Wick (Christchurch Harbour, Dorset)

[MSA]

Many of you will know Wick as the small collection of fields to the north of Hengistbury Head, "famous" for a long-staying Bobolink in November 2002. Christchurch Harbour as a whole (Hengistbury, Wick and Stanpit) has been my main birding focus (off and on) since I started birding in 1976, but for some unexplained reason Wick has always been a favoured area for me and, since moving into the village in April 2004, is now my local patch, being a matter of a couple of minutes walk from my home, and being an area I cover nearly every day, sometimes several times a day, usually (but not always) accompanied by a small dog.

My inspiration for starting this thread was an encounter this evening with a couple who used to visit the area regularly but who had not been back for a few years, and were unable to find the path they used to walk. Whilst chatting and explaining how much the vegetation must have grown since their last visit, I realised that all I had were vague memories of what the area was like on my first visits, and I decided to document the current position and post regular updates so I had a point of reference for any changes over time. Hopefully my posts will also be of some use for visitors to the area. I suppose this is effectively a "blog" for someone who can't be bothered to set something up for himself!

Random photos, sightings and thoughts will be added as and when I can be bothered.

To get things started, this morning an adult Med Gull flew over the fields towards Poole; this evening a flying ant hatch attracted hundreds of Black-headed Gull and about 50 Swift, as well as the local Sand Martin (maybe 2-300 birds). Whitethroat appear to have had a good breeding season, with several family parties seen; males continue to sing, as do Reed and Sedge Warbler, several of which are in "new" sites, perhaps new birds but maybe relocating local breeders on a second brood.

A few random site photos follow (taken with a Nicon Coolpix, so not up to usual standard) -

[MSA]

And a few bird pics -

[MSA]

Finally, a map of the area -

[Ruby]

Hi Mark,

Will be interested to watch the progress of this thread, as we would usually come down to your neck of the woods a couple of times a year....

A walk that we often do is to park up in Christchurch (check Priory for Peregrine!) walk along the harbour to the little ferry, then over and walk to the end of Hengistbury Head (allow jaw to drop at latest price of beach huts) via the high route (have a look out to sea plus Dartford Warblers) and then return via the harbour-side walk to maybe see a few waders...

I guess we must walk right through your patch...

Nice way to spend a morning - plus my only UK Subalpine Warbler was seen at Stanpit Marsh, and my best Kestrel pic likewise.


Ruby.

[MSA]

Ray, you must walk past the end of our road more or less as you step off the ferry (it's opposite the Broadwaters nursing home), unless you take the path round the back of the home. It's a good route you take. If you're interested in silly prices, there's a hut out on its own right at the end of the sandspit, on the seaward side - looks a bit like a "Baywatch" lifeguards hut, except for the dull, dingy colour scheme - recently up for £50k I believe, without the "benefit" of overnight sleeping allowed in most other huts!

The Subalpine Warbler was a nice bird, very obliging (also a lifer for my dog) - I've been lucky enough to see all four CHOG records.

Thursday on Wick was a washout in the morning; no visit was made in the afternoon, but a rare foray to Stanpit proved to be a bit of a wasted effort, just a couple of Blackwit, a few Whimbrel and 5 Dunlin. Friday on Wick (pm only) was no better, and was capped-off by a late evening cycle ride to the top of the Head, arriving at dusk. No sign of the hoped-for Nightjar, and got a soaking as a downpour caught me unawares on arrival! Also managed to run over an unruly dog (accidentally, of course...) en-route.

[Ruby]

Also managed to run over an unruly dog (accidentally, of course...) en-route.

...Ah, so not a complete waste of time then....

Yes we called up the estate agent who is selling the 'lifeguard's station' and it was indeed up for £50k - for those who don't know this splendid building, it is an approx 2.5m square black wooden hut, up on stilts with a verandah of a further metre or so all round....a snip at £50k I would have said, particularly as you can't even sleep in it!! ...we didn't arrange a viewing!

We are hoping to get down next around end September, so would hope to see some good birds in the area then...

[Steve Waite]

Being a keen and determined Devon local patcher, I'd love to hear what goodies you've found over the years on your patch...... Maybe a short story or two if you have time.....

[MSA]

Over the past week there has been nothing "worthy" of a mention - just another failed attempt for Nightjar, in seemingly-perfect conditions (maybe they've given up early this year?) but this morning brought a single male Crossbill low overhead. Never a common bird around here, most summers produce a few records, but it's easy to go a year without seeing one.

[MSA]

Another wet trudge this evening saw a Hobby low over during a brief interlude in the deluge.

[Larry Wheatland]

Bit odd that Madeiran Petrel turning up in waters off Scilly today Mark. I thought just up the road from your local patch was their UK hotpot ?

[MSA]

Bit odd that Madeiran Petrel turning up in waters off Scilly today Mark. I thought just up the road from your local patch was their UK hotpot ?

Very odd Larry! And to think if I'd started birding about 65 years before I did, it might've been on my list ;)

Also gives me an excuse to mention no Wick visits for last week - dog's in kennels whilst we have kitchen done, and I'm catching up with work with a view to some time off this autumn...

[MSA]

Autumn seems to be creeping in, with Swift more or less gone after 150 on Tue 1st, only a few in the past couple of days, but the hirundines are building up in numbers to fill the void. A Nuthatch on Sun 5th was a good record for the area, with Tree Pipit over the bungalow the next day being the first since moving in three years ago (mainly as a result of being at work or birding in the mornings, rather than at home, no doubt!). A Grey Wagtail on Wed 8th was another sign of autumn, as was a Wheatear this evening on newly-mown grass on the school playing field. 7 Snipe and 2 Raven this morning, plus a couple of Garganey over this evening, brings these notes up to date.

I was rather annoyed/upset to see two apparently-healthy Weeping Willows removed from the village pond area over the last couple of days. Only one willow remains, plus a few Holm Oak. I assume the Council need to follow the statutory procedures just like us homeowners, as this is a designated tree preservation area - I saw no notices, so tomorrow, time permitting, I'm going to tackle them about this.

