly recent coloniser in the area. Meanwhile, the only bird news is of 5 Little Tern on Blackberry Point, during the afternoon.

Adult drake Common Scoter – Dave Miller

Other than the photographed Common Scoter off the sandspit, which is a fine record for the month of June, the only news is of 8 Cattle Egret about Wick in the morning.

A fine, in-flight shot of an egg-laying Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly – Peter Boardman

Juvenile Dartford Warbler, adjacent to a public path – Alan Crockard

The only news from a very warm day, which was thankfully tempered by a south-easterly breeze, is of a Common Sandpiper in Parky Meade Rail.

Apologies for the young Kestrel overload, but it’s now confirmed there are actually five young

At least 10 Purple Hairstreak butterfly were on the wing, high in the Oaks around the Nursery – Peter Boardman

Emperor Moth caterpillar – Peter Boardman

…and adult Herring Gull – Alan Crockard

On a really warm day, a Green Sandpiper was the pick of the waders, heard from Wick as it overflew the Harbour. Meanwhile, a Whimbrel, at least 5 Curlew, 8 Redshank and 8 Lapwing were more settled. A few Mediterranean Gull were also on the move – a minimum of fifteen passing, mostly adults. The rest of the post is about breeding birds: it’s now known there are four Swallow chicks in what is the species first attempt in the area for perhaps a decade; while, this afternoon, one of the Barn Owl young left the box,  but not yet the building.

Kestrel are again breeding in the recording area – these two youngsters being on the verge of fledging

The morning saw another hint of westbound Curlew through the area – two in direct flight and three settled off Fisherman’s Bank. Meanwhile, the in-harbour build-up of Mallard was at least 210 birds. To finish, an Osprey hunted at around 16:00 and a Weasel was seen with prey along Roebury Lane.

It certainly seems to be the year of the Whitethroat – one remark from Hengistbury, this morning, was young birds seem to be everywhere. Also from the Head, a flock of 17 Lapwing over the Barn Field. Meanwhile, Fisherman’s Bank produced a Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and the same number of Curlew.

Travelling waders were again a feature of the day – many of them stopping only briefly – that particularly true of a couple of Curlew Sandpiper, with an accompanying Dunlin. Also through, 6 Sanderling and 10 Black-tailed Godwit; with 14 Curlew, a Redshank and 3 Lapwing a little more settled. This was all from Stanpit, where: the Brent Goose and drake Wigeon remain; 7 Rook were on Crouch Hill; boisterous families of Jackdaw were marauding the North Scrubs; and a Peregrine passed over.

A westerly movement of Whimbrel and Curlew was a feature during the morning and late in the afternoon, so presumably also throughout the intervening period. From four locations, the following aggregates were logged: 5 Whimbrel and 14 Curlew, as well as four of the latter settled at Stanpit. In addition, there were 4 Sanderling about the tip of the sandspit, and a Dunlin, 8 Redshank and 15 Lapwing inside the Harbour. There was also a down-Channel movement of terns and gulls, mostly through the Harbour – a Kittiwake, 11 Mediterranean Gull, of all three currently available plumages, 3 Little Tern and 9 Common Tern. Meanwhile, the Long Groyne continues to offer a worthwhile feeding opportunity with 18 Common Tern and 30 Sandwich Tern taking advantage; a further 39 Sandwich Tern rested in Holloway’s Dock; and a lone Little Tern loitered about the sandspit. To finish: Osprey fished in the morning and at 18:00; a Great White Egret headed north; and a couple of Firecrest were in the Wood.

Blue-tailed Damselfly – Peter Boardman

Male Reed Bunting – Alan Crockard

The only bird news for the day is of a successfully fishing Osprey, at around 14:45, before heading inland. Earlier a Fox with cub had been around Holloway’s Dock.

Update: at the time of writing, 18:25, an Osprey was again fishing the harbour.

Sandwich Tern with Sand Eel – Dave Miller

Gannet – Dave Miller

…and Fulmar – all photos taken from the base of the Long Groyne – Dave Miller

A Barn Owl was still hunting Wick at 07:30, this morning, with the two chicks both remaining well. Meanwhile, a Hobby passed low over the same area. Over on Stanpit, the three Lesser Whitethroat young were being fed by both parents on Crouch Hill – also one in song on the Wick central path. To finish, the series of photos suggests another presence of seabirds off the Long Groyne, and the summering singles of drake Wigeon and Brent Goose were on the Marsh.

