Dorset Bird Report 2010

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Dorset Bird Club Published July 2012

dbr2010cover - version 2.indd 1 02/07/2012 12:07 dbr2010cover - version 2.indd 2 02/07/2012 12:07 Dorset Bird Report 2010

Published July 2012

2010 Dorset Bird Report 1

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 1 17/07/2012 11:51 We offer

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What next for Britain’s birds? • Buzzards spread, Willow Tits disappear... • What about House Martins... or winter thrushes? • Who will hit the headlines in the first National Atlas since 1991? Be prepared, get involved! • Survey work starts in November 2007 • Over £1 Million needed for this 5-year project ? Visit www.bto.org/atlases to find out more! The 2007-2011 Atlas is a joint BTO/BWI/SOC Project Registered Charity No. 216652 House Martin by M S Wood

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DBR2010 Master Text.indd 2 17/07/2012 11:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2010

CONTENTS

...... 5 ...... 5 Report Production Team ...... 6-7 Current Committee of the Dorset Bird Club ...... 8-13 Notes for Contributors ...... 14-18 Review and Highlights of 2010 ...... 19 The Dorset List NotesSystematic to Systematic List for List2010...... 20-173 ...... 174-175 ...... 176-177 Escapes ...... 178-179 Pending and Requested Records ...... 180-185 Dorset Bird Ringing – Summary for 2010 ...... 186-192 Dorset Bird Ringing – Selected Recoveries in 2010 ...... 193-195 Dorset Bird Ringing – County Totals up to end of 2010 ...... 196-198 2010 National Rarity Accounts ...... 199-203 County Map ...... 204-206 Gazetteer ...... List of Contributors ...... Photographic Credits Inside Back Cover Acknowledgments Inside Back Cover

2010 Dorset Bird Report 3

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 3 17/07/2012 11:51 Taylor Andrews Ltd CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS

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4 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 4 17/07/2012 11:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2010

PRODUCTION TEAM

Editor:

Species Accounts: Kevin Lane

Mute Swan to Mallard John Down Pintail to Ruddy Duck Kevin Lane Gamebirds to Spoonbill Mike Darke Raptors to Coot Geoff Upton Waders Daragh Croxson Skuas to Terns Ian Stanley Auks to Woodpeckers Clive Cottrell Larks to Wheatears Nevil Fowler Thrushes to Sylvia Warblers Shaun Robson Phylloscs to Starlings Kevin Lane Sparrows to Buntings John Lockwood RingingEscapes Information: Kevin Lane

Map: Kevin Sayer

Gazetteer: Nick Hull

Dorset Records Panel: Nick Hull

Dave Chown, Dave Smith, Dave Taylor, Ian Stanley, Paul Harris, Shaun Robson CURRENT COMMITTEE OF THE DORSET BIRD CLUB

Neil Gartshore (Chairman), Moor Edge, 2 Bere Road, Wareham BH20 4DD Jol Mitchell (Conservation), 4 Gover Close, Ridge, Wareham BH20 3BU Kevin Lane (County Recorder & Report Editor), 42 Twin Oaks Close, Broadstone BH18 8JF Ian Lewis (Indoor Meetings), 20 Heights Road, Upton, Poole BH16 5QL Diana Dyer (Membership), 3 Osmay Road, Swanage BH19 2JQ Nick Hull (Newsletter Editor), 11 Pealsham Gardens, Fordingbridge SP6 1RD Andy Humber (Outdoor Meetings), 3 Bassett Road, Parkstone, Poole BH12 3BZ Trevor Thorpe (Outdoor Meetings), 31 Harness Close, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 2UF Paul Levey (Publicity), 43a Symes Road, Poole BH15 4PR Phyl England (Secretary), Amberley, Russell Drive, Swanage BH19 2HD John Lockwood (Treasurer), 17 Rosamund Avenue, Merley, Wimborne BH21 1TE

2010 Dorset Bird Report 5

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 5 17/07/2012 11:51 NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS

The Dorset Bird Report is an annual publication by the Dorset Bird Club of records and papers on all aspects of Dorset ornithology. All contributions, from both residents and visitors to the county, in the form of records, papers, drawings and photographs are welcomed. All contributors are acknowledged in the report. These notes should assist you WHATif you wish RECORDS to contribute DO WE to WANT? the report.

Due to the volume of records received, it is not possible to list every one in the report. The report is an edited summary of these records, aimed at highlighting the occurrence and status of each species in a particular year. All records, however, are valuable and are archived in the DBC database, managed through the Dorset Environmental Records Centre, where they can be accessed by groups or individuals for future studies.

Please refer to ‘The Dorset List’, on pages 14 - 18, which lists the type of records requested for each species. Species requiring a full written description are marked with either (*) for national rarities, or (D) for birds which are rare or scarce in Dorset. Descriptions of national rarities will be forwarded to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), whilst records of locally rare or scarce birds will be assessed by the Dorset Records Panel (DRP). The Dorset Records Panel reserves the right to request further information in order to assess records, if necessary. This may include records of species not usually requiring a full written description if they are, for example, reported from an unusual location or time of ANDyear. WHEREUnsubstantiated FROM? records will not be published. all

Records are welcomed from parts of the county. There is a natural bias towards coastal sites and nature reserves as they are excellent places to see birds. Many of these sites produce their own reports, which are incorporated into the Dorset Bird Report. Records away from these sites are often thin on the ground, so ‘local patch’ records and casual recording from less well-watched areas are very important. These enable us to gain as full a picture as possible of what is happening to Dorset’s birds. Many national surveys are carried out annually in the county as part of a wider picture of the UK’s bird life. A copy of any Dorset results would be greatly appreciated – the information will be added to our HOWdatabase. SHOULD I SEND MY RECORDS IN?

Casual records and descriptions of rare and scarce birds can be e-mailed to the DBC at the dorsetbirdclub@hotmailfollowing address: .com

This is also the correct address to send any local patch bird reports to, as well as any completed DBC spreadsheets. If you do not have access to e-mail, please send your records by post to the County Recorder. The address can be found on page 5 of this report.

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DBR2010 Master Text.indd 6 17/07/2012 11:51 WHEN SHOULD I SUBMIT MY RECORDS? as soon after the sighting as possible Recordswww.bbrc.org.uk of birds requiring full written descriptions should be submitted . National raritywww.dorsetbirds.org.uk forms can be downloaded from the BBRC website ( ). DRP forms are downloadable from either the ‘Dorset List’ or ‘Dorset Decisions’ pages of the DBC website ( ). Both forms are also available from the County Recorder.

If possible, individual records should be sent to the County Recorder periodically throughout the year to enable them to be logged on to the database over a period of time. This will help to ensure that there will not be a backlog of data inputting to be done at the last minute (and so hold up production of the report). end of January

Please, at the latest, send records in by the the following year. Late records WHOwill be SHOULD accepted, I SUBMITbut it may MY not RECORDS be possible TO? to include them in the report for that year.

to their recorders The following sites publish their own reports and request that records are submitted directly • Christchurch. Once Harbour collated theseOrnithological reports are Group: included in the Dorset Bird Report.

• Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre: Mr DN Smith, 11 Moffat Road, Purewell, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1HQ. Mr M Cade, Portland Bird All otherObservatory, records should Old Lowerbe submitted Light, Portland directly Bill, to Dorset, the County DT5 2JT. Recorder . Please note that all records requiring a full written description at either county or national level should be sent directly to the County Recorder . Records of rare and scarce birds in Dorset will only be entered onto the official Dorset totals after acceptance by either BBRC or DRP .

Excel

An spreadsheet is available for listing your sightings and is transferable directly into the database, therebyExcel saving a lot of time. If anyone wishes to receive a copy (instructions will be given on its use), please contact the County Recorder. Likewise, if people wish to use their own spreadsheets, these can be copied into the database with the greatest of ease.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 7

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 7 17/07/2012 11:51 REVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS OF 2010 Kevin Lane (records marked * are subject to acceptance by the relevant committee)

nd The 2 relatively quiet year in a row, with 258 species recorded. This is the equal lowest county2001 total2002 in the last2003 decade.2004 The table2005 below 2006shows the2007 annual totals2008 for 2009the last 102010 years. 269 267 275 269 269 268 258 277 261 258

Bufflehead

Two species were added to the Dorset list in 2010.Red-necked The first Stint of these was a which was initially seen on the sea off West Bexington, but later settled onto the Fleet417 for just over 3 weeks. The second new addition, a at Ferrybridge, was less obliging with only the lucky finder enjoying views of it. The Dorset list now stands at species. 4 Semipalmated Sandpiper Long-billed Dowitcher Gull-billed Tern Otherth rarities were relatively thinth on theGlossy ground Ibis this . year, but didth comprise of Dorset’s , 8 and 11 . In Januaryaddition there were a further 4 records of Pale- bellied Brent Geese Black Brants rd TheCattle year Egret started quietly, with overwintering wildfowl on the FleetSiberian including Chiffchaffs up to 23 were and 2 (until 23 , afterth which only 1 birdrd was present). A remained near Winktonth from 2009 (until 5 ) and overwintering at Hatch Pond (until 5 ) and at Blacknor, Portland (until 3 ).

6The most memorable eventLapwings of the monthGolden was Plovers the cold-weatherSkylarks movementFieldfares of birdsRedwings fleeing theth ice and snow which was gripping much of the country. The movement peaked on the , when huge numbersRed-crested of Pochards, , , and were recorded passing over or settled in large flocks attempting to find food. Thereth was also an unusual influx of Bewick’s Swans, including 11 at Stanpit Marsh (7 ). 7 Tundra Bean Geese Barnacle ScarceGeese wildfowl records included at Middlebere, East HolmeLong-tailed and Stalbridge; Ducks over LittleseaSmew and Butterstreet Cove, the Fleet; an influx of (up to 47 on the Fleet, with smaller numbers elsewhere); up to 4 in Poole Harbour; and up to 5 at Abbotsbury Swannery. Cattle Egret to 21st Great White Egret Following onSpoonbill thfrom the overwintering bird at Winkton, another appeared near ChideockMediterraneanth (19 Gulls) whilst a put in a brief appearance at Radipole Lake (10 ). Ruff numbers in Poole Harbour peaked at 17 birds. Impressive numbers of (up to 300) were present on the Fleet throughoutth the month. An impressive flock of 48 appeared at WaxwingButterstreet Cove, the Fleet (10 ). Great Grey ShrikeScarce passerines included the only th Snow of the Buntings first winter period, which was photographed in a Gillingham gardenth (19 ).th The only early year report of came from Holt Heath (25 and 29 ). . were recorded at both Durlston and Mudeford Quay, whilst the bird firstth seen inth a restricted area of Poole Port during late December 2009 was seen again on 14 and 17 8 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 8 17/07/2012 11:51 February Black Brant Pale-bellied Brent Geese White-fronted Goose A remained on the Fleet throughout,Barnacle along withGoose good numbers of th . TheLong-tailed year’s first Ducks was near Dorchester at Coker’s Frome (16 ), whilstth there was a slight increase in the flock on the Fleet to 49 birds (fromGreat 7 White). 1 or 2Egret remained in Poole Harbour throughoutSpoonbills the month. Mediterranean Gulls th A flew over Avon Causeway (20 ) and around 10 remained Marchin Poole Harbour. again numbered up to 300 on the Fleet. st Bufflehead th . The major story of the monthth was Dorset’s 1 and Britain’s 14 , initially onth the sea off West Bexington (6 ) and Pale-belliedsubsequently Brent on the Geese Fleet, where it remained until 30 Black Brant Barnacleth Geese Also on the Fleet, overwintering th remained present (to 9 ), whilst the was last reported on 15 . ThereGarganey were moreth reports of flocks, with around 50 flying overth Christchurch Harbour (5 ) and 17 logged fromth both WeymouthCattle Bay andEgret Portland (30 ). The first began to show up (from 16 ). th Great White Egret Another rd turned up (from 27 ) near Wareham. This area of the county is proving to beStone a popular Curlew spot inrd recent years for this former rarity. A th was recorded for the 3 month in a row, with 1 at Bride Valley Fish Farm (26 ). Portland Bill recorded a (23Alpine) - certainly Swift a rare bird in Dorset these days. to 28A popular and wellHoopoe watched was located over Lodmoor, beforeSnow spending Buntings muchth of ththe remainder of its stay over Radipole Lakest andrd adjacent thparts of Weymouth (26 ). The first of the year was on Portland (from 17 ). Finally, . were recorded around the Studland area (1 and 3 ), whilst the erratically reportedth bird presentApril at Poole Port in December 2009 and January 2010 was seen again on 25 Whooper Swan Pale-bellied Brent Geese nd A was something of a surprise at Lodmoornd (2 ). Migrant Cattle Egret also featured, with 14 off Weymouth Bay (2White) and Stork 28 passing Portland,th Ferrybridge, Littlesea and finally West Bexingtonth on their journey westwards (25 ). The remained nearth Warehamth until 8 and a was on the water meadows near Wareham (13Marsh and 14 Harriers).

For the second year running were breedingGoshawk in urban Weymouth, this time Icelandat Lodmoor. Gull Birds were seen displaying and nest-building during the month. The only thother scarce raptor report during the month concerned a , seen near Hurn onth 24 . An flew past Hengistbury Head and later settled on Stanpit Marsh (24 ). 2010 turnedAlpine out to Swift be a poor year for sightings of white-winged gulls overall.st Hoopoes The thput in an appearance over Weymouth againWryneck (1 ), whilst another was seen over Durlston (11 ). were recorded at Portland, Langton Matravers, Rodden Hiveth and WestSubalpine Bexington. Warbler There was a rare spring record to of25 a - near BeaminsterSerins (4 ). th th A male was at Wick (24 ) and there were several recorded, with birds turning up at Brownsea Island, Christchurch, Durlston and Portland.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 9

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 9 17/07/2012 11:51 May Smew Great White Egret th th Honey BuzzardA redhead was a surprising visitor to Longham Lakesth (19 and 20 ). Radipole Lake’s second of the year turned up on 15 , whilst the onlyth passage Wood Sandpiperof the spring was over Honeybrookst Farm, near Wimborne (29 ).

A Yellow-legged Gulls at Stanpit Marsh (1 ) was an excellent spring record for the countyArctic Tern- autumn birds being far more typical. On Brownsea Island, Britain’s only breeding pair of were again nesting alongsidend the lagoon. The regular male returned to the Lodmoor tern colony (from 22 ), but failed to attract any of the female Common Bee-eaterTerns this year. . Red-rumped Swallow rd . Blue-th headedThe only Wagtails recorded this year was rdone heard calling overSerins central Portland on 6 There was just one recordedth th as wellth - at MealyDurlston Redpoll on 23 rdwere seen on Portland (3 , 4 , 5 and 12 Ortolan). Buntings were reported from various sites on Portland on several dates during the month and a was seen on theth island thon 3 . There were unusual spring records of at Portland Bill (5 and 8 ). June Gull-billed Tern th The major rarity of the month was Dorset’s 11 , which liketh the Bufflehead earlier in the year was first seen passing east off West Bexington (29 ) before settling around theStorm Abbotsbury Petrels area of the Fleet. rd The first Storm Petrels in what proved to be a thpoor year for the species were trapped and ringed overnight at Portland Bill on 23Marsh and Harriers25 . In fact there were no ‘normal’ land-based sightings of this year, with the only other birds recorded in 2010 being seen from a boat offshore. The Lodmoor continued to do well with the adults now feeding young in the nest. Ring-billedth Gull An odd-looking first summer gull was first discovered at Stanpit MarshYellow-legged on 24 and Gullsperplexed observers at first. Its identity was eventually resolved as a , which continued to visit the area regularly into September. Brownsea’s hatched two chicks, although only one of these could be seen later in the month and thereMarsh was Warbler no confirmation of whether the remaining chick eventually fledged or not. Red-backed Shrike th A was trapped and ringed at Portland Bill on 8 and remained thereth until the following day. A male th also turned up at the Bill on the 8 , whilst another male was seen at Holt Heath (17 ). July Gull-billed Tern st Marsh Harriers The only major . rarity this month was the which remained at Abbotsbury (1 only). th At Lodmoor the fledged 2 young, which were first seen on the wingWood on Sandpipers 8 st st Ring-billednd Gull nd th were recorded at Lodmoor (22 ) and Stanpit Marsh (1 , 2 and 12 ), with the latter site also hosting the 1 summer Serin on a few dates. th The only other scarcity recorded during the month was a at Easton (6 ). 10 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 10 17/07/2012 11:51 August

Red-necked Stint Very muchst a tale of two rare waders this month. The biggest news concerned anth adult breeding-plumaged , thseen and photographed at Ferrybridge (27 ). This was the 1 Dorset record and only the 7 Semipalmated for Britain. Sandpiper rd to 5 th th The other rare waderWood was SandpipersDorset’s 4 at Lodmoor (3 , although its true identityGrey was Phalarope only realised on the final day). Less rareth waders seen during the thmonth includedth at Bride Valley Fishth Farm (27 ) and Stanpit Marsh (183 Storm and Petrels 27 ) and a at Chesil Cove (26 ). st Purple Heron were seen from a boat feeding around the Shambles Bank off Portlandth (1 ). The year’sGlossy only Ibis flew north over Wick Fields and toup 14 the Avon Valley (28 ). . thHoneyth Buzzards The first of the year was seen at Stanpit Marsh (12th Montagu’s), although Harrier it also paid a brief visit to Poole Harbour, being seen at Holes Bay onth 13 passed over Christchurch Harbour and Blacknor, Portlandth (both 15 ), whilst a flew east over BarleycratesRing-billed Lane, Gull Portland (29 ). Wryneck The Stanpit was seen on a coupleth of occasions early in the month, but then becameMelodious more regular Warbler and predictable from 26 , visiting almost daily. The first .th of what turned out to be an excellent autumn for the species was at Durlston (from 30th ). The only of the year was trapped and ringed at Portland Bill on 9 September Great White Egret White Stork rd th A made a one-day appearance at Sturminster Marshall gravel pits (30 ), whilst a was locatedGlossy near Blandford Ibises (23 ). This bird eventually did a tour of central Dorset as far westth as Langton Herring, before settling down on the water meadowsth near Wareham (from 26 ). More were seen with 1 bird flyingth over Swyre (7 ) and presumably the same bird turningth up at Lodmoor the following day (8 ). Another was located at Stanpit Marsh (from 18 ), where it lingeredHoney into Buzzardthe following month. Montagu’s Harrier GoshawkScarce raptorsth seen during the monthrd included a which flew overth Wyke Regis (28 ), a over Linton Hill, near Abbotsbury Swannery (9 ) and a over St Catherine’s Hill (3 ). Stone Curlew Pectoral Sandpiper to 11 nd Wader records included the year’s to 15 secondGrey Phalaropes around centralth Portlandth (2 ) and a well-received th th in an Ring-billedEaston housing Gull estate (8 ), which then relocated to Radipole Lake (11 st). . were at Chesil Cove, Hengistbury Head and Stanpit Marsh. The long-staying at Stanpit Marsh continued to visit on an almost-daily basis until 21 Wrynecks Red-backed Shrike st Icterine ScarceWarbler passerines wereCommon well represented Rosefinch with at a remarkable 17 different Laplandlocations Buntings duringth the month and a th at Durlston (21 ). An Ortolan Buntings (7 ) and a (25 ) were trapped and ringed on Portland. were recorded from Durlston, Hengistbury Head and Portland, whilst were logged at various sites on Portland and also at Wick Fields.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 11

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 11 17/07/2012 11:51 October

Pale-bellied Brent Geese BlackAs usual Brants October brought the first records of scarce wildfowl returning . 2 Whooper to overwinter, Swans with numbers of th on the Fleet increasing asth the month progressed. 2 arrived on 8 and increased toth 4 birdsWhoopers from 18 flew through the rd entrance to Poole Harbourth (14 ), whilst 2 different birds spent just over a fortnight at Lytchett Bay (from 27 ). Another 4 were seen flying north over Portland (23 White-fronted), before settling Geese at Radipole Lake where they remained for a couple of weeks. to 28 th A flockth of 13 were in the meadowWhite at AbbotsburyStork Swannery (27 ) before departingnd east thover Weymouth Glossyon the Ibislatter date. A further single bird was Spoonbillsat Baiter Park (22 th and 24 ). Over at Wareham the remained onth the water meadows until 17 and the Stanpit Marsh was present until 10 . Up to 14 were around Poole Harbour throughout the month. Grey Phalarope

Stormy weather during late October producedLittle the Auk expected flurry of sightings, with reports coming in from Chesil Cove, Lodmoor, Lyme Regis thand Portland’s East Cliffs. Another storm-drivenLong-eared visitor Owl was a in Chesil Cove (29 ). st Wryneck The year’s only report of Shore Lark also came during this month, with one seenth at Weston Street, Portland on 31 . A lingered on at Hengistbury Head (until 9 ), but the month’sth star passerine was a photographed along the East Cliffs at Portland Bill (24 ) Yellow-browed- a real rarity in theWarbler county in recent years. 4 Pallas’s Warbler Yellow- browedTheth first Warblers of the autumn turned up at Southwell,th Portland on , whilst the first arrived at Portland Bill on 27 . Further were recorded to 19 at several coastal sites Pallas’sbetween Warblers Burton Bradstock and Hengistbury Head, but theth stand-outth record was a bird far inland in a private garden at MelcombeSiberian BinghamChiffchaff (15 ). There were 2 further recorded on Portland during the month. The only otherth scarce warbler reported during the month was a Great Grey Shrike on Portland (25 ). Rose-coloured Starling rd th Serins A arrived at MordenTwite Bogth (from 13 ) and a was Laplandnearnd Greenlands Buntings Farm, thStudland (3 and 4 ). Scarce finches includedth at Durlston (22 ) and Winspit (28Snow) and Buntings a at Hengistbury Head (14 ). The national influx of reached Dorset, with records from severalth sites,th including a small flock alongside the Fleet. were at Portland (13 and 15 ). November Whoopers st Bewick’sth Swans Wild swans featuredth with . Pale-bellied remaining Brent at Geese Lytchett Bay (until 13 ) and Radipole Lake (until 9 ). AnotherBlack familyth Brants party flew past West Bexington (1 ). 6 Pink-footed wereGoose at Spetisbury on 24 peaked atRed-crested 30 birds on Pochard the Fleet during the month and 4 wereth there allSmews month. The year’s only to 22 flew over Hengistbury Head (30th ). A long-staying drake th nd arrived at Little Sea, Studlandth (from 28th ). Redhead were at Lodmoor (19 ) andGreat Longham White Lakes Egret (17 and from 29 ). Glossy Ibis 14 Spoonbills th th A was at Lodmoor (29 ) and a was at Radipole Lake (29 ). remained around Poole Harbour.

12 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 12 17/07/2012 11:51 Long-billed Dowitcher Grey Phalaropesth Mediterraneanth Gull Dorset’s 8 th was a quality findIceland atnd Lodmoor Gullth (from 7 ) and Black were Guillemot at Chesil Cove (13 ) and Lyme Regis (2 and 5 ). to 22 Little Auksnumbersth increased to around 400 on the Fleet and an wasth at Avonnd Causeway (26 ). A was in Pooleth Harbour and Studlandth Bay (19 ) and were at Hengistbury Head (4 ) andHoopoe Durlston (30 ). Richard’s Pipit Barred Warbler There wasth an unusual winter record of , withPallas’s one being Warbler locatedth at Longham Lakes (fromst 25 ) and a flew over Hengistburyth st HeadYellow-browed (7 ). A Warblers was photographed at Christchurch Harbour (6Siberianth ), a Chiffchaffs remained on Portland (1 ) and another one was at Wakeham (20 and 21 ), whilst were recorded at Durlston on several dates. were at Portland Bill and centralGreat Portland. Grey Shrike

A th Lapland remained atSnow Morden Buntings Bog throughout and anotherth arrived at Coombe Heath (fromth 15 th). Others were recorded at Chamberlayne’s Heath (27 ) and Lower Hyde Heath (29 & 30 ). and featured at several sites again. December Bewick’s Swans Whooper Swansth ndst wereWhite-fronted at Longham Geese Lakes (27 ) and on the Fleet (several records, including 8 birds on 22 ), but the only recorded were 6 whichst ndflew Barnaclepast Abbotsbury Goose Swannery (1nd ). th flew over Lytchett Bay (2 ) and Christchurch Harbour (22Pale-bellied and 30 ), whilst Brent 3 Geese were settled at the latterBlack site onBrantsth 31 . The flock7 on the Fleet increased to a remarkable 85 birds (from 27 ) and there were still good numbersth of there as well. 4 remained there until Red-crested, with 2 birds Pochards then remaining into 2011. Long-tailed Duck Smew again staged a minor invasion, with records from Little Sea at Studland, Radipole Lake and Rodden Hive. Just 1 returned to winter in Poole Harbour, but were around in good numbers, with records from Abbotsbury Swannery, Bestwall, Christchurch Harbour, Cowards Marsh, Little Sea, Longham Lakes, Radipole Lake and SwinehamGreat White Gravel Egret Pit. Long-billed Dowitcher th The year’s seventh was at Radipole Lake (7 ) and the was in the WeymouthMediterranean area all Gulls month. Glaucous Gull The county record for Little Auk was again broken with at least 450Hoopoe birds present at Ferrybridge duringth the month. The year’s only wasth at Chesil Cove and Portland Harbour (25 ). A th was off Brownsea Island (5 ). The remainedWaxwing at Longham Lakes until 12 , when a sudden cold snap occurred. 2 Thend invasion happening in the rest of the country finally reached Dorset on and birds soon spread across the county. The furthest west that birds were reported was Bridport. Small flocks were the norm,th but larger numbers built up in the Poole area, Siberianreaching aChiffchaffs maximum of 116 birds (24 ). Great Grey Shrikes Mealy Redpoll were recorded at Radipole Lake, Portland Bill and at 3 sitesLapland in central Portland.Snow Buntings remained at thboth Coombe Heath and Morden Bog throughout. A was at Stanpit Marsh (14 ) and there was a further scatter of and recorded from coastal sites. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 13

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 13 17/07/2012 11:51 THE DORSET LIST

NBLetters - Species in brackets recorded indenote 2010 arewhich highlighted types of in recordsbold are requested for each species.

Mute Swan Ruddy Duck Bewick’s Swan Whooper Swan (B C M) Red-legged Partridge (A) Bean Goose (A) GreyBlack PartridgeGrouse (D) Pink-footed Goose (D) Quail (B C) White-fronted (D) Goose Pheasant (A) Greylag Goose (D) Golden (A) Pheasant (A) Red-throated (U) Diver Canada Goose (A) Black-throated Diver (A) BarnacleSnow Goose Goose (D) Great Northern Diver (A) Brent Goose (B C) (A) (A) (A) Egyptian Goose (C F&L I) LittleWhite-billed Grebe Diver (D) Red-breasted Goose (*) GreatPied-billed Crested Grebe Grebe (*) Shelduck (A) Red-necked (BGrebe C) MandarinRuddy Shelduck (A) Slavonian Grebe (B C) Wigeon (B C M) Black-necked Grebe (A) (A) (A) Gadwall (C M S) Fulmar (A) TealAmerican Wigeon (D) Black-browed Albatross (*) (B C) (B I M) Mallard (B C M) SootyCory’s ShearwaterShearwater (D) PintailGreen-winged Teal (D) ManxGreat ShearwaterShearwater (D) Garganey (B C M) Balearic Shearwater (A) (C M S) (A) Shoveler (A) Storm Petrel (A) Red-crestedBlue-winged TealPochard (*) Macaronesian Shearwater (*) Pochard (C M S) Gannet (A) (A) CormorantLeach’s Petrel (D) (B C M) Shag (I M) TuftedRing-necked Duck Duck (D) Bittern (B C I) ScaupFerruginous Duck (D) (B C I) (B C M) (A) Eider (A) American Bittern (*) Lesser Scaup (*) Little Bittern (*) Long-tailed (A) Duck CattleNight Heron Egret (D) CommonKing Eider Scoter (*) LittleSquacco Egret Heron (*) (A) Great White (D)Egret Velvet Scoter (C M) Grey Heron (A) BuffleheadSurf Scoter (D) Purple Heron (D) Goldeneye (A) (B C) Smew (*) White Stork (D) Red-breasted (C MMerganser S) GlossyBlack Stork Ibis (*) Goosander (A) Spoonbill (D) (C I M S) (*) (A) (A) 14 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 14 17/07/2012 11:51 Honey Buzzard Red-necked Stint Little Stint Red Kite (D) (*) Black Kite (D) (A) Marsh Harrier (A) Temminck’s Stint (D) HenWhite-tailed Harrier Eagle (*) PectoralWhite-rumped Sandpiper Sandpiper (D) (A) Baird’s Sandpiper (*) Montagu’s Harrier (A) Curlew Sandpiper (D) GoshawkPallid Harrier (*) Sharp-tailedPurple Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) Sparrowhawk (D) Dunlin (A) Buzzard (D) (A) (B M) (C M) Osprey (B C M) Stilt Sandpiper (*) KestrelRough-legged Buzzard (D) RuffBroad-billed Sandpiper (*) (A) JackBuff-breasted Snipe Sandpiper (D) Merlin (B M) Snipe (A) HobbyRed-footed Falcon (D) (A) (A) Long-billed (B C M) Dowitcher Peregrine (A) WoodcockGreat Snipe (*) WaterGyr Falcon Rail (*) Black-tailed Godwit (*) (B I) Bar-tailed Godwit(A) (B C M) Whimbrel (C M) Spotted Crake (D) Curlew (C M) Little Crake (*) (C F&L M) MoorhenBaillon’s Crake (*) (B C M) Corncrake (D) CommonUpland Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) Coot (B C M) Terek Sandpiper (*) Allen’s Gallinule (*) Green Sandpiper (C M W) (B C M) Spotted Sandpiper Redshank (*) Crane (D) Greenshank (C M) OystercatcherLittle Bustard (*) (C M) Great Bustard (*) (C M) Avocet (B C M) WoodLesser SandpiperYellowlegs (*) Stone-curlewBlack-winged Stilt (*) RedshankMarsh Sandpiper (*) (A) Turnstone (A) (A) (B C M) LittleCream-coloured Ringed Plover Courser (*) (C M) RingedCollared Plover Pratincole (*) GreyWilson’s Phalarope Phalarope (*) (A) PomarineRed-necked Skua Phalarope (D) (B C M) Arctic Skua (A) Kentish Plover (D) (A) Dotterel (D) Great Skua (A) GoldenAmerican Plover Golden Plover (D) Long-tailed Skua (D) GreyPacific Plover Golden Plover (*) (A) (C M) KittiwakeIvory Gull (*) (C M) Sabine’s Gull (D) LapwingSociable Plover (*) Black-headed (B C GullM) KnotWhite-tailed Plover (*) LittleBonaparte’s Gull Gull (*) Sanderling (B C M) (B C M) Semipalmated (A) Sandpiper (A) (A) Ross’s Gull (*) (*) Laughing Gull (*) Western Sandpiper (*) Franklin’s Gull (*) 2010 Dorset Bird Report 15