[MSA]

The Council will have to wait for Monday for me to unleash my venom, as following a reasonable walk this morning - imm female Peregrine, 15 Blackcap, 30 Whitethroat, 20 Chiffchaff and a couple of Dunlin over - had a call early pm about a Kentish Plover on Stanpit. Amazingly it stuck around and enabled me to catch up with it; only 14 years after the last Kentish I'd seen in the Harbour! 4 Curlew Sand were a bonus.

[MSA]

Local birding seems to be on the up; a couple of hours loitering at the far end of Wick produced a flyover (thus eliminating feathery stumps) imm Spoonbill on Saturday morning, with 5 Garganey, juv Kittiwake and 300+ Common Tern as supporting cast. In the evening, a flyover Spotted Redshank was followed by a Turnstone, neither being at all regular over Wick. Sunday produced Peregrine, Hobby and Raven - the Hobby flashed overhead during a rare dogless walk with the camera, and I just about managed a shot (plus pic of Mute Swan...and why not?) -

[MSA]

First Whinchat of the autumn on Fri 17th; Cuckoo (never a common autumn bird) on Sat 18th and Sun 19th; occasional Tree Pipit and Goldcrest; and this evening a fine female-type Marsh Harrier gave prolonged views, mooching up and down the length of Wick, finally disappearing high towards Poole.

It was also nice to see a couple of Adder over the weekend, luckily spotted before the dog saw them so I could steer her clear.

[MSA]

Saturday saw an attempt on the Christchurch Harbour day record by a few of the "regulars" - the idea was for all parts of the Harbour to be covered and a combined day list produced, rather than a race between teams. The forecast of settled, sunny and hot weather, with winds from the north, did not bode well, but the prospect of a whole day in the field was sufficient temptation, so armed with food, water and (so I thought) sunscreen I headed off at 5am to listen for owls on Wick.

By daybreak it was obvious that any owls that may have been present were mute, so it was time to head for the HHC and grill the area for migrants. Flava Wagtails were passing over in reasonable numbers, and Whinchat and Wheatear were noticeable in all suitable areas. Spotted Redshank was heard calling distantly, and a Green Sandpiper flew over, calling loudly, as myself and the other allotted first-shift seawatcher, Chris, headed for the sea, picking up several other migrants on the way.

It soon became apparent that nothing much was passing by at sea; with almost no wind, bright sunshine and a sea fret, this was not a surprise, but we had to persevere as it could only take a singleton of a few species to make all the difference to the day's total. By 8.30 we were getting a little restless, then whilst scanning with bins I noticed a dark bird about a mile out. It took a couple of passes to get it in the 'scope, but luckily I did, as it was clearly a Harrier! A quick shout and Chris got on it too, and we were treated to a fly-by Montagu's Harrier (female, going by apparent size and bulk). We later learned that the same bird had been seen about half an hour earlier passing the Purbecks.

Finishing the seawatch around 10am, Wick was covered with little success, and a subsequent visit to Stanpit produced decent views of various waders we had already heard or seen poorly, plus a nice adult Roseate Tern.

The final tally-up in the Rising Sun revealed a day total of 123 species; quite amazing for a small patch on an unpromising day! What was also interesting was that of this total, only two species were added after 10am.

The day list could quite easily have been higher; today (Sunday) several species revealed themselves having eluded us yesterday, such as Great Crested Grebe, Red-legged Partridge and Peregrine. Marsh Harrier was also seen today - a female-type, over my garden!

[MSA]

Crikey, is it really two months ago since I last posted here? It's not been for the lack of birds, far from it...

Best "Harbour" bird in the period has to go to the juv Wilson's Phalarope, found by Dave Taylor on Stanpit on 6 September, which gave me a nail-biting afternoon as I rushed through my appointments and broke all speed limits on my drive to the Marsh - a first for both my Harbour and Dorset lists. However, the bird that gave me the most pleasure was a self-found juv Red-backed Shrike on Wick, first seen on the morning of 4 Sep, and seen by most of the regulars as it hung around for a couple of days (unusual for Harbour birds!) - this is a very rare bird around here (much rarer than Woodchat, of which I've seen 4 in the Harbour), and a Harbour first for nearly all the locals.

I was also around with my camera when the first Harbour-ringed Little Egret was caught, on 1 Sep.

Other goodies on my Wick walks include Wryneck and Richard's Pipit, also 3 Osprey sightings; a Stoat entertained me one day (when I was camera-less, naturally) by running around in full view for about 5 minutes, jumping and posing on stones, chasing and being chased by Magpies, and generally having a whale of a time!

Currently, all the summer migrants have left over the past few days, bar a few Chiffchaff, and attention has turned to vis mig, with finches, buntings etc passing in numbers. Woodpigeon will no doubt follow over the next couple of weeks - will they crack last year's record of 81,000 on 2 Nov 2006?

A few photos follow...

[MSA]

RB Shrike, and Egret ringing....

[Ruby]

Nice one Mark....

I actually went down and twitched the Wilson's myself (lifer, you see...) and enjoyed reasonable views - not close enough for any worthwhile photography...

Talking of which....stunning shots of the RB Shrike - they are handsome birds and that's a great pic.

Just back from a short break in Spain last night, staying with Jules Sykes in Oliva, so will be writing up a trip report later on.


All the best.... Ray

[MSA]

Catch-up time! Late Oct to end Dec 2007 -

Woodpigeon movement started right on cue, but fewer birds than in recent years, personal max count 7000 on 3 Nov, with 6650 on 30 Oct (on which day 162 Jackdaw also moved through, inc a flock of 67). Most passage was quite a way inland this year, so no swooshing of wings and much less of a spectacle as a result.

Good numbers of Siskin and Brambling throughout, with passage (cold weather movement?) well into December. Last of the hirundines on 3 Nov with Swallow and an exceptionally-late Sand Martin. An adult Little Gull was a surprise on the Golf Course on 20 Nov - very photogenic, in theory only, as I had no camera with me and the photographers arrived too late. Not much else on Wick, but Slav Grebe and Black-throated Diver both lingered in the Harbour for a few days, and a Long-tailed Duck on a seawatch on 17 Nov was my first Harbour record since 2004, as was a Scaup on 15 Dec.

Little Owl now heard most evenings; a Black Redstart in nearby housing has not yet ventured into Wick airspace, but hopeful of a visit if it stays the winter.

Final tally for the year (whole harbour) 176 species (174 in 2006).