Reed Warbler – Paul Mcauliffe

Other than a Redstart in the No Dogs Field, Wick, all the news comes from Stanpit. A Little Ringed Plover overflew, while a Cuckoo sang in the North Scrubs before taking a bit of a tour and a couple of Cattle Egret, those earlier on the other side of the river, headed towards the Nursery. Meanwhile, from Fisherman’s Bank, the Brent Goose was logged; with the Lesser Whitethroat family quite conspicuous on Crouch Hill, some passing Mediterranean Gull, a Curlew and 4 Lapwing completing the post.

Juvenile Robin – Alan Crockard

Yarrow – Peter Boardman

Greenfinch and Wren – John Taylor

Small Heath butterfly – Peter Boardman

After a bit of an absence, it was nice to have a White-tailed Eagle visit – albeit it soaring high and drifting east. Meanwhile, 28 Sandwich Tern rested in Holloway’s Dock and a large, feeding flock comprising terns, gulls and a few Gannet was again off the Long Groyne.

Although the news is light, there are a couple of pieces of interest. A Hobby was over the Harbour in the morning; while a thirty-minute look at the sea, late in the afternoon from Mudeford Quay, saw an Arctic Skua in with the terns – which included 3 Common Tern and 85 Sandwich Tern.

White-legged Damselfly – Clinton Whale

All the news comes from late in the day and most of it from the sea off the sandspit, which, between 17:00-18:30, produced: a Manx Shearwater, an adult Kittiwake, a Little Tern, 27 Common Tern, a couple of Guillemot and 7 Gannet, all west. Meanwhile, a total of 53 Sandwich Tern rested in Holloway’s Dock.

Redstart – Dave Miller

The photographed Redstart – a juvenile, so presumably dispersed from the first New Forest fledge – was along Roebury Lane, this morning. There can’t be many June records for this species in the recording area. Also good to see were at least 37 Sandwich Tern resting in Holloway’s Dock – that during the afternoon. Moving to breeding birds and some exciting news – it’s now confirmed the Oystercatcher pair on East Marsh have two eggs; while the Barn Owl chicks were fed well over the night – including a bat, a pretty rare type of prey.

Seven-spot Ladybird (upper) and Nineteen-spot Ladybird – Paul Mcauliffe

Smooth Hawksbeard – Peter Boardman

Green Hairstreak butterfly – Peter Boardman

There is little to report for today, but an unseasonable Shoveler, a drake, in Barn Bight was not expected. Otherwise, it’s just singles of Lapwing and Curlew, from Fisherman’s Bank, in terms of transient birds. Some breeding updates: it’s now known the Crouch Hill Lesser Whitethroat fledged three young; at least two Grey Heron chicks are growing fast on one of the Nursery nests; and the apparent pair of Oystercatcher were again behaving territorially on East Marsh.

Lesser Whitethroat with food for young – Alan Crockard

Fledgling Greenfinch – Stephen Websdale

There was another Kingfisher surprise today – this time, a bird whizzing through Ashtree Meadow. Meanwhile, the only other news is of the Crouch Hill Lesser Whitethroat having two youngsters out and about.

Wild Honeysuckle – Peter Boardman

Skylark – Paul Mcauliffe

Spotted Longhorn beetle – Peter Boardman

The day seemed to herald an arrival of Great White Egret – early in the morning, three were seen coming in off the sea, with two more over Hengistbury at just before midday. The dropping of the wind meant the sea was much quieter, the best being: a Kittiwake, 2 Common Tern and 70 Sandwich Tern, all west, plus three loitering Little Tern. This afternoon, the tip of the sandspit held a nice party of 16 Sanderling and the Cuckoo frequently sang on Wick. Finishing up what is a reasonable post for early June: the summering drake Wigeon was in Barn Bight; 2 Kingfisher around the northern part of Priory Marsh were really unexpected; and it was confirmed Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull are nesting on the rooves of the Old Civic Offices and Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre.