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 15 17/07/2012 11:51 Mediterranean Gull Alpine Swift Common Gull Ring-billed Gull (A) Kingfisher (D) Lesser Black-backed (C M S) Gull Bee-eaterLittle Swift (*) Herring Gull (D) (A) Yellow-legged Gull (B C M) Hoopoe (D) (B C M) WryneckRoller (*) (A) Green Woodpecker (A) IcelandCaspian Gull (D) Great Spotted (A) Woodpecker GlaucousAmerican HerringGull Gull (*) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (B) Great Black-backed (A) Gull (B M) (A) (A) (B C M) Calandra Lark (*) LittleSooty Tern (*) WoodlarkShort-toed Lark (D) Gull-billedBridled Tern Tern (*) SkylarkLesser Short-toed Lark (*) (B C F&L M) Shore Lark (A) (*) Sand Martin (B C M) BlackCaspian Tern Tern (*) Swallow (D) Whiskered Tern (*) House Martin (B C F&L M) Sandwich Tern (A) Red-rumped (B C F&LSwallow M) White-winged Black Tern (D) (B C F&L M) (B C F&L M) Richard’s Pipit (D) CommonLesser Crested Tern Tern (*) Cliff Swallow (*) RoseateForster’s TernTern (*) (D) Arctic Tern (B F&L I M) Blyth’s Pipit (*) Guillemot (A) TreeTawny Pipit Pipit (D) Razorbill (A) Olive-backed Pipit (*) Black Guillemot (B I M) Meadow Pipit (A) Little Auk (B I M) Pechora Pipit (*) Puffin (D) Rock Pipit (B C M) (A) WaterRed-throated Pipit Pipit (D) Feral Pigeon (A) Yellow Wagtail (B C M) StockPallas’s Dove Sandgrouse (*) (A) Woodpigeon (C U) Grey Wagtail (A) Collared Dove (C M) White/PiedCitrine Wagtail Wagtail (*) Turtle Dove (C M) Waxwing (B C M) Ring-necked Parakeet (C M) Dipper (B C M) (A) Wren (A) Cuckoo (A) (A) Great Spotted Cuckoo (*) Dunnock (U) Barn Owl (B F&L M) Brown Thrasher (*) Yellow-billed Cuckoo (*) Robin (U) Little Owl (A) Alpine Accentor (*) TawnyScops Owl Owl (*) Nightingale (M U) Long-eared (A) Owl Thrush Nightingale (*) Short-eared (B Owl C) (A) Nightjar (A) Siberian Rubythroat (*) (A) BlackBluethroat Redstart (D) (A) RedstartRed-flanked Bluetail (*) SwiftEgyptian Nightjar (*) Whinchat (A) Common Nighthawk (*) Stonechat (B F&L M) (B C F&L M) (B F&L M) Pallid Swift (*) (B C M) 16 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 16 17/07/2012 11:51 Wheatear Willow Warbler (B F&L M) IberianGoldcrest Chiffchaff (*) Pied Wheatear (*) Firecrest (B F&L M) Black-eared Wheatear (*) Spotted Flycatcher (B M) Desert Wheatear (*) (A) RingRock ThrushOuzel (*) (B F&L M) BlackbirdGrey-cheeked Thrush (*) PiedRed-breasted Flycatcher Flycatcher (D) (A) BeardedCollared Flycatcher Tit (*) Fieldfare (M U) Long-tailed Tit (A) SongBlack-throated Thrush Thrush (*) Blue Tit (A) Redwing (C F&L M) Great Tit (B C) Mistle Thrush (B M) Coal Tit (U) (C F&L M) (U) Cetti’s Warbler (B M) Marsh Tit (B C) American Robin (*) WillowNuthatch Tit (D) (A) (B C) GrasshopperFan-tailed Warbler Warbler (*) Treecreeper (B C) Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler (*) Wallcreeper (*) (A) (B C) SedgeSavi’s Warbler Warbler (*) Short-toed Treecreeper (*) Aquatic Warbler (D) Penduline Tit (*) Marsh Warbler (B F&L M) Red-backedGolden Oriole Shrike (D) ReedBlyth’s Warbler Reed Warbler (*) Isabelline Shrike (*) (D) Great Grey Shrike (A) (B F&L M) Lesser Grey Shrike (*) Great Reed Warbler (*) (A) Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (*) JaySouthern Grey Shrike (*) IcterineBooted Warbler Warbler (*) MagpieWoodchat Shrike (D) MelodiousSykes’s Warbler Warbler (*) (B M) Blackcap (D) (C) Garden Warbler (D) JackdawNutcracker (*) Barred Warbler (B M W) RookChough (D) Lesser Whitethroat (B F&L M) Carrion Crow (C M) (D) (C) (B F&L M) Raven (C) WhitethroatOrphean Warbler (*) StarlingHooded Crow (A) DartfordAsian Desert Warbler Warbler (*) Rose-coloured (A) Starling Subalpine Warbler (B F&L M) House Sparrow (C M) (B M) Tree Sparrow (D) (D) (C M) Sardinian Warbler (*) Chaffinch (A) Pallas’sGreenish Warbler Warbler (D) BramblingRed-eyed Vireo (*) Yellow-browedArctic Warbler (*) Warbler Serin (C M) (D) Greenfinch (A) (A) Goldfinch (A) Hume’s Warbler (*) Siskin (C M) Radde’s Warbler (D) Linnet (C M) Dusky Warbler (D) Twite (B C M) WoodWestern Warbler Bonelli’s Warbler (*) Lesser (BRedpoll C M) ChiffchaffEastern Bonelli’s Warbler (*) Mealy (D)Redpoll (A) (B C M) (B M W) (D) 2010 Dorset Bird Report 17

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 17 17/07/2012 11:51 Yellowhammer

CommonArctic Redpoll Crossbill (D) Ortolan Bunting (B C) CommonTwo-barred Rosefinch Crossbill (*) Cirl Bunting (D) Bullfinch (A) (A) Hawfinch (D) Rustic Bunting (D) (B C M) ReedLittle Bunting (D) (A) Yellow-breasted Bunting (*) Northern Parula (*) Corn Bunting (B C M) Northern Waterthrush (*) Black-headed Bunting (*) LaplandSavannah Bunting Sparrow (*) (A) SnowDark-eyed Bunting Junco (*) TotalBobolink – 417 (*) (2010 – 258) (A) (A) Pine Bunting (*) Selected Identifiable Subspecies

Blue-headed Wagtail Pale-bellied Brent Goose GreenlandBlack Brant White-fronted Goose (D) White Wagtail (A) ‘Sinensis’ Cormorant (A) Ashy-headed Wagtail (D) Scandinavian (D) Herring Gull (A) ‘Intermedius’ Lesser Black-backed(A) Gull GreenlandEastern Common Wheatear Redstart (*) (A) Siberian Stonechat Chiffchaff (*) Scandinavian Rock Pipit (A) (A) Kumlien’s Gull (D) (D) (A) Continental Coal Tit (A)

Category D Species

White Pelican Baikal Teal Greater Flamingo Saker Wood Duck Red-headed Bunting Marbled Duck

Key

A B C All records D Breeding records F&L Counts of roosts, flocks or monthly maxima I Dorset rarities and scarcities (full written description required) M First and last dates recorded S All inland records U Migration or weather movements W All records from May to August * Unusual records (albino, behaviour, etc) All winter records National rarities assessed by BBRC (full written description required)

18 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 18 17/07/2012 11:51 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2010

NOTES TO SYSTEMATIC LIST

NationalThe following and termsInternational are used Importance:in the species accounts:

These terms are only applied to waterfowl: a nationally important population is defined as 1% or more of the UK population. An internationally important population is slightly more complicated: for wintering wildfowl it is 1% or more of the north-west European population, that is, the population wintering between northern Norway and the Straits of Gibraltar. For waders, it is 1% or more of the East Atlantic flyway population. Furthermore, Birdsa site is of of Conservation international Concernimportance (BoCC) if it holds Red andmore Amber than 20,000 Lists: birds in winter.

These terms are explained in the document “Birds of Conservation Concern”, which is available to download at – www.bto.org/psob The Red list includes species of high conservation concern such as Song Thrush and Linnet, Bird-days:while the Amber list includes those of medium concern.

These are usually given in monthly tables. The number of bird-days in any given month is the total of the day-counts of that species in the month, so if there are 2 Chiffchaffs every day in September at a regularly watched site, the bird-day total for September is 60. A monthly maximum is often included to provide perspective. Bird-days are normally used at sites which are watched regularly, as the bird-day total is of course greatly affected by the number of days on which counts are made.

For further information on bird population trends, the JNCC/BTO Breeding Birds in the Wider Countryside Report is of immense help. The report is a “one-stop-shop” for information about the population status of our common terrestrial birds. Users can quickly find all the key information about trends in population size and breeding performance over the period 1966-2008 as measured by BTO monitoring schemes. It not only reports on population trends over the UK as a whole, but also, where possible, within specific habitats and regions. An early warning ‘alerts system’ shows where there are worrying declines in population size or reproductive success, with special reference to species on the BoCC lists.

AbbreviationsIt can only be accessed used: via the web – at www.bto.org/birdtrends/index.htm.

CBs (Water)cress Beds m.o. Multi-observed (in relation to rarity CP Country Park records, where the finder is unknown) GC Golf Course SF Sewage Farm GP/GPs Gravel Pit(s) WM Water Meadows

The direction and numbersth of flying birds are often abbreviated in the species accounts - for example “30w on 12 Jan” means 30 birds flew west on that date, “12ne” means 12 flew northeast, etc. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 19

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 19 17/07/2012 11:51 MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor A common resident and winter visitor. The Fleet is one of the most important UK sites.

Breeding:

Widespread and conspicuous breeder, though probablyrd still under recorded. Records were received from; Abbotsbury Swannery (130 pairs), Christchurch Harbour, Dorchester Water Meadows,th Halstock (1 pair with 9 cygnets on 23 May), Hatch Pond (1 pair with 6 cygnets 25 May), Holes Bay (4 pairs),th Little Sea, Studland, Lodmoor (16 cygnets), Longham Lakes (1 pair with 5 cygnets 6 Jun), Lower Avon Valley (3 pairs), Poole Park (1 pair with th 8 cygnets), Radipole Lake (34 cygnets), Sturminster Marshall (pair with 2 Sitecygnets maxima: on 4 Sep), Up Cerne (1 pair) and Warmwell Quarry (1 pair fledged 7 cygnets). Sep Nov 36 23 32 90 330 135 60 22 10 110Jan Feb88 Mar84 Apr May Jun Jul Aug 172 Oct51 146 190Dec Christchurch Harbour 17 24 6 28 21 38 37 19 14 12 Poole Harbour 754 791 644 594 636 752 723 705 593 903 530 732 Radipole Lake OtherThe Fleet significant counts:

th Merley Hall Farm 45 on 14 stFeb. th Spetisbury 40 on the Stour on 20 Apr. th Sturminster Marshall GPs 55+ on 31th May and 41 on 26 Jun were the highest counts. Waddock Cross CBs 50 on 13 Mar. BEWICK’S SWAN Cygnus columbianus A scarce winter visitor, mainly to the Avon and Frome valleys. [Amber list]

First winter period: to 14 th th th East Holme 4 from 10 Jan, with 5 present on 17 Jan (4 adults and 1 juvenile). th Middlebere A singleth bird on 10 Jan. StalbridgeSecond winter period: 5 on 24 Jan.

th Longham Lakes 2 were in the area briefly on 27 Dec.th Spetisbury 6 were on the water meadowsrd on 24 Nov, but were flushed by a helicopter and flew south. The Fleet 2 were at thChickerell Hivend on 3 Dec and 3 were in Butterstreet Cove on 7 Dec. On 22 Dec, 7 birds (comprising 3 adults and 4 juveniles) were in Cuttcleaves Cove, with a further single bird at Abbotsbury Swannery on the sameth date. The final record was of 1 bird at Rodden Hive on 30 Dec.

More records than has been usual in recent years, presumably due to the cold weather. The birds on the Fleet are the first recorded there since December 2005 and interesting records from the northern part of the county perhaps suggest movement between Dorset 20and SomersetDorset Bird Report or perhaps 2010 Slimbridge.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 20 17/07/2012 11:51 WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

First winter period: J Down et al nd LodmoorSecond winter period: An adult was present on 2 Apr ( , photo). st SA Groves Abbotsbury Swannery 6 birds flew east (3 adults and 3 juveniles) on 1 Dec ( ). 2 of the adults had neck-rings, however neither the colour nor any lettering could be discerned. The following day a flock of 13 swans flew east along the seaward edge of Abbotsbury Beach. The observer felt they were most likely to be Whooper Swans, however the ID couldn’tst M be Morse clinched given the distance involved. Cogden 274 birds (2 ads, 2 juvs) flewS Robson west onet al1 Nov ( , photo). Lytchett Bay 2 birdsth (an adultth and a juvenile) were presentMa&Mo between Constantine Oct and 13 Nov ( th , photo).rd Poole Harbour Entrance 2 ads flew into the harbour onR Newton14 Oct (et al ). Portland Bill 4 birds (2 ads, 2 juvs) flew north on 23 Oct and were later relocated at Radipolerd Lake ( , photo). Nov Radipole Lake 4per birds Info (2 Services ads, 2 juvs) earlier seen over Portlandth Bill arrived on the reserve on 23 Oct, remaining until 9 ( , photo). Even allowing for some duplication, this constitutes the largest recent influx into Dorset - surpassing the 12 birds recorded in 2002. During the freeze of 1963, however, there were said to be about 200 birds on the Fleet and 64 in Poole Harbour during January. TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE Anser fabalis rossicus A rare winter visitor.

F Alway PM Harris B Spencer The Fleet A flock of 7 birds flew pastth Littlesea and inland over Butterstreet Cove on 9 Jan ( , , ). PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus A rare winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

There was one record: MS Andrews th Hengistbury Head 1 flew over on 30 Nov ( ).

2010 Dorset Bird Report 21

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 21 17/07/2012 11:51 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons albifrons A very scarce winter visitor, formerly regular.

First winter period:

Dorchester 1 with Canadath Geese on the water meadows near Coker’s Second winter period: Frome on 16 Feb. - 28 th th Abbotsbury Swannery 13 in the meadow 27 Oct, which were also seen flying east overnd Weymouthth at midday on the latter date. Baiter Park, Poole 1 on 22 and 24 Oct.nd st th Christchurch Harbour 5 flew north on 22 Dec, a juvenile flew through on 30 Dec and 3 juveniles were settlednd at Wick on 31 Dec. Lytchett Bay A juvenile flew east on 2 Dec. GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser A rare winter visitor in the wild state and a locally common feral resident. [Amber list]

Breeding: rd

Brownsea Island 2 pairs with 8 young onst 3 th Jun. Morden Park Lake 1 pair with 5 young on 10 May. Poole Park 24 juveniles seen on 21 Jun. th SelectedSopley other records: 4 pairs with 7 juveniles near the Avon Causeway on 6 Jun.

th Durlston 1 flew past offshore on th17 Apr. Lower Avon Valley Peak count of 180 onth 7 Feb. Poole Park 38 adult birdsth on 11 May. th Portland 1 over on 28 Mar and 1 east at the Bill on 8 Apr.

Most, if not all, records in the county refer to birds wandering from the established feral colonies in the Avon Valley and Poole Park, although the spring birds at Durlston and Portland could conceivably have been genuine migrants. CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis A common feral resident.

Breeding:

Records were received from: Bardolf Farm (1 pair, 3 goslings), Chard Junction GPs (2 pairs fledged 10 goslings), Creekmoorth (1 pair), Dorchester (13 goslings seen), Holes Bay (1 pair with 6 goslings seen on 6 May), Lodmoornd (c9 pairs), Longham Lakes (1 pair), Portland (1 pair at the Grove with 4 goslings on 22 Jun), Radipole Lake (6 pairs) and Sturminster MarshallSite maxima: GPs (at least 3 pairs; broods of 6 and 12 seen).

th Abbotsbury Swannery 600 on 20th Jun. Bardolf22 Dorset Farm Bird Report 2010 491 on 19 Dec.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 22 17/07/2012 11:51 Sep . th Chard Junction GPs 83 on 12st th Christchurch Harbour 186 on 19 SepDec. . Holes Bay 171 on 1 Nov thDec. . Lodmoor 620 on th19 Nov . Sturminster Marshall GPs 75 on 6 thSep . Swineham GP 176 on 14th Warmwell Quarry 430 on 6 BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis A rare winter visitor, passage migrant and very scarce feral resident. [Amber list]

First winter period:

- 23rd th Arne 6 were near Patchins Pointth on 17 Jan. Bardolf Farm 2 birds were present 12 th Feb. th Christchurch Harbour c50 flew south out to sea on 5 Mar,th with 2 thereth on 8 Apr. Lodmoor 1 present on 6 dates betweenth 28 Mar and 8 Apr. Poole 1 was at Poole Park onth 8 Jan and at Poole Quay the next day. Portland 2w off theth Bill on 10 Feb and 17 were over the sea east of the Isle on 30th Mar (also seenth at Weymouth Bay). Swineham GP 2 on 13 Mar and 1 on 10 Apr. th The Fleet 26 flew in over Chesil Beach at Abbotsburyth Swannery on 8 Jan and 35 were at Butterstreet Cove on 9 Jan. A flockth of 35 were feedingst in fieldsth above Rodden Hiveth from 10 Jan, rising to 47 there on 14 Jan and 49 on 7 Feb. They were last reportedth on 21 to Feb.28 th Weymouth Bay 5 on 8 Jan andth 17wth on 30 Mar (also seen at Portland). West Bexington 1 present 26 Jan. th SecondWorgret winter period: 7 in the water meadows on 9 Jan. to 8 th th Brands Bay 42 birdsth present 6 Dec. Longham Lakes 1 on 12 Dec. rd th Lytchett Bay 42 in the far fields from 12 Dec into 2011. Portland Harbour 2 in flight on 3 Dec. th The Fleet 31 on the meadow at Abbotsbury Swanneryth onth 5 Dec, rising to 38 there or at Rodden Hive between th7 & 15 Dec. 85 birds were at Abbotsburynd Swannery from 27 Dec into 2011. West Bexington 38w on 2 Dec. Winkton 1 bird was with the roving Canada/Greylag flock throughout the second winter period.

This year saw a complete transformation in the status of this species within Dorset. It had previously only been recorded as a feral wanderer in small numbers, although genuinely wild birds have been suspected on occasions. Whether this year’s unprecedented numbers in both winter periods leads to the establishment of a regular wintering population or was due to harsh winter conditions elsewhere remains to be seen.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 23

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 23 17/07/2012 11:51 DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla bernicla A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Sep Nov 55 123 156 10 2 118 131 105 1144Jan 500Feb Mar220 Apr39 May4 Jun1 Jul1 Aug Oct60 321 884Dec Christchurch Harbour 1336 1086 108 2 1012 1530 2416 Poole Harbour CoastalThe Fleet/Ferrybridge passage: Bird-days Sep Nov 1 116 3 2 93 50 12 Jan27 Feb4 Mar13 Apr1 May Jun Jul Aug 5 Oct38 21 Dec16 Hengistbury Head OtherPortland records: Bill

Lyme Regis Two large flocksth totalling over 130 birds were seen in flight off the Cobb on 19 Jan. Branta bernicla hrota A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE First winter period:

th Abbotsbury Swannery The long-staying feralst bird continued to be seenth until 26 Feb. Poole Harbour The peak count was of just 3 birds at Baiter on 8 Mar. 2 thwere at Middlebereth on 31 Jan and 2 were in Studland Bay on 5 Mar. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 30 Jan. The Fleet Maxima of 23 at Ferrybridge duringth January, with the last Passage: report being of 3 at Littlesea on 9 Mar.

th th Portland 2w at Chesil Cove on 24 Apr, 28w on 25 Apr - also seen passing Ferrybridge, Littleseath and West Bexington. 3 were in Portland Harbour on 29 Apr.nd SecondWeymouth winter Bay period: 14s towards Portland on 2 Apr. rd

th th Durlston 1 on 6 Oct,th 11 on 13 Dec & 6 on 23 Dec (all passing offshore). Portland Harbour 4s on 29th Oct. Nov . Stanpit Marsh 2 on 4 Dec. th The Fleet Regularlyth recorded with a max of 30 at Littlesea on 29 WeymouthUnusual records: Bay 2e on 18 Oct.

Nov . The Fleet A mixed pair of Pale-bellied and Dark-bellied Brents, thalong with 3 hybrid young, were seen in the narrows on 13

24 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 24 17/07/2012 11:51 Branta bernicla nigricans A scarce but regular winter visitor. BLACK BRANT First winter period:

MO th The Fleet 2 adults remained thfrom 2009 until 24 Jan, with a single bird Second winter period: remaining until 15 Mar ( , photo).

th The Fleet 2 adults were first reportedth onMO th8 Oct and 4 birds were present between 18th Oct and 7 Dec. 2 birds then remained in the area until 5 Mar 2011 ( , photo). EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca A scarce feral visitor.

All records:

th Nov . Avon Causeway 13 on 7th Feb. Nov . Bestwall Marshes 1 on 11th th Sep . Christchurch Harbour 3 on 16 Oct and 10n onth 7 th Cowards Marsh 2 ads andth 6 juvs on 16 Jul, with 14 birds there on 15 Hatch Pond 1n on 17th Oct. Longham Lakes 3 on 27th May. rd Lulworth Lake 2 on 30 Jan. th th Swineham GP Up to 5 thpresent between 15 & 23 May and 1 on 17 Oct. Waddock Cross CBs 2 on 20th Jan. th Winkton 2 on 28 and 30 Dec.

A report of probable breeding by 2 pairs at Wattons Ford on the Avon would constitute the first breeding record for Dorset however, as the river is the county boundary here, there is no way of knowing whether the birds bred in Dorset or Hampshire. The breeding site of the family party recorded at Cowards Marsh is similarly unknown. SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna A localised breeding species and numerous winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

st Records were received from: Abbotsbury Swanneryth (3 pairs),rd Brands Bay (2 pairs with 9 20juvs on 1 Jun), Brownsea Island (11 juvs on 16 Jul), Holes Bay (9 juvs), Lodmoor (3 pairs), Lytchettth Bay (3 pairs), Middlebere (4 pairs with 41 juvs on 23 Jun), Rodden Hive (7 juvs on Site Aug)maxima: and Wytch Channel. Sep Nov 22 26 42 24 33 33 21 2 2 1 4 9 507Jan 658Feb Mar410 135Apr May84 Jun Jul Aug 124 119Oct 227 897Dec Christchurch Harbour 33 40 57 76 37 27 33 2 6 3 3 33 Poole Harbour The Fleet 2010 Dorset Bird Report 25

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 25 17/07/2012 11:51 Coastal passage: Sep Nov 1 28 3 2 1 53 Jan11 Feb Mar1 Apr32 May21 Jun Jul Aug Oct 7 Dec Hengistbury Head UnusualPortland Bill records:

th Arne On 26 Jan a Shelduck was reported as being killed and eaten by a Common Seal! MANDARIN Aix galericulata A scarce feral resident, mainly along the Stour valley.

Breeding:

th Records wereth received from: Canford School (12 juvs onth 6 Sep), Delph Woods (female with 6 juvs on 25 Jun), Eyebridge (2 females and 3 juvs on 7 Jun) and Merley Park (23 ducklingsth hatched). At Sutton Bingham, 2 juveniles at the southern end of the reservoir on 27 Sep, Otherprobably records: indicate breeding in the woodlands there, which are mainly within Dorset.

th Nov . Abbotsbury Swannery 3 on 11th Oct. Nov . Avon Causeway 1 on 28 th Broadstone GC 13 on 28 th Chard Junction GPs A pair thon 8 Apr and up to 12 present in August. Hatch Pond 1 on 9 thDec. Lodmoor 1 on 10 Apr. th Longham 1 on the Stour on 5 Jan. Merley Park Maximumth count of 54 birds (undated).th th Rushcombe Bottom 12 on 4 Decth and 2 on bothth 12 and 18 Dec. Tadnoll A pair on 17 Mar and 10 May. WIGEON Anas penelope A common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Sep Nov 800 1090 485 250 542 933Jan 621Feb Mar524 112Apr May1 Jun Jul Aug8 94 591Oct 543 299Dec Bardolf Farm 1504 845 42 6 14 96 1552 2744 Christchurch Harbour 2000 6000 761 15 6 5 7 180 1200 2000 8240 Poole Harbour CoastalThe Fleet passage: Bird-days Sep Nov 670 1 20 53 1032 Jan1 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 8 Oct 187Dec Hengistbury Head Portland Bill

This constitutes the largest cold weather influx since late 1991 when 15,000 Wigeon were present on the Fleet at the end of the year. 26 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 26 17/07/2012 11:51 GADWALL Anas strepera A scarce resident, locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

5 st th Theth only records received were from Lodmoor (6 ducklings on 15 Jun, 4 juvs seen on Jul), Morden Park Lake (juvs present on 21 Jun) and Radipole Lake (5 broods of 28 Siteducklings maxima: seen). Sep Nov 25 7 4 4 5 1 4 3 4 5 6 21 210Jan Feb93 Mar65 Apr14 May6 Jun Jul2 Aug 52 Oct72 54 Dec Christchurch Harbour 74 39 28 10 4 2 9 50 34 35 15 Crichel Lake 36 14 27 41 83 87 24 16 44 40 50 1 Hatch Pond 92 61 18 6 4 28 2 10 90 Lodmoor 130 20 17 12 15 54 40 100 128 72 58 250 Poole Harbour 150 24 29 6 1 358 Radipole Lake CoastalThe Fleet passage: Bird-days: Sep Nov 29 3 2 2 80 Jan3 Feb1 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct2 Dec14 Hengistbury Head OtherPortland records:

Little Sea, Studland A coldth weather movement produced a site record count of 219 on 15 Dec. TEAL Anas crecca A scarce breeding species, passage migrant and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th SiteThe onlymaxima: report received was of a pair with 8 juvs at Morden Bog on 30 May. Sep Nov 500 197 122 48 1 50 89 110 296 97 150Jan Feb44 Mar50 Apr21 May1 Jun23 Jul Aug60 13 100Oct 150 Dec80 Christchurch Harbour 1415 1046 446 170 130 360 464 944 2745 Lodmoor 106 74 55 35 10 113 62 200 200 Poole Harbour 540 400 195 47 80 104 461 479 1000 Radipole Lake 73 35 21 6 8 1 46 300 The Fleet CoastalWest Bexington passage: Bird-days: Sep Nov 2 44 166 Jan6 Feb Mar17 Apr May Jun Jul Aug1 7 Oct18 4 Dec53 Christchurch Harbour UnusualPortland records: Nov . th An unfortunate bird at Middlebere was killed by a Yellow-legged Gull on 26

2010 Dorset Bird Report 27

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 27 17/07/2012 11:51 MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos A common breeding species and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

SiteWidespread maxima: and under-recorded breeder. Records of at least 51 broods were received. Sep Nov 83 44 28 117 76 133 95 Jan65 Feb31 Mar21 Apr24 May32 Jun98 161Jul 120Aug 247 259Oct 300 Dec Christchurch Harbour 100 51 50 100 100 60 63 100 84 Crichel Lake 270 168 129 13 35 46 251 256 209 261 Lodmoor 400 250 300 115 200 250 250 350 250 200 136 300 Poole Harbour 82 81 97 182 182 144 97 Radipole Lake 475 339 227 159 170 285 360 505 640 462 523 593 River Stour 36 34 6 16 10 32 220 60 160 120 The Fleet OtherWimborne records: St Giles

th Bardolf Farm 200 on 7 Oct. nd Poole Bay 180w in 6nd hours on 2 Dec. West Knighton Heath 151 on 2 Jan. PINTAIL Anas acuta A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Sep Nov 280 159 5 1 1 1 1 6 231Jan Feb94 Mar13 Apr May Jun Jul Aug 10 Oct17 10 384Dec Lower Avon Valley 150 45 23 5 2 1 8 200 90 [NBPoole – The Harbour totals for Poole Harbour above include counts for Little Sea, Studland] The Fleet

The count of 384 birds on Little Sea during December was the highest in the Poole Harbour area since 2002.th Alsoth reported at Christchurch Harbour (highest count of settled birds was 15 on 12 and 14 Feb), Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lytchett Bay, Radipole Lake, West CoastalBexington passage: and West Knighton Heath.

Christchurch Harbour Monthly totals: 8 in Jan, 28 in Feb, 2 in Mar, 1 in Apr, 3 in Sep, 8 in Oct, 15 in Nov andth 65 in Dec (including the year’s highest day-count of 35e on 4 Dec). Portland Monthly totals: 1 in Jan, 2 in Sep, 4 in Novth and 27 in Dec (latter total included 24e over Ferrybridge on 5 Dec.

28 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 28 17/07/2012 11:51 GARGANEY Anas querquedula A scarce passage migrant and occasional breeding species. [Amber list]

Spring passage:

th Abbotsbury Swannery A drake onth 25 Apr. Chesil Beach 1s on 20 Mar. th Cowards Marsh A femaleth on 18 Mar. Hengistbury Head 5w on 4 Apr. th th Herbury Gore 3 (2 drakes) on 16 Mar, withth a single femaleth there on 19 Mar. Longham Lakes A drake was present from 5 Mayth until 9 Jun. Notton A drake was on theth Frome on 8 Jun. th th Portland Bill 2 pairs east on 16 Mar, single drakesnd on 25 th Apr and 16 May. Radipole Lake A pair were recorded onth both 22 Apr and 7 May, with - 19 a single drake thereth on 8 May.rd th th Stanpit Marsh 1 (fem) on 16 Mar; a pair on Priory Marsh from 12 Apr. AutumnSwineham passage: GP A female was present on 3 Apr. st th Sep . Abbotsbury Swannery 2 on the meadow on 31 Julst and ath juv ththere onth 11 Aug. th Lodmoor Single birds were recorded on 24 , 27 & 28 Aug; 2 on 7 Longham Lakes A pair thwere presentth on 21 Oct. nd th WinterStanpit Marshrecords: 3 on 9 Jul; 1 on 13 Aug; 4 on 22 Aug; 1 on 28 Aug.

st th Shapwick A drake thof unknown origin wasth present on the Stour on 10 Extreme dates: Feb, 14 Feb, 1 Mar and 14 Mar. 16 st th Mar at Herbury Gore, Portland Bill and Stanpit Marsh; 21 Oct at Longham Lakes (however see winter record above). SHOVELER Anas clypeata A scarce breeding species, passage migrant and localised winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

27 st Recordsth of breeding were received from Radipole Lake (1 brood of 7 mid-sized ducklings on Site Jul)maxima: and Winterborne Herringston (pair with 10 half-grown young on 31 May). Sep Nov 23 4 1 3 5 2 8 11 3 4 6 9 Jan59 Feb12 Mar4 Apr8 May4 Jun9 Jul2 Aug 5 Oct6 60 Dec45 Christchurch Harbour 87 24 8 2 2 24 Lodmoor 294 58 17 1 4 36 86 149 116 Lower Avon Valley 21 14 12 7 2 2 10 1 12 40 Poole Harbour 50 1 4 16 Radipole Lake 100 40 36 6 4 15 15 30 41 220 Swineham GP 44 45 30 10 2 20 20 The Fleet West Bexington 2010 Dorset Bird Report 29

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 29 17/07/2012 11:51 th The January count of 294 for Poole Harbour was from Brownsea Lagoon (on 10 Jan) and is the largest ever count from Poole Harbour, beating the previous best of 263 thin January 1994. The species was also recorded at Bardolf Farm, Bestwall Marshes (40 on 11 Nov), Bridport, Creekmoor Ponds, Critchel Lake, Hatch Pond, Littlebredy, Longham Lakes, Lytchett Bay, CoastalMoors Valley passage: CP, Shapwick, Sherborne Lake, West Knighton Heath and Wimborne St Giles.

th Chesil Beach A drake flew south with 3 Common Scoter on 15 Apr. Christchurch Harbour Monthly totals: 17 in Jan, 4 in Mar, 4 inst Apr, 3 in Aug, 20 in Sep, 2 in Oct,th 1 in Nov andth 18 in Dec. Durlston 4 on 6 Sep, 1 on 29 Sep and 2 on 31 Dec. Portland 3 in Apr, 3 in Jun, 4 in Aug, 1 in Sep, 12 in Nov and 2 in Dec. RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Scarce visitor from feral populations inland or possibly the near continent.