A few recent pics to wrap up the year -

[MSA]

A good start to the patch year-list yesterday, with a couple of hours on Wick Fields producing 3 Bullfinch in the hedgerows, Grey Plover and Blackwit overhead and a Pintail in the harbour, together with a pretty full range of the regular species; trips to Mudeford Quay (4 Purple Sandpiper and a Turnstone), Argyle Road (Spotted Redshank, Avocet, Goldeneye, Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper) and a quick seawatch off Whitepits (R T Diver and Razorbill) led to a reasonable 64 species for the day.

Today the stiff, cold south-easterly wind made the early morning walk quite unpleasant, with just a Greylag new for the year, but frustration of the day was a gaggle of 6 geese arriving from the west, almost certainly grey geese (Pink-feet, I felt), but coinciding with the dog taking a liking to a jogger so I missed the chance to grill them properly. Still unpleasantly cold this evening, but a Little Owl called once, another new species for 2008.

[MSA]

Thur and Fri were write-offs birdwise, with morning walks in almost complete darkness due to heavy cloud (Thu was also bitterly cold in the easterly wind, but no snow here!). This morning on the Head a couple of Velvet Scoter were welcome scarcities on the seawatch, with over 20 R T Diver for company, plus several auks and Gannet, and a small male Peregrine dashed past a way out, trying to fool us into stringing it as a Merlin. A distant B T Diver (in my opinion) caused a bit of a discussion, with Great Northern being mooted. A pair of Raven were behaving territorially in the Nursery; maybe they'll breed this year? The single Goldeneye remains - a very poor winter so far for this species.

Wick Fields this afternoon held more dogs than birds (not unusual here, unfortunately).

[MSA]

A mild morning with not even a puff of wind, but still rather cloudy - Kingfisher by the village pond brightened things up a bit, and a flyover Linnet was new for the year. A couple of Bullfinch were feeding in the hedgerows, and a group of 9 Curlew were in a boggy field, but not much else in an hour and a half walk. Nothing of note this afternoon - a southerly wind had picked up and it had turned chilly again. Patch year-list now on 79.

[MSA]

This week has been a total washout - whatever dry weather there was totally avoided my walks!

Tomorrow is the annual Dorset winter birdrace, and the CHOG team will be entering for the third time, this year as defending champions. There's quite a few birds "up for grabs" this year, and (weather and luck permitting) we're hoping to beat last year's total of 119. Up at 03:30, so time for bed!

[MSA]

Just about recovered from yesterday's birdrace - starting at 4am used to seem so easy in my youth......

With the CHOG team already down to three due to family bereavement, the no-show of another team member was a shame (his wife was ill during the night, and with two young kids he had no choice but to pull out) but Dave and I decided to carry on regardless. The difficulties of having only two in the team became apparent as the day wore on; all we could do was look for the target species as best we could, without the "extra eyes and ears" that not only helped to pick up these species faster, but could also look behind, above and around us to spot the "extras" needed for a good score. We also had no time to keep a checklist going, as the only passenger (me) had to navigate and look for flyover birds and could not really divert from this task.

Our race started at Solent Meads car park, where the regular Little Owl was calling as we awaited our missing companion. Next stop was Mudeford, with Common Sandpiper on the lifeboat slipway (by headlight!), followed by Fisherman's Bank and the Pools for various calling waders. Heading inland for owls, Tawny was easily located, and spirits were high. Shore Road held the usual Barwits and Poole Park gave us Greylag (after we'd bumped into another team who'd failed on the Goose as it wasn't in the usual lake), then inland again for Barn Owl, which we'd missed on both our previous races, and managed to maintain our record this year.

With no cloud cover daylight arrived earlier today than of late, and we arrived at Portland slightly behind schedule. Linnet were by the Obs, but no SE Owl, and the Bill held the hoped-for selection of auks, gulls etc but nothing unexpected. At Chesil Cove 4 Velvet Scoter were picked out amongst the Common flock a way out, and with various stops around Portland Harbour we eked out BT and GN Diver, Slav Grebe and LT Duck amongst other bits and bods. Radipole and Lodmoor held their usual selection, with 4 Scaup at the latter being most appreciated. A quick detour from the main road to Buckland Ripers gave us flight views of 5 Cattle Egret from the car (we even stopped for a couple of seconds - birding this ain't!), and Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Golden Plover, the main target species, were easier than previous years around Maiden Castle, but a new site for Grey Partridge drew a blank. At this point we were bang on schedule again, so it was on to Puddletown for the "tricky" Greenland White-fronts. Thirty seconds later they were "in the bag", so we headed down to East Holme (via Tincleton Cressbeds - successfully - for Green Sand and Grey Wagtail) where the Bewick's Swan finally lifted its head above the reedbed it was hiding behind, a pair of Peregrine calling and pair-bonding was a nice bonus, but the Egyptian Goose was nowhere to be seen.

Poole Harbour was the next destination, Arne being the main site, and the hoped-for woodland species were all present and correct, plus Mistle Thrush and Redwing, with Fieldfare nearby, but the high tide meant we missed out on a few hoped-for birds, so we felt we were starting to struggle a little, despite a bonus flyover Redpoll. Middlebere car park was briefly visited, and Dartford called (but no harriers seen), Studland Middle Beach had been cleared of birds by jetskiers shortly before our arrival, but distant BN Grebe were added to the list (no Ring-necked Parakeet though), and the 15-minute wait for the chain ferry at Studland was useful, with Eider in the Harbour and Sanderling on the beach. Avocet were finally added from Evening Hill (a vantage point for Brownsea Lagoon) but yesterday's Spoonbill were nowhere to be seen. Turnstone were finally caught up with from Baiter (also LBB Gull, which were surprisingly tricky this year!), and the last species of the day was a Chiffchaff in a drainage channel by PC World - birdracing takes you to the very best sites! The closing minutes of daylight, and beyond, were spent in the rain at Hatch Pond, waiting for the non-appearance of the wintering Bittern. With checklist finally completed over a pint in the Baker's Arms, we headed for the finish line.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable race, with the best weather of the year so far, and despite the handicap of just two in the team (and one of them being me ;) )we still ended up joint second with 122 species for the day, and our team's best score yet. The winning team's total of 129 was a Dorset winter race record, beating the previous record (from 5 or 6 years ago) by 3 species.