Pale-form, adult Arctic Skua (left), sub-adult, dark-form of the same and a Sandwich Tern

Second-calendar-year (2cy) Kittiwake

Little Tern

Fulmar

…and Manx Shearwater in challenging conditions for both photographer and birds

Buff-tip moth from this morning’s joint-CHOG-BCP event at the HHVC – Barrie Taylor

The sea was watched for around five hours during the morning, from both Hengistbury and Mudeford Quay, with most of the numbers coming from the head but all of the photos from the quay. The Great Skua into Poole Bay, 2 Arctic Skua towards the Solent, 2 Storm Petrel, 54 Manx Shearwater, 2 Kittiwake, a Mediterranean Gull, 5 Little Tern, 25 Common Tern, 85 Sandwich Tern, 36 Gannet, up to 8 Fulmar, 3 Guillemot and 4 Common Scoter, nearly all into the south-westerly wind; as well as 3 Whimbrel leaving the harbour, around 6 Sanderling on the sandspit and two arriving House Martin. Despite the blow really picking up in the afternoon, a couple of hours at the quay increased the day’s totals by just: 2 Manx Shearwater, a Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Fulmar. Moving away from the sea: a couple of Cattle Egret left early on, while the Cuckoo was again about Wick.

A fine comparison of Great Black-backed Gull (left) and Lesser Black-backed Gull. The key differences being leg colour and the shading of the black, which is actually a grey on the lesser – Jackie Smith

A not-often photographed species, Magpie – Paul Mcauliffe

Most of the news is from Stanpit, where a Spotted Flycatcher and a Firecrest were logged. Also, a Curlew, 7 Mediterranean Gull to the west and a Curlew. Otherwise, a Lesser Whitethroat on Wick, by the Wooden Bridge, is the only other field news. Moving to some of the premium-rated resident breeders – after some periods of slim pickings, the Barn Owl pair delivered food on seven occasions last night, and it’s now known the second-brood clutch of the Ringed Plover numbers three.

The Barn Owl chicks were ringed last night, when both were confirmed as female and of respectable weight for their age – Robin Harley

Juvenile Sand Martin taking a rest in today’s wind – Jackie Smith

Although after yesterday and a night of continued wind, the sea wasn’t as good as perhaps hoped for – it did have its moments. At least 3 Storm Petrel were again lingering off the Beach Huts, but they were a long way out. Meanwhile, what is now presumed to be ‘the’ Great Skua was seen on a couple of occasions and a Great Northern Diver, in breeding plumage, arrived from the east and settled on the water. Also seen on the watch, which lasted around five hours from 06:00: 6 Manx Shearwater, a Little Gull, a Little Tern, 7 Common Tern, 5 Guillemot and 10 Common Scoter; with a Swift and 3 Swallow incoming. The only other news is of the continued presence of a singing Cuckoo on Wick, where a Lesser Whitethroat was again seen.

South-westerly winds of pace in the late-May to early-June period almost guarantee Storm Petrel in Christchurch Bay and they didn’t disappoint. Numbers are always difficult to assess but the peak seen together, during an all-day presence off the Beach Huts, was four; with occasional sightings from Mudeford Quay. Shearwaters were also about, including a single Balearic Shearwater from the quay, as well as up to 15 Manx Shearwater across the two sites. Now to skuas – a Great Skua lingered in the Bay for a while in the afternoon, when 2 Arctic Skua, together, passed towards the Solent. Also seen offshore: a minimum of 5 Little Tern, 6 Common Tern, a couple of Kittiwake, one of them a very smart 2cy bird, a few Mediterranean Gull, tens of Gannet of mixed ages and 5 Common Scoter.

Common Vetch – Peter Boardman

Emperor dragonfly – Peter Boardman

Before the afternoon deluges arrived, there were a good number fledgling Whitethroat out on the Long Field; while a Lesser Whitethroat was on the Wick central path. Later in the day, a party of 4 Little Tern appeared off Mudeford Quay, settling at times on the end of the sandspit; with half-a-dozen Common Tern earlier having been seen from Hengistbury. Rounding up, the Brent Goose and the Wick Cuckoo were again logged, a Curlew was inside the Harbour and a couple of Swift passed over.

This afternoon, when the drizzle set in, the sea off Mudeford Quay saw a light passage of terns and gulls to the west, including a Little Tern and 3 Common Tern amongst bigger numbers of Sandwich Terns, and up to 20 Mediterranean Gull made up of all three age categories. Earlier, the Brent Goose was on South Marsh and, after their customary six-week-or-so absence, a couple of Curlew were logged from Fisherman’s Bank, as were 2 Lapwing. Moving to Wick, the Cuckoo and 2 Cattle Egret were again around; and, to finish, Lesser Whitethroat – encountered on Crouch Hill, by the Wooden Bridge and close to the HHO Building – it seems to be a good season for them, likewise their greater cousins.

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