Dorset birding (1 Viewer)

[pooleparrot]

Holes Bay

Plenty of activity at Holes Bay this morning, Firecrest and Sibe Chiffchaff along the Drain with Chiffchaffs , Grey Wagtail and Common Sandpiper. As the tide started to come back in 3 Spoonbill flew in and also a flock of 100+ Black-Tailed Godwit. The Spoonbill flew off in the direction of Upton CP as the tide got too high. On Pergins Island the scene was being surveyed by a distant Peregrine.

 

[scary-canary]

Found the first (I think) avocet for Longham Lakes today - swimming like a phalarope!

Chris

 

[scary-canary]

here it is

 

[pooleparrot]

Holes Bay

Holes Bay this morning, Firecrest still on PC World Drain on the bay side of the road bridge. The Peregrine was in the same tree as yesterday and today had a couple of sorties over the bay putting up all the Avocet and Blackwits. Also today a single Med Gull only 2nd record at HB for me this year.

 

[pooleparrot]

Morden Bog

First visit in over a month produced first Woodlark of the year, also a couple of Raven, Grey Wagtail on MPL, a Peregrine over the Decoy Pond, a couple Red Legged Partridge and a single Dartford.

 

[pooleparrot]

Holes Bay PM

Back to Holes Bay to see if the Firecrest would show in the sun, unfortunately it didn't, plenty of Chiffchaff enjoying the sun as was the Common Sandpiper. On the way back to the car a Buzzard alighted in a nearby tree.

 

[MSA]

Two Bewick's Swans arrived over Wick at 7am today, from R Stour direction - presumably the Longham birds? First I've seen in the Harbour for 5 years, and only the second time in the last 12 years at least!

 

[scary-canary]

Smew still at Longham and 10 med gulls, but Like Mark said the Bewick's seem to have gone, via Christchurch.
Chris

 

[devon.birder]

I am staying in Ringwood for the week starting 17 March and will have a look for the Great Grey Shrike if it is still present. I havn't been to Wyke Down for about 8 years and was wondering where it is best to park to have the best chance of seeing this bird. I always used to park by the water works building just off the main road. Thanks Roger

 

[James Lowther]

if you carry on down that road there's a parking area on the left, this has good views round the whole area, the ggs ranges widely but often seen along the fenceline at the far side of the field looking north east from the parking area, particularly around the fenced in tumulus.
cheers,
james

 

[devon.birder]

if you carry on down that road there's a parking area on the left, this has good views round the whole area, the ggs ranges widely but often seen along the fenceline at the far side of the field looking north east from the parking area, particularly around the fenced in tumulus.
cheers,
james

Many thanks James. I remember that parking area now that you mentioned it. Regards Roger

 

[pooleparrot]

GGS still at Wyke Down, 1 SEO, also a flock of 500+ Fieldfare in the fields behind Down Farm

 

[pooleparrot]

Quick walk round Morden Bog at lunchtime, highlights a Dartford Warbler and a couple of Woodlark, other than that fairly quiet in the cold wind.

 

[pooleparrot]

Durlston

A couple of Black Redstart and a pair of Raven were the highlights at Durlston this morning.

 

[pooleparrot]

Morden

A few more Dartfords around today, 3 Woodlark and a single Crossbill flying over.

 

[pooleparrot]

Wyke Down

Plenty of activity at Wyke this morning. The Great Grey Shrike was around all morning. There were a couple of Grey Partridge behind Down farm and up at the path across the ridge a female Merlin was sat on a fence post. Back at the car a male Hen Harrier flew along the fence line above the archealogicial site.

 

[scary-canary]

Lovely Merlin pictures.

 

[pooleparrot]

Morden Bog

A surprise this morning at Morden with the return of the Great Grey Shrike which was last seen in early December after a stay of just over a month. I say return as this bird is also ringed(See blown up pic) as was the bird before Xmas, making it more than probable to be the same bird. Bird frequented both sides of the Decoy pond and was viewed on and off between 09.30 and 11.30.

Ian

 

[pooleparrot]

Morden Continued

There were also good numbers of Woodlark around the Bog this morning, with a few displaying. Also my 1st Morden Chiffchaff of the year and a distant Peregrine on Pylon 95.

Ian

 

[pooleparrot]

No sign of the GGS at Morden Bog this morning, although half my walk was fog covered. A few Dartfords and Woodlark, the Peregrine on pylon 95 again and a couple of Grey Wagtail on Morden Park Lake.