[MSA]

...and finally...

a vote of thanks (seriously!) to Weymouth's fine band of traffic wardens. On returning to the car at Portland, one was emptying the ticket machine, but hurried towards us as we approached the car. "Excuse me Gents, but you do realise the charges here run 24/7, don't you?". "Really?! We're so sorry, we arrived here in the dark and thought the charges started at 9" I replied. "That's OK, just so you know next time.." and off he went. Next at Radipole, a lady Warden was standing by the car writing out a ticket. Dave approached her - "I suppose it's too late to say we were just getting change?". "No, that's OK, just get yourself a ticket". Off he went, only to return sheepishly "Mark, you haven't got any more change have you...". We explained that we were just leaving anyway, and with a smile she let us off!

Sometimes you just feel that there's a greater force at work...

[MSA]

Just to keep my resolution of posts on at least a weekly basis - work is taking its toll, and there has been precious little birding over the past few days (dull, wet weather hasn't helped!). A Siskin overhead on Friday was new for my harbour year-list, as were a couple of Fulmar on a seawatch-cum-dogwalk this morning. Little Owl are heard on most evening walks, but for some reason these birds are only ever seen on a handful of occasions during the year. Maybe the constant disturbance makes them more wary than usual? Gulls will receive a good grilling over the next few days, with a brief Franklin's in Poole not relocated - it's got to be somewhere!

[MSA]

Sunday was dull again but fairly settled and very mild, prompting territorial behaviour from the local birds, with more vigorous singing and signs of aggression towards interlopers. Chiffchaff was finally added to the yearlist as a result; thought the wintering birds had gone, but they were probably just moping!

Monday saw a return to wet and windy - nothing much on the patch (though both Red-necked and Grey Phal a few miles to the east suggested what might have been on offer if it wasn't a work day :-C ); sighting of the day was unfortunately not quite visible from the recording area boundary, with two Red-legged Partridge sheltering on the leeward side of a roof! Good job the homeowners weren't looking out of the window, or I might have had a bit of explaining to do...

This morning marked the welcome return of the SUN - for one day only, it would appear - and the year-list benefitted with 2 Pochard, a Fieldfare and a Dartford Warbler all on or over the Fields, with 3 flyover Siskin. A couple of Little Owl were particularly vocal this evening.

[Nina P]

Just wondering about the lack of spotting Little Owls, they are rather difficult to spot as they have a great tendency to hunker down on a fence post and vanish into the gloom, generally ivy clad posts favoured. I get a reasonable bit of luck in spotting them, as I have discovered they can seem to throw their voice, you may hear them but don't look directly to the sound, look anywhere around the area. I found I got more sightings when they were vocal, by looking lower down, and into the more densely foliaged areas, beneath the expected sound source.
Good Luck with this tip.

[MSA]

Thanks Nina, I'll bear that in mind!

Just a quick update (more of a break from work) - a couple of new birds for the year-list at the weekend with a singing Mistle Thrush and a vocal Coal Tit around the extremities of the area, and many more birds singing in general. Can't wait for Friday, when I can cast off the shackles of work and start birding again! Oh, and I vaguely recall a camera lurking somewhere...

[MSA]

Siskin this morning was the sole highlight, but the beautiful, still and sunny weather made up for any lack of birds.

Finally managed a trip out with the camera this afternoon - a few pics below (pretty much all I took - not a great deal going on). However, an Egret spotted distantly over Priory Marsh, which then flew over Christchurch and up the Stour (staying distant throughout) was surely a Cattle Egret? Little doubt in my mind - faster wingbeats, shorter neck and less protruding legs than Little, but didn't see bare part coloration, and BBRC might take more convincing...pic below, if anyone can enhance and confirm/contradict, I'd be grateful! (I could email original image if anyone has decent editing software and a bit of spare time....).

Peregrine sped upriver this evening.

[MSA]

A lovely few days weather-wise; no great shakes on the bird front, but a few year-ticks over the past week. On Wednesday finally caught up with one of the wintering Firecrest in the woods, and a Redpoll flew over. Saturday saw a full set of Divers (at least, the 3 commoner sps - the BTD was in the Harbour, and sported a fine chinstrap, but no other Pacific features, unfortunately) and a couple of Gadwall, and today added Grey Wag and Jackdaw (quite an erratic visitor at this time of year). An afternoon visit to Stanpit failed to produce Jack Snipe - very few Snipe either, presumably pushed off by the recent high water in the Harbour - but a Scandinavian (littoralis) Rock Pipit was a nice bonus.

[MSA]

The calm, sunny weather continues, and the Harbour year-list finally breaks 100 with Rook this morning. Not much else to report; the Black-throated Diver flew in off the sea right over my head on Monday morning, suggesting it roosts on the sea and returns to the Harbour to feed. Surprisingly few people around; it's nice to stomp around on virgin frost, which coats the Golf Course every morning, and not have to worry about the dog nicking balls from golfers just as they're about to play their shots! Thought that new habit of hers was going to get me a good kicking a couple of weeks ago, when she ran into a group of half-cut scouser lads and ran off with a ball just as one of them was about to tee off - luckily his mates saw it as an opportunity to take the p!ss out of him!

[MSA]

A rare day off on Friday, and a trip to Stanpit in the afternoon - just the usual bits and bods, with the wintering Spotted Redshank and a Mistle Thrush being the only sightings of local interest.

There was also a vole sp. in a small stream; it frequently crossed the stream underwater, and only rarely showed itself for a split-second, in amongst the undergrowth, but stubby nose ruled out mouse sps, however, it was only about 4 inches long, so too small for Water Vole. Do Bank Voles swim underwater?

Managed a few pics; the Rock Pipit include some, most or all littoralis; take your pick!

[MSA]

One more Ripit -

[MSA]

The weekend's highlight was a new bird for the Harbour (for me) and only about the third occasion ever (subject to review, because none of the regulars can recall the previous birds, despite their presence in "The Birds Of Dorset"!) Mealy Redpoll. However, it's a bit hard to get too excited about this "non-species", as it seems like only yesterday that all Redpoll were simply that, and in any case, with over 100 "redpoll sp" in a day on a regular basis during autumn vis-migging, I could have seen thousands already! It's just unusual to get good views of Redpoll at Hengistbury (and all credit to the photographers who posted pics on the CHOG website y'day and today), and a bit of an id challenge I guess.