Remarkable influxes of this species were recorded in both winter periods, due to hard winter weather inland. Whilst the nearby areas of mainland Europe were also in the grip of icy conditions, it is more likely that the birds recorded in Dorset originated from feral Firstpopulations winter in period: the UK.

th rd th- 26 Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 8 Jan and 14 Jan.th Bardolf Farm A pair wereth present 23 Jan. Chickerell Hive Point 1 on 10 Jan. th Little Sea, Studland A pair were seen both here and at nearby Brands Bay on 9 Jan. The following day 6 birdsth (4 drakes andrd 2 females) were present, however by the 11 Jan only 2 drakes werest on the lake, and these remained present untilth 23 Jan. Lodmoor Singles drakesth were recorded on 10 Jan and 1 Feb. Radipole Lake A pair on 7 Jan. th Stanpit Marsh A flock of 11 birds were present on 7 Jan. th West Bay A drake was onth the sea amongstth a flock of Wigeon on 8 Jan. West Bexington A femaleth on 15 Jan and 20nd Jan. WestSecond Knighton winter Heath period: 1 on 17 Jan and 2 on 22 Jan.

th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 17th Oct. Chickerell Hive Point 2 on 7 Dec. th Little Sea, Studland A drake was present from 28 thNov into 2011. Radipole Lake 4 (a drake and 3 females) on 9 thDec. RoddenOther records: Hive 3 (a drake and 2 females) on 24 Dec.

River Stour, Wimborne As in previous years, up to 2 birds were reported throughout the year on the Stour between Canford School and Eyebridge. These birds are considered likely to have escaped from a local collection. 30 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 30 17/07/2012 11:51 Whooper Swan at Lytchett Bay - 4th November Shaun Robson It was an excellent year for records of Whooper Swans in Dorset. The above adult was present at Lytchett Bay along with a juvenile for just over two weeks and was the first record for the site.

Bufflehead on the Fleet - March Andy Jordan (settled) and Martin Cade (flight) One of two new birds for Dorset in 2010, this fine drake was first discovered on the sea offshore of West Bexington, before moving to the western Fleet, where it remained for around three weeks.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 31

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 31 17/07/2012 11:51 Sparrowhawk at Hatch Pond - 5th February Mike Coleman A widespread, but poorly reported, breeding species throughout the county. As usual there was some evidence of migration, mainly from coastal sites during the autumn.

Slavonian Grebe at Longham Lakes - 10th April Paul Corfield Inland Slavonian Grebes are a very rare event in Dorset. This superb breeding-plumaged bird was present at Longham Lakes for just over five weeks during April and early May.

32 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 32 17/07/2012 11:51 POCHARD Aythya ferina A rare breeding species and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Around 4 pairs bred at Lodmoor, with 5 broods totallingth 21 ducklings recorded. 1 pair bred atSite Radipole maxima: Lake, with 7 ducklings being seen on 15 Jun. Sep Nov 224 3 19 22 26 11 11 2 2 126 209 200 400Jan Feb6 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct12 15 400Dec Lodmoor 200 12 7 11 4 7 5 8 1 25 88 320 Poole Harbour 640 610 230 37 13 3 4 4 75 215 520 650 [NBRadipole – The Laketotals for Poole Harbour above include counts for Little Sea, Studland] The Fleet

Christchurch Harbour recorded its best year for this species since 1985, with the following totals (all figures are bird-days): 124 in Jan, 2 in Mar, 2 in Jul,th 2 in Sep, 6 in Oct,nd 7 in Nov and 238 in Dec. Peak counts included 44 at Stanpit Marsh on 7 Jan, whilst on 2 Dec, 75 flew west at Stanpit Marsh and 43 flew west at Mudeford Quay. 21st Birds were also recorded during st the yearth at Bardolf Farm, Crichel Lake (max of st 34 onth Feb), Durlston (3 passed offshorerd on 8 Jan), Hatch Pond, Longham Lakes (86 on 19 Dec), Lower Avon Valley (82 on 21 Dec),st Lytchett Bay, Morden Park Laketh (45 on 31 Dec), Portland Bill (including 70s on 23 Dec), Portland Harbour (30 on 25 Dec), Sherborne Lake, Swineham GP (peak of 125 on 1 Feb), West Bexington and Wimborne St Giles. TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula A localised breeding species, passage migrant and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Reports of breedingth were received from:st Abbotsbury (female with 7 ducklings at Gorwell Farm on 29 Jul), Chard Junction GPs (2 pairs fledged 5 young), Litton Cheney (2 females with broods of 8 and 6 ducklings on 1 Jul), Lodmoor (4 broods totallingth rd 22 young), Long Bredy (female with 2 ducklings at Lower Kingston Russell Farm on 29 Jul), Longham Lakes (133 birds including 51 ducklings from 9 broods were counted on 23 Jul), Morden Park SiteLake maxima: (2 pairs bred) and Radipole Lake (4 broods totalling 12 ducklings). Sep Nov 53 2 2 5 8 1 2 2 6 2 12 17 Jan38 Feb39 Mar20 Apr38 May48 Jun11 Jul14 Aug5 1 Oct30 41 Dec Christchurch Harbour 99 24 11 7 9 64 Lodmoor 200 150 108 56 24 23 27 53 2 60 96 165 Poole Harbour 400 236 157 142 27 34 36 10 240 328 253 401 [NBRadipole – The Laketotals for Poole Harbour above include counts for Little Sea, Studland] The Fleet

Also recorded th from Bardolf Farm, Creekmoor Ponds, Crichel Lake, Durlston (3 passed offshore on 30 Dec),th Hatch Pond, Higher Hyde Heath, Little Bredy Lake, Longhamth Lakes (peak of 144 on 19 Dec), Lower Avon Valley (excellent count of 127 on 19 Dec), Lytchett 2010 Dorset Bird Report 33

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 33 17/07/2012 11:51 Bay, Moors Valley CP, Morden Park Lake, Poole Park,th Portlandth Harbour, River Stour at Shapwick, Sherborne Lake, Studland Bay (singles on 7 Jan and 4 Dec), Swineham GP, West CoastalBexington, passage: Wimborne St Giles and West Knighton Heath.

Christchurch Harbour Movements were recorded as follows: 13 in Jan, 3 in Mar, 15 in May, 9 in Aug, 2nd in Sep, 2 in Oct, 2 thin Nov, c168 in Dec (including 79w on 2 Dec and c50 on 8 Dec). Portland 3 in Jan, 3 in Mar, 12 in Apr, 3 in May, 1 in Aug, 1 in Nov and 9 in Dec. SCAUP Aythya marila A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Site maxima: Sep Nov 14 9 9 2 4 8 27 Jan3 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct2 6 Dec16 Abbotsbury Swannery 4 3 4 4 5 Lodmoor OtherSwineham records: GP

st th th Christchurch Harbour Singles on 6 Jan andnd 7 Feb. December records as follows: 63w on 1 , 22wth on 2 , 3 at Stanpit - 12 Marsh and 1 over the harbourth on 4 , 1 in the harbourth andth 2 off Mudeford Quayth on , 1 settledth in the harbour 7 , with 2 ththere on 8 and 3 on 9 . A furtherrd single bird arrived on 18 and remained into 2011. Ferrybridge 1 flew overth on 3 Dec. th Little Sea, Studland 3 on 10th Jan andst 1 on 8 Dec. Longham Lakes 121 on 12 Dec. st Poole Harbour 2 offth Arneth on 1 Jan, a single there on several dates between & 20 Jan and 3 there onth 21 Jan. Further singles thwere at Bramble Bush Bay on 17 Jan and Poole Park on 18 Jan. Later in the year, 1 - 3 birds wereth present inth either Brands or Bramble Bush Bays betweenth 16 Nov and 9 Dec, with one found31st dead there on the th10 Dec. Away from those sites, a pair wererd off Baiter on 7 Dec and a drake was in Holes Bay on Dec. Portland Harbour 12 on 23 Dec.th th - 20 th th nd Radipole Lake 1 present on 5 , 13th and th29 Jan; 2 on 24 Nov andth 2 Dec and then 1 from 15 Dec, with 3 there on 19 Dec. The Fleet Away from the western Fleet (see Abbotsbury Swannery in the table above),th there wereth records from Butterstreetrd Coveth rd (3 on 10 Jan and 2 onth 14 th Jan),rd Herburyth Gore (5 on 4 Dec) and Littleseath (2 on 17 &nd 27 to Jan, 19 1 on 14 & 23 th Nov and 3 Dec, 5 on 4 Dec, 4 on 22 nd& 23 Decth and 6 on 26 Dec). West Bexington A drake was present 2 Feb.

34 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 34 17/07/2012 11:51 EIDER Somateria mollissima A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Monthly totals: Bird-days: Sep Nov 4 2 2 10 9 26 Jan2 Feb1 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec14 Hengistbury Head OtherPortland records: (all sites)

th th th Durlston Singles passed offshore on 11th , 17 and 25st Dec. Lyme Regis A drake was offshore on 28 Dec. th Poole Harbour 1 female was off Bramble Bushth Bay from 1 Jan to 6 Feb. 12 were recorded there on 13 Nov, with a total ofst 14 birds 18around the Studlandth peninsula the following day. A single bird wasth present on - 11 15 Nov, with 2 there on both 21 Nov and Dec. th th Portland Bill 1 offshore 5 th Dec.th Portland Harbour 1 present 27nd Feb to 18 thApr. 10 different individual recorded between 22 Nov and 26 Dec. Studland Bay Single birds were recordedrd there on 3 datesth in Jan, 2 dates in Mar and 3 dates in Dec, withth 2 there on 20 Feb. West Bexington 1 offshore on both 3 and 4 Dec. LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

First winter period: st rd Poole Harbour 4 were recorded from the bird boat on 1 Jan, with 3 in the South Deeps the following day and 3 at Brands Bay onnd 3 Jan. 1 - 2 birds were then recordedth regularly until 2 Mar. A female on Brownsea Lagoon on 10 Apr was notable. 1 off Coastal passage: Arne the following day may well have been the same bird. rd Nov . rd Chesil Cove 1 on 3 Ferrybridge 1 on 23 th Apr. th SecondHengistbury winter Head period: 1w on 9 Jan and 29 Nov. The first records here since 2007. st

nd th Poole Harbour A single bird was recorded off Arne on 21 , 22 and 30 Dec.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 35

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 35 17/07/2012 11:51 COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra A common offshore passage migrant, and regular winter visitor. [Red list]

Settled flocks/birds:

Hengistbury Head The max monthly to 22 count of settledth birdsth was of 20 Nov in January. . Poole Harbour 1 at Brambleth Bushnd Bay on 7 and 14 Jan. 2 in theth same area from 14 Nov,rd with Nov 1. remaining until 28 th Portland Bill Up to 51th settled off Portland Bill from 2009 until 12 Mar. Portland Harbour 6 on 24 Jun, 1 onth 23st to th26 St Aldhelm’s Head 215e between Nov 20 to & 3125st Apr.th th Studland Bay 14 - 2 birds presentth 1 Jan; 1 on 25 Oct, then recorded regularlyth th 17 th Dec, with peak counts of 8 birds on , 8 and 14 Dec. th th The Fleet 6 at Butterstreetth Cove between 10 & 15 Jan; 2 at Littlesea on 28 Jan. th Weymouth Bay Peak count in the bay was ofth 24 birds on 12 Feb. A pair were Coastal passage: seen displaying there on 24 Jan. Monthly totals: Sep Nov 6 147 274 22 18 10 1 11 5 29 Jan43 Feb31 Mar84 Apr63 May28 Jun18 Jul55 Aug79 82 Oct72 32 Dec35 Chesil Beach 47 20 42 120 217 3 162 86 26 123 107 18 Durlston 52 620 1231 501 220 692 567 386 235 111 66 Hengistbury Head 5 30 39 85 5 16 12 35 7 10 Portland Bill West Bexington rd th th Also recorded past or offshore of: Abbotsbury Beach (peaks of 35 on 10 Apr and 40 on 29 Apr), Ballard Down (28 past on 3 Jun), Burton Bradstock, Chesil Beach (off Rodden Hive, Camp Road and Ferrybridge), East Bexington and South Haven. VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

All records: rd

Abbotsbury Beach 1nw on 23 Jan. th Ferrybridge 301 flew over amongstst a flock ofth Pochardth on 4 Dec.th Nov . 5 Hengistbury Head Singlesth birds flew east on 11 Jan,th 24 Jan and 25 thApr. 3w on 30 Oct, 22 on 31 Oct,st 3w onth 8 Novth and 3e on 19 wereth settled offshore on 25 and 26 Dec, with 2 settled on Decnd and 2e on 31 Dec Mudeford Quay 1w on 2 Dec. th Poole Harbour 1 at Brambleth Bush Bay on 24 Feb; 2 were off Brownsea Island on 4 Nov, Novth then . 4nd present off Brands/Brambleth Bush Bays between th16 & 22 Nov, with 3 there on 24 Nov and finally10 nd 1 on 28 nd th th Portland Bill 3 onth 2 Jan, 2 on 2 Mar, 2 on 24 Apr, 3 on 10 Nov and 3 on Dec.th St Aldhelm’s Head 2e on 24 Apr. 36 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 36 17/07/2012 11:51 st 18 th th Studland Bay 1 onth 1 Jan; 4 on 10 Nov, thenth 1 regularly from 12 Nov until Dec,th with 3 there on 10 Dec. West Bexington 1 on 4 Dec. th th Weymouth Bay Singles on 26 Jan and 6 Dec. BUFFLEHEAD Bucephala albeola Vagrant - no previous records.

An adult draketh was located on the sea just west of the Mere at West Bexington late in the morning of 6 Mar. Shortly afterwardsAJ Barrett it et flew al off east and was later relocated on the Fleet at Abbotsbury Swannery.th It then remained on the Fleet, ranging between the Swannery and Herbury Gore, until 30 Mar ( , photo). th This bird represents the 14 record of Bufflehead in Britain and is the first record in Dorset. A full account by the finder can be found on page 193 of this report. GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula A fairly common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Sep Nov 10 4 3 1 6 110Jan Feb31 Mar3 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct7 25 Dec65 Christchurch Harbour 45 50 13 8 70 Poole Harbour OtherThe Fleet records:

th Cowards Marsh 3 on 19th Dec. rd Lodmoor 1 on 5nd Dec. th th nd Longham Lakes 1 on 2th and 5 th Jan. 1 on 23 and 30 Nov and on 2 Dec. 3 on 24 and 30 Dec. Lytchett Bay Singles recordedth on 9 dates in the first winter Nov . period, with 2 there on 13 Mar being the final springth record. The only report laterth in the year was of 1 on 16 Portland Bill 1e on 10th Mar. Portland Harbour 1 on 5 Dec. th th Nov . Radipole Lake Singles on 10th Jan and 9 Dec. th Swineham GP A drake on 7 Nov and a fem/juvth on 14 West Bay A pair onth the river Brit on 25 Dec. West Bexington 1 on 29th Dec.th Weymouth Bay 1 on 4 and 6 Dec.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 37

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 37 17/07/2012 11:51 SMEW Mergellus albellus A rare winter visitor, mainly in harsh conditions. [Amber list]

- 12 The best series of records since the last major influx in winter 1996/7. The vast thmajorityth of Firstbirds winterwere redheads, period: with the only drake recorded being 1 at Abbotsbury on 10 Jan.

th th Abbotsbury Swannery 5 (1 drake, 4 redheads)th on 10 and 11 Jan, with 4 (1 drake,th 3 Second winter period (all birdsredheads) recorded there wereon 12 redheads): Jan and 1 redhead there on 13 Jan. - 23rd th th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 present 9 Dec, withth 2 there on 24 Dec. Bestwall Marshes 1 on the river Frome on 24 Dec. th Christchurch 2 on ththe sea off Avon Beach and at Stanpit Marsh on 4 Dec. On 6 Dec, 1 was seen flying north on two occasions, but it was notst clear whether 1 or 2 birds were involved. Cowards Marsh 1 was present tofor 22 the Novfinal . few days of the year and into 2011. Little Sea, Studland 1 on 1 Dec. th nd Lodmoor 1 presentth 19 th Longham Lakes 1 on 17 Nov,th then 1 regularly from 29 Nov. Ath second bird arrivednd on 8 Dec and 4 werest present from 29 Dec into 2011. Radipole Lake 1 on 2th Dec. th UnusualSwineham records: GP 1 on 5 Dec, 2 on 24 and 31 Dec.

th th Longham Lakes An unseasonable redhead was present on 19 and 20 May. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator A common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Sep Nov 188 160 55 1 1 43 124 76 400Jan 400Feb Mar400 350Apr May3 Jun2 Jul Aug Oct40 400 400Dec Poole Harbour OtherPortland records: Harbour/Fleet

th Little Sea, Studland 1 was presentth on 4 Dec. th Lodmoor Singles thon 28 Nov and 6 Dec. st Longham Lakes 1 on 24 Oct. Shell Bay 55 exited Poole Harbour at thdusk on 1 Mar. th Studland Bay Maximumth counts – 35 on 9 Jan and 26 on 4 Dec. CoastalWeymouth passage: Bay 2 on 5 Dec. Monthly totals: Sep Nov 10 4 2 4 4 4 Jan Feb10 Mar2 Apr4 May Jun Jul Aug Oct16 66 Dec8 Durlston 1 4 1 1 15 9 Christchurch Harbour Portland Bill 38 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 38 17/07/2012 11:51 GOOSANDER Mergus merganser A scarce but increasing winter visitor to the river valleys and estuaries.

AnFirst impressive winter period: number of records this year.

th th th Christchurch Harbour 2 on 10 Jan, 1 on 13 Jan and 9n on 11 Feb. Lower Avon Valley Regularlyth recordedst on the Avon - max of 5 at Cowards Marsh on 26 Mar. River Stour (Mid) Recorded up to 1 Mar between Sturminsterth Marshallth and Spetisbury, with a peakth count of 7 on 12 Jan and 13 Feb. 1 at Canford Bridge on 12 Feb.

Also recorded at Durlston, East Holme, Hatch Pond, Holes Bay, Little Sea (Studland), Longham Bridge, Longham Lakes, Poole Park, Swineham GP, Throop Mill, West Bexington, WeymouthSecond winter Bay andperiod: Whitley Lake (Poole Harbour). to 31st th Bridport A redheadst was on the river Brit from 6 th Dec, with a pair further downstream at West Bay on 25 Dec. Christchurch Harbour 2 on 31 Oct, then 10 bird-daysth in Nov and 34 bird-days in 24Dec (peak count of 8 onth 26 Dec). Lodmoor/Weymouth Bay 3 onth the reserve on 16 Nov. 13 were off Preston Beach on Nov and between 1 and 12 birdsth were regularth eitherst on the reserve or offth the beach from 26 Nov until 28 Dec. Longham Lakes Regular from 27 Nov into 2011 - max count 15 on 31 Dec. Lower Avon Valley Regularly recordedth on the Avon. 9 flew north overth the Avon Causeway on 5 Dec.th 6 flew north - 5 at Winkton on - 31 9 st Dec. Poole Harbour 3 in Brandsnd Bay 16 Nov; 1 ndflew ththrough the harbourth entrance on 2 Dec; 1 in Holesth Bay 2 Dec and 26 Dec;th 4 off Baiter Park on 6 Dec and a remarkable 17 there on 14 Dec. Portland Harbour At least 30 different birdsth were recorded either here or at Ferrybridgeth from 13 Nov into 2011. The day max was 15 birds onth 5 Dec. nd th Radipole Lake 1 on 26 Oct, then tha max of 8 between 2 & 13 Dec, with 1 remaining until 27th Dec. River Stour (Mid) Recorded from 8 Dec between Sturminster Marshall and Spetisbury, with a peakth of 22 on the first date. 6 flewth past Canford School on 6 Dec.th 14 wereth at thPamphill on 8 Dec. The Fleet Singles at Littleseath onth 13 Nov, 4 & 5 Dec, at Abbotsburyth Swanneryth on 8 rd& 20 nd Dec and at Eastth Fleet on th24 Dec. West Bexington 4w on 24th Nov, 4 on 2 Dec, 7 on 4 Dec, 1 on 9 Dec and 2 on both 15 and 23 Dec.

Also recorded at Crichel Lake, Durlston, Hatch Pond, Iford, Moors Valley CP, Newton’s Cove, Portland Bill, Southover (Frampton), Studland Bay, Sturminster Marshall GPs, Swineham GP andUnusual Tuckton. records:

th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 flew west on the unseasonable date of2010 30 Dorset Jul. Bird Report 39

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 39 17/07/2012 11:51 RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis A very localised breeding species.

With the peak counts at both Abbotsbury and Lodmoor down to 4 and 3 respectively (from 9 at both sites in 2009), the prediction in the last annual report that a table for displaying Breeding:numbers may soon become unnecessary has proven correct!

th Lodmoor 27A drake was displayingth to 2 females on 18 Mar and a pair wereth displaying on 28 Apr. 3 small ducklings were seen on Other records: Jul, with up to 2 fully grown juvs seen later in the year. to 24 th th th to 31st th th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 present 14 Jan; 1 on 17th May; 1 on 8 Jul; 1 on 18 Nov. 2 to 4 birds were present 5th Dec. Christchurch Harbour 1 flew through the harbour on 6 Dec and was CHOG’s first 20record since 2000. th th Lodmoor Theth max count thisth year was of 3 birds on 18 Mar, 27 Jul, Nov and 26 Dec. th Radipole Lake 14 -2 birds present in Jan and Dec; 1 on 27 Jul. The Fleet Awayth from Abbotsbury Swannery, 2 birdsth were at Tidmoor on Dec and 1 was at Herbury Gore on 7 Dec. RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa A declining resident; the population is sustained by regular releases.

Breeding:

Underreported again this year, withth the only confirmed breeding being reported near Durlston (adult with 8 chicks on 11 Jul) and Wyke Down. Several pairs were noted at West Bexington and Cogden throughout the breeding season, but no proof of breeding was Significantobtained. counts (30 or more birds): Nov . th Langton Herring 100 (apparently Nov . released) on 25th Swyre Head 75 (presumablyth released) on 25 Oct. OtherWimborne records: St Giles 30 on 27

th Portland Bill 1 on 14 Apr is an unusual record for Portland.

40 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 40 17/07/2012 11:51 GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix A scarce and declining resident. [Red list]

As usual, releases for shooting add much confusion to the picture. Nonetheless, Maiden Breeding:Castle and Wyke Down remain the major centres for reports of this species.

th A pair bredth at Hammoon and a party of 2 adults and 5 juvs were seen at Wyke Down on 18 Alland non-breeding 24 Jul. records: st

th th th Ackling Dyke 2 on 28 ndJan; 3 on 11 Feb; 2 on 12 Sep; 8 on 31 Dec. Cashmoor 11 on 22 May. th Cranborne Covey of th54 on 12 Dec. Dorchester Rugby Club 11 on 24 Dec. th Gussage St Andrew Reportedth in all months except July; peak of 25 on 30 Aug. Horton 291 on 11th Jun. rd th th th Maiden Castle 9 onth 11 Jan, 11 on 14 Jan; 6 onth 14 Feb; 2 onth 18 Feb; 1 onth 31st Apr;th 1 on 23 Aug;th 6 on 27 Sep;th 11 on 6 Oct;th 4 onth 11 and 12 Oct, 25 on 18 Oct; 4 on 19 rd Nov; 4 on 4 , 12 and Dec.th th th Martinstown 2 on 24 thMar; 2 on 11 May; 3 on 23 Nov; 12 on 11 Dec; 11 on 19th Dec. Muckleford 1 on 20 Feb. th nd Portland Bill 2 in early Jan,th 3 on 11 Jan, 2 then present till 2 Apr, then 1 to 11 Apr; probably the remnant of the six birds releasedth there in Sep 2009. Sixpenny Handley 16 on 6thst Dec. Sutton Hill 1 on 24rd Mar.Sep . Up Cerne 6 on 21 Mar. Wimborne St Giles 16 on 3 QUAIL Coturnix coturnix A scarce summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

GenerallyRecords of an singing average birds year. in A birdpotential present breeding on Portland habitat: in the winter is an unusual record.

th Abbotsbury 1 on 15th Jun. rd Frampton 21 on 12 Jun. th Portland Singlesnd at -28 the Bill on 25 Jun and 23 Jul,th at Verne Common on Jun andth atth Barleycrates Lane on 20 Jul. SydlingPassage: St Nicholas 1 on 27 Jun. st Nov . th Portland Bill A 1 -year male was ringed on 6 th th A bird was present at Portland Bill from 7 Jan to 11 Feb. There is one previous winter record, from 1980. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 41

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 41 17/07/2012 11:51 PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus A very common feral resident; numbers are sustained by releases for shooting.

This species is substantially underrecorded, with releases for shooting confusing the Breeding:picture further.

Christchurch Harbour A very good season with several broods reported. No further details are available. Portland Two broods seen; noth further details available. OtherRushcombe records: Bottome 5 young seen on 19 Jun.

Reported as present from several reserves. Noted as increasing in the Lytchett Bay area. th Langton Herring 200+ on 18 Oct were noted as released. GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophus pictus A scarce feral resident on Brownsea and Furzey Islands.

The size of the Poole Harbour island population remains a mystery, however is still likely to be in decline on Brownsea Island as the pheasant’s favoured habitat of Rhododendron Breeding:thickets are cleared. st 22 Nond confirmed reports for 2010, however the sighting of a 1 winter male on Brownsea on Mar proves that breeding took place in 2009 (this info was not available in time to include in the 2009 Dorset Bird Report). Males were seen displaying to females on Furzey PooleIsland Harbouras well, but records: no proof of successful breeding was received. st th rd nd Brownsea Island 1 on 10 Mar; 3 (2th adult males and a 1 winter male) on 22 Mar; 1 male on 28 Mar;th 1 male on 3 May. nd OtherFurzey records: Island 2 males, 2 females on 17 Jan. 2 males, 1 female on 2 Apr.

Birds present in locations away from the self-supporting populations on the Poole Harbour islands are generally considered to be released birds. thNov . Abbotsbury Gardens 3 on 25th Oct. Grimstone 1 on 9

42 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 42 17/07/2012 11:51 RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata A scarce winter visitor and fairly common passage migrant. [Amber list]

This was an excellent year, with both Christchurch Harbour and Portland posting their second-best ever years. Differences in reporting methods make it hard to obtain a consistent picture, but it is evident that numbers were very good. Portland numbers favoured the first winter period, as did those from the West Bexington area; Christchurch 30Harbour observers noted that numbersst were fairly evenly spread across the two winter periods,th but this is somewhat skewed by a single day’s passage, with 142 birds passing on Settled Dec birds: (and a further 55 on 31 Dec). Bird-days: Sep Nov 72 2 2 1 19 16 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec CoastalCogden/West passage: Bexington Bird-days: Sep Nov 1 7 3 3 2 4 3 Jan75 Feb49 Mar9 Apr3 May Jun Jul Aug Oct6 7 132Dec Chesil Beach 186 65 6 2 31 278 Durlston 234 118 127 50 22 1 4 25 79 Hengistbury Head UnusualPortland Bill records:

th ExtremeLittle Sea, dates: Studland 1 on the lake on 17 Jan. 25 th th May and 16 Sep, both at Portland Bill. BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Much the scarcest of our divers. Scattered reports came from the length of the Dorset Settledcoast. It birds: was generally felt to be an above average year. Maxima: Sep Nov 4 4 2 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec CoastalPortland passage:Harbour Bird-days: Sep Nov 2 1 Jan2 Feb1 Mar Apr1 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec5 Chesil Beach 7 2 1 3 2 2 8 Durlston 1 1 6 1 3 Hengistbury Head ExtremePortland Bill dates: 25 th th May at Chesil Beach and 6 Nov at Portland.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 43

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 43 17/07/2012 11:51 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

SettledThis was birds: considered to be an average year for this species. Maxima: Sep Nov 10 10 10 10 10 10 Jan3 Feb3 Mar2 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct 2 Dec3 Portland Harbour 8 7 8 6 1 8 3 Studland Bay Weymouth Bay st to 27 th Two birds were present off Portland Bill thfrom 21th Mar to 11 Apr. CoastalOne bird passage: was at West Bexington from 25 May. Bird-days: Sep Nov 6 2 2 1 6 1 2 5 4 Jan5 Feb2 Mar2 Apr2 May2 Jun Jul Aug Oct3 3 Dec1 Durlston 7 2 2 7 30 1 2 2 Hengistbury Head AlsoPortland reported Bill from:

Chesil Beach, Cogden, Lyme Regis, Mudeford Quay, Osmington Bay, Peveril Point, Poole UnusualHarbour (manyor notable locations), records: Ringstead Bay, The Fleet, West Bexington and Weymouth Bay.

th Nov . West Fleet A dead adult was found on 9 Mar. nd WeymouthExtreme dates: 1 was seen flying high over the town centre on 2 rd Sep . th Peveril Point on 3 Jun and Durlston on 20 Gavia spp

DIVER spp Divers not identifiable to species were recorded as follows: Nov . th Christchurch Harbour 1 flew overth the harbourth on 7 th Nov . th Hengistbury Head 2 on 24nd Feb, 2 on 26 th Feb; 3 on 14 nd May, 1 on 16 May; 1 on 22th Oct; 1 on 12 Nov, 4 on 22 Mudeford Quay 1 on 16 Jan.

44 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 44 17/07/2012 11:51 LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis A localised breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

It is likely that this species is underreported, despite reports from many areas across the Breeding:county. Nonetheless, there seems to be a steady downward trend.

Reports came from 10 locations, with at least 17 pairs breeding and at least 26 young seen. (In 2009, at least 20 pairs at 13 locations hatched at least 21 young, fledging at least 9.) This seems likely to be a considerable underestimate of the Dorset breeding population. Overall success is hard to estimate as chick mortality is high.

Bardolf Farm One pair raised two young. Chard Junction GPs At least two pairs hatched at least five chicks. Cogden At least two pairs held territory. Hengistbury Head One pair fledged just one juvenile from two attempts. Higher Hyde Heath Two pairs hatched at least five chicks. Lodmoor Two broods seen. Morden Park Lake “Juveniles seen”. Radipole Lake Two broods were recorded. Warmwell Quarry Two pairs fledged a total of two juveniles. West Bexington At least two pairs held territory; at least three young hatched.

Birds heard calling at Hatch Pond in February did not remain to nest.

