Summer passage migrants – it may be the end of the summer holidays across the country, but September is very much the time our summer visitors are on their return migration south. Warblers, Chats, Flycatchers and Hirundines are some of the beautiful birds to enjoy and can be seen in the harbour as a last food service station to top up their reserves. Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Sedge Warblers, Swallows and House Martins are some of the expect to see migrants but a star bird to see is the Redstart. Whilst they may be less bright than in Spring, they are still a very impressive find – look in the Scrubs on Stanpit and dense hedges and bushes on Hengistbury.

Male Redstart

September is also a good month to see waders in the harbour with several species commonly seen returning or moving through the harbour (Whimbrel, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, Blacktailed Godwit to name a few) with the chance of catching up with a rarer wader like Curlew Sandpiper or Wood Sandpiper, Pick out each bird just in case you have a rarity in your sights!

Whimbrel

Wonderful Wheatears!!

September is one of the best months to see Wheatears coming down from our moorlands and uplands – Crouch Hill does not match our hills for altitude but for a few weeks Wheatears are consistently seen during daytime feeding on the short grass and perched on the fencing. Look out for the distinctive white rump as they fly away. Their scientific name  Oenanthe Oenanthe comes from the Greek words “oenos” (wine) and “anthos” (flower), referring to the bird’s return to Greece during the grape-blossoming season.

Wheatear

Beyond Birdwatching

August is also one of the best months to see Jersey Tiger moths – a day-flying moth which is increasing its range in the UK and increasingly frequently seen on Hengistbury Head and Stanpit.

There is also a saltmarsh specialist bee to keep an eye out for – the Sea Aster Bee –  which loves the pink and yellow flowers of Sea Aster.