A couple of additions to the year-list as well this weekend, with RB Merganser on the seawatch on Sat, and an adult winter Med Gull over Wick this morning.

[MSA]

Forgot to mention the wintering Common Sandpiper, seen off Argyle Road slipway on Sun afternoon on a brief visit. Mon saw the pair of Red-legs venture into the recording area for the first time this year, and this morning added Shoveler to the year-list (about time too!). Supposed to go to a seminar this morning, but it was cancelled at the last minute, so I decided to take the day off and catch up with the petrosus Rock Pipits at Hengistbury, for some comparison shots re. the littoralis above (important to get both at the same time of year, I felt). Also got a crappy pic of the breeding Little Grebe, which spends most of its time covered by a cloak of invisibility, or cowering in the most distant point of the quarry, no matter where you are - took me nearly an hour to get a shot of this standard! Interestingly the wintering Little Grebes in the main Harbour are showing no signs of summer plumage, and are presumably from a more northerly, later breeding population.

[MSA]

Very quiet over the last few days, and nothing worthy of noting here.

The Rock Pipit pictures have been used in an article on the CHOG website -

http://www.chog.org.uk/Pages/Features.htm

...if anyone's interested! Separate thread created for discussion, in Taxonomy.

[MSA]

Spring has sprung!

After another lacklustre week, the corner has finally been turned, with a Sand Martin yesterday late afternoon. The first summer migrant "proper" always renews my enthusiasm, and it needs renewing this year - there's been precious little reward for the daily couple of hours on the patch, and were it not for the necessity of walking the dog I doubt I'd have bothered half as much, to be honest.

Duly fired up, a much longer walk was taken this morning, but no more migrants appeared, although Eider (3 birds passing west) were seen from the Double Dykes (a handy year-tick, and a bird missed altogether last year - brings patch year list to 108).

[MSA]

Keeping up the effort, a trip to the tip on Thursday afternoon gave a chance to pop in to Mudeford, where a close male Gadwall and two Mistle Thrush made the most of my lack of camera. The wintering Common Sand also materialised at the end of Argyle Road.

This morning, a seawatch in strong south-westerlies was much better than the last few weekend watches, with a couple of Eider (none last year, then twice in a week...) GN Diver, Kittiwake and a couple of Mergs, then, best of all, breakfast in the Hiker (missed for various reasons for the past few weeks)! Wrapped up the day with a male Blackcap - tipped off a few days ago about a bird wintering in gardens on the edge of the recording area (thanks Shaun!), so I stood at a likely spot bordering the end garden, went "tick" for a minute, and lo and behold a Blackcap appeared!

Finally, a "mystery bird", photographed on a seawatch off Hengistbury during the past year - any takers?

[Gavin Haig]

Finally, a "mystery bird", photographed on a seawatch off Hengistbury during the past year - any takers?

Peregrine?

And if it isn't I have a modest list of really good excuses for why I mucked it up, and how anyone could have made the same mistake, blah, blah....;)

[joannec]

Just found this thread....very nice reports here, Mark. Nice pictures too.:t: I particularly liked the bird race account. I did my first birdrace this year....great fun. We only got 83 species but it was first time for me. I think a lot of it is down to planning the route really well.

Joanne

[MSA]

Peregrine?

And if it isn't I have a modest list of really good excuses for why I mucked it up, and how anyone could have made the same mistake, blah, blah....;)

No excuses needed - you're right! One of three seen hunting low over the water on Sat morning. The guy who took the pic sent it to me with a tongue in cheek query if we'd overlooked a Bulwer's Petrel! I could see what he meant...

[MSA]

Just found this thread....very nice reports here, Mark. Nice pictures too.:t: I particularly liked the bird race account. I did my first birdrace this year....great fun. We only got 83 species but it was first time for me. I think a lot of it is down to planning the route really well.

Joanne

Cheers Joanne - birdracing is hard work but good fun once in a while, and the key is definitely in planning the route (and knowing when to quit a site - you need a pretty rigid timetable, especially in winter, when time is limited, and it's all too easy to hang on at one site looking for a single species when another site could give you 10 new birds).

[MSA]

Wandered around looking for Wheatear both morning and afternoon, to no avail, so rather galling to find out that one was seen around midday!

Still, mustn't grumble, as I found an adult Bewick's Swan late this afternoon, circling over the Pools and appearing to land on the river! Called a couple of the locals, but it either did not settle or got spooked by a boat, as it was not seen again. It's the first Harbour record since 2003, and my last Harbour sighting was so long ago I have no recollection of it - must be 20+ years ago. The regular Avon Valley flock has dwindled from 100+ in the late 70s to maybe half a dozen these days, if we're lucky, so it's no surprise they're so scarce here.

[MSA]

Very little to report this week, just a few Redwing over last night, and 100+ grounded Meadow Pipit plus a half-dozen new Stonechat on the Golf Course this afternoon, peering through the msity gloom that had descended.

Best sighting of the day was (the) Bob Wilson on a pushbike - he thanked me for not allowing myself and the dog to get run over by him (I'd been daydreaming)!

[MSA]

A somewhat belated update -

Last weekend finally saw an arrival of Wheatear, with a male on the Saturday and the first females on Sunday (10 birds seen in total). Aside from an Avocet and a couple of Med Gulls, plus year-ticks in the form of Knot on Stanpit and (finally) the wintering Barwit at Mudeford, not much else seen over the weekend; a Tawny Owl heard on Wick on Sunday evening was a bonus, though, as 2006 and 2007 were blank years for me for this species.

On Monday, I went to work on a bit of a high, having seen a Marsh Harrier heading north on the morning dog walk, but came down to earth when I heard about the Rough-legged Buzzard mid-morning! I must confess to a "why do I bother" moment, before finally convincing myself that it's what you see that matters, not what you miss. Still a bit of a p!sser, though!

The rest of the week was a total write-off, with nothing of note seen.

This morning was relaunch day for the Tern Island - pics below. Nice to do something "worthy" for once!