Also reported in the breeding season from Higher Halstock (Leigh), Holes Bay, The Fleet Siteand Wimbornemaxima: St Giles. Maxima: Sep Nov 16 10 9 1 5 6 9 17 32 Jan2 Feb4 Mar3 Apr18 May3 Jun6 Jul1 Aug4 2 Oct1 6 Dec9 Christchurch Harbour 56 28 5 22 32 26 43 Lodmoor 16 4 2 5 4 Lower Avon Valley 2 2 8 6 3 3 3 8 3 10 3 4 Poole Harbour 23 26 24 2 1 2 3 30 28 36 25 Radipole Lake 1 3 4 2 7 4 2 5 5 The Fleet OtherWimborne counts: St Giles

th st Abbotsbury Swannery 25+ on 11 Nov Jan. . th Ferrybridge/Portland Hbr Maxima ofth 14 on 1 Feb and 14 on 18 Nov Dec. . Holes Bay 22 on 15th th th st Longham Lakes 8 on 19 Sep;nd 11 on 10 Oct; 3 ndon 14 Lytchett Bay Present to 2 Apr and from 22 Aug; maximum 10 on 31 Oct.

Other reports (with maxima) came from Bardolf Water Meadows (5), Canford Bridge (2), Canford School (2), Creekmoor Ponds (1), Little Bredy Lake (7), Little Sea, Studland (3), Morden Park Lake (7), Poole Park (5), Sherborne Lake (1), Sturminster Marshall GPs (1) and West Bay (1). 2010 Dorset Bird Report 45

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 45 17/07/2012 11:51 GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus A scarce breeding resident and common winter visitor.

Widely reported from many sites across the county. Breeding numbers appear to be down on 2009, but winter records increased markedly at e.g. West Bexington. There was a large flockBreeding: off Southbourne again this year.

Numbers seemed to be down from 2009 (e.g. at Radipole, where 10 pairs tried to nest last year). Breeding was reported from 7 sites, with at least 13 pairs hatching 24+ chicks.

Hatch Pond Two pairs were present. One pair hatchedth at leastth two chicks from their first attempt (2+ chicks on 11 and 20 May), but it seems unlikely that theyth fledged. A later brood also hatchedth chicks (first seen 11 Aug, 2 part-grownth juveniles on 17 Sep). Lodmoor Two broods of 1 chick each seen on 15 Jun. Lower Avon Valley “About five pairs” were reported to have bred.st Radipole Lake Around 5 broods totalling 9 chicks were recorded. 7 large young in 3 - 5 broods were seen on 21 Aug. Sturminster Marshall GPs 1 pair hatched 4 chicks - onlyst 1 was thought to have fledged.th Swineham Gravel Pits At least 4 pairs nested. Two juveniles were seen on 11 Jun. One juvenile was seen on 31 Jul. Warmwell Quarry One pair nested. A juvenile present in May did not fledge. A second brood in Sep fledged three chicks.

Also reported during the breeding season from Abbotsbury Swannery, Crane Lake, Loddon SiteLakes maxima: (Gillingham), Moors Lake and Sherborne Lake. Maxima: Sep Nov 70 34 24 4 7 47 57 51 Jan22 Feb30 Mar20 Apr15 May2 Jun Jul Aug Oct7 12 Dec45 Poole Harbour 2 2 6 12 12 6 9 23 8 13 3 Portland Harbour 2 5 9 8 6 6 5 4 2 2 Radipole Lake 21 14 10 36 37 37 32 40 55 43 24 5 Sherborne Lake 12 8 8 12 25 The Fleet 14 2 11 2 3 6 8 Studland Bay 50 45 43 3 18 51 West Bexington Elsewhere:Weymouth Bay Nov . th th th Longham Lakes 33 on 19 Sep, 24 on 10st Oct, 15 on 14 th Lyme Bay 13 offshoreth between Ferrybridge and Abbotsbury on 9 Mar. Osmington Bay 62 on 24 Jan, 70 on 31 Jan. Poole Bay The flock which built up off Southbourneth in late 2009 remained into 2010, peakingth at 332 on 27 Jan (a new Dorset record) and 315 on 9 Feb, but dispersed by the end of the month. The pattern was repeated in the second winter period,th with a big influx. Around 200 birds were present on 25 Dec and about 250th birds present by the end of the year. 46Swineham Dorset Bird GP Report 2010 23 on 18 Aug.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 46 17/07/2012 11:51 RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Settled birds: Maxima: Sep Nov 3 3 3 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec OtherPortland records: Harbour st

rd Bowleaze Cove 1 on 31 Jan. to 9 Chickerell Hive Point 1 on 3 Apr (later in Cuttcleavesth Cove).th Christchurch Harbour 1 insideth the harbour from 4 Feb. Hengistbury Head 1 on 13 Feb. Portland Bill Passageth birds: 2 in Feb, 3 in Mar, 1 in Nov and 1 in Dec. Ringstead Bay 2 on 12thst Dec. South Haven 1 on 28rd Feb. th th Studland Bay 1 on 21 Mar; 1 on 8th Dec; 1 on 14 Dec. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 2 on 3 Feb; 1 on 10 Dec. 3rd th Apr at Chickerell Hive Point and 8 Nov at Portland. SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

Settled birds: Maxima: Sep Nov 4 2 4 2 7 Jan5 Feb1 Mar1 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct 1 Dec1 Poole & Studland Bays 4 4 4 4 3 4 Poole Harbour OtherPortland records: Harbour

th stth th Abbotsbury Beach 2 on 11 Jan, 3 on 25 Jan, 1 on 9th Mar. Abbotsbury Swannery One presentthrd from 31th Mar to 14 Apr.th Chesil Cove 5 on 7 Feb; 1 on 19 Mar, 2 on 30 Mar. Cheyne Weare 1 on 3 th Mar. th Cogden Beach 3 on 13th Mar, 1 on 9 Apr. Hengistbury Head 1 on 8 Dec. th th Longham Lakes 1 present from 7 Apr to 12 May. th Lyme Bay 2 offshorest th of both Herbury Gore and West Fleet on 9 Mar. Portland Bill 2w on 19 Nov Oct. . th Ringstead Bay 1 on 21th Feb; 5 on 27 Dec. Rodden Hive 1 on 20th West Bexington 2 on 11 Jan. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay Up to 6 birds throughout Dec. 12 th th May at Longham Lakes and 19 Oct at Portland Bill. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 47

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 47 17/07/2012 11:51 BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis An uncommon winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. [Amber list]

A remarkableth year. Studland Bay’s 2009 high of 37 birds was improved by the 38 countedth there on 7 Jan, but this paled beside December’s counts, which reached a peak of 65 on 6 Dec.Settled It seems birds plausible(including that WeBS these counts numbers as appropriate): were related to hard weather. Maxima: Sep Nov 38 20 18 1 5 33 65 Jan12 Feb20 Mar2 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct 24 Dec14 Poole & Studland Bays 12 13 3 15 Poole Harbour 1 1 1 1 Portland Harbour 2 2 7 3 1 The Fleet FirstWeymouth winter Bay period:

th LodmoorSecond winter period: 2 on 15 Feb. rd

th th Christchurch Harbour 1 from 8th – 13 Dec, 1 on 23 Dec. HengistburyExtreme dates: Head 1e on 9 Oct. 7 th th Apr in Studland Bay and 20 Sep at Rodden Hive. FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis A locally common resident on coastal cliffs and passage migrant. [Amber list]

The status of this species is very hard to assess, with one observer commenting that is significantly underrecorded. However, it appears to have been a poor year both at Hengistbury Head (102 records for the whole year; compare 114 bird-days for the single monthBreeding: of May 2009) and in the west of the county.

Reports of breeding were received from Durlston (11 apparently occupied nest sites), Portland (12 - 15 pairs, atth least 11 pairs successful) and St Aldhelm’s Head (3 pairs, each withCoastal a single maxima: chick, on 17 Jul). Bird-days: Sep Nov 1 5 49 21 2 5 6 14 Jan Feb1 Mar2 Apr12 May5 Jun9 Jul2 Aug6 2 Oct Dec Hengistbury Head CoastalWest Bexington/Cogden movements:

nd PortlandOther records Bill of note: 176w on 2 Apr. Sep . th Hengistbury Head 1 over Barn Field on 9 th Lodmoor 2 over the reserve on 28 Aprnd Poole48 Dorset Harbour Bird Report 2010 1 past Furzey Island on 22 Feb.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 48 17/07/2012 11:51 SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus A scarce autumn passage migrant. [Amber list]

AllA poor records: year, with a total of 43 bird-days across the entire county.

th Chesil Cove 1 on 26th Oct. th Hengistbury Head 1 on 6 thSep; 1 on 4 Oct. ExtremePortland Billdates: 1 on 26 Aug; 34 bird-days in Sep; 5 bird-days in early Oct. 26 th th Aug at Portland Bill and 26 Oct at Chesil Cove. MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus A fairly common passage migrant and non-breeding summer visitor. [Amber list]

A poor year, even compared to last year’s low numbers; Portland numbers were barely 40% of those for 2009. This impression is confirmed by other sites and observers; just a single bird passed Hengistbury Head this year (the average yearly count for the last 25 years is 91). Likewise, West Bexington numbers were well down from last year’s below- average counts (but more typical in their timing). It was suggested by observers there that the birds’ movement patterns might be taking them further offshore. However, Christchurch observers commented that weather conditions had been very poor and that Coastalthis had passage:undoubtedly reduced the number of sightings. Bird-days: Sep Nov 1 25 45 6 38 40 5 1 Jan Feb Mar14 2365Apr 2386May 355Jun 1102Jul 908Aug 3 Oct2 Dec Durlston 32 4 10 Portland Bill Elsewhere:West Bexington

th th th Abbotsbury Beach 13 on 10 Apr;th 1 on 30 Jun; th5 on 11 Jul. th Chesil Cove 170+ onth 25 Apr, 300+ on 30 Apr; 250 on 4 Jul. Hengistbury Head 1 on 14 May.th th Lyme Bay, off Chesil Beach 100 on 14 Apr; 106 on 28rd Apr. thst Lyme Bay Pelagic 1 seen 10 miles south of Lyme Regis on 14 Aug. Shambles, off Portland Bill Feedingth flocks of 20 on 23 Jul and 65 on 1 Aug. St Aldhelm’s Head 7 on 24th Apr. Weymouth Bay 1 on 20th Apr. ExtremeWinspit dates: 2 on 13 Apr. 26 st th Mar and 31 Oct, both at Portland Bill.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 49

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 49 17/07/2012 11:51 BALEARIC SHEARWATER Puffinus mauretanicus A scarce non-breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

A good year generally; Hengistburyth Head observersth recorded the site’s highest and second- highest day totals (28 on 9 Oct and 27 on 10 Sep) and the second-highest year total, with 59 records comparing well with the 65 of 2001. Portland recorded birds in January for the Coastalthird year passage: running, though greatly reduced. Bird-days: Sep Nov 2 8 2 4 1 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul1 Aug2 28 Oct28 Dec Durlston 2 3 3 99 468 91 21 6 Hengistbury Head AllPortland other Bill records: rd st 31st th th Abbotsbury Beach 6 on 3 Aug, 6 on 5 Aug, 1 on 15 Aug, 1 on 21 Aug and 1 on Oct.th Avon Beach 1 on 14th Jul. rd st East Bexington 5 on 9 Oct Sep . Shambles, off Portland Bill 5 feedingth on 23 Jul;th 26 feeding on 1 Aug. WestExtreme Bexington dates: 4+ on 5 Aug; 1 on 6

th th Single birdsth passed Portlandth Bill on 19 & 20 Jan, however all the other records fell between 26 May and 20 Nov, both dates also coming from Portland Bill. Puffinus spp

SHEARWATER spp Shearwaters too distant to identify reliably were reported as follows: th th Hengistbury Head 2w on 14 Jul, 1w on 15 Jul. STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus A scarce non-breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, subject to occasional ‘wrecks’ during storms. [Amber list]

An extremely poor year, with only three records. There were no daytime sightings at AllPortland, records: for the first time since 1981. rd

st th Portland Bill Single birds caught and ringed overnight on 23 and 25 Jun. Shambles, off Portland Bill Flock of 3 feeding on 1 Aug.

50 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 50 17/07/2012 11:51 GANNET Morus bassanus A fairly common species offshore throughout the year. [Amber list]

An underreported species, often present offshore in considerable numbers. Substantial movements were seen on several occasions, but overall this was not a good year, with ChristchurchSite maxima: Harbour numbers being the worst since 2002. Bird-days: Sep Nov 52 18 5 59 144 28 314 130 478 12 21 16 Jan6 Feb Mar Apr76 May47 Jun60 Jul37 Aug92 92 144Oct 13 Dec2 Hengistbury Head NotableWest Bexington records:

th th st Chesil Cove 400 on 30 Apr; 420+ on 29 Oct. Durslton 200 per hourth were passingth on 1 Jul. th Sep . th Hengistbury Head 60 on 14th May; 95 on 7 th Jul, 55 on 14 Jul;th 50 on 7 Aug, 50 on 25 thAug; 180 on 5 Sep, 292 on 6 Portland Bill 700 on 30th Apr. th StInland Aldhelm’s and brackish-water Head 123 records: on 24 Apr; 100 on 29 Oct.

nd Christchurch Harbour 1 passed through the harbour from inland on 2 Oct. CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo A common coastal resident.

Coastal passage at Portland was noted as low, especiallyrd in the spring; by contrast, Lytchett Bay numbers were noted as rising. The Poole Harbour flock was somewhat smaller this year, with a peak of 620 from a coordinated count on 3 Oct. A flock was present in Poole Breeding:Bay, off Southbourne, in December and was estimated at 200 birds.

SiteNo reports maxima: of breeding were received. Several colonies are located along the Purbeck coast. Bird-days: Sep Nov 53 69 49 65 60 70 57 43 75 Jan45 Feb21 Mar10 Apr May7 Jun Jul Aug 18 Oct23 13 Dec36 Christchurch Harbour 28 68 60 157 482 612 620 192 103 Lower Avon Valley 16 5 1 3 7 20 9 24 40 55 13 Poole Harbour 40 6 3 5 14 14 12 3 Portland Harbour 5 14 3 7 2 3 17 12 Radipole Lake 22 6 14 31 36 33 37 41 36 38 18 5 Sherborne Lake The Fleet th Sep . Abbotsbury Swannery Site maximum of 35 on 30 st thJun. Brands Bay Feeding flock of 160+ on 10 Poole Bay 141 off Southbourne on 31nd Dec. Portland Harbour Site maximum of 40 on 22 thSep Oct. . th th Wareham Channel Feedingnd flocks: 75 on 29th Aug, 217 on 4 Oct, 100+ on 17 Oct. West Bexington 13 on 2 Sep, 11 on 24 2010 Dorset Bird Report 51

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 51 17/07/2012 11:51 Roost counts:

th rd Arne 125 on 29 th Aug. th Brownsea Island 157 on 25 Jul; 482 on 23 Aug; 612 on 15 Sep – a county Inland records (10 birds orroost-count more): record.

Relatively few inland reports were submitted. Of these, those from Longham Lakes provide the largest inland records yet14 seen in thDorset. th nd Longham Lakes 35th on 19 Sep; 94 thon 10 Oct, 100+ on 22 Oct; 146 on 19 Nov; 12 on 19 Dec. th Lower Avon Valley First-winterth peak of 21 on 17 Jan; late-winter peak of 27 on Dec. Daily movementth along the valley of up to 100 birds. CoastalSturminster passage: Marshall GPs Peak count of 23 on 7 Jan. Nov . th Ferrybridge 26s on 12st st th th Sep . Portland Bill 81 bird-days on 12 dates from 30 Jul to 13 Oct,th including 16s on 31 Aug, 17s on 1 Sep, and 14s on 30 Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis

‘CONTINENTAL’sinensis CORMORANT

The status of in Dorset is hard to assess as Cormorants are rarely identified or reported to subspecies level, however a large proportion of the birds in Poole Harbourth are likely to be of this form. Two birds in a group of five seen at Portland Bill on 18 Mar were considered to be of this subspecies. SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis A fairly common coastal resident and localised cliff-nesting species. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Bred successfully at Portland Bill (2 pairs). The only news received from the Purbeck coast Allwas counts of 5 nests of 10 between or more: Durlston Head and just west of Anvil Point. Nov . th Nov . Chesil Cove 55s on 12 th Ferrybridge Peak of 14th on 13 st Green Island 55 on 30th Oct. th Hengistbury Head 35 on 6 Feb; 15 on 14 Apr.th 12e on 31 Jul.th Second-winterst period peaks of 30 on 28 Novst thand 25 on 25 Dec. Poole Harbour Entrance 92 flew thinto the harbour Novon 19 . Nov; 69 flew in on 1 Dec, 20 on 8st Dec, 81 flew inth on 21 Dec. Portland Harbour Peak count of 70 on 13 UnusualShell Bay records: 14 on 1 Dec.

th Holes Bay 1 on 29 Jan - unusual this far inside Poole Harbour. 52 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 52 17/07/2012 11:51 BITTERN Botaurus stellaris A scarce winter visitor. [Red list]

Severe weather in both winter periods undoubtedly contributed to both the number of birds and their visibility. There was a scatter of sightings in the late summer, perhaps of birdsFirst winterwhich had period: failed to breed.

rdth th th Arne Moors 1 on 17 Jan, then oneth on four dates from 30 Jan to 14 Feb. Avon Causeway 1 on 3th Jan, 1 on 11 Jan. Avon Valley 1 on 7 thFeb (a mileth north of Avon Causeway). to 9 Brownsea Island 1 on 14nd and 16 Jan. th th Christchurch Harbour 1 on 2nd Jan, then 1 - 3 birds from 7 st Jan. Hartland Moor 1 on 2 Jan. rd th Hatch Pond 1 - 3 birds present continuallyth from 1th Jan to 12 Mar,st with 4 birds seenst on 3 Jan, 5 Feb and 13 Mar, when at least two departed; -after 6 whichth 1 was seen on threeth datesth to 21 Mar. Lodmoor 1 from 1th Janth - 25 Mar, 2 seen on 24 and 27 Jan. Lytchett Bay 1 from 5 Jan was the third record for the site (the most recentth being in 1998). Middlebere 1 on 9 Feb.st th th Portland 1 at Barleycrates Laneth on 8 Jan (4 Portlandth record). th Radipole Lake 1 from 1th Jan to 20 Mar, with 2 seen on 20 Jan and 4 Feb. Sherborne Lake 1 on 14 Mar. th Spetisbury 1 on theth Stour on 17 Jan. Sunnyside Farm 1 on 8 Jan. th th Swineham GP 1 on fiveth dates from 24 Jan to 7 Feb. Tuckton 1 on 16th Feb. WytchSpring Causeway and summer records:1 on 10 Jan. st Sep . th th Hatch Pond Singles ndon 30th Aug, 1th Sep and 9 Lodmoor 1 on 22 , 25 and 27 Jul.th SecondOgber winter period: 1 with a damaged leg on 8 Apr. st

st Arne Moors 1 on 21thst Dec. Avon Valley 1 on 28 Nov, 1 on 21 Dec. Blandford 1 on 31 Dec.th Christchurch Harbour 1 - 2 on 24 Dec.th to 17 Christchurch (R. Stour) 16 - 2 from 24 Dec to end ofth year. th rd Hatch Pond 1th - 2 present on 4 dates 10 st Oct,th thenth continually from Nov into 2011, withth three seen on 6 , 9 and 23 Dec.th Lodmoor 1 on 21th dates from 27 Oct to 31 Dec, withst 2 seen on 8 Dec. Middlebere 1 on 11th Dec. to 12 st to 25 Radipole Lake 1 on 14 Nov, then 1 th- 2 continuallyth from 1 Dec into 2011,th with 2 -thst 4 present 10 Dec and again 21 Dec. Stalbridge 1 on 30 Dec. th Swineham Point 2 on 31th Jan, 1 on 6 Dec. Wool 1 on 18 Dec. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 53

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 53 17/07/2012 11:51 CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis Formerly a national rarity, now a rare visitor.

AllJust records: three records this year, all within the first half of the year. to 21st MO per M Dowty th Chideock 1 present 19 Jan ( ). Possiblyth the same bird was photographed at Bridport on 13 Jan. The photo was taken into RSPB Radipole Lake where the staff identified the bird as this species.JR Mitchell Neither et al the photo nor the details of theth observerth were retained unfortunately. Wareham Water Meadows 1 fromA McCafferty 27 Mar to 8et alApr ( th , photo). th Winkton The bird first seen here on 15 Nov 2009 was present until 5 Jan ( , photo). LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta A local breeding resident. [Amber list]

A conspicuous species, widely reported; however, breeding was largely underreported. Portland observers noted that numbers are much reduced from previous years; however, West Bexington/Cogdenth numbers were marginally up this year and the Lytchett Bay count ofBreeding: 29 on 25 Aug is a site record. There is a sizeable roost at Little Sea, Studland.

Brownsea Island No reports of breeding this year. Canford 2+ pairs were present during the BTO Heronries survey, but only one pair was though to have attempted to breed. Clifton Wood A single Little Egret was present in the heronry during the BTO survey, but there was no indication of breeding. Dudmoor Farm At least 7 apparently occupied nests during a BTO survey. Hengistbury Head Another record year; 8 - 10 pairs raised at least 22 young. Mid-Dorset Up to 12 nests were counted at a confidential site. Purbeck Up to 27 birds were present at a confidential site; no accurate Site maxima: detail of breeding success was noted however. Maxima: Sep Nov 6 5 8 7 5 4 3 4 3 6 Jan7 Feb3 Mar6 Apr May Jun12 Jul28 Aug31 47 Oct40 9 Dec1 Bardolf Farm 4 2 3 1 3 6 7 5 14 6 2 1 Christchurch Harbour 12 6 15 6 5 13 6 4 Lodmoor 2 13 3 6 13 29 21 11 5 Lower Avon Valley 26 30 29 25 150 105 66 76 27 Lytchett Bay 20 41 56 36 28 18 39 32 31 15 25 15 Poole Harbour The Fleet

54 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 54 17/07/2012 11:51 Inland records of 10 birds or more: Sep . th Bride Valley Fish Farm 11 on 5th Nov . Burton Fields 16 on 6 thApr. Longham Lakes 10 on 16th Milborne Port 20 on 18nd Jan. StRoosting Catherine’s birds: Hill 19 on 2 Jul.

nd Holes Bay 25 on 2 Dec.th CoastalLittle Sea, movement: Studland 150 on 25 Aug, of which about 75 arrived in a single flock. Bird-days: Sep Nov 2 1 1 8 2 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Portland Bill Nov . th Hengistbury Head 2 departedth south on 9 Jul. UnusualWest Bexington reports: 3w on 7

th Weymouth 2 in a Cranford Avenue garden on 4 Dec. GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba A very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor – 30 previous records.

Following 2009’s high of 6 records, a further 7 birds were seen this year. It will be Allinteresting records: to see whether records of this species continue to increase in years to come. L Chappell th AJ Barrett Avon Causeway 1 on 20th Feb ( D Croxson). Bride Valley Fish Farm 1 on 26th Apr (L Phillips ). L Phillips Lodmoor L1 Rickmanon 29th Nov et (al ). th N Quintrell et Radipole Lake al1 on 10 Jan ( ). 1 on 15th May ( , GP, photo). Green 1 on 7 Dec ( , photo).th Sturminster Marshall GPs 1 on 30 Seprd ( ). The site owners also reportednd that 1 had been present in late Jul and also on 2 and 3 Aug.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 55

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 55 17/07/2012 11:51 GREY HERON Ardea cinerea A common breeding resident.

Many reports were received from across the county. Portland had a record year, and West Bexington numbers were greatly increased. There was some evidence of dispersal from Breeding:Hengistbury Head.

Brownsea Island Seven nests, fledging at least five young. th Canford School At least 17 nests, with several young noted on 12 Apr. Clifton Wood 23 occupied nests counted. Dudmoor Farm Up to 12 occupied nests were counted. Hengistbury Head Three pairs raised eight young (one very late pair successfully raised two young). Mid-Dorset 40 occupied nests counted at a confidential site. Purbeck Up to 21 birds present at a confidential site, but no nest details Site maxima: received. Maxima: Sep Nov 4 5 5 8 9 2 11 3 4 2 Jan3 Feb Mar Apr2 May6 Jun13 Jul5 Aug24 11 Oct6 4 Dec Christchurch Harbour 10 12 12 6 6 10 8 4 Lodmoor 19 12 6 18 19 31 20 Lower Avon Valley 3 15 4 4 3 10 14 10 23 22 15 9 Poole Harbour 7 2 7 7 9 10 3 18 9 6 8 2 Radipole Lake 1 1 1 8 18 4 13 5 1 1 The Fleet Elsewhere:West Bexington

th th st Nov . th Bride Valley Fish Farm 30 on 29th Jun; 20 on 4 Jul; 26 (mainly juveniles) on 30 Jul; 21 on 19 thAug; 50 on 21 Brownsea Island 20+ on 14th Feb. Ferrybridge 16 on 30th Aug. Holes Bay 10 on 6 th Jan. nd West Bexington 11 on 30 Jul; 13 on 22 Sep. Total bird-days were up by 270% Coastal passage: this year. Bird-days: Sep Nov 7 1 2 9 13 10 19 8 10 7 4 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Portland Bill

The total of 90 bird-days is the highest annual total ever recorded atth Portland Bill. Nov . Bincleaves A flock ofth 16 seen to arrivethst here on 30th Aug. rd th East Bexington 179e on 30th Aug; 9e on 7 Oct; 2w on 6nd Nov; 1w, 3e on 7 Nov . Hengistbury Head 8 onth 15 May, 19 onth 21 May, nd2 on 22 May; 3 on 3 Jun,th 2 on Jun; 38 on 29th Jul; 7 on 2 Oct;th 1 off the sea on 27 WeymouthUnusual reports: Bay 1 off the sea on 4 Apr; 6e on 11 Apr.

th There were two reports of unusual prey items: at Brownseath Island on 16 Jul a large 56juv Black-headedDorset Bird Report Gull 2010 was eaten and at Lodmoor on 17 Jul a large juv Coot was eaten.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 56 17/07/2012 11:51 PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea A rare passage migrant.

As in the previous two years, there was a single record in 2010. DN Smith et al th Wick Fields 1 flew north up the Avon Valley on 28 Aug ( ). WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia A rare visitor and occasional escape from captivity.

There were two accepted records this year. th Wareham Area 1 was seen flying west over Arne Moors on 13 Apr and was relocatedN Hopperthe following et al day near Redcliffe Farm. It departed at around 3pm and was seen a little later flying NE over Holton Heath ( th , photo). A White Stork reported near Wimborne on 15 Apr may have been this bird, however that record has not yet been submitted. rd

Various Sites 1 was located near Blandford Forum on 23 Septh and remained on the water meadows there until early on 25 Sep. Later that sameth day it flew over Radipole Lake and the following day (26) it was tracked flying SE over Chickerell, Langton Herring, Osmington Mills and WarehamJ Adams et water thal meadows. It was then seen dailyth nearth Wareham until 4 Oct, with further sightings on 13 and 17 Oct ( , photo). GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus Vagrant and national rarity. Records are increasing.

Four birds were recorded this year. This species has now been records in 4 out of the last All5 years. records: R Collier th to 14 Holes Bay 1 on 13 AugD ( Croxsonth , thetphoto) al - same as Stanpit Marsh bird (presentth there 12 Aug). Lodmoor 1 on 8 Sep ( P Baker L Phillips, photo) - presumed same as Swyre bird.th to 14 A Hayden S Leishman et al Radipole Lake 1 on 29 Novth ( th , , photo). Sep to 10 Stanpit Marsh 1 presentMS Andrews 12 et alAug ( th , th , photo)th - also seen at Holes Bay on 13 Aug. 1 present 18 AJ OctBarrett ( B Spencerth , photo). Swyre 1 nearby on 7 Sep - presumed same as Lodmoor bird ( , , photo).

2010 Dorset Bird Report 57

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 57 17/07/2012 11:51 SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

It seems a long while since this species was a county rarity. This year, it was reported in every month from two sites (Brownsea Island and Middlebere). Numbers have stabilised Poolewith a Harbourconsistent records: peak of 14 in the autumn, and a single report of 17 in early January.

st There were many reports from the harbour, concentrated on Arne, Middlebere and BrownseaSite maxima: Island. The peak count was of 17 birds on 1 Jan. Maxima: Sep Nov 11 6 6 10 1 7 9 8 14 14 5 Jan5 Feb2 Mar2 Apr1 May2 Jun1 Jul3 Aug10 11 Oct14 14 Dec2 Arne 4 10 8 12 3 1 7 10 13 14 3 4 Brownsea Lagoon Middlebere

Other Poole Harbour reports came from Brands Bay, Holes Bay, Holton Lee, Lytchett Bay (the fourth and fifth records for the site), Studland Heath, Swineham GP, Upton, Wareham OtherChannel, records: and Wytch Channel. Bird-days: Sep Nov 10 4 3 1 7 Jan4 Feb10 Mar22 Apr May2 Jun1 Jul Aug 8 Oct8 Dec1 Hengistbury Head 1 2 3 2 1 Lodmoor Radipole Lake st st Sep . th th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 25 May; 1 on 1 Jun; 1th on 19 Sep; 1 on 21 Bryanston 2 veryth high south-east on 5 Jun. Ferrybridge 1 on 7nd Jun. Portland Bill 1 on 2 Jun. th th The Fleet 2 single birds on 19 Sep; 1 on 5 Dec. HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus A rare breeding species and scarce passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Birds were seen displaying at one location in late spring. There was no confirmation of Springsuccessful passage: breeding. th L Phillips

AutumnWimborne passage: Minster 1 over Honeybrook Farm on 29 May ( ). DN Smith th Christchurch Harbour One on 15 Aug ( ). This is the first year since 1996 that there have not beenG Walbridge two or more records in the Christchurch HarbourG Walbridge tharea. Portland 1 over Blacknorth on 15 Aug ( ). Wyke58 Dorset Regis Bird Report 2010 1 on 28 Sep ( ).

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 58 17/07/2012 11:51 Hobby in the Wareham Forest - 3rd June Mike Coleman The numbers of this species breeding in Dorset are hard to assess, but it is certainly not uncommon in the right habitat. The highest count from one spot this year was of ten birds loosely feeding together.

Glossy Ibis at Stanpit Marsh - 2nd October Peter Moore The status of this national rarity has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years, with birds now almost expected. Another 4 birds were recorded in 2010, including a couple of lingering individuals.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 59

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 59 17/07/2012 11:51 White Stork near Wareham - 2nd October Peter Moore After initially being located near Blandford and then performing a grand tour over central Dorset, this bird settled down for a couple of weeks on the meadows by the river Frome, southwest of Wareham.

60 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 60 17/07/2012 11:51 RED KITE Milvus milvus A scarce passage migrant, and increasing wanderer from introduction schemes elsewhere in Britain. [Amber list]

The upward trend in sightings continues, with 159 records in 2010, scattered widely across the county. As in previous years, there was a marked upsurge in sightings in spring and a comparative absence in autumn. A pair were seen displaying at one site and another pair were seen on a few occasions over suitable habitat, but breeding has not yet been confirmed and the paucity of records in some months suggests there is not yet a stable resident population in Dorset. 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Annual Red Kite records (2000 – 2010)

Records by month Sep Nov 5 1 15 44 35 20 7 6 3 7 4 12 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Jan:All sites

5 single birds recorded at Avon Causeway, Christchurch, Cranborne, East Holme Feb: (on two dates) and Stanpit Marsh. . th Mar: 1 record – a single at Spetisbury on 14

15 records – from Abbotsbury, Bransgore, Frampton, Horton Inn, Kingston Lacy, Lodmoor, Lower Avon Valley, Pentridge, Sandbanks, St Catherine’s Hill and West Apr: Stour.