[MSA]

Pretty quiet for most of the past week, but Sand Martin, Chiffchaff and Wheatear are now finally "in" and seen on most visits. The recent run of northerly winds has presumably put a damper on migration.
An adult Yellow-legged Gull on Tue 25 Mar was a nice reward for a months-worth of checking the evening gull gathering by the HHC (although a white-winged gull would have been even better..).
Friday evening was a new experience for me, as I gave a post-AGM talk to the local group on birding in Israel. It seemed to go down OK, despite the fact that I was bricking it throughout; why did I offer to do it?!
Today was perhaps a turning point in the spring migration, as Pied Fly, Black Red and Yellow Wag all appeared (but eluded me) - luckily I did catch up with the "stars", a couple of Egyptian Geese; OK, they're plastic, but they are "tickable" and new for the Harbour for me. Also managed a couple of year-ticks today, with Willow Warbler and Sandwich Tern finally caught up with.
A pic from the weekend -

[MSA]

Today saw a good arrival of phylloscs in particular, with about 150 Willow Warbs and 50 Chiffchaff over Wick and the surrounding area. Blackcap, Swallow and Sand Martin are also around in reasonable numbers at last. The first Sedge Warbler of the year was on Wick yesterday, and it (or another) was in the same area this morning. Also seen yesterday on an afternoon wander in the sun was a female-type Marsh Harrier, my second of the spring, and the two Egyptian Geese flew into the harbour from up the Avon Valley.

DOGS

Wick is a very popular dog-walking area; despite having a dog myself, I get quite wound-up about the amount of disturbance they cause, mainly due to the fact that I often seem to be the only owner who knows how to read! All dogs are supposed to be under "close control" on all paths (ie walking to heel), with further restrictions in the fields themselves (two are dogs on leads only, the third is a dog-free field). If I could have a pound for every dog doing what it shouldn't, I'd be a rich man! The only thing that seems to stop (most) owners is the presence of cattle, which are rotated between the fields over the winter. Once the cattle leave a field, the free-for-all starts again. However, over the past few weeks the dogs have been conspicuous by their absence, and I just found out why - apparently someone has finally been prosecuted and fined £80 for letting their dog in with the cattle. The chap who told me about this couldn't understand it, and went on to say he'd been walking his dog around the fields for years and never saw a bird. I tried to explain (tactfully) that the reason was the persistent disturbance by people like him, but I suspect this went over his head. Sadly, today I had to point out the "no dogs" sign to a couple who were standing right by it, having let their dog run all over the field in question; they listened to my explanation, but I'm damn sure it made no difference. I really wish I had a way of combatting the ignorance of these people - any suggestions?

[MSA]

On Sat there was another good arrival of Willow Warbler, with 250+ seen, also the first Whimbrel of the year on Wick Hams and small numbers of other early migrants. Sand Martin are digging out nesting chambers at the far (beach hut) end of the Head, with maybe 50 birds wheeling around the cliff.

Sun saw settled SNOW for the first time in over 10 years - maybe the first since 1989 or thereabouts! Very short-lived; it was snowing quite steadliy when dog and I first emerged for our walk, but by the time we returned there was barely a trace in the garden. Neeless to say, there were few birds around, save for a few reckless/unlucky phylloscs.

Not much seen this morning, but gull-watching finally came up trumps this afternoon, with a first-winter Ring-billed Gull on the HHC mudbar! I watched it for about 15-20 minutes (with 1st-winter Common Gull nearby for comparison), made a few notes then walked briskly home to leave the dog - who had been very patient, but was getting decidedly restless by the end - and returned with another local birder, armed with telescopes. Unfortunately by then the RBG and CG had both departed, but a nice adult Yellow-legged Gull was some small compensation. Rare gulls definitely live up to their rare status in the Harbour (Radipole seems to monopolise the Dorset gull scene) and this was a patch first for me. Will try again tomorrow at same time, with camera for record shot if it reappears.

Finally a few snow pics -

[joannec]

DOGS

Wick is a very popular dog-walking area; despite having a dog myself, I get quite wound-up about the amount of disturbance they cause, mainly due to the fact that I often seem to be the only owner who knows how to read!

I know exactly what you mean, Mark. I record for the Sussex OS on Ashdown Forest, a vast open space heathland area in East Sussex. There are clear signs at every carpark saying 'keep dogs on leads between March and August'. How many people take notice? Less than one in a hundred is my estimate. I've even witnessed a dog attacking and probably killing a lamb. Nightjars nest here, Dartford warblers and woodcock too. Hen harriers roost here in the winter. But I'm afraid I don't have the confidence or authority to challenge them, being female and usually alone. Personally I think the rangers should enforce the 'dogs on a lead' law but they don't seem to.

Nice thread, by the way.:t:

Joanne

[MSA]

A surprisingly quiet week - despite the sunny weather, presumably the fact that it is so cold is deterring passage. If it stays like this, birds will start to move regardless, but if the weather should suddenly warm up, there could be a mega fall - fingers crossed!

Finally caught up with Black Redstart this morning (not seen at all last year) on rooftops adjoining the recording area - rarely have I felt so self-conscious, staring at houses on and off for a couple of days since first sighting y'day - bird is by an infant/junior school amongst residential housing, and were it not for the dog (giving a reasonable excuse for lurking), I reckon I'd have been reported to the police by now!

[MSA]

Finally, birds are starting to arrive, although it still can't be described as warm! Monday was a good day, with the first Whitethroat, Redstart and Ring Ouzel (found after a conversation with a fellow dog-walker, who asked what the oversized Blackbird with a white crescent on the chest might be!) - a well-marked female. Redstart continued to feature over the next few days; looks like being a good spring for them. A pair of Garganey led to a twitch to Stanpit on Tuesday, with Spot Red and Redstart also seen, and Wednesday turned up a different female Ring Ouzel and a Grasshopper Warbler. Easterly winds persisted and strengthened throughout the day - tipped off via mobile tel of a large Tern movement through the harbour, I was rather pleased with a full-plumaged Black Tern over Wick in the evening, with a flock of Sarnies!

A rare morning spent working rather than in the field was balanced with a seawatch from Whitepits this evening, where Common Tern was new for the year, and a Bonxie struggling east was much appreciated, having been missed by me for the last couple of years.

[MSA]

A few recent pics...

[MSA]

Time for an update, methinks!

April more or less fizzled out, with a couple more Black Tern as highlights.

May started well with a second-summer Iceland Gull seen twice on 3rd, one of only a handfull I've seen in the harbour. Black Tern continued to appear, making a good spring for this species. A male Garganey on 5th was a brief fly-through over Wick, and a 1st-summer Little Gull hawking insects over the fields in the afternoon of 8th made a "twitch" to Argyle Road the previous day look a little silly. Lounging around the HHC in the sunshine on 11th proved to be worthwhile, with a Honey Buzzard cruising low east overhead closely followed by a Marsh Harrier heading north a few minutes later, and another trip to Argyle Road on 14th gave distant views of Little Stint, a scarce spring visitor.

An excellent mid-May trip to Poland (see separate thread) was followed by a quiet period on Wick, although Turtle Dove was seen very well on 23rd (a difficult bird to catch up with these days), and Adder and fox cubs were regularly seen in the "Bobolink Field". The month ended with a late Osprey low over the fields on 31st.

All was then quiet until today, when I was lucky enough to find a male Serin in song on the Barn Field almost as soon as I arrived (about 2 hours later than usual - with dog in tow) on Hengistbury. Unusually, the bird remained long enough for the early risers to dash from the seawatch and catch up with the bird. A late Spotted Flycatcher was in the same area, and a Green Hairstreak was nearby. Incredibly, on my early evening dogwalk, I was greeted by presumably the same Serin, singing from a dead tree at the village end of Wick Fields! Sadly, this time the bird disappeared before anyone else arrived. Also seen this evening were 5 Whimbrel, presumably returning non-breeding birds, and a Hobby.

[MSA]

An evening trip to the top of the Head on 11th was successful, with a male Nightjar seen extremely well, also several bats, amongst which was (apparently) Lesser Horseshoe, according to the chap with a bat detector (110 Mhz call).

A late Whinchat was on Wick Fields on 14th, and was about to be photographed when a phone call led to a half-mile dash for a Roseate Tern, viewable from Barn Bight, the bird itself being on Stanpit.

Unless a midsummer "mega" appears, it's unlikely they'll be much of note until mid-August, at least not on Wick, so it's time to check on the success of the breeding birds and try for a few photos.

[MSA]

Delighted to report that my "closed for the summer" comment was somewhat premature; 5 Crossbill over Wick on Thur was a good record, but a Marsh Tit in the woods on Hengistbury on Sat was my first since the eighties! A Nuthatch in the same tree was a bonus - both birds have been around for a couple of days, but it's a relief that they hung around long enough for me to catch up with them.

Three Raven were the highlight today, and the female Adder was in her usual spot. Must get a pic soon!

[MSA]

A singing Garden Warbler in Wick Ditch on 3rd July was a bit of an odd record, maybe a failed breeder from nearby (none breeding in the Harbour area)? Little else of note, although seawatches this weekend and last produced 1 or more Storm Petrel, and Hobby over the fields yesterday was a nice bonus.

Finally got a photo of the male Adder this morning (albeit with a 400mm lens, not ideal) and spent a little time taking pix of the Sand Martin colony, tricky with birds feeding well-grown young and therefore in and out of their burrows like rockets.....

[MSA]

A good day today!

Just before 10am I was delighted to find a White Stork soaring towards the Harbour - it remained on view for at least 10 minutes, gaining altitude, before disappearing from view. I hurried home but it was long gone by the time I got there. A couple of hours' "gardening" (skywatching) later, I was relaxing over a coffee when the Stork reappeared! An excellent way to reach 100 for the garden list, and I even managed some poor photos (one below - the best one!).

This bird was obviously the one that was seen up the Avon yesterday, and could conceivably have been lingering in the area, also ranging over the New Forest and beyond, for several weeks. Whatever, it was also a new bird for my Harbour list.

[MSA]

Went out with my camera for an hour this eve, these were the best results - well worth the mozzie bites and thistle-sitting -

[MSA]

Return passage is now well underway, with Garden Warbler and juv Redstart on 23 and 24 July respectively leading the exodus. Green and Wood Sandpiper, plus Little Ringed Plover, have all joined the year-list in the past few days; a few more Hobbies have been seen, including one catching and dismembering a recently-fledged Swallow overhead, gruesome and fascinating at the same time. A silent group of 7 Crossbill flew over on 31 July.

A rare trip out of the area on 4 Aug for the Lesser Grey Shrike was worth the trip, a new "world bird" for me.

Today, I was rather distracted from birding by a possible break-in at the HHC (Hengistbury Head Centre), which I ‘phoned in to the Police, then I had a run-in with a mountain biker on the path along the back of the woods. I politely told him he should be on the main path; he ignored me, then a few minutes later approached me back on the main path and threatened to put a cleat (yes, I had to look it up when I got home) in my head! This threat might have been a little more worrying if he wasn’t shouting it from about 20 yards away… He also told me he was the UK no 2 off-road mountain biker, so I told him he should know better then. It also gives me the opportunity to find out who he is, and see if there’s a governing body I can report his actions to – what a tw@t!! Sadly, with "negative adrenalin" now coursing through my veins, I spent the rest of my walk plotting revenge rather than enjoying the birds.

[MSA]

The last few days have seen a continuing small trickle of migrants, but the generally strong winds and occasional rain has made finding birds rather tricky (assuming they're there to be found!). Highlight was a further 2 Crossbill early yesterday morning.

Work took me to Weymouth yesterday, where I finally saw the Hooded Merganser (sleeping near the info centre), obviously a wild bird (now I've seen it!). Also of interest were the modifications to the chalk White Horse on the hillside approaching Weymouth.......

[MSA]

A good selection of bits and pieces since the last post with highlights being 5 Crossbill over Wick on Fri 22.8, a late Little Tern from Fisherman's Bank on Sun 24.8, 3 Balearic Shearwater on Mon 25.8 plus supporting cast of various Hobby, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Arctic Skua, a showy Grasshopper Warbler on Sat 23.8 and reasonable numbers of the more regular autumn migrants.