44 records (mostly singles) at Abbotsbury, Arne, Ashley Heath, Avon Causeway, Bottlebush Down, Broadwindsor, Burton Bradstock, Butterstreet Cove, Canford Bridge, Canford Heath, Cerne Abbas, Christchurch, Cranborne Chase, Durlston, Fontmell Magna, Langton Matravers, Little Sea, Litton Cheney, Lodmoor, Middlebere, Parkstone, Puddletown, Radipole Lake, Rodden, Rushmore GC, Sherborne, Sixpenny Handley, St Catherine’s Hill, Wareham, West Bexington & Worth Matravers.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 61

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 61 17/07/2012 11:51 May:

35 records. 1 - 2 birds were recorded at Abbotsbury, Ballard Down, Bere Regis, Brand’s Bay, Bridport, Briantspuddle, Burton Bradstock, Cogden, Compton Abbas, Cranborne, Deanend, Durlston, Farrington, Holt Heath, Lodmoor, Portesham, Radipole Lake, St Catherine’s Hill, St Leonards, Sturminster Marshall, Swineham, Tincleton, Upwey, Verwood, Walditch, Wareham Forest, Warmwell & Jun: West Bexington. 3 at Abbotsbury, Bridport & Charmouth on single dates.

20 records, all of single birds, at Beaminster, Briantspuddle, Bridport, Caundle Marsh, Christchurch, Cold Harbour, Culeaze, Gould’s Hill, Ridgeway, Maiden Castle, Mapperton House, Powerstock Common, Semley, Shaftesbury, 6d Handley, Jul: Stalbridge, Stoborough, Winterborne Stickland, Worgret and Wyke Down.

7 records – singles at Beaminster, Bearwood, Bishop’s Caundle, Blandford, Aug: Rushmore GC, Tollard Royal and Winterborne Zelston.

6 records - Durlston (2), Hartland Moor, Stoborough Heath, Stourpaine and Sep: Woodcutts. . th th th Oct: 3 records - Corfe Castle on 19 ; Portesham on 26 ; 2 at West Bexington on 26

7 records of singles from Abbotsbury Swannery, Arne, Ferndown, Langton Nov: Herring, Radipole Lake and West Bexington.

Dec: 4 records – at Christchurch Harbour, Fiddleford Mill, Lytchett Bay and Portland.

12 records of singles, from Abbotsbury Beach, Abbotsbury Swannery, Bridport, Butterstreet Cove, Corfe Mullen, Droop, Langton Matravers, Lytchett Bay, Puddletown, Stoborough, Sutton Waldron and West Bexington. MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus A scarce migrant and regular winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding and Weymouth Reserves records:

Following last year’s successful breeding at Radipole Lake, an adult female and than immature male were seen displaying and nest building at Lodmoor in Mar and Apr. Onth 12 Jun the pair appeared to be feeding young in the nest. Two juvenile birds fledged on 8 Jul, one of which departed the reserve during August, whilst the other remained on site to the end of the year. 1 - 3 birds were regularly reported at both Lodmoor and Radipole Lake and nearby areas of FirstWeymouth winter and period: the Fleet throughout the year. st

th Christchurch Harbour 3 on 8 Jan, 1 on 31 Jan. Poole Harbour At least th2 birds present throughout the period, with peaks of 6 on 10 Jan, 4 in Feb, and 3 in Mar. Mainly seen at Arne and Middlebere, but also from Bestwall, Brands Bay, East Holme, Keysworth, Little Sea, Lytchett Bay and Swineham. Portland Two sightingsth in Jan. rd th The Fleet 1 on 17 Jan andth at Abbotsbury Swanneryth on 18 Jan. 62West Dorset Bexington Bird Report 2010 A female on 9 Feb, a male on 27 Feb, 1 on 3 Mar.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 62 17/07/2012 11:51 Spring passage: st

st th rd th rd Abbotsbury Swannery 29Singles on 1 Apr, 15nd May and 20th May. th th Christchurch Harbour Singlesth on 21 , 22 , 23 and 26 Mar, 19 Apr, and 3 , 8 and May. Poole Harbour 1 or 2 on various dates in Apr, May and Jun, mainly at Middlebere, Swineham Point and Wareham Channel, but also at Arne Moors, Brownsea Islandth andth Lytchett Bay.th th Portland Singles moving north on 24 and 25 Apr and 4 and 5 May. th th Also recorded on singleth dates from Cowards Marsh (27th Mar), Durlston (17 Apr), AutumnSt Aldhelm’s passage: Head (24 Apr) and West Bexington (7 May).

th th th Abbotsbury Swannery Singlesth on 30st Jul, 27 Aug and 12 Oct. Affpuddle 1 on 5 Aug. Sep . th th th th Christchurch Harbour Singles thon 31 Aug and 8st ,Nov 10 . and 11 Oct with 2 on 15 Aug, Coward’s Marsh 1 on 15 Sep th. Durlston Singles thon 20 Sep and 1 Kingston, Purbeck 1 on 25 Poole Harbour Most records came from the Wareham Channel where an toimmature 30 male was irregularlyst recorded throughout Jul; up tond 4 in Aug;th 2 - 4 present throughout Sep and Oct, with 5 from 22 Oct and 6 on 31 Oct. Portland 1 sighting in Jul then 5 records of single birds in Aug, 2 in Sep and 1 onth Oct. Sep . Sixpenny Handley 1 on 24 Aug.th th SecondWest Bexington winter period: Singles on 30 Aug and 12

th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 9 rdthDec. th th th Christchurch Harbour 2n on 8 Dec, singles on 15 , 25 & 26 Dec. Cogden 1 on 23 Dec. Poole Harbour Up to 5 present in west Poole Harbour area in Nov and Dec. Also recordedth at Brandsth Bay and atth South Haven. West Bexington Singles on 15 Nov, 30 Nov and 8 Dec. HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus A localised winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. [Red list]

FirstA somewhat winter betterperiod: set of records after the disappointing recent years. st

th th Gussage St Andrew A male on 6 Feb, a ringtail on 27 Feb and a male on 1 Mar. Lower Avon Valley There were regular sightings of an adult male and a ringtail in the Avon Causeway area during Jan thand Feb. Poole Harbour Many reports were received up to 8 Mar. At least 4 birds were present (2 adult males, 1 subadultth male and at least 1 ringtail) around west Poole Harbour on 13 Jan. Most2010 Dorsetreports Bird came Report from 63

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 63 17/07/2012 11:51 Arne, Hartland Moor, Holton Heath, Middlebere, Swineham Point and Wytch Channel, with 1 or 2 reports from Keysworth, 7Lytchett Bay and Studland Heath, A roost containing up to 3 birdsth was located in late Jan. Up to th3 continued at the roost until Feb, with up to 2 there until 18 Feb. th th nd Also recordedrd on 1 orth 2 dates from Abbotsburyth Swannery (10 th and 11 Jan), Burtonth (2 Jan), Christchurch (11 Feb), Durlstonth (8 Jan), Herburyth Goreth (8 Jan), Holt Heath (25th Jan and 3th Feb), Kingston Lacy (15th Jan), Pentridge (4 andth 5 Mar), Radipole Lake (18 Janth and 6 Feb),th Rodden Hive (15 Jan), St Leonards (19 Jan), Tarrantth Rushtonst Airfield (19th Jan and 17 Feb), Westth Bexington (11th Jan),th Warmwell Heath (15 Mar), White Mill (12 Mar), White Notheth (17 Jan), Wimborne (13th Jan),th Winterborne Kingston (1 Mar), Worgret HeathSpring GPs passage: (27 Mar) and Wyke Down (4 & 15 Jan).

st th Ackling Dyke A female on 12 Apr. Middlebere 1 male onth 1 Apr. Morden Bog 1 on 15 May. nd Swineham Point A ringtail on 22th May. AutumnWareham passage: Water Meadows A ringtail on 8 Apr.

th Christchurch Harbour Three ringtails went Nov east . through the harbour on 13 Oct and 1 flew east at seath past Hengistbury the following day. A ringtail flew westth on 10 Langton Herring 1 on 12 Oct. th th Poole Harbour 16Singles at Stoborough Heathth on 13 Sep, Middlebere on 26 rd Sep,th Hartland Moor on 14 Oct, in the Wareham Channelth on Oct (with a different birdth on 4 dates between 17 th & 23 Oct), at Middlebereth on 18 Oct, at Lytchett Bay on 20 Oct and at Arne on 29 Oct. th Portland An adultrd female flew north at Windmillsth on 12 Oct and a juvenile was at Barleycrates Lane on 17 Oct. SecondWyke Down winter period: 1 on 3 Oct.

th Poole Harbour Birds were present from 6 Nov, rising to 5 by the end of the year (1 - 2 males and 3 ringtails). Birds were most frequently recorded from Arne, Middlebere and the Wareham Channel, with single reports from Godlingston Heath, Greenlands Farm, Lytchett Bay, Stoboroughth Heath and Studland Heath. A roost contained 5 birds on 30 Dec. The Fleet 10Up to fourth different birds were recorded in the west Fleet to 9 area fromth 10 Nov to the end of the year. A ringtail wasnd seenth on Nov, thenth it or another ringtail was seenth from 2nd Dec and on 28nd . A male was seen between 14 and 22 Dec, with 2 on 22 Dec. Most reports came from Abbotsbury Swannery, Herbury Gore and Rodden Hive, with a single report from Abbotsbury Beach. 64 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 64 17/07/2012 11:51 th th Also recordedth from Affpuddle th (a satellite-tagged ringtail on 18nd and 19 Dec), Badbury Ringsth (16 Nov), Chickerell (19th Dec), Christchurchrd thHarbour (2 Dec), Coombeth Heath DWT (9 thNov), Cowardsth Marsh (12 Nov),rd Cranborne (12 Dec),th Durlston (13 Oct), Gussageth Hill (11 and 14 Dec),th Gussage St Andrew (3 Novst and 4 Dec), Hardy’sth thMonument (14 Dec), 30Holt Heath st(19 th Nov), Troytown (23 Dec), West Bexingtonth (5 andth 8 Dec) West Wareham Forestth (2 on 19 Dec), and Wyke Down (21 Nov, 5 Dec, 2 on 9 Dec, and a single bird on and 31 Dec). MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus A rare breeding species (last bred in 2003) and passage migrant. [Amber list]

All records: SA Groves J Woodhouse th G Walbridge Abbotsbury Swannery 1 juv over Linton Hill on 9 Sep ( th , ). 2009Portland Addition: 1 juv east at Barleycrates Lane on 29 Aug ( ). S Ingram th Bere Regis A ringtail on 5 May 2009 ( ). GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis A very rare visitor – has bred.

Two records this year, both from the Avon Valley and presumably relating to birds wandering Allfrom records: the New Forest. J Main rd L Chappellth Hurn 1 nearby on 24 Apr ( , photo). St Catherine’s Hill 1 on 3 Sep ( ). SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus A fairly common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Breeding:

As in 2010, breeding season records were received from only 10 sites, however this is undoubtedly a severe underestimate of the true population. Breeding was confirmed or presumed at Arne Moors (2 young raised), Cogden, Hartland Moor, Merley Park (1 pair fledged 2 young), Hengistbury Head, Portland (2 pairs, but not proved breeding), Stanpit Migrants:Marsh and West Bexington.

th Glebelands 2 on 11 Oct. th th th Hengistbury Head 2 came in off the sea 30 Jan. 4 on 4 Apr and 1 on 8 thMay were probable migrants, as wereth 5 seen flying west on 19 Sep and two moving east on 12 Oct. th nd Portland Visible passage in spring with 6n fromth 16 Marth - 22 Apr. In autumn peak numbers occurred 30 th Aug - 7 Sep whenth 5 or more wereth seen daily; alsoth 1n on 24 Sep andth 1s on th12 Oct. South Haven 2n on 25 Sep, 7n on 11 Oct, singles on2010 16 Dorset and 24Bird Report Oct. 65

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 65 17/07/2012 11:51 BUZZARD Buteo buteo A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Widely reported throughout the county, and remains the commonest raptor in most parts. Breeding was confirmed from Bardolf Farm (4 pairs bred successfully), Canford School (1 pair fledged 2 young), Dean, Gussage St Andrew, Hartland Moor (2+ pairs bred successfully), Langton Herring (1 pair), Merley Park (1 pair fledged 1 young), Portesham, Portland (1 pair raised 4 young at East Weare), Rushcombe Bottom area (2 pairs), Stoborough Heath (1 pair Largebred) andcounts Wyke Down. :

(all counts of 10 or morend are given) th Bardolf Farm 15 on 2 thst Mar; 19 on 5 Apr. Cowgrove, Wimborne 15 on 28 Oct. th Hartland Moor 12 on 21th May; 12 on 26 May. Martinstown 20 on 15th Mar. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 17 on 15th Mar. Migrants:Worgret Heath GPs 12 on 27 Mar.

Nov . th nd Hengistbury Head Single birdsst Sep came . in off the seath on 30 Jan and 2 Aug; 3 birds arrived from the south on 10 Portland 3n on 1th SouthNotable Haven record: 1 on 16 Oct on vis mig watch

th One was seen to catch and kill a Woodcock in Briantspuddle on 26 Dec. OSPREY Pandion haliaetus A frequent passage migrant. [Amber list]

An excellent autumn, almost on a par with the record number of sightings in 2008. The

graph below shows250 the trend of bird-days since 1993.

200

150

100

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Annual Osprey totals in bird-days (2000 – 2010)

66 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 66 17/07/2012 11:51 Spring passage:

At least 30 birds were recorded in spring (45 bird-days), compared to 20+ birds in 2009. th th th th Lodmoor Singles on 25 Mar, 6 Apr,th 14 Apr andth 8 May. Poole Harbour 24 bird-days between 5 Apr and 25 Jun. Birds were recorded at Arne, Brand’s Bay, Holes Bay, Lytchettrd Bay, Middlebere, Swinehamth andth Wareham.th th Portland Singlesth reported on 13 Apr, 14 Apr, 16 Apr, 23 Apr, 8 May and 10 May.th th Weymouth Bay Singles on 25 Mar and 6 Apr. th th Recorded onnd single dates from Abbotsbury Swanneryth (28 Apr), Ashley (25th Mar), Ballard Down (22 th May), Christchurch Harbourth (4 Apr), Littlesea,th the Fleet (24 Apr), Maidenth Newton (9 May),th Morden Bog (25 May), Peveril Pointth (4 Apr), Portesham (20 Apr), RadipoleAutumn passage:Lake (28 Apr) and Weymouth Harbour (16 Apr).

The continuous presence of Ospreys in Poole Harbour from Jul to Oct, and their mobility within the harbour, makes it difficult to estimate how many different birds moved through the area. A minimum of 59 different individualsst were to 14seen Sep in the. county (155+ bird-days). th th Abbotsbury Swannery Singlesth on 1 and 10 Bloxworth 2 on 8 Aug.th th th th th th nd Christchurch Harbour Singles on 8 and 13 Aug, 6 , 9 , 17 and 18 Sep, and 2 Oct. The last two years have seen a small increase in records, to 11 and 13 bird days, so it was rather disappointing that there were fewerst Sep records . in 2010, especially as several birds spent the summer Sep in . the Poole Harbour area. Cogden Beach 1se on 1th East Fleet 1 on 20rdth Sep . Iford 1 on 11rd Aug.Sep . th Longham Lakes 1 on 3 and 4 Netherbury 1 on 23 Poole Harbour Difficult to assess the number of birdsnd using theth harbour, but continually present between 2 Jul and 14 Oct. There were several reports of 4 thbirds together and 5 were counted from Rockley Point on 30 Aug. The Arne/Middlebere/ Wareham Channel areas are the focus of most sightings, but many records were received from other areas in the harbour, namely, Brand’sst Bay, Brownsea Sep . Lagoon, Holes Bay, Little Sea, Lytchett Bay, Ridge,th Stoboroughth and South Haven. Portland Singles on 1 , 12 and 17 Sep . Wareham Forest 1 or 2 birdsst nd were atst Mordenth Bog or Morden Park Laketh between 2 Jul and 10 Oct, with 3 present on 10 West Bexington 1 on 31 Aug and 1 Sep was seen to catch a Garfish and take Extreme dates: it inland on the first date. 25 th th Mar at Ashley and Lodmoor and 14 Oct at Middlebere. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 67

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 67 17/07/2012 11:51 KESTREL Falco tinnunculus A fairly common breeding resident and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Widely reported throughout the year, with scattered records of breeding. Successful breeding was recorded at Bardolf Farm (1 pair raised at least 2 young), Child Okeford, Durlston, Hartland Moor, Merley Park (1 pair fledged 2 young), Portland (population stable with pairs present at seven sites, five of which bred successfully), Tarrant Rushton Airfield, Migration:The Fleet and Wyke Down (3 fledged young). Sep . th Hengistbury Head 1 west on 10 th th th Portland 1 north on 29th Jan, 1 south on 11 Feb, 1 south on 10st toSep, 30 1 north on 17 Oct. Thereth were influxes to 10 in Sep and Oct with upth to 15 present on 8 Sep, and at leastth 20 dailyth from 21 Sep and the same number from 7 Oct. Numbers then fell to 10 or less by the end of Oct. MERLIN Falco columbarius A scarce migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Numbers in both winter periods were the best for some years, but spring and autumn migrations were not particularly strong. Most birds are highly mobile and few locations had Firstmore winterthan one period: or two records in each season.

rd th Recorded from many sites, although mostlyth just on oneth or two dates: Arne (19 Jan), Avon Causeway (3 Jan), Brownsea Lagoonth (18 Jan and 13nd Feb), Butterstreet Cove (2 dates in Jan,15 1 in Feb),th Came Down (12st Dec), Dorchester (22 Jan), Durlston (4 dates), Gussageth St Andrewthrd (27 Feb), Hartlandst Moor (18 dates in Jan,th 12 in Feb), Hengistburyth Head (11 and Jan), Herbury Gore (31 Jan), Holt Heathth (15 Jan), Horton Inn (14 Jan), Keysworth (23 Jan), Lodmoor (1 Jan),rd Lytchett Bay (9 Jan), Middlebere (3 datesth in both Jan and Feb),th Portland (3 dates in Jan), Radipole Laketh (3 dates), Roddenst Hive (11th Jan), Stanpit Marsh (7th Jan), Stoborough Heathth (3 and 25 Feb), Studland Heathst (26 Jan), Sunnyside Farmth (9 Jan), Swinehamth GP (10 Jan), Swinehamth Point (1 Feb), Tarrant Rushton Airfield (28th Jan andSpring 25 passage: Feb), Waddock Cross (7 Feb), West Bexington (1 Jan) and White Nothe (20 Feb).

th th Single birds wereth recorded from Arne Moors th(10 Mar), Bournemouth Airport (12th Mar), Brand’s Bay (6 Mar),th Butterstreet Coveth (25 Mar), Chesil Beachth at Westth Fleet (9 nd Mar), Dancing Ledge (25th Mar), Durlstonrd (7 Apr),th Hartland Moorst (6th Mar, 25rd Mar and 2 Apr),th Lytchett Bay (12 Mar), Middlebere (12 Mar), Portland (10 Mar), Radipole Lake (27 Mar), Spetisburyth to Shapwick (3 Mar),th Stanpit Marsh (1 Mar and 3 thApr), Stoborough Heath (7 Apr), Sunnysideth Farm (9 Mar), Sturminsterth Marshall GPs (27 Mar), Wareham Water Meadows (16 Apr) and West Fleet (9 Mar).

68 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 68 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage and second winter period:

th rd th th th th Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on18 th Sep, 30 Oct,th 14 Nov, 8 and 10 Dec. Butterstreet Cove Singles on 19 , 23 and 24 Dec. Durlston Recorded on 14 dates in Sep, 27 in Oct, 6 in Nov and 3 thin Dec.th Glebelands Single birdsth recorded during migration watches on 11 , 12 and 25 Oct. Hartland/Wareham Chl Singles on 15 dates in Oct, 8 dates in Nov and 5 dates in Dec, with 2 birds presentth onth 2 dates.th th th nd th th Hengistbury Head Singles onth 17 Sep, 10 , 12 , 14 and 24 Oct,st 2 , 7 and 12 Nov and 8 Dec.th th th Lytchett Bay Singles thon 25 and 28 Oct, 30 Nov and 31 Dec. Middlebere 1 on 17 Nov and singles on 5 dates in Dec. Portland 44 bird-days in autumn and late winter: 8 in Aug, 5 in Sep, 26 in Oct, 4 in Novth and 1 inth Dec. th Nov . Radipole Lake Singles on 24th Sep, 27th and 30 Oct.th Nov . St Aldhelm’s Head Singles on 13th and 18th Oct and 14th Stanpit Marsh Singles on 25 andth 29 Octth and 13 nd th West Bexington Single birds on 8st and 11 st Nov and on 2 and 5 Dec. th Also recordedst onth 1 or 2th dates from Arne (21rd Oct &th 1 Nov), Bestwallrd Marshesth (28 Nov), Brand’s Bay (4 and 10 Dec),th Brownsea Lagoon (6 Oct), Corfe Castle (30 th Dec), Dancing Ledge (21 Nov),th East Fleet (25th Oct and 23 Nov), Greenlandsth Farm (3 and 5 Oct), Gussageth St Andrew (28 Aug andth 13 Nov),th Kingston Lacy (25 Sep),th Kingston, Purbeck (25 Sep),th Langton Herringst (24 and th27 Dec), Lankham Bottomth (17 Oct), Little Sea,th Studlandth (11 Dec), Lower Bryanston (25th Jul), Martinstown (9th Oct), Monkey Jumpth (16 and 28 Nov), Moonfleetth (21 and 24 Oct),th Morden Bog (27 Dec), Organfordth (19 Dec), Piddlehinton (14th Nov), Stalbridge (27th Sep), Sydling ndSt Nicholas (28 Nov), Tarrantth Rushton Airfield (19 Oct), Warmwell (4 Dec), Winspit (2 Nov) and Wyke Down (17 Dec). 120

100

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Merlin record in 2010 by month

Extreme dates: 7 th th Apr at Durlston and Stoborough Heath and 25 Jul at Lower Bryanston.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 69

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 69 17/07/2012 11:51 HOBBY Falco subbuteo A localised breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

st A return to form after the slightly disappointing turn-outrd in 2009. The largest feedingth flocks recorded were at Hartland Moor (6 on 1 Sep), Morden Bog (at least 8 on 4 Jun) and Wareham Forest (10 feeding on dragonflies on 3 Jun). Spring and autumn passage at Portland were almost60 up to the record levels of 2008, as shown in the bar chart below.

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Spring Autumn

Annual spring and autumn totals of Hobby at Portland Bill (2000 - 2010)

Breeding:

Breeding season records (June and July) were received from 34 sites, a decrease from 40 in 2009. Breeding was confirmed from 4 sites; at least one pair is known to have bred Extremesuccessfully. dates: 4 th th Apr at Lodmoor and 20 Nov at Hartland Moor. PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus A scarce resident, breeding on cliffs along the coast and on inland pylons.

Breeding:

28 sites were occupied, of which 20 were coastal and 8 were on inland pylon sites. Regular observers of traditional sites consider that numbers have stabilised at a little below their peak numbers of a few years ago, Only 11 of the coastal pairs bred successfully, raising 20 young or more,1999 and only2000 4 pylon2001 nests2002 were2003 successful,2004 2005 fledging2006 6 young.2007 2008 2009 2010 20 22 23 23 24 32 30 25 27 28 28 28 Year 28 22 27 23 29 25 32 28 30 Pairs Juveniles 24+ 37+ 26+

70 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 70 17/07/2012 11:51 WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus A fairly common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Notoriously difficult to estimate breeding populations. Breeding was confirmed or probable at Brownsea Island (pair seen with 2 young), Chard Junction GPs, Hengistbury Head, Lytchett Bay and Middlebere (pair seen with 4 young), At Lytchett Bay the population is considered Migrationlikely to be andunchanged Portland from wintering 2004, when birds: a survey revealed at least 60 pairs in the Bay. st

th Central Portland 1 on 21 Octth at Suckthumbth Quarry, 1 on 25 Oct at Reap Lane. Durlston Singles on 8 and 30 Oct. th th Portland Bill 2 remainedth from 2009 until 24 Mar; 1 on 30 Sep, at least 4 fromto 26 13 Nov into th2011. th th North Portland 8 bird-daysth from 8 Jan to 11 Apr; 14 bird-days from 28 Oct Site maxima: Dec. Maxima: Sep Nov 6 4 1 4 2 1 Jan12 Feb6 Mar14 Apr2 May Jun Jul1 Aug2 6 Oct7 2 Dec15 Christchurch Harbour 10 4 25 1 3 2 3 5 Lodmoor 4 1 3 1 2 Radipole Lake The Fleet MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeding was confirmed at Chard Junction GP (2 pairs bred), Cogden Beach, Creekmoor Ponds, Dorchester (5 young), Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head (3 to 5 pairs), Higher Hyde Heath (pair raised 7 young in two broods), Knighton Heath ( pair with 3 chicks), Langton Herring (pair with 2 young), Littlebredy, Lodmoor (2 family parties seen), Lytchett Bay (at least 4 pairs), Martinstown (pair with 4 chicks), Merley Park (3 pairs fledged 12 young), SiteRadipole maxima: Lake (3+ pairs raised 10+ young), Turnworth NR and Wyke Down. Sep Nov 25 29 7 8 4 3 3 8 Jan55 Feb45 Mar46 Apr May Jun Jul Aug 38 Oct32 94 Dec52 Lodmoor 25 24 18 17 19 30 19 Lower Avon Valley 5 5 8 5 1 17 5 19 8 Poole Harbour 31 22 25 3 3 18 10 12 10 13 31 Radipole Lake The Fleet

2010 Dorset Bird Report 71

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 71 17/07/2012 11:51 COOT Fulica atra A common resident. The Fleet holds nationally important numbers.

Breeding:

Breeding was confirmed at Abbotsbury Swannery, Chard Junction GP (4 pairs raised 14+ young), Cogden Beach, Creekmoor Ponds, Fontmell Magna, (1 juvenile seen), Hatch Pond (at least 3 pairs hatched at least 4 broods), Hengistbury Head (2 pairs), Higher Halstock Leigh (brood of 5 young), Higher Hyde Heath (pair raised 4 young), Lodmoor (10+ pairs bred), Longham Lakes, Merley Park (1 pair fledged 4 young), Morden Park Lake, Radipole Lake Site(18+ maxima: pairs bred), Sturminster Marshall GPs (5+ pairs bred) and West Bexington. Maxima: Sep Nov 226 170 15 336 326 151 428 Jan97 209Feb Mar Apr25 May50 Jun64 Jul37 Aug26 43 Oct 100 Dec60 Christchurch Harbour 110 121 Lodmoor 46 21 4 4 21 29 30 Little Sea, Studland 200 96 70 31 70 70 50 95 250 150 64 250 Poole Harbour 1711 780 377 83 62 190 228 520 570 507 1166 3000 Radipole Lake The Fleet OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus A common resident, breeding in small numbers. [Amber list]

Breeding:

At least 26 pairs bred again on Brownsea. They enjoyed better success than 2009, although no exact count of fledged young was conducted.

Elsewhere a pair nested again on Portland Bill and raised 4 young. A second pair at Ferrybridge reared 3 chicks and 2 - 3 more probably nested on the Portland Harbour breakwaters. Nearby at Lodmoor a pair fledged 3 young. A second pair there failed.

Another enterprising pair nested on an artificial island in Poole Park. But perhaps the most heart warming story of the year involved a pair that nested on the roof of Purbeck School in Wintering/passage:Wareham and provided a biology lesson in the form of several fledged young.

Numbers in Poole Harbour peaked at 1,134 in December - underlining the area’s importance as a wintering ground. Elsewhere relatively modest numbers wintered on the Fleet/ Ferrybridge, with 93 logged in March. This is quite a hard bird to come by further west - the maximum all year at West Bexington was 8 - so counts of up to 21 at Lyme Regis Jan/Feb were noteworthy.

At the eastern end of the county the biggest flocks tend occur on passage: as usual Christchurch Harbour’s highest count (130) came in September.

72 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 72 17/07/2012 11:51 AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta A common winter visitor to Poole Harbour. Elsewhere, a scarce migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 843 600 24 7 1 1 17 165 430 1000 1361 1228 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Harbour rd

th Present somewhere in Poole Harbour up to 23 May and from 28 Jun. As well as the Harbour totals there were some impressive single site counts. Some lucky observers began New Year’s Day with the spectacle of 800 together at Middlebere, and in December 327 was a Lytchett Bay record. The most unexpectedth sighting of the year, however, was surely of a Recordsbird sitting from on theelsewhere: sea off Shell Bay 12 Jan.

Christchurch Harbour enjoyed what was described as an excellent year. But, to put this in context, you could still see more birds in one location on one day in Poole Harbour than you could muster for the whole of the rest of Dorset for the whole year. th th - 18 rd Abbotsbury Swannery Singles 12 , 14 Oct. th th Christchurch Harbour Up to 7 Jan/Feb. Thenth 2 on 17 Apr, 2 onth 23 May. In the autumn 7w on 26st Jul, 6 over Hengistbury 30 Jul. About 12 on 9 dates Aug - Oct. 4 onnd 5 dates Nov, withth up to 13th in Dec. Lodmoor 1 - 2 betweenth 1 Jan - 22 Feb, 2 on 26 Mar, 2 on 6 Aug and 8 on 29th Aug. Radipole Lake 1 on 14 Oct (perhaps same as Abbotsbury). STONE CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus A rare passage migrant and formerly regular breeding species. [Amber list]

All records Sep . : ndrd Central Portland 1 on 2 Portland Bill 1 on 23 Mar. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius A rare breeding summer visitor and uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding:

A case of perfect timing. Sadly what had been Dorset’s only breeding pair failed to return to Warmwell GP. Happily they were replaced by at least 2 pairs elsewhere. One pair successfully raised 3 chicks on Lulworth Ranges. A second pair returned to nest at Chard Junction GPs for the first time in 7 years. They hatched 4 chicks, although onlyth 1 fledged.th For possible Springfuture reference passage: a third pair lingered at Longham Lakes from 7 Apr to 26 May.