Today started very well with a fly-over Tawny Pipit low over the HHC, Wick Hams, just after 7am, picked up on call. Expectations ran high, but passage was light, with just a handful of Flava Wagtail, Wheatear, Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Blackcap, plus Hobby and the first Wigeon of the autumn. Stanpit this afternoon held 2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 3 Sanderling, Turnstone and a couple of Common Sandpiper with the usual Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

Tomorrow looked to be promising, with unsettled weather approaching from the west meeting clear overnight skies from the east following a warm, settled day, but with the thunderstorms now expected late in the day rather than from dawn, maybe it will just be more of the same? We'll see!

[MSA]

Sunday 31 Aug dawned with high expectations, but in the event it was rather mundane, with the exception of a couple of Pied Flycatcher, one on Barn Field in the morning, the other on Wick Fields in the evening, a belated addition to the year-list.

Weather (wind and rain) plus work stopped play this week, but Sat morning was eagerly anticipated, and the hoped-for Grey Phalarope appeared on cue in a morning seawatch from the Beach Huts, with a single bird making short flights and landing on the sea. A lengthy watch also turned up Black and Arctic Tern, a couple of Arctic Skua and a close Manx Shearwater, with Soptted Flycatcher in the woods.

This morning (Sun 7 Sep) was notable for unbeatable views of another Grey Phalarope, this time on a footpath by the Hiker cafe. The bird in question was feeding in puddles on the footpath running alongside the Double Dykes, and allowed approach to touching distance! A hasty dash to the car to grab my camera turned out to be a waste of effort, as upon my return, having tied my own dog to the fence to avoid disturbing the bird, another dog ran up to the phalarope and sniffed it, prompting its departure before I could take a single photo :-C

This evening, a Green Sandpiper flew over the bungalow, calling; no. 101 for the garden list.

[MSA]

A week off, and not a great deal to show for it bird-wise (but main object was to get spare bedroom/study ready, and at least I achieved that).

Worst "dip" was the juv Sabine's Gull, which would have been a new bird for my Harbour list, but unfortunately only stayed for the length of a hospital appointment, so no way I could have seen it :-C

A pretty good passage over Hengistbury this morning, with Swallow numbers in the 000s, plus good numbers of Wheatear, phylloscs, flava wags and an early passage of Siskin, personal tally about 140.

Stanpit this afternoon, finally connected with Curlew Sandpiper for the year, with a flock of 7 juvs.

Highlight of the week has been the long-staying Grey Phalaropes; managed a few pics this afternoon before getting a soaking (which appears to have incapacitated my camera, although pics transferred OK, and turned the instruction manual to mush!).

[MSA]

Good numbers of migrants on Sun, with pick being an Osprey east; oddest sight was a young Gannet flying through the Harbour, getting hassle from all the gulls en route! Loads of hirundines moving all day, some settling briefly on the Barn roof (pic below - House Martins).

This morning I was just settling in to work after my week off, when I received a call - "Barred Warbler trapped by HHC, will be ringed in a few minutes"! A few seconds soul-searching and off I sped - seen, photo'ed and back to the office before anyone noticed I'd gone! A splendid beast, seemed huge in the hand.

[MSA]

I really must do an update to this thread - maybe at the weekend?

Anyway, I thought I'd post some news that could be of interest to one or two readers of this thread - work is underway to make the main paths on Wick "disabled-friendly", which apparently includes wheelchair access, with modifications to the gates and the wooden bridge. Vegetation has been cleared, and the ground is being dug and levelled as I type! I just hope it doesn't simply become an unofficial cycleway - representations have been made for proper signage and wardening - we'll see....

[Mike Cross]

I really must do an update to this thread - maybe at the weekend?

Anyway, I thought I'd post some news that could be of interest to one or two readers of this thread - work is underway to make the main paths on Wick "disabled-friendly", which apparently includes wheelchair access, with modifications to the gates and the wooden bridge. Vegetation has been cleared, and the ground is being dug and levelled as I type! I just hope it doesn't simply become an unofficial cycleway - representations have been made for proper signage and wardening - we'll see....

What's the latest on this? I presume it's now complete. Last time I saw it it was certainly going ahead at a fair speed. I think it is almost 100% certain that it will become an unofficial cycleway (or racetrack for men of a certain age/mentaility). Just like the Head itself which has undergone the same transformation. Despite all the signs warning of draconian fines just look at that the cycle tread marks on that path and they presumably only occur/appear when there has been moderate or heavy braking and so are just a tip of the iceberg. Shame really as the idea for disabled (and infant) access is very comendable.

Mike

[MSA]

What's the latest on this? I presume it's now complete. Last time I saw it it was certainly going ahead at a fair speed. I think it is almost 100% certain that it will become an unofficial cycleway (or racetrack for men of a certain age/mentaility). Just like the Head itself which has undergone the same transformation. Despite all the signs warning of draconian fines just look at that the cycle tread marks on that path and they presumably only occur/appear when there has been moderate or heavy braking and so are just a tip of the iceberg. Shame really as the idea for disabled (and infant) access is very comendable.

Mike

If it is complete, it's a disgrace! There's no way it's wheelchair-accessable in its current state. I'm guessing weather issues (frozen ground, maybe?) have held it up.

I really must update this thread, but the longer I leave it the harder it becomes. Found Bittern a few days ago, the first-ever twitchable one for CHOG (stayed on view for almost the whole day!) and a pair of Scaup on the river this morning, so year's off to a great start. I'll try to do a summary to catch up asap. Dorset birdrace was great fun on Sat just gone, CHOG team managed 119, second to a daunting 127, so royally stuffed!

[MSA]

Just filed my last tax returns for this year's "season", so it's back to birding with a vengeance from tomorrow! I'll also do an update this week.

Pleased to see the workmen back on Wick for the past two weeks; not had chance to see what they've done yet, so watch this space...... I'm also looking forward to my next argument with an errant cyclist, having been threatened with a cleat in my head from the last one (might have posted about that already, can't recall)!

[MSA]

Only a few visits to Wick over the past couple of months - not entirely convinced about the "improvement work", it's easier to see into and around the fields (hedges reduced and scrub cleared) so could be good for finding migrants, but I reckon this will be outweighed by the additional disturbance, both from an increase in visitor numbers and less places for birds and wildlife to hide! Reckon I'll still give it a go from time to time, but concentrating more on the main Head area for the most part.

Pleased to see the female Adder today for the first time this year, also found a sloughed skin when I went back for photos (sadly, no sign of the snake with camera in hand....).

A few pics from today.....