A good spring in Christchurch Harbourth but distinctly average elsewhere. Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 12th May. Coward’s Marsh 1 on 18nd Mar. th Hengistbury Head 2 on 22th Mar, 1 on 12 Apr.th Lodmoor 1 on 9 Apr and 2 on 20 Apr. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 73

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 73 17/07/2012 11:51 rd 25 th st th th th th Stanpit Marsh 1 onth 15thst Mar and 2 on 18 Mar; singles on 5 , 17 , 20 , 23 , , 26 Apr and 1 May. Swineham GP 2 on 21nd Apr. Warmwell GP 1 on 22th Apr. WestAutumn Bexington passage: 1 on 7 Apr.

th Sep . Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 28th Aug. rd Bride Valley FF 1 on 16 th th Christchurch Harbour Stanpit: 10 onrd 14 dates 28 Sep Jun . - th23 Sep, includingth 4 on 26 Aug. Also 3 overth Hengistburyth 29 Jul, 1 on 15 Sep, single(s) at Wickth on 3 , 4 and 7 Durlston 1 on 10th Oct. th Lodmoor 3 on 13th Jul and 1 on 17 Jul. Longham Lakes 1 on 12 Jul. th Sep . Poole Harbour 1 at Pilot’s Point and Brownsea Lagoonth on 8 Aug. th Portland Recordsth included 2 at Top Fields on 13 Aug, and last 18 Rodden Hive 3 on 26 Jul. RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula A scarce and local breeding species, common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Once again the only report of breeding came from the well watched area around Chesil BeachSite maxima: and Osprey Quay, where at least 5 pairs nested. Maxima: Sep Nov 70 40 30 14 33 1 1 182 170 122 60 48 Jan59 Feb30 Mar40 Apr35 May25 Jun10 Jul48 170Aug 150 Oct78 51 Dec25 Christchurch Harbour 30 10 13 45 28 11 20 Ferrybridge/The Fleet Poole Harbour

Dorset’s natural harbours remains a magnet for autumn migrants, but most move on to winterSpring elsewhere.passage:

- 21st The late May and early June records are typicalth for one of Dorset’s latest spring migrants. Chard Junction GPs 2 presentth 19 Apr…therd first site record. Durlston 1 on 8 Jun. th th Lodmoor Recordsth st included 3 on 23 May, 5 on 27 and 28 May and 1 on 8 Jun. th Longham Lakes 4 on 1 May and 1 on 13 May.st th Poole Harbour Records include 13 at Brand’s Bay and 7 on Brownsea 25 May and 5th on Brownseath on 1 Jun.th Portland Singles 19nd and 25 Apr and on 9 May. AutumnStanpit Marsh passage: 9ne on 2 Jun.

The Stanpit Marsh count is one of theth highest in Christchurch Harbour in recent years. Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 30 Jun. 74 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 74 17/07/2012 11:51 Sep . th Sep . Baiter Park 28 on 27 th th Brand’s Bay Records include 14 on bothth 7 Aug and 10 th Brownsea Lagoon Recordsth include 35 on 15 Aug and 45 on 24 Aug. Durlston 1 on 10th Oct. Sep . East Bexington 2 on 30 Aug. th th Lodmoor Recordsthst includeNov . 13 on 10 Sep and 17 on 30 Lyme Regis 2 on 14 Aug. st Preston Beach 7 on 21 Stanpit Marsh Max of 182 on 31 Aug. GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria A localised winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

For the second year running old fashioned cold spells provoked major hard weather movements,First winter culminating period: in the biggest flock ever recorded in Dorset.

rd Evidence of a major influx began to emerge with reports of scattered parties turning up allrd over Dorset from around 3 Jan, including 70w over Stanpit. It was, however, south west Dorset that enjoyed the most spectacular numbers.th 142 arrived at West Bexington on 3 Jan and 172 at Radipole and Lodmoor on 6 Jan. But these figures were dwarfedth by counts of 1,500 past Portland Bill and a mega flock of 6,000 at Littlesea, the Fleet on 6 Jan - the county’s highest ever count. th Many birds moved rapidly further west, although 3,000 were still at East Fleet on 8 Jan. Subsequently, however, wintering numbers were lower than usual with the traditional Maiden Castleth flock peaking at just 150 in February. The last birds were noted on Wyke SpringDown on passage: 10 Apr.

th Cogden Beach 24 on 14th Apr. Durlston 1 on 20th Apr. StanpitAutumn Marsh passage: 1 on 10 May.

th rd Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 7 Oct was a raritynd for this thwell watched site. Christchurch Harbour At Stanpit 4 singles 2 Aug - 30 Sep andth 16 23 Sep. In Oct 61 bird-days,th Sepwith to a 25max of 18 on 7 Oct. Cogden Beach 3 on 20 Oct. th th Durlston 18 recorded,th 20 Oct. East Bexington 2n on 9 th Oct. th SecondSt Aldhelm’s winter Head period: 2e on 16 Oct, 1 on 18 Oct.

A second spell of sharp weather triggered another movementth late Nov/early Dec, although on a much more modest thscale. Birds began appearing 27 Nov,nd with 860 gathered at Littlesea, the Fleet by 28 , with several smaller movements 2 Dec. There’s also evidence of birds moving throughout December: Christchurch Harbour recorded 64 bird-days and a total of 1,090 birdsth were logged at Portland. The last major count came at Maiden Castle, with 300 on 12 Dec. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 75

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 75 17/07/2012 11:51 GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 30 22 11 3 8 1 1 6 6 20 31 Jan22 Feb20 Mar Apr1 May2 Jun Jul1 Aug 4 Oct1 16 Dec30 Christchurch Harbour 127 74 10 2 5 30 45 69 Ferrybridge/The Fleet SpringPoole Harbour passage:

th Brand’s Bay 1 on 9 thMay. Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 15th May. th Chesil Beach 11e 12 Apr - 25 May.th nd Christchurch Harbour 3 at Hengistburyth 19th May, 3nth Stanpit 2st Jun.th Durlston Singles23rd - 24 onth 13 , 20 and th26 Apr and on 17 ndMay. Lodmoor 1 in off 28th Feb, 1 on 24 Apr,th 2 on 21 & 22 May with 3 on th May and 1 to 26 May. Lytchett Bay 1 on 15th Apr. Middlebere 2 on 16th May. st Radipole Lake 1 on 17th May. TheAutumn Fleet passage: 1 on 18 Apr, 2 on 1 May.

th Brand’s Bay 5 on 5 thOct. Brownsea Lagoon 2 onth 15 Aug. th th th Hengistbury Head 2e 9 Aug,th 1e 9rd -, 1w15 19th , 1 20 Oct.th th Middlebere 2 on 20 NovAug, . 3 on 24th Aug, 5 on 26 Aug and 2 on 28 Aug. Portland 15 bird-daysthst 3 Oct. Swineham 1 on 7 The Fleet 1 on 1 Jul.

As a postscript there were signs of further movement inth December. Portland loggedth a totalth of 20 birds past and singles across Weymouth Bay on 5 and at Lyme Regis on 10 and 26 were unusual. LAPWING Vanellus vanellus A declining breeding resident, common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

A relatively good year. At Wyke Down a flock of 31 were noted including “many well grown young”. Nearby at Gussage St Andrew 10 pairs were holding territory. Further south 8 - 9 pairs bred in the Lower Avon Valley. Elsewhere 5 pairs bred on Holt Heath, where a least 8 chicks hatched, 2 pairs were at Sutton Hill, Sutton Waldron and Tarrant Rushton Airfield. Single pairs bred at Cashmoor, Greenlands Farm (2 chicks), Higher Hyde Heath, Horton Inn, Longham Lakes (2), Knowlton (5), Minchington, Stour Valley LNR, Sunnyside Farm (3 chicks) and Tadnoll Heath.

The big mystery is what happened at Margaret’s Marsh. 10 - 15 pairs were reported 76breeding Dorset there Bird Report in 2009 2010 - this year none.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 76 17/07/2012 11:51 Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 190 127 2 4 68 110 200 70 437 140 392 3000Jan 565Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul4 Aug4 Oct67 350 459Dec Christchurch Harbour 473 558 30 16 22 22 24 150 220 631 Ferrybridge/The Fleet Poole Harbour

As with Golden Plover, snow at either end of the year produced two dramatic hard weather Firstmovements. winter period:

st Plunging temperatures nationwide had pushed birds into Dorset by New Year’s Day: 1,200 were byth Avon Causeway, 600 on Lodmoor and 400 Waddock Cross CBs by 1 . But it was not until 6 that a truly epic influx of weather refugees hit Dorset. Many were funnelled into the south west of the county with 1,500 past Portland Bill, 1,030 over Radipole and 1,000 went past Burton Bradstock in the space of 50 minutes.

The next day 650 went south over Christchurch Harbour,th 410 were watched . moving off Redcliff Point and 1,000 arrived at Lodmoor. On 8 3,000 turned up at thChickerell Firing Ranges before flying off south, with another 1,000 passing Christchurch 9

Not all these birds moved on…in the second half of January there were still 500+ at Maiden Castle, 500 near Hurst, 473 in Wytch Channel, 416th at Lodmoor and 308 at Bardolf Farm, Passage:with a flock of 1,250 in the Lower Avon Valley on 7 Feb.

th Holes Bay 1 on 24th st SepMay. . th th Lodmoor 4 on 4 Apr Sep and . 1 on 18 Apr. First returning bird 7 Jun. Longham Lakes 30 on 1th st Nov . Stour Valley LNR 64 on 7 th th WestSecond Bexington winter period: Singles on 21 Mar and 27 Mar. 10 on 7

th Another cold weather movement began on 28 Nov when 350 went over Littlesea, thend Fleet, and 180 appeared at West Bexington. These figures, however, were eclipsed on 2 Dec when fleeing birds appeared all over Dorset. The biggest counts came from West Bexington (3,000), Radipole (1,000), Lodmoor (900), Lytchett Bay (631) and Lytchett Matravers (500). As in January many birds hung around which helped account for totals later in the month of 500+ at Maiden Castle, 455 at Lodmoor and 423 at Bardolf Farm.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 77

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 77 17/07/2012 11:51 KNOT Calidris canutus A scarce and local winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

This was another species clearly affected by the cold snap in December (see Golden Plover and Lapwing). Birds escaping fromnd harsher weather elsewhere helps explain whyth 10 went west over Mudeford Quay on 2 as well as the count of 127nd at Brand’s Bay on 15 . But the headline figure is the 80 found at Butterstreet Cove on 22 - the biggest flock ever recorded in the west of the county. - 21st Earlierth in the year the effect was notth so dramatic. However, 2 on Portland and 1 at Abbotsbury onSite 10 maxima: and 1 at Portland Bill 14 Jan were almost certainly weather refugees. Maxima: Sep Nov 2 1 15 1 5 1 3 14 24 3 4 10 Jan9 Feb10 Mar7 Apr May3 Jun Jul Aug Oct3 4 Dec80 Christchurch Harbour 93 65 31 32 2 1 17 30 41 8 127 Ferrybridge/The Fleet SpringPoole Harbour passage:

rd nd Brand’s Bay 1 on 22 May.th nd Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 3 &th 5 May, 1 on 2 Jun. Chesil Beach 1e on 25th May. Hengistbury Head 1e on 19th May. Middlebere 2 on 10th May. AutumnRodden Hive passage: 3 on 11 May.

Septh . th th th Abbotsbury Swannery Singlesth 8 Sep, 8 , 12 ,17 Oct. Bride Valley FF 1 on st7 th th Sep - 2 Hengistbury Head 4e on 9 Aug,th 1e on 9 thOct. th th nd Lodmoor 1, 31 Aug - 5 Sep; 2, 6 Sep; 4, 11 Sep and 1, 13 Oct. Poole Harbour 31As stever impossible to disentangle migrants from returning wintering birds. On Brownsea, for example, counts of 17 on Aug were Sep . followed by 30 in mid-Sep and 40 by early Oct… all of whichth looks very much like a gathering winter flock. The Fleet 1 on 20 SANDERLING Calidris alba A localised winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 4 1 3 28 5 2 10 15 6 2 Jan14 Feb20 Mar14 Apr5 May31 Jun Jul Aug Oct 3 Dec30 Christchurch Harbour Poole Harbour/Studland

In addition monthly totals at Ferrybridge peaked at 65 in May, 95 in Jul and 68 in Aug. For the second year in a row Poole Harbour played host to – by Dorset standardsth – impressive numbers of wintering birds. Indeed a count of 30 at Shell Bay on 8 Dec appears to be 78 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 78 17/07/2012 11:51 23Dorset’srd best mid-winter total for 26 years. Elsewhere 2 presumed wintering birds erratically frequented Preston Beach from late Oct to early Dec and 1 at Cogden Beach on Spring Dec passage: was the first site record for that month. - 25 th th An obvious surge 19 May. th thrd Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 19th May and 4 on 20 May. Brownsea Lagoon 3 on 15 thMay and 31 on 23 May. Cogden Beach 24 on 25th May. th th Hengistbury Head 1e on 7th Apr, 1e on 15 Apr, 15e on 19 May. Lodmoor 1 on 29th May. Middlebere 1 on 10nd May. th nd South Haven 5 on 2 th May, 15 on 15 May and 16 on 22 May. AutumnThe Fleet passage: 2 on 16 May.

rdth Sep . Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 24st Aug. st Sep . Brand’s Bay 6 on 3 Nov . th Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 1 Aug,th 5 on 31 Aug and 1 on 8 Hengistbury Head 5w on 8th st st Sep . Herbury Gore 7 on 20 Aug. Lodmoor Singles onth 1 Aug and 1 th Mudeford Quay 2w on 17th Jul, 1w on 18 Jul. Lyme Regis 1 on 14 Jul. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER Calidris pusilla Vagrant. Three previous records (in 1982, 1989 and 2002).

rd - 5 DJ Chown et al th Lodmoor An adult 3 Aug ( , photo). th The 4 Dorset record. This bird was initially passed over as an adult winter-plumaged Little Stint and its identity was only clinched on the last day of its stay. RED-NECKED STINT Calidris ruficollis Vagrant. No previous records.

P Baker th Ferrybridge An adult on 27 Aug ( , photo). th A first for Dorset (and only the 7 for Britain) and in summer plumage to boot. Unfortunately the bird had flown before anyone had had a chance to identify it from the finder’s photographs.

A full account of this bird can be found on page 194 of this report.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 79

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 79 17/07/2012 11:51 LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Occasional records in winter.

One of the poorest years in living memory. You have to go back to 1983 for the last time Autumnthere were passage: no spring or winter records.

Sep . As ever the vast majority were juveniles.th Sep . Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 4nd rd th st Sep . Bride Valley FF 2 on 2 Sepst andth 1st on 5 nd th Brownsea Lagoon Singles on 20 and 23 Aug; 3 on 31 Aug;th singlesth 2 & 12 Ferrybridge Singlesst 31 thAug, 1 Sep and thbetween 11 th & 16 Oct. Lodmoor Adult on 13 Jun, singles 20 Sep and 11 Oct. Mudeford Quay 1 on 1 thOct. - 15 rd Shell Bay 281 on 27 Aug.st nd th Stanpit Marsh 1 orth occasionally 2 on most dates 2 Sep; singles 23 , and 31 Oct. PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotus A rare passage migrant.

M Cade R & Mrs T Davis et al th th Easton, Portland A confiding and popular to 15 juv was presentMO between 8 and 11 Sep ( , th th , photo). Same at Radipole. Radipole Lake Juvenile present 11 Sep ( , photo). Same at Easton. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Winter:

th th th One at Butterstreet Cove, the Fleet on 10 & 11 Feb and at Herburynd Gore on 9 Feb. A rare bird anywhere in Dorset at this time of year and only the 2 wintering record ever for the west of the county.

Ironically, however, there were - for the first time in 7 years - no spring migrants in 2010. ButAutumn a bumper passage: autumn.

Sep . Overwhelmingly juveniles. th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 8 th st Bride Valley FF 1 on 29 Aug. Sep . th th Brownsea Lagoon Recordedth near daily th31 Aug - 14 Sep, with max of 8 on 9 Sep, 6 . on 11 andth 10 on 12 th Butterstreet Cove 2 on 11 with, probably the same, Langton Herring Sep on. 14 Ferrybridge 8 in Aug,th 11 in Sep.th th th Lodmoor 1 on 8st thand 2 on 9 Aug, up to 3, 30 Aug - 20 Lytchett Bay 1 on 17 Oct. nd th th th Middlebere 2 on 1 Sep,th 6 on 2 Sep, 4 on 5 and 17 Sep, 2 on 14 Oct 80 Dorset Bird Report 2010 and 1 on 16 Oct.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 80 17/07/2012 11:51 st th - 31st Radipole Lake Singles on 31 Augth and 5 Oct.th Stanpit Marsh In Aug, 1 on 28 withth 6, 29th . In Septh, 165 bird-days,st Nov . including 14 on 4 and 8 andth 20 on 11 including 2 moultingth PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidrisadults. maritima In Oct 1 - 2 until 12 with further singles 1 & 7 A local winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. [Amber list]

The Cobb and surrounding area in Lyme Regis now regularly play host to Dorset’s biggest Sitewintering maxima: flock. Maxima: Sep Nov 7 4 4 5 Jan15 Feb15 Mar13 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct 17 Dec17 Hengistbury/Mudeford 11 9 8 8 2 3 6 Lyme Regis (The Cobb) 10 8 9 1 10 Sandbanks Portland Bill

th th 3 at Church Ope Cove on 30 Mar and 1 at Ferrybridge on 11 Nov could have been Extremewanderers dates: from Portland Bill, but may also have been genuine migrants. 4 st th Apr and 31 Oct, both at Poole Harbour Entrance. DUNLIN Calidris alpina A common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 500 320 300 225 106 15 147 137 200 234 320 400 151Jan 100Feb Mar130 Apr20 May54 Jun13 106Jul 101Aug 70 Oct16 72 240Dec Christchurch Harbour 1280 2000 265 135 443 2355 Ferrybridge/The Fleet WinterPoole Harbour period:

rd Cold spells, particularly the one in December, helped raise numbers. For exampleth counts of 563 at Lytchett Bay on the 3 and and 300 nearby in Holes Bay on the 6 can probably be Passage:explained by the weather. Overall, however wintering numbers continue to decline.

The third poor year in a row. Spring was a non eventth and the usual mid-May peak basicallyth never happened. Counts of 200 on the Fleet 10 and 149 past Hengistbury Head 12 May were the only records of note all month. th Autumn was a bit betterth and included gatherings of 162 Brand’s Bay 7 Aug and 193 Rodden Hive - Herbury 20 Aug. st th At Stanpit a leucistic bird provided a good colour marker. It stayed from 31 Aug to 12 Sep, providing an interesting gauge of how long individual birds may spend in the autumn feeding up at Dorset’s staging posts. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 81

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 81 17/07/2012 11:51 RUFF Philomachus pugnax A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Red list]

Probably the best year since the 1980s. The rash of records at the start and towards the end of the year obviously relate to hard weather movements. But there was also a healthy set Firstof passage winter records. period:

Butterstreet Cove played host toth the biggest single gathering in more than 20 years when 48 converged on the area on 10 Jan. Elsewhere 7 also turned up on Portland in early Jan, with up to 5 in the Lodmoor - Littlemoor area and singles at Bardolf Farm and Abbotsbury. Most birds moved on pretty quickly but in the east of the county up to 8 hung on in the SpringLower Avon passage: Valley into Feb, with up to 3 in nearby Christchurch Harbour.

th Bride Valley FF 1 on 24 th Mar. Hengistbury Head 6e on 12th Apr. Middlebere 2 on 13th Apr. Wareham Water Meadows 1 on 8 Apr - a tantalising record this, in perfect breeding Autumn passage: habitat.

th Sep . Bestwall 5 on 13 thOct, with 1 intoth Dec. Sep . Brand’s Bay Singles 6 Jul and - 1519 th th Brownsea Lagoon Singles on th17 dates,th 20th Jul - 17 th th Christchurch Harbour 28Singles 11 , 13 , followed by 2 on 26 and 5 onth 27 Aug. Thenth 36 bird-days in Sep, including 5 at Stanpit on 6 and 7 on . . Finally 39th bird-days in ththe firstth half of Oct (max of 7). th Lodmoor In Sep, 1 thon 7 , 2 between 8 & 19 , with 1 remaining to 24 East Bexington 1ne onth 9 Oct.st th Sep . Ferrybridge 1 on 6st Aug, 2 on 10 th Oct. Longham Lakes 1 present Sep 31 . Aug - 7 nd Lytchett Bay 2 on 1 thOct and 3 on 2 Oct. Middlebere 1 on 25thst Sep . Radipole Lake 1 on 5 Oct. SecondSwineham winter period: 1 on 1

Another freeze triggered a modest set of arrivals in earlynd December, with a second influx later in the month. At Stanpit, 6 had turned up by the 2 . In the west 3 were at Herbury andth 2 at Portland Bill by the 5th. Subsequently 11 flew over a birder’s house in Weymouth 18 , with several more records. on Portland including one down to a few feet in another birder’s garden on Boxingth Day. Elsewhere 4 - 5 turned up in the Avon Valley/Christchurch Harbour areas from the 27

82 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 82 17/07/2012 11:51 JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

First winter period (Jan-Mar):

Bad weather for birds can be good for birders, at least in terms of seeing a notoriously skulking species. The January freeze contributed to a good showing including up to 7 around Avon Causeway, 5 (and possibly up to 10) at nearby Stanpit and 5 at Butterstreet Cove.

Birds were also noted, mainly in the first 10 days of January, from Bardolf Farm, Canford School (2), Durlston, Hatch Pond (2), Holes Bay, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Portland Bill (2), Rodden Hive, Sandbanks (1 ringed in Jan was retrapped in Feb), Sunnyside Farm, Upton Passage:Heath, Waddock CB, and West Bexington.

Including a striking flurry of October threcords. th Chard Junction GPs Singles 4 Apr and 17th Oct. Durlston 2 over the gullyth on 11 th Oct. Longham Lakes Singles on 13th andth 18 Oct.th Lytchett Bay Singles thon 6 , 8 and 10 Oct. Morden Bog 1 on 25 Oct.th Portland Bill 1 trappedth 14 Oct. th th SecondStanpit Marsh winter period (Nov-Dec):1 on 6 Sep, 2 on 6 Oct and 1 at Priory Marsh on 20 Oct.

There was a small but marked arrival coinciding with another freeze in early December. In total birds were logged from 19 locations. The highest concentrations were at Sunnyside Farm (up to 7) and Christchurch Harbour (5).

Birds also turned up at Abbotsbury (2), Bardolf Farm, Bockhampton, Bride Valley FF, Burton WM, Chard Junction GP, Herbury Gore (2), Holes Bay, Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lytchett Bay, Portland (3), Purbeck GC, Radipole, Swineham Point, Waddock CB, and West Bexington. COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago A scarce breeding resident and declining winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

A slight improvement on 2009. Records of 7 drumming birds were submitted from 5 Wintering/Passage:locations: Decoy Heath, Holt Heath, Little Sea - Studland, Morden Bog (3) and Newton Heath.

Unsurprisingly the harsh weather in early January produced some sizeable counts including 200 during snow in Christchurch Harbour, 100+ forced onto the saltings at Swineham Point, another 100+ at Portland Bill and 164 at Lodmoor.

Signs of anotherth influx at the other end of the year began with 300 flying past Christchurch Harbour 18 Nov,nd the biggest day count thereth for 25 years. Subsequentlyth 109 were logged at Lytchett Bay 2 , 145 at Bardolf Farm 19 and 90 at Spetisbury 26 Dec. In addition there were widespread reports of odd birds in out of place habitats, including suburban gardens. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 83

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 83 17/07/2012 11:51 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER Limnodromus scolopaceus Vagrant and national rarity. Seven previous records.

th th th Lodmoor First winterT Tapley on 7 et al& 8 Nov and again from 16 Nov into 2011, during which time it also visited Radipole Lake and the Fleet ( , photo). th The 8 Dorset record. Having turned up at Lodmoor and Radipole it cleared off to east Devon before returning to Lodmoor - with several excursions to the Fleet - into 2011. WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola A scarce breeding resident and winter visitor. [Amber list]

The January freeze produced Dorset’s biggest invasion for nearly 20 years. Perhaps more Breeding:surprisingly an equally cold spell in early December triggered a rather more modest influx.

As ever almost certainly under recorded. Roding birds were noted at Burton Common (2), FirstHolt Heath, winter Kilwood period: Coppice, and White Sheet Plantation (2+).

Birds were seen at no fewer than 64 different places countywide, with a clear peak in early January. A predictable flurry of back garden records were accompanied by the distressing sight of clearly starving birds reduced to feeding on roadside verges. It is impossible to accurately gauge the real scale of the invasion. Many localities reported a maximum of no more than 2, but multiple sightings over periods of up to 2 months suggest that in each case the real number of birds was much higher. An indication of just how many could be found congregating in quite small areas came when a ringing exercise at Abbotsbury Swannery in Migrants:mid-January flushed 40 birds off the wet meadows.

st th Just 3 recordsth of probable passage birds: singles at Bardolf Farm on 5 Apr, and Hartland MoorSecond on winter 7 Oct andperiod: 2 at Burton on 1 Oct.

A small wave of immigrants was recorded from late November to early December as the weather worsened. Reports came from 36 localities. A total of 9 were logged at Langton Matravers. But this time round the majority of records were of single birds on lone dates - suggesting perhaps that many carried on going. One that definitely didn’t was a bird seen taken and killed by a Buzzard at Briantspuddle. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 1500 164 68 115 41 5 15 26 40 62 106 85 2000Jan 900Feb 1827Mar 800Apr May540 136Jun 250Jul 800Aug 1209 1479Oct 2085 1585Dec Christchurch Harbour Poole Harbour 84 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 84 17/07/2012 11:51 Once again the biggest flocks frequented the wet meadows of the Lower Avon Valley. Numbers there peaked at 2,500 in early February. A clue to their immediate origin may be a flock of 5,000 just over the Hampshire border.

Cold spells resulted in some obvious thmovements. For example 1,500 were feeding on grass beside the Christchurch bypass on 6 Jan. Locally displaced birds also produced unusual records in early January at Longham Lakes, Ballard Down and Hatch Pond.

Even in hard timesst this species is overwhelmingly more at home in east Dorset thanth in the west of the county. At Lodmoor there were notable counts of 25 arriving on 7 Jan and 50 east on 21 Nov. But the regular wintering flock here and at Radipole never exceeded 10 birds. Elsewhere 3 at Rodden Hive in January and 1 Bardolf Farm in February were noteworthy.

In contrast to a number of other waders this is a species that seems to like lingering for quiteth long periods in Dorset on thpassage. At Middlebere,th for example, you could see 800 on 14 Apr with 720 still there 25 Apr and 540 on 10 May. th Autumn began with a flurry of records on 29 Jun, including one at Bride Valley FF. As ever biggest numbers built up in Poole Harbour with 620 on Brownsea in August climbing to 951 a month later and nearly 1500 by early October. Many of Poole’s birds tend to winter further south so the big counts in November and December may be explained by a fresh set of new arrivals replacing departing birds. BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant, mainly in spring. [Amber list]

The wintering flock in Poole Harbour reached its highest numbers for 7 years. But - with the Winter:exception of Portland in late Apr - this was another distinctly average year for passage birds. st

The flock thatth frequents the southeast corner of Poole Harbour peaked at 150 on 31 Jan and 160 on 5 Dec. Christchurch Harbour also enjoyed above average numbers: up to 25 in Feb and 29 in Dec. In the west the tiny wintering population on the Fleet reached 6 in Feb Springand 7 in passage: Dec. rd 14 th th Brownsea Lagoon Recordsth included 17 thon 17 Apr, 11 on 3 and 5 May, 8 on May and 5 on 19 May. Chesil Beach Total of just 22th all Apr. th Durlston Recorded on 9 May (numberth unknown) and 4 on 14 May. Hengistbury Head Records included 22e on 6 May.th Portland Bill Records included 200e on 28 Apr, by miles the biggest day total of theth spring. St Aldhelm’s Head 13e on 24 Apr. stth Stanpit Marsh Recordsrd included 79e on 7 May. The Fleet Records included 19 on 1 thMay. Wyke Regis 2 on 23 Apr and 12 on 28 Apr, viewed from Camp Road. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 85

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 85 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage: Sep . th th th stth th . Sep . Brand’s Bay 2 on 7 Aug, 1 on 13 & 29th Aug, 2 on 18 Sep and 4 on 19th Brownsea Lagoon Records included Sep 2 on . 15 Aug, 6 on 31 Augth and 9 on 12 Christchurch Harbour Records includedth 10 past Hengistbury 12 Aug, 78w through the harbour 10 Ferrybridge Max 12 thin Sep.Sep . Green Island 1 on 28 thJun. - 28 Holes Bay 21 on 10 th th thSep . th Lodmoor 1 fromth 10 , 2 15 th Sep, with 1 to 9 Oct. Portland 1e 8 Sep and 3 on 9 WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus A locally common passage migrant, with occasional records in winter. [Red list]

Spring passage:

A pretty typical showing with a pretty typical late Aprilth peak. th Chesil Beach Records included 17 thon 15 Apr and 23 rdon 9 May. Christchurch Harbour Began with 17 on 11 Apr. A thtotal of 444 bird-days . in Apr including 50 at Stanpit on 15 , 42 on 23 .th In May 357 bird- days including 71e pastrd Hengistbury on 6 Ferrybridge Max 57 in Apr,th 10 in May. th Lodmoor About 85, 11 Aprth - 3 Jun.th Max 16 on 19 Apr.th Lytchett Bay 74 bird-days,th 14 Apr - 17 May. Max 14 on 12 May. Lyme Regis 12 on 17 Apr. th Portland Bill Total ofth 377 - 25 in Apr fromth 6 , 52 in May. . Rodden Hive 8 on 18th Apr,th 17 on 11 May. th St Aldhelm’s Head 125, 20th Apr,th including 73 on 24 Swineham 157, 17 Apr - 15 May, includingth the notable total of 97 feeding on wet meadowsrd on 26 Apr. West Bexington/Cogden Max of 17th in Apr and 17 in May. Wyke Regis 14 on 14 and 33 on 23 Apr, viewed from Camp Road.

AutumnSmaller numbers passage: were also noted at several other sites. - 28 nd th Christchurch Harbour 1 spent 2 Jun at Stanpit.th Then 226 bird-days Jul, 289 Aug, includingrd 36th on 14 Sep. Then . 1 - 5 most days in Sep, with the last record on 4 Oct. th Purbeck GC 8 lingered 23 Aug - 8 rd Otherwise just small numbers, mainly from the usual coastal watchpoints. Arguably the most interesting recordsth were singles at Godlingston Heath 23 Jun and one a long way inland at Stalbridge 4 Jul.

86 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 86 17/07/2012 11:51 CURLEW Numenius arquata A scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Site2 pairs maxima: were present on Holt Heath. Maxima: Sep Nov 27 26 23 2 3 16 22 38 28 16 25 16 385Jan 631Feb Mar348 Apr May Jun34 200Jul 186Aug 406 117Oct 436 388Dec Christchurch Harbour 16 23 8 10 8 15 20 10 14 29 Poole Harbour The Fleet

Small numbers of undoubtedly weather driven vagrants also turned up in December at SpringBuckland passage: Ripers, Chickerell, Cranborne CBs, Pamphill and West Bexington.

th th nd Brand’s Bay 7 on 9 May, 5 on th14 May andth 9 on 2 Jun. Lodmoor About 16th from 26 Feb - 27 May. Stanpit Marsh 8e on 12 - th26 Feb. Wareham Water Meadows 1 on 10th May.th AutumnWest Bexington passage: 4, 17 Apr.

th th Arne Records included 200 on 14th Jul and 150 on 4 th Aug. Brand’s Bay Records includedth 198 on 25 Jul and 186 on 29 Aug. Sep . Green Island 34 on 28 Jun. th th th Lodmoor 27 on 11th dates, 20 Jun - 18 Oct, including 11 over on 7 Purbeck GC 1 on 13 Aug.th Stanpit Marsh 4w on 28 Jun.th th West Bexington 3 singles 14 Jun - 13 Jul. COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos A fairly common passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Scarce in winter. [Amber list]

Winter:

th th Up to 3 frequented the traditionalth spot at Holes Bay until 5 Apr, with at least 1 back from 29 Nov. One on Brownsea on 14 Feb probably relates to a wanderer from the northern end of SpringPoole Harbour. passage:

7Migrants were reported from 17 localities, with several inland - sightings22 as well as the usual coastalth records. There were two main arrivals. The first involvedth nda sprinkling ofth birds from Apr. The second, and more obvious peak, fell between 18 Apr. On 20 Apr double Autumnfigure counts passage: were noted from both Chard Junction GPs and Lyme Regis.

th Unremarkable numbers. The first returning bird appeared on 20 Jun. But, as usual, most start appearing from mid-July, with peak counts of 22 in Christchurch Harbour and 15 at Radipole Lake. At Lodmoor and Longham Lakes a few stragglers lingered2010 wellDorset into Bird October.Report 87

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 87 17/07/2012 11:51 GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus A locally common passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

FirstAn increasingly winter period: common visitor in recent years, particularly in winter.

Reported from 22 localities. Some of these probably related to displaced birds during the January freeze. Nevertheless Dorset seems to have become an increasingly desirable destination for wintering birds. Once again the artificially mild climates of the county’s farmed cressbeds proved the biggest draw, with up to 12 at Bere Regis CBs and up to 6 at nearby SpringDodding’s passage: Farm CBs.

It’s always hard to distinguish late wintering birds from genuine migrants. But the following records all looked like good candidatesth for passageth birds. Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 14th & 15 Apr. Chickerell 1 on 11th Apr. Holton Lee 1 on 26th Mar. Portland Bill 1n on 6th Mar. AutumnStalbridge passage: 1 on 17 Apr.

th The first returning birds appeared 30 Jun, but the mainst movement didn’t get underway until the first half of August. Brownsea Lagoon Recordsrd th included 17 on 31 Aug. Christchurch Harbour From 5 Jul thand near daily Aug, Sep. Max of 4. Lodmoor 3st Aug - 28st Sep, max 3. Lytchett Bay Max 6 in Aug. Sep . Middlebere 1 Aug -th 21 Oct, thmax 3. Sunnyside Farm, Ridge 1 - 3, 14 th Jul - 25 Wytch Channel 10 on 15 Aug. 1 - 3 birds were also noted at Abbotsbury Swannery, Boys Hill, Brand’s Bay, Bride Valley FF, Chard Junction GPs, Coward’s Marsh, Coldharbour in Chickerell, Holton Heath, Longham Lakes, Morden Park Lake, Portland Bill, Sturminster Marshall GPs, Swineham, Tadnoll Heath Secondand West winter Knighton. period:

Noted from 19 places, most of them inland. They included a max of 12 at Bere Regis CBs. SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Winter:

The small wintering flock in Holes Bay reached 5 early on and 6 towards the end of the year. At nearby Lytchett Bay wintering birds numbered just 1 or 2. Elsewhere in Poole Harbour up to 5 were recorded on Brownsea in Oct. The regular Christchurchth Harbour bird overwintered from 2010, stayed until late Apr and returned in Sep for its 5 winter. It was 88intermittently Dorset Bird Report joined 2010 by a second bird in Dec.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 88 17/07/2012 11:51 Spring passage:

Just the two records, but both in or nearthrd summer plumage. Lodmoor 1 on 28 Apr. th nd StanpitAutumn Marsh passage: 1 on 23 Apr and again from 27 Apr - 2 May.

th Arne 1 in summer thplumage 4 Jul. Brownsea Lagoon 2 - 3 from 28 Jun, with up to 5 during Aug - possibly rd returning wintering Novnd . birds. Ferrybridge 1 over onst 22th Aug. Sep Perhaps . the same over East Fleet 23 Aug. Hengistbury Head 1 in off 15st th Holes Bay 1 - 3, st21 - 6 Jul - 24 - 9 Sep . Langton Matravers 1 over 21th Jun. thrd Septh . Lodmoor Ad, 1 Sep and a juv 7 Lytchett Bay Numbers peakedrd at 9 on 23 th Portland 1n at Barleycratesth Lane onth 16 thAug.th th th Stanpit Marsh Singles 23 & 25 Jun;th 5 th Jul; 6 , 13 & 14 Aug, 2 on 28 (with 1 at Wick), 1 on 29 & 30 Aug. GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia A localised passage migrant and winter visitor.

Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 1 1 4 3 1 3 17 20 3 1 1 Jan8 Feb3 Mar Apr5 May7 Jun2 Jul10 Aug15 25 Oct25 5 Dec15 Christchurch Harbour Wintering:Poole Harbour

There were some impressive counts from Poole Harbour and at least one bird wintered in Christchurch Harbour at both ends of the year. More unusual were a total of 5 reported from SpringPortland passage: in December.

th Arne 3 on 27 Apr.th nd rd Brand’s Bay Singles on 9 May and 2 th Jun. th Brownsea Lagoon Records includedth 5 on 18 and 3th on 30 Apr, 7 on 3 and up to 5 until 15 May, then 1 on 11 Jun, which could have been coming or going.th st Christchurch Harbour Main passage - 13 th 16 Apr - mid May,th with 3 singles in Jun. Lodmoor Singlesth on th19 Apr, 1 May and 8 May. Longham Lakes 1, 11 May.th th Middlebere Singlesnd on 28 Apr and 10 May. South Hams 1 on 2 May.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 89

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 89 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage: st

th Christchurch Harbour Present late Jul - 31th Oct, incth 5w past SepHengistbury . on 9 Aug. Durlston Singles thover on 9 and 30 Aug. th Lodmoor 1 on th24 Jun. Then 1 - 4 late Jul - 26 Poole Harbour On 5 st Sep a harbour wide WeBS count notchedth 25 birds. On Brownsea the first birdsth had returned 28 Jun, with a max of 17 on 31 Aug. 25 onrd 4 Oct almost certainly included Sep a . number of wintering birds. Elsewhere numbers peakedth at 14 at Middleberend on 3 Aug andth 14 atth Lytchettth Bay 10 th Radipole Lake 3 on 22 Jul, singles on 19 , 24 and 25 Aug and 2 on 18 Oct. WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. [Amber list]

A rare spring record for east Dorset couldn’t disguise the fact that this was one of the direst Allyears records: in modern memory.

th Bride Valley FF 1 on 27nd Aug.st st Lodmoor 1 on 22 Jul. nd th th th Stanpit Marsh 1 over on 1 May; singles 1 , 2 and 12 Jul, 18 and 27 Aug. REDSHANK Tringa totanus A declining breeding resident, common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

In the Lower Avon Valley 5 pairs bred and a small population again nested on the salt marshes in Lytchett Bay. For the second year running a pair were seen at Swineham Point. SiteOne ofmaxima: these, or another was on Wareham Water Meadows in May. Maxima: Sep Nov 137 100 167 105 9 39 69 110 170 164 128 50 Jan25 Feb45 Mar70 Apr22 May1 Jun2 Jul2 Aug7 Oct25 45 Dec40 Christchurch Harbour 486 626 218 200 118 135 229 413 392 Ferrybridge/The Fleet Poole Harbour

OtherThe February records count and passage:in Poole Harbour was the highest for 4 years.

Away from the three main sites Redshank is a far from common bird in Dorset. The only other winter records came from singles at Lodmoor at both ends of the year, from West Bexington early inth the year and isolatedth records of what could perhaps have been the same bird at West Bay 8 and Lyme Regis 10 Dec.

The vast majority of migrants are also confined to Pooleth st and Christchurchnd rd Harbours and the Fleet. Elsewhere, for example, a total of 16 birds 14 Mar - 22 Apr represents an excellent spring at Lodmoor. Singles at Longham Lakes on 21 Mar and 3 Sep were also good site records. 90 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 90 17/07/2012 11:51 TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres A local winter visitor and passage migrant to coastal sites. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Maxima: Sep Nov 13 15 18 17 9 2 12 12 12 24 61 Jan20 Feb40 Mar70 Apr42 May5 Jun Jul17 Aug50 44 Oct45 70 Dec50 Christchurch Harbour 39 31 20 8 1 5 26 39 49 37 Ferrybridge/The Fleet Poole Harbour

Elsewhere up to 13 were erratically present on Preston Beach early in the year, with up to Passage/records15 from October to from the end elsewhere of the year. include: Sep . th Arne 26 on 5th Baiter Park 8 on 15 May. th nd Brand’s Bay Recordsth included 2 on 9 May and 1 on 2 Jun. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 13rd May. th st Hengistbury Head Records includedrd 7e onth 15 May. Lodmoor 2 on 23st May, 1 on 17 Jun, 2 on 31 Jul and up to 11 on various dates 23 Aug - end Sep. South Hams 1 on 1 Jun. GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius A scarce autumn and rare winter visitor, usually after gales.

All but one of the dozen or so records (mainly of juveniles) came in two spells: the first from Allmid records: September to early October, the second from late October to early November. - 17 26 th th th th th Chesil Cove Singlesth 26 Aug, 14 Sep, 20 Oct Sep and . 13 Nov, with 2 on Oct.stth th Hengistbury Head 1w 11 Sep and rd1 flew upriver on 16 Nov . Lodmoor 1 on 1 Oct. - 27 th nd th Lyme Regis 3 off The SepCobb . 3 Oct,th singlesth 30 Oct, 2 Nov and 5 Portland 1 off Eastth Cliffs 25 Oct. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 20 POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus An uncommon passage migrant, mainly in spring.

MonthlyA well below totals average from yearmain with coastal just 20sites: past Portland Bill in spring: Bird-days: Sep Nov 3 Jan Feb Mar Apr9 May11 Jun Jul1 Aug Oct4 19 Dec Chesil Cove Portland Bill

2010 Dorset Bird Report 91

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 91 17/07/2012 11:51 spring

Other migrants were noted asth follows: St Aldhelm’s Head 2e on 25th Apr. Studlandautumn Bay 1e on 25 Apr.

Other migrants were noted as follows: Sep . Hengistbury Head A very poorth year at this site with just a single record of a juv west onth 10 Poole Bay 2 on 30 Oct. ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus A fairly common migrant, scarce in winter. [Red list]

Monthly totals from main coastal sites: Bird-days: Sep Nov 1 26 3 1 1 3 Jan Feb Mar Apr May1 Jun Jul1 Aug2 2 Oct3 Dec Chesil Cove 1 3 1 7 4 17 Durlston 1 50 29 7 15 14 48 Hengistbury Head Portland Bill spring

Other noteworthy migrants wereth noted as follows: th St Aldhelm’s Head 9 past onth 24 Apr, with 8 on 25 Apr. Studland Bay autumn 4 on 25 Apr.

Other noteworthy migrants were noted as thfollows: Lodmoor 1 over the scrapes on 7 Jul. GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua An uncommon passage migrant, occasional in winter. [Amber list]

Monthly totals from main coastal sites: Bird-days: Sep Nov 4 12 3 4 1 2 Jan Feb Mar Apr1 May Jun Jul1 Aug1 Oct2 Dec Chesil Cove 1 1 4 1 2 Durlston 3 2 3 32 7 3 16 17 21 43 8 1 Hengistbury Head Portland Bill spring

Other noteworthy migrants wereth noted as thfollows: St Aldhelm’s Head 7 on 24th Apr, 3 on 25 Apr. Studland Bay autumn 4 on 25 Apr. st Other noteworthy migrants were noted as follows: st Brownsea Island 1 over the lagoon on 1 Oct. Mudeford Quay 1 was on the harbour shore on 1 Oct and was later at nearby Stanpit Marsh.

92 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 92 17/07/2012 11:51 KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla A local breeding species and common offshore passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Dancing Ledge No news received from this site once again. CoastalPortland passage Bill maxima: 19 apparently occupied nests. Nov . th Chesil Cove 100 on 11 th Nov . Durlston 120w on 12rd th Jan. th Hengistbury Head 5 east on 28 Apr, 33 west on 4 PortlandUnusual Billrecords: 250 on 23 Oct. Nov . nd Lodmoor 1 on 22 BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus A very common breeding species in Poole Harbour, common passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Brownsea Island 176 nests counted in Jun. Wareham Channel 19No nest counts received, but 5,000 birds were estimated here in thlate May, and juvs were noted at nearby Lytchett Bay from Coastal passage: Jun. Bird-days: Sep Nov 47 30 19 21 20 4 26 13 11 78 221 154 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Portland Bill rd

th Chesil Cove 160 south or eastth 18 Mar – 23 May. West Bexington 100+ east on 28 Oct was the only significant count from this site, the notable reduction of small gulls wintering locally here Other large counts received:again noted.

Christchurch Harbour 3,500 in Jan,thrd Sep1,847 . in Nov. Avon Causeway 2,000 on 7 Feb. Lodmoor 1,000 on 3th Ringstead Bay 800 on 20 Mar.rdth Tadnoll/Wool 1,000+ on 25 Jan. th OtherWeymouth records: Bay 3,000 on 23 Jan and 12 Feb.

th Radipole Lake 7 Dec saw the return of the ‘white JYY’. This colour-ringed individual summers in Denmark, and since 2001 has returned to Weymouth each winter. It is now at least 17 years old, although the current longevity record for this species is 33 years (Dutch Birding 34: 20-31). 2010 Dorset Bird Report 93

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 93 17/07/2012 11:51 LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus An uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, occasional in summer. [Amber list]

Monthly totals at the main coastal sites: Bird-days: Sep Nov 2 11 36 1 1 1 22 2 Jan Feb1 Mar Apr2 May1 Jun Jul Aug2 Oct9 15 Dec2 Chesil Cove 1 4 5 1 Christchurch Harbour 1 1 29 1 1 4 1 Durlston Spring:Portland Bill

th Cowards Marsh First-winterth on 26 Mar. East Bexington 1w on 26 Mar.th Highcliffe 2 ads onth 26 Mar. rd Lodmoor 1 on 28 Apr. Longham Lakes First-summerth on 23 May. th St Aldhelm’s Head 20e on 24th Apr, with 4 east on 25 Apr. Studland Bay 13 on 24 Apr. th SwinehamAutumn: GP First-summer on 9 Apr.

th Cogden First-winterrdth Sep on . 19 Oct. East Bexington 1w onrd 30 Aug. rd Nov . Maiden Castle Juv on 3 th th Lodmoor 1 on 3 Sep,rdth 2 on 3 Oct, and singles on 11 and 16 Longham Lakes Juv on 10 Oct. Nov . Lytchett Bay Juv on 3 Oct. th Sep . Portland Harbour Second-summerth on 29th Radipole Lake Juv on st26th Aug and 10 Nov West Bexington Ad on 26 Oct. th th th Weymouth Bay 3 on 1th Sep, 1 on 4 Oct, 7 on 18 Nov and singles on 27 and 6 Dec. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus An increasing breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

The county record was again broken this year as this species continues its remarkable change in status. At least 450 were present in the Ferrybridge area in December and double- Breeding:figure counts can now be expected at some inland sites at certain times of the year:

Poole Harbour No details received from the colonyth in the Wareham Channel other than 40 counted here on 26 Mar. Birds were also noted carrying nest material on Brownsea Lagoon although there has still been no nesting attempt within the Black-headed Gull colony at this site.

94 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 94 17/07/2012 11:51 Weymouth & Portland: Maxima: Sep Nov 300 300 60 1 2 25 40 30 250 400 450 Jan45 Feb10 Mar1 Apr May2 Jun3 Jul13 Aug9 6 Oct14 16 Dec5 Ferrybridge 118 100 7 2 1 3 5 5 1 40 100 200 Lodmoor 7 50 3 2 14 40 140 110 120 Portland Bill PooleRadipole Harbour: Lake Maxima: Sep Nov 2 15 3 13 105 52 35 1 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Studland Bay

thst Baiter Park Max of 14 on 8 Jan. th Brownsea Island Max of 54 on 31 Mar, 19th on 18 Jul.th th Lytchett Bay A recordth 161 bird-days 6 Mar – 16 Jul. Max of 11 on 15 Apr Christchurch Harbour: and 19 Jun.

Maxima: Sep Nov A record 962 bird-days, peak5 counts15 as22 usual35 here 8in Apr6 (31635 bird-days).15 10 25 3 4 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec InlandChristchurch and otherHarbour records: st

Buckland Ripers 13 on 31 Dec. th th Cowards Marsh Unprecedentedth counts of 50 on 13 Mar and 62 on 13 Jul. Crichel Lake 4 on 14 Mar. th Dorchester 13 on water meadows on 26 Feb. Durlston A record thst199 bird-days. Recorded in all months of the year. Longham Lakes 30 on 30 Mar. Maiden Castle 10 on 31rd Oct. rd th Rushcombe Bottom Peak of 10 flying over on 17 Apr. Spetisbury 9 on 23 Apr with 13 on 3 th Jun. Sturminster Marshall GPs Peak of 4 flying over on 17 Apr. COMMON GULL Larus canus A common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

First winter period max: st

th Crichel Lake 400 on 21th Feb, 500 on 14 Mar. Lytchett Bay 500 on 10 Mar.th Poole Harbour 3,000 on 30th Jan. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 700 on 18 Jan.th SecondWeymouth winter Bay period max:3,000 on 12 Feb. Nov . th Poole Harbour 1,140 on 7 Novth . Ringstead Bay 2,000 on th4 Dec. Warmwell Quarry 520 on 4

2010 Dorset Bird Report 95

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 95 17/07/2012 11:51 Coastal passage:

th Novth . Chesil Beach 700 south thand east 18 Mar –th 30 Apr. Hengistbury Head 62 east 27 Mar, 150 west 29 RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis A rare passage migrant and winter visitor.

Just one record this year: th Stanpit Marsh A heavily-moultingst first-summer was found on 24 Jun andth again on a few dates in July and early August, but from 26 August until 21J Main Sep itDN was Smith presentDH on Taylor an almost et al daily basis. Itth visited nearby Cowards Marsh on 3 dates in mid-Sep. The 15 CHOG record ( , , , photo). LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus graellsii A common migrant, winter visitor and scarce breeding species. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Dorchester A pair raised 2 juvs on the County Hospital roof. Portland Harbour At least 4 pairs on the breakwaters. CoastalWeymouth passage: At least 1 pair present. Nov . th East Bexington 35 south-west on 7 st th th Portland Bill In Spring 205 bird-daysrd on 24 dates from 6 Mar – 12 Jun, with12 a max of 18 north on 21 th Mar. Autumn saw 184 bird-days on28 th20 dates from 3 Jul – 13 Oct, with a maxrd of 20 south on th Sep. ‘Exceptional’nd northerlyth winter movements of 100 on Nov and 2 Dec, 80 on 19 Dec, 20 on 23 Dec were also Other maxima: recorded. Nov . thNov . Crichel Lake 200 on 13th Poole Harbour 212 on 7th th rd Radipole Lake 37 on 17 thMar, 60 on 20 Dec. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 230 on 18 Jan, 160 on 23 Aug. Larus fuscus intermedius A scarce passage migrant. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL intermedius

Reports of adult -types or intergrades as follows: th Hatch Pond 1 on 27th Apr. Lodmoor 2 on 29th Jul. th Portland Bill 1 on 16th Jul and 29 Jul. 96Radipole Dorset Lake Bird Report 2010 3 on 17 Mar.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 96 17/07/2012 11:51 Gull-billed Tern at Abbotsbury Swannery - 1st July Luke Phillips This bird was the 11th county record of this species and, after initially being seen flying past West Bexington, was seen sporadically at Abbotsbury Swannery or off Abbotsbury Beach.

Roseate Tern at Brownsea Island - 22nd May Peter Moore There was no repeat of 2009’s breeding on Brownsea Island this year, although 1 or 2 birds did linger around the tern colonies on the lagoon during May.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 97

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 97 17/07/2012 11:51 Long-billed Dowitcher at Lodmoor - 20th November Peter Moore Dorset’s 8th Long-billed Dowitcher arrived in early November, and settled down to overwinter. It was mainly seen at Lodmoor, but was also recorded at Radipole Lake and on the Fleet.

Semipalmated Sandpiper at Lodmoor - 9th September Kevin Lane This bird was initially thought to be a Little Stint and it was only during its final day (and shortly before it departed for good) that it was reidentified as Dorset’s 4th record of Semipalmated Sandpiper.

98 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 98 17/07/2012 11:51 HERRING GULL Larus argentatus argenteus A common breeding resident, migrant and winter visitor. [Red list] Breeding:

Durlston 5+ nests between Durlston Head and Ragged Rocks. Portland Bill 215 pairs on buildings throughout the island raising at least 530 young, with an additional 20 pairs on cliff-top sites. Portland Harbour 150 pairs on the breakwaters. WestWinter Bexington roosts: 14 nests in small rooftop colony.

th rd Portland Harbour 3,000 on th4 Feb on breakwaters. WeymouthOther counts: Bay 1,100 12 Feb, 1000 on 23 Oct.

Christchurch Harbour 800 - 850nd in Apr and May. Ferrybridge 300 on 2 Mar were feeding on spawning ragworms emerging from the seabed during exceptionally low spring tides (Brit. Birds 105:thrd 159) Radipole Lake 450 on 26 Dec. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 350 on 23 Aug. Larus argentatus argentatus A scarce winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ HERRING GULL argentatus

Just one record of an -type or Novintergrade: . th Portland Bill Adult on 5 YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis A rare breeding species and an increasing autumn and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

nd Brownsea Island The usual pair again bred on the Lagoon andth by 2 Jun had hatched two chicks. Just one remained by 11 Jun and it was Christchurch Harbour: not reported if it successfully fledged. Bird-days: Sep Nov 4 1 5 6 1 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec PooleChristchurch Harbour: Harbour

VeryMaxima: low counts received from the usual haunts, either severely under-recordedSep Nov or a significant change in status.2 1 1 20 5 Jan Feb1 Mar1 Apr May Jun Jul9 Aug9 9 Oct1 1 Dec1 Holes Bay 3 2 1 1 1 14 3 1 12 4 Lytchett Bay 2 1 8 2 1 1 Middlebere Swineham 2010 Dorset Bird Report 99

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 99 17/07/2012 11:51 Weymouth & Portland:

Bird-days: Sep Nov Smaller arrival of juvs in mid-late 1summer than1 in recent years.1 1 2 1 1 Jan Feb Mar1 Apr May Jun Jul3 Aug Oct1 1 Dec Radipole Lake 3 2 27 32 3 Lodmoor OtherPortland coastal sites:

th th Abbotsbury Singles onrd 4 datesth 10 Augth – 30 Oct. Durlston Singlesst on 12 Nov and 9 Dec. East Fleet Juv on 23 Aug. Lyme Regis 1 on 1 thJul. Rodden Hive 1 on 15 thAug. nd th West Bexington Juvs on 5 Aug, 22 Aug and 26 Aug. ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

In a poor year for northern gulls, just two reports both Nov from . the east of the county: th Avon Causeway Juv/first-winterth on 26 Hengistbury Head On 24 Apr an unaged individual flew east and was later on Stanpit Marsh. Only the second CHOG record since 1999. GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

Just one report: th Chesil Cove An unaged individual here on 25 Dec was later in Portland Harbour. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus A local breeding species, common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Durlston 2 nests on the park. North Portland 4 pairs on buildings. Portland Harbour 5 pairs on the breakwaters. SiteWeymouth maxima: 1 pair on town centre buildings. Maxima: Sep Nov 410 320 170 200 170 200 235 450 300 600 900 300 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Portland Harbour

th th Brownsea Island 52 on 12 May, 72 on 7 Oct. Christchurch Harbour 400 in Dec.th Radipole Lake 106 on 26th Oct. Rodden100 Dorset Hive Bird Report 2010 170 on 20 Aug.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 100 17/07/2012 11:51 LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons A local and declining breeding species and scarce passage migrant. [Amber list] Breeding:

Ferrybridge A special project led by Natural England, the RSPB and the Chesil Bank & Fleet Nature Reserve resulted in the most successful breeding season for 16 years. At least 32 birds were Coastal passage: present, with 12 breeding pairs raising 9 young.

th Abbotsbury 3 on 25 Apr.th Hengistbury Head 13e on 25th Apr. St Aldhelm’s Head 3e on 24th Apr. West Bexington 2 on 25th Apr. WeymouthOther records: Bay 4 on 20 Apr. st

th nd th BrownseaExtreme dates: Island 2 on 13 May, 1 Jun and 2 Jul, with 1 on 12 Aug. Sep . thst thSep . Portland area 20 Apr – 11th Christchurch Harbour 21 Apr – 9 GULL-BILLED TERN Gelochelidon nilotica Vagrant. Ten previous records.

th The 11 county record, but only the third in the last 30 years: 29 nd th West Bexington An adult or 2 summer flewst eastA Barrett past WestM Morse Bexington et al on Jun and was later relocated at Abbotsbury Beach and Swannery where it remained until 1 Jul ( , , photo).

A full account of this occurrence can be found on page 195 of this report. BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger A scarce passage migrant. [Amber list]

Spring passage:

th Abbotsbury 1 on 25 May. Chesil Cove 2 past in Apr. Portland Bill 4 past in thApr. AutumnSt Aldhelm’s passage: Head 1e on 24 Apr.

nd th Abbotsbury 1 on 2th Octth and 14 Oct. Bride Valley Fish Farm 1 on 7 – 8 Oct. rd Chesil Cove 6 past in Sep, 4 in Oct.th Christchurch Harbour 7 singlesnd on 9 dates 9 Aug – 3 Oct. Durlston 1 on 2 Oct. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 101

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 101 17/07/2012 11:51 th Sep . th Lodmoor 1 on 14th – 16 Oct. Longham Lakes 1 on 20thst Peveril Point 1 on 15 Aug. Poole Harbour Mouth 1 on 31th Aug.thst Sep . th Radipole Lake 1 on 13th – 19 Sep and 5 Oct. Swineham GP 2 on 17th – 21 West Bexington 1 on 14 Oct. SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis A common summer visitor and passage migrant; rare in winter. [Amber list] Breeding:

Brownsea Island 232 pairs counted on the Lagoon in Jun, a small decrease from Coastal passage: the record 263 in 2009. Bird-days: Sep Nov 39 80 5 5 31 2 1 2 Jan Feb Mar33 Apr74 May38 Jun5 Jul4 Aug35 48 Oct10 1 Dec Chesil Cove 36 172 62 29 24 47 10 9 Ferrybridge OtherPortland coastal Bill passage: Sep . th th Hengistbury Head 83e on 24th Apr, 78w on 6 th WinterSt Aldhelm’s records: Head 63e on 24 Apr, 131e on 25 Apr. st

th st Christchurch Harbour 1 on 21 and 26 Dec. th PooleExtreme Harbour dates: 1 at various sites 1 Jan – 24 Feb. rd Nov . th Portland area 3 Mar – 20 COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Abbotsbury A small colony established again after 2 blank years with 15 - 20 pairs fledging 30 - 40 young. Brownsea Island 150+ nests counted in Jun. LodmoorCoastal passage: 130 juvs/large young estimated in mid-Jul.

th th Hengistbury Head 78e on 25 thApr, 179w on 9 Aug.th OtherSt Aldhelm’s records: Head 496e on 24 Apr, 820e on 25 Apr. st

nd th ExtremeBrownsea dates: Island An apparent 1 summer type was present on 2 Jun & 16 Jul. 25 th th March at Lodmoor and 4 Oct at Durlston and in Weymouth Bay. 102 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 102 17/07/2012 11:51 ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii A scarce migrant; has occasionally bred. [Red list]

Brownsea Island There was no repeat of lastth yearsth breeding attempt, although 1 - 2 birds were present 13 – th24 May. Another was seen off the east sideth of the islandth on 12 Aug. th th Chesil Cove 1e on 24th Apr andth 25rd May, with singles on 4 and 16 Jul. Hengistbury Head 1 on 9 Maynd and 6 Jul. Lodmoor 1 - 2 fromrd 2 Julth – 3 Aug. Portland Bill 1 ad west on 4 Aug. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 23 Aug. ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea A fairly common spring and autumn migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Lodmoor The male present for the last threend years again returned to the Common Tern colony from 22 May, but despite holding a territory and regularly bringing innd sand eels, he remained Spring passage: unpaired and was last reported on 2 Aug.

th th BrownseaAutumn passage: Island 1 - 2 on 4 dates 7 May – 6 Jun. Sep . th Abbotsbury 2 on 10th Sep . Brownsea 1 on 18 Jul. th Chesil Cove 23 juvsth south onst 14 Durlston 1 on 5 Oct. rd Ferrybridge 4 juvs eastst on 1 Oct. th Hengistbury Head Max of 10 west on 24 Aug andnd 9 east on 3 Oct. Lodmoor Juv onst 31 Jul with 2 juvs on 2 Aug. th Lyme Bay 1 from a fishing boat 10miles south of Lyme Regis on 14 Aug. Shambles Bank 1 on 1 Aug from ath fishing boatth south-east of Portland Bill West Bexington 1 - 3 on 6 datesth 26 Augth – 26 Oct. WeymouthExtreme dates: Bay 1 on 4dates 4 Sep – 4 Oct.

nd th Portland area 2 Apr – 8 Oct. Sterna hirundo / paradisaea

‘COMMIC TERN’

RecordsBird-days: from Portland of Common or Arctic Terns not positively identifiedSep to speciesNov level are given below: 1150 101 Jan Feb Mar2 1159Apr May580 Jun Jul 220Aug 11 Oct28 Dec Chesil Cove Portland Bill 2010 Dorset Bird Report 103

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 103 17/07/2012 11:51 GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Locally common breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Durlston Up to 350 birds on the ledges. AwayPortland from Bill the breeding sites:At least 600 birds at the breeding colony.

Hengistbury Head Recorded in most months.th In the first winter period a maximum of 17w on 11 Jan and only a few birds Oct to Dec. RAZORBILL Alca torda Local breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Durlston Up to 32 birds on the ledges. AwayPortland from Bill the breeding sites:At least 75 birds at the breeding colony.

th Hengistbury Head Recorded in most months with a maximum of 10w on 16 May.

AUK spp rd th Durlston 1,800w (mostly Razorbills) on 12 Jan, 3,000e (mainly Guillemots) on 23 Jan. st th Hengistbury Head Recorded in most months with a maximum of 140e on 16 May. Portland Bill A maximum of 6,000 per hour (mostly Razorbills) 31 Dec. BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Amber list.

There was one record: st th HG Wood Homer Poole Harbour 1et off al Redhorn Quay on 19 and 21 Novnd and was also photographed in Studland Bay on 22 Nov ( , photo). LITTLE AUK Alle alle A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, usually storm driven.

Just 4 records this year: th Brownsea Island 1 on 5 thDec. Nov . Chesil Cove 1 on 29th Oct. Nov . Durlston 1 on 30 th Hengistbury Head 1w on 4 104 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 104 17/07/2012 11:51 PUFFIN Fratercula arctica A scarce and declining breeding visitor. [Amber list] Breeding:

th th th Dancing Ledge Recorded fromnd 24 Apr until 27 Jul, maximum of 9 on 25 Jun. Portland Bill First seen on 2 Mar. Atth least 4 birds present in breeding Other records: season. Last record 18 Jul.

th Chesil Cove 1 on 15th Apr. Durlston 3 on 9 Junth Hengistbury Head 2w on 16 May. FERAL ROCK DOVE (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia A common urban breeding resident, also breeding locally along the coast. Breeding:

OtherNo records records: received, but breeds commonly in the main towns and along the Purbeck coast. st

Lodmoor 250 on 1rd Jan. North Portland 500+ all year. Weymouth 150 on 3 Mar. STOCK DOVE Columba oenas A declining breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from: Canford School (4 pairs bred, 1 rearing 2 broods in the same box), Chalmington Orchard (1 singing male), Deadmoor Common (pair inspecting tree nest hole), Hengistbury Head (1 pair present), Merley Park (16 breeding pairs) and Rushcombe Bottom (3 singing males). These were the only breeding records received, Autumnhowever passage:the species is present in low densities throughout the county. Nov . th th Nov . East Bexington 989w on 6 datesth st between 24th Oct and 10 nd Christchurch Harbour 160w on 25 Oct, Nov 300w . onth 7 Nov, 350w on 22 Durlston 658 recorded, Novth 1 .Oct to 16 Dec. Lodmoor 2,500+w onth Nov7 . Martinstown c200 on 13 -th 11 Nov . Poole, Constitution Hill 300w onth 7 Novth . Portland Bill 125n 10 th WinterWest Bexington flocks above 20: 500w on 7 st

Bardolf Farm 40 on 1 thDec. th Tarrant Rushton Airfield 40 on 10 thFeb, 120 on 15 Mar. Winkton Dairy Farm 100+ on 4 Jan. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 105

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 105 17/07/2012 11:51 WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus A very common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Merley Park 38 pairs bred. AutumnNorth Portland passage: 10+ pairs bred. Nov . th Nov . Bournemouth 1,000w on 10 thNov . Canford Heath 590nw on 26th st . Charmouth 1,000+ on 7 th th Christchurch Harbour In October - 7,000w on 25 , 600w on 30 , 5,600w . onth 31 In Novemberth – 122,060th birdst days, with 30,900wnd on 7 , 40,400w on 10 , 10,350w on 16 and 17,000w Nov . th on 22 Durlston 7,820 countedth between Nov . 1 Octth and 16 Dec. East Bexington 47,025w on 7 th NovNov, . 680e 10 Lodmoor 13,500sw on 7th Nov . Lytchett Bay 10,246w on 7th Nov . Moordown 1,050+w on 7 st thNov . Poole, Constitution Hill 161,000+ mainly w, on th7 Portland Bill 1,364 migrantsth 1 – 10 Nov . West Bexington 600w on 25 Oct. th up to 40,000w on 7 th WinterSome remarkable flocks above numbers 100: recorded. Obviously 7 Nov was the big day! rd

st Ashmore 1,000 on 23th Feb. th Bardolf Farm 4,500 on 14th Jan, 700 on 12th and 1,150 on 21 th Dec. Langton Herring 500 on 13th Jan, 500 on 30 Aug and 500 on 24 Dec. Puddletown 880 on 14th Feb. Tarrant Hinton 206 on 4 thDec. Winterborne Herringston 200 on 19th Feb. Woodcutts 500 on 5 Dec. COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto A common breeding resident and scarce passage migrant.

Breeding:

Merley Park 1 pair fledged 2 young. Southwell 5 pairs bred. West Bexington 1 pair bred.

FlocksThese were above the 20 only / autumn records passage:received. The species breeds throughout the county.

thst Nov . Tarrant Hinton 26 on 4 Dec. Wakeham 32 on 21 106 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 106 17/07/2012 11:51 TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur A declining breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding season records: - 16 th th th Abbotsbury Beach 1 bird in garden, 27 - 28 May and 15 Jun. Briantspuddle Heath Pair all thsummer. Clouds Hill 1 on 19 Jun. Turnerspuddle Heath Male singing all summer.

CoastalNo confirmed migration: breeding this year.

3rd th Christchurch Harbour 6 birds in spring from 15 Apr into Jun. Just onest in autumn on Sep. th ThisSep . representsth an average yearth for this site. th Durlston 1 on 28th Apr, 2 on 7 May, singles on 8 May, 21 May, 13 Aug and 10 Portland 5 birds in Apr, 14 in May and 1 in Jun. 4 birds in autumn. The Extreme dates: number of birds recorded at the Bill was the lowest ever. 15 th th Apr Christchurch Harbour and 7 Oct Portland. RING-NECKED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri A scarce feral breeding resident.

th st Lodmoor 1Sep on to 16 15 Oct. th Studland Present allth year with 3 pairs on 21 Apr and 7 birds from 19 Nov suggesting that breeding may have taken place. Swanage Up to 4 birds near Prospect Allotments from Nov into 2011. CUCKOO Cuculus canorus A declining breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding: st rd

rd Arne Juvenile fed by Meadow Pipits 21 – 23 Aug. Durlston A juvenile wasth seen on 3 Jul. Lower Avon Valley Juvenile on 25 Jul. th Morden Bog 2 juveniles fed by Meadow Pipits,th th 20 Jun.th Fledged juvenile, perhaps one ofth the above, 6 , 8 and 11 Aug. Upwey Juvenile on 13 Aug.

Also recorded In the breeding season from a large number of sites: Alderholt, Alners Gorse, Arne Moors, Avon Heath CP, Bokerley Dyke, Boys Hill, Brands Bay, Broadstone GC, Burton, Canford School, Cerne Abbas (2), Chickerell,th Christchurch, Eyebridge Wimborne, Gillingham, Gore Hill, Greenlands Farm (4 on 15 May), Gussage St Andrew, Hambledon Hill, Hartland Moor, Higher Halstock, Higher Hyde Heath, Holt, Holt Forest (pair), Holt Heath (pair), Holton Lee, Hooke, Little Sea Studland, Lodmoor, Longham Lakes,2010 Dorset Lorton Bird Report Meadows, 107

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 107 17/07/2012 11:51 Lower Wraxhall, Maiden Newton, Melcombe Regis, Merley Park, Middlebere, Moreton Plantation, Norden Woods, Ogber, Powerstock Common, Ridge, Slepe Heath, Sopley Mill, South Haven, Spetisbury, St Catherine’s Hill, Stoborough Heath, Stoney Down, Stour Valley LNR (2), Sturminster Marshall GPs, Tadnoll Heath, Upton Heath, Wareham, Wareham Forest - Cold Harbour, West Holme (3), West Moors, White Sheets, and Winfrith Heath.

Migration:A total of 63 sites this year.

Christchurch Harbour 3 singles in Apr, 1 at Hengistbury Sep . Head on 4 dates in May, and 1 at Stanpit on 3 dates inth May, 1 bird in Jun. A juvenile was at Hengistbury Sep Head . on 16 th Durlston 3 records thin Apr, 5 in May and 4 in Jun. Further singles on 28 Aug and 7 ExtremePortland dates: 8 birds in spring and just 2 in late Jul. 10 th th Apr at Grange Heath and 16 Sep at Christchurch Harbour. BARN OWL Tyto alba A scarce breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding: st

Came Wood Adult and a juvenileth on 21 Jul. Middlebere Juvenile seen on 14 Jul. th Verne Moat, Portland A pair with 3 juveniles on 7 Aug. West Bexington 2 well-grown young. th Wyke Down Pair with a juvenile on 25 Jun whichth did not survive. A second brood of 3 thowlets in box on 8 Sep, but one found decapitated on 20 Sep - perhaps by a Tawny Owl.

Also recorded from Abbotsbury Swannery, Bardolf Farm (2 singles from May onwards), Brockington, East Burton, Gillingham, Gussage St Andrew, Higher Bushey Farm, Holton Heath, Lytchett Bay, Martinstown, Minchington, Monkton-up-Wimborne, Spetisbury, WinterStinsford, records: Sturminster Marshall GPs and Wimborne St Giles in the breeding season.

Reported from 36 locations throughout the county.

108 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 108 17/07/2012 11:51 LITTLE OWL Athene noctua A local and declining breeding resident.

Breeding:

28 th Burton Bradstock Youngth food-begging on 18 Jul, with 2 adults and 1 juvenile on Aug.

Also recorded from Christchurch Harbour, Durlston, East Burton (2), Eyebridge nr River Stour, Frome Whitfield, Gussage St Andrew, Hooke Park, Martinstown, Portland (5 sites), West Bexington, Winterborne Herringston, Woodcutts and Wyke Down in the breeding Winterseason. records:

Recorded from Avon Causeway, Burton Bradstock, Gussage St Andrew, Holes Bay, Holt, Matchams, Sutton Waldron, Uploders, West Bexington, West Morden, Wimborne St Giles, Winterborne Herringston, Woodcutts and Wyke Down. TAWNY OWL Strix aluco A common breeding resident.

Confirmed breeding:

th Brownsea Island 2 juveniles on 27 May. Gussage St Andrew Pair breeding in same tree for third year running. UnconfirmedMerley Park breeding: 2 pairs fledged 3 young.

Breeding season records from Alners Gorse, Colehill, Durlston, Gore Heath, Holt, Hooke Park, Little Sea, Newton Heath, Powerstock Common, Rushcombe Bottom, Upton Heath, Winterborne Herringston and Wyke Down. LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus A scarce winter visitor, with occasional breeding records.

Breeding:

OtherNo breeding records: records received. st

Central Portland 1 at Weston Street on 31 Oct.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 109

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 109 17/07/2012 11:51 SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list] Beginning of year / spring passage: rd

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 23th Apr. Durlston 1 on 9 thMay. Lodmoor 1 on 20th Jan. Pirates Cove, the Fleet 3 on 18 Mar. st Portland Monthlyth totals thof 10 in Jan, 1 in Mar and 3 in Apr. StanpitAutumn Marsh passage and end of1 onyear 8 records: and 12 Jan, 1ne on 1 Apr.

th Nov . Bridging Camp, the Fleet 3 on 12th NovOct. . Chickerell 1 on 10th rd Child Okeford 1 on 29 th st rd Durlston Singles on 29 Sep and 3th Oct.th st th Hengistbury Head 2 singlesth in Sep, 1 on 11 , 13 and 16 Nov Oct. . 3 onth 1 , 1 on 3 , 2 on 7 and Nov 1 in th. off theth sea on 21 Nov.th 1 on 19 Dec. Lodmoor Singles thon 13 & 14 Oct and on 15 Middlebere 1 on 10 Nov . Portland Monthly totalsth of 1 in Sep,th 34 in Oct, 9 in Nov. and 1 in Dec. Radipole Lake Singlesth onNov 4 . Oct and 10 Stanpit Marsh 1 on 6th Dec. Nov - 31st West Holme Heath 1 on 7 th th WykeNIGHTJAR Down Caprimulgus europaeusRecorded 14 Dec with a maximum of 5 on 5 Dec. A fairly common breeding summer visitor and scarce passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

A total of 200 churring males/breeding territories recorded from: Alderholt, Black Down (4), Boswell’s Plantation Ilsington, Brownsea Island, Burton Common, Canford Heath (30), Corfe and Barton Hills (6), Coward’s Marsh, Cranborne Common (20), Dunyeat’s Heath Broadstone (4), Ferndown Common (4), Godlingston Heath (14), Hardown Hill, Hardy’s Monument (5), Hartland Moor (3), Hengistbury Head, Higher Hyde Heath (2), Holt Heath (3), Hooke Park (2+), Horton Common (2), Hurn Common (7), Hurn Forest, Lions Hill (4), Little Sea Studland, Lower Hyde Heath, Lytchett Bay, Newton Heath (9), Parley Common (14), Rushcombe Bottom (1), Slepe Heath (2), Soldiers Road, Stoborough Heath (2), Studland Heath (6), Upton Heath (12), Wareham Forest - Cold Harbour, Gore Heath (2), Great Ovens Hill, Lawson Clump (4+) and Morden Bog (6), West Holme and Povington Heaths (9) West Moors (3), White Sheet Plantation, Winfrith Heath (3+), Winterborne AbbasMigration: and Woolgarston.

th Abbotsbury Beach 1 in off the sea on 9 May. th Durlston 1 flushed fromth the gully on 14 May. ExtremePortland Billdates: A male on 19 May, trapped and ringed. 30 th th 110 AprDorset and Bird 4 Report Sep, 2010both at White Sheet Plantation.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 110 17/07/2012 11:51 SWIFT Apus apus A declining breeding species and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Ashley Cross “Screaming parties” of up to 22 birds. Blandford Forum Only 2 birds seen with numbersrd well down. Poole Breeding in Emerson Road. Portesham 7 birds at breeding site on 23 Jul.. Portland Fortuneswell - up to 8 birds in July. At least one pair bred. Also present at Easton, Grove and Southwell. Sturminster Newton 5 birds over market breeding site. Numbers much reduced. Swanage “Screaming parties” in the breeding season. Migration:Wareham “Screaming parties” in the breeding season.

th Durlston 1,700e in an hour on 7 Jun. Total easterly movement that day was estimated at 5,000 birds. th Hengistbury Head In spring 3,247 bird days with maximum of 860 on 9 May.th In autumnth 703 bird days with maximum of 395w on 26 Jul. Longham Lakes 100+ 14 Aug. th Old Harry 11 in off sea on 11 May.th PortlandExtreme dates: Maximum of 1,000 on 9 May. 16 th th Apr at Lodmoor and 5 Oct at Durlston. ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba A rare passage migrant.

There were two records: GP Green et al th - 28 st M Forster et al Durlston 1 on 11 Aprth ( th ). Lodmoor/Radipole Lake 1 from 26 Mar and 1 Apr ( , photo). KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis A fairly common breeding resident along the rivers, some moving to the estuaries in winter. [Amber list]

Breeding:

River Avon Sopley - Christchurch, pair reared 2 juveniles. River Stour Canford - Cowgrove, 4 territories. Spetisbury, 2 pairs bred.

Also recorded in the breeding season from Canford Magna, Christchurch, and Morden Park OutsideLake. the breeding season:

Recorded from 50+ sites. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 111

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 111 17/07/2012 11:51 BEE-EATER Merops apiaster A rare, but regular, passage migrant. Has attempted to breed on one occasion (2006).

The only record submitted this year was of an unseen bird heard calling overG Portland. Walbridge th Central Portland 1 (heard only) over Barleycrates Lane on 6 May ( ). HOOPOE Upupa epops A scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring.

th Nov to 12 Langton Matravers 1 on 15 Apr.th th Longham Lakes 1 from 25 Dec. th th Portland 1 at Portlandth Bill, Southwellth & Perryfields 17 Mar - 6 Apr. Rodden Hive 1 from 18th Mar to 6 Apr. Swanage 1 on 26th Mar. West Bexington 1 on 19 Apr.rd

The Longham Lakesth bird is onlynd the 3 wintering record for Dorset.th Theth others being at Bournemouth (7 Dec 1992 - 22 Feb 1993) and Chickerell (16 Feb – 11 Mar 1998). WRYNECK Jynx torquilla A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. [Red list]

Spring passage:

th AutumnBlack Down, passage: Beaminster 1 on 4 Apr. Sep . th Sep . Bournemouth Hospital 1 on 19th Canford School 1 on 13 th Sep . th Central Portland 1 at Southwell on 6 Sep, 2th at Verne Common on 7 Sep and 1 at Barleycratesth Lane on th10 Sep . Durlston 1 present 30 Aug to 11 Sep (on-24 latter dateth itth was Sep-9at nearby Belle Vue), withnd a secondth th bird ththereth on 8 & 9 th th Hengistbury Head Singles on 2 , 9th , 12 , 16 Sep and 28 O c t . with 2 birds Sep . on 8 Sep. It is thought that between 4 and 6 birds were involved.thst Sep . Lodmoor 1 on 6 Sep . Middlebere 1 on 1 th - 9 Sep . Osmington Mills 1 on 14 Sep th. th th Portland Bill Singlesth on Sep 5 . Sep and on 16 Rodden 1 on 5 th Sep . Shaftesbury 1 on 16th Sep . Sherborne 1 on 14st thSep . Swanage 1 on 16 Sep . Tidmoor, the Fleet 1 on 1th th WestExtreme Bexington autumn dates: 1 on 6 Sep, 2 on 7

th th Durlston112 Dorset on Bird 30 Report Aug 2010 and Hengistbury Head on 9 Oct.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 112 17/07/2012 11:51 GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis A common breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Confirmed (number of juveniles seen in brackets) at Brownsea Island (1), Durlston (4), Hengistbury Head (2 pairs, 3 - 4 juvs), Higher Hyde Heath (1), Langton Herring (juvs), Lodmoor (1), Lytchett Bay, Merley Park (2 pairs, 4 juvs), Stoborough Heath (2 pairs each with young), Upton CP (1) and West Bexington. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Confirmed at Arne (1), Broadstone GC (3 nests), Cogden, Higher Hyde Heath, Kingcombe Meadows, Merley Park (3 pairs fledged 7 juvs), Stanpit Marsh (1 pair with 2 juvs), Stoborough Post-breedingHeath (2 pairs), dispersal Upton CP, orWest migration: Bexington and Worth Matravers.

Nov . Durlston 49 recordedth during visible migrationNov . watches between mid- Sep and 20th th st East Bexington 1w on 24 Oct and 1wth on 6 Hengistbury Head 16 birds between 28 Aug and 21 Oct. Portland 46 birds from Jul to Nov. It is not clear whether these were local birds or more distant migrants.th th South Haven, Studland 10 singles north between 11 and 24 Oct. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor A scarce and declining breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

OtherNo breeding records: records received.

th Sep . Arne 1 on 13th Jun. Brownsea Island 1 on 25th Sep . Canford Heath 1 on 17 Mar. th th th Durlston A femalerd on 11th and 12 Jan. A further single seen on 15 Oakers Wood Female on 18 Jan. Rempstone Forest 1 on 23nd Apr. Stour Valley LNR 1 on 22 Jun.

A very poor showing this year. An analysis of records from 1979 shows that likely breeding (either young seen, drumming or pairs present) has varied from 0 to 12 pairs per annum, but there have only been 3 blank years. Other sightings have ranged from 6 to 23 with only 3 of the years totalling less than 10. This is actually the worst year on record.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 113

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 113 17/07/2012 11:51 WOODLARK Lullula arborea A scarce breeding species and passage migrant, forming flocks during winter. [Red list]

Cold weather at the beginning and, especially, end of the year resulted in widespread movement and some unusual records, with exceptional numbers at Christchurch Harbour inBreeding: particular.

Reported during the breeding season as follows (number of singing males or pairs in brackets): Avon Heath (1 - 2, food carrying), Chamberlayne’s Heath (3 pairs all seen feeding young), Culpepper’s Dish (1), Gore Heath (1), Great Plantation at Bovington (1), Higher Hyde Heath (2 - 3, food carrying), Holt Heathth (3), Lawson Clump (1), Morden Bog (4+ singing males, 2 family groups seen on 30 May), Stoborough Heath (1), Warmwell Heath (1), Wimborne St. Giles (1) and Winfrith Heath (1). Breeding season presence also noted at: Arne, Holton Lee, Sandford Heath, Tadnoll Heath, Turnerspuddle Heath. Sep . Records at some breeding sites continuedth until late in the autumn. Post-breeding dispersal Firstincluded winter 12+ period:at Soldiers Road on 8 - 11 th th Arne 1 on 8nd Jan. Bardolf Farm 6 on 2 Feb. th Blacknoll Hill 1 singing onth 18 Jan. th Durlston 5 over on 6 Jan and 10e on 7 Jan.th Hengistbury Head 4 over andth 6 landed briefly on 7 Jan. Mudeford Quay 42e onth 6 Jan. th AutumnStanpit Marsh passage: 8 on 7 Jan, 1 on 8 Jan. st

th Central Portland 1s Windmills 18 Oct; 3n NovBarleycrates . Lane 21 Oct. Durlston 12 bird-daysth in Oct and th6 bird-days in Nov. East Bexington 3w on 24 Oct; 3wth on 7 th Glebelands 1 overhead- 8 onNov th11 . Oct; th1 on 25 Oct. Hengistbury Head 12e betweenth th 4 stand Nov 17 . October Lytchett Bay 1 on 7th Portland Bill 1s 13 Oct;th 2n 1 South Haven, Studland 1n on 11nd Oct. Stanpit Marsh 1w 22 Oct.th WestSecond Bay winter period: 1w on 11 Oct. rd st - 2 Abbotsbury 5 on 3 th Dec. nd th Bardolf Farm 6 on 27 nd Nov; 18 on 1 Dec; 14 on 13 Dec. Broadstone 1w on 2 Dec. th rd th . Central Portland 3 Windmills 17 Dec; 1s Barleycrates Lane 20 Dec.th Durlston 22 bird-daysth in Dec, includingst 6 on 3 and 7 on 19 to 26 Farrington 1n on 11 Dec. nd th Hengistbury Head 1 on Solentrd Meads GC on 21th Dec, with 2 there 22 Dec, 1e over Hengistbury on 30 Dec.th Lodmoor114 Dorset Bird Report 2010 4e on 3 Dec; 1 overhead 20 Dec.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 114 17/07/2012 11:51 th th Lorton Valley Up to 5 betweennd st 8 and 13 Dec. Lytchett Bay 2w on 2th Dec. Martinstown 2 on 18nd - and3rd 21 Dec. . Mudeford Quay 2 on 2nd Dec. th th Portland Bill 3 on 2 nd Dec; 3 on 7 Dec -with 22 1 until 13 Portland Harbour 4 over on 2 Dec. th nd Puddletown 2 feedingnd by a main road 18 Dec. Radipole Lake 5w on 2th Dec. Ringstead Bay 2w on 4nd Dec. Rodwell Trail 4n on 2 Dec.nd st Stanpit Marsh 110w on 2 Decth including two flocks of 60 and 30 birds. Singles onth 19 and 21 Dec. Sutton Waldron 1n18 on- 19 11 Dec. th rd The Fleet 8 atth the thBridging Camp on 24 Dec; 1+ at Butterstreetth Cove on rd Dec;th Littlesea 6 on 23 Dec & 8 on 24 Dec; Tidmoor 1 over on 19 Dec. th West Bexington 4 on 3nd Dec; 1 on 4 Dec. Weymouth Town Centre 1 on 2 th Dec flushed from an urban pavement. Wick 1s on 5 Dec. SKYLARK Alauda arvensis A declining breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

As with the previous species some very impressive cold weather movements and grounded flocks at the beginning and end of the year. Some of the estimates of settled flocks ranged quite widely reflecting the difficulties of counting large numbers of birds, only some of Breedingwhich may be visible at any one time.

: Breeding activity reported as follows (number of pairs or singing males in brackets): Burton Fields (4), Durlston, Ferrybridge (6), Hammoon (4), Hengistbury Head (7), Higher Hyde Heath (1), Long Crichel area (5), Lulworth camp (5), Lytchett Bay (2), Martinstown area (‘fairly common’), Merley (2), Portland Bill (28), Portland (23 - 25 away from the Bill, fledged young seen), Redcliff Point (3), Stanpit Marsh (1, 2 young raised), Stoborough Heath (1), Sturminster Marshall (2), Sutton Hill (2), Sutton Waldron (2), Tarrant Rushton Airfield (11), The Fleet (21 between Chickerell and Rodden Hive), Thornicombe (4), West Bexington/ FirstCogden winter (10 - 20),period West (100 Knington and over): Heath (2), Winfrith Heath (1), Winspit (1), Wyke Down (1).

th Avon Causeway 1,200 - 2,000th on 9 Jan. Bardolf Farm 440 on 9 thJan. Bowleaze Cove 406n on 7 Jan.th - 10 Burton 1,000+ on 15 Jan.th th Butterstreet Cove, Fleet 400 - 3,000 on 9th Jan. th Durlston 3,210 overth on 6 Jan and 1,880e on 7 Jan. Gussage St. Andrew 250 on 10 Jan.th Lodmoor Max 2,100 on 7 Jan. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 115

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 115 17/07/2012 11:51 th Longham Lakes 235n on 7st Jan.th Lytchett Bay Max 141 on 6 Jan. Maiden Castle 200 on 31st Jan.th Mudeford Quay c33,000e on 6 Jan. Minchington 150 on 1th Jan. Radipole Lake 113 on 6 Jan. th - 10 Rodden Hive/Herbury Max 520+ on 8 Jan. th th th Portland Away from the Bill, maxth 350 7 Jan and 500+nw on 7 Jan. Portland Bill Max 450 settledth on 8 Jan Stalbridge Max 400 on 15 Jan. th Stanpit Marsh 350 settled and 450nwth on 7 Jan. Tarrant Rushton Airfield Max 150+ on 28 Jan. AutumnWest Bexington passage Up to 300 settled birds. st Nov . : Durlston Numbers peaked at 264 birds on 1 th th East Bexington 1,101w andrd Nov 156e . onth 6 dates between 7 Oct and 10 Nov. Peak count 603w on 24 Oct.st Gussage Down 200 on 3 th Lodmoor 228 between Nov 4 . and 21 Oct.nd th Hengistbury Head 896 bird-daysth between 22 st Sep and 7 Nov, with peak count of 130e on 7 th Nov . th North Portland 646 bird-days 17 Septh – 21 Nov. thPeak count 200+s on 7 Oct. Portland Bill 131n, 70s betweenth 7 Octth and 10 South Haven 58 between th11 and 16 Oct. WestLate winterBexington flocks and cold400w weather on 24 movements Oct. (200 and over): -26 th th Affpuddle 1,000+ onth 18 Dec Brianstpuddle 200 on 6 Dec.th Burton 1,000 on 4 Dec.th Butterstreet Cove 2,000+ onrd 24th Dec. Dorchester 300w on 18 Dec. th nd Durlston 260 on 3 Dec,th 520 on 19 Dec and 550 on 22 Dec. Hardown Hill 500w on 18th Dec. Kingston Maurward 300w on 18 Dec -27 th Langton Herring Area 10,000 estimated ndon 24th Dec. Monkey Jump, Dorchester 500 - 1,000 on 22nd Dec. Lodmoor Max 2,200w on nd2 Dec. Lytchett Bay Max 781w on 2th Dec. Maiden Castle Max 200 onth 18 Dec.th Martinstown 300 on 18th and 19 Dec. Minchington 200 on 5 Dec.th Morecombelake 500w on 18 Decnd in one hour. Mudeford Quay Max 1,344wnd on 2 Dec. Poole Bay 630w on 2 Dec.th rd Portland Max 245s on 19 Dec.th Portland Bill Max 500 settlednd 20 – 23 Dec. 116Radipole Dorset Lake Bird Report 2010 4,000+w on 2 Dec.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 116 17/07/2012 11:51 nd Stanpit Marsh Max 600w onth 2 Dec. Studland Max 418nth 18 Dec. Sturminster Marshall GPs 100+ on 5 Dec. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 200+ fromnd late autumn. Upwey 500+ on 2 Dec. nd West Bexington Up to 300 settlednd birds, 2-3000 over on 2 Dec. Wool 350+ on 22 Dec. SHORE LARK Eremophila alpestris A rare winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

The first Dorset record since 2005 and only the second sinceD Penton 1997. et al th Portland Bill 1 on East Cliffs on 24 Oct ( , photo). SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia A locally common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Colonies reported as follows: Chard Junction GPs (8 nest holes, reported as poorest season for many years), Hengistbury Head (fewer pairs in several small colonies, productivity Springappeared passage: good) and Warmwell Quarry (265 nest holes).

th Hengistbury Head Max of 120th on 18 st Apr. th Lodmoor From 16 Mar with peak of 125+ on 7 Apr. Longham Lakes Peak of 300th on 31 Mar. th Portland From 16 Mar, peakth of 500+ on 18 Apr. RadipoleAutumn passageLake and post-breedingPeak of 100 dispersal: on 7 Apr.

thst rd Burton 250 on 26 Jun. nd Sep . th Durlston 150e on 31 Aug,th 340 on 2 Sep, 250th on 3 Sep Sep, . 900 on 12 Sep, 150 on 19 Septh and 120 on 27rd Sep . nd Hengistbury Head Peaks of 320 on 11 Sep Aug .nd and 1100e on 2 Lodmoor Maxima of 300+ nd on 22 Jul and 3 Longham Lakes Peak of 106 on 2 th Lytchett Bay Max of 180th on 13 July.st Morden Park Lake 50+ on 6 Aug. Portland Peak of 1,000+ on 31 Aug.nd Radipole Lake Peak count of 200 onth 2 Jul. th Studland Counts of 300 on 17 Aug at Littlesea and 190 on 27 Aug at Shell Bay.th Swineham GP 90 on 18 Aug.

SmallerExtreme numbers dates: were reported from many other coastal and inland sites. 16 th th Mar at Portland, Lodmoor and Radipole Lake and 28 Oct at Durlston.2010 Dorset Bird Report 117

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 117 17/07/2012 11:51 SWALLOW Hirundo rustica A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Records were received as follows: Bridging Camp, the Fleet (5+ pairs in area), Canford School (4 pairs raising total of 16 young, 1 pair had 3 broods), Hengistbury Head (1 - 2 pairs), Lytchett Bay, Merley Hall Farm (2 pairs), Portland (4 pairs at the Bill with 22+ Portland as a Springwhole), passageStudland (all Village records (1 pair) of 1,000 and Wick or more (1 pair). birds):

th Christchurch Harbour 2,228 bird-days, max of 285 Stanpitth on 26 Apr. th Portland High counts th of 5,000+ on 18 Apr, 2,500+ on 14 May and Autumn passage (all records1,000+ of 1,000 on 15 or May.more birds):

nd Christchurch Harbour 47,000 bird-daysth with peaks at Hengistburyth of 15,000e thon 2 Sep, 7,500 rdon 12 Sep, 1,700e on 4 Oct and 1,400 onnd 7 Oct. Durlston High2 counts included 2,800eth on 31st Aug, 2,400th on 2 Sep, 1,000nd on 3 Sep, Sep2,400th . on 9 Sep, 2,000th on 27 Sep, 2,000 on Oct, 3,700 onth 4 Oct and 2,040st on 8 Oct. Sep . Lodmoor 3,000+w on 17Sep . th Portland Peak countsnd of 5,000+s Sep . on 21 Sep and 2,500+s on 30 Stalbridge 3,000 on 2 nd WestExtreme Bexington dates 10,000+e on 2 16 th : th Mar at Portland and 20 Nov at Rodden Hive and Durlston. HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Records were received as follows (number of pairs/nests): Barford Farm, Sturminster Marshall (14), Canford School (42), Corfe Mullen, Langton House, Langton Matravers (40- 50), near Lytchett Bay (8 Watery Lane - down from 15 in 2009 - and another colony Turlin Moor), Poole (1+ Emerson Rd), Portland (14 at Southwell and Weston - considered declining Spring- and another passage colony (all countsBlacknor) of 200and orWyke more Down birds): Farm (several in artificial nests).

th Christchurch Harbour 387 bird-days with peak ofth 130 on 19 thMay. Portland 559 bird-daysth between 17 Apr and 15 May with max of 100n Autumn passage (all countson of 15 1,000 May. or more birds):

nd Christchurch Harbour 17,031 bird-daysth with peaks at Hengistburyth of 2,200e on 2 Sep, 6,000 on 12 Sep and 1,000e on on 4 Oct. Numbers about 50% below average.th th th Durlston 7,000w on 12 Sep, 3,700 on 18 Sep and 1,000 on 5 Oct. 118 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 118 17/07/2012 11:51 th st Sep . East Bexington 1,538e on 9 Oct. Sep . Portland 2,500+s on 21th th ExtremeWest Bexington dates 3,000w on 17 Sep and 2,000w on 27 24 th : th Mar at Portland and 4 Nov at Durlston. RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis daurica A rare spring migrant, exceptional in autumn.

Just one record this year: rd P Hutchins

Durlston 1 flew east early in the afternoon of 23 May ( ). RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi A rare autumn migrant.

There was one record this year: DN Smith th Hengistbury Head 1 on 7 Nov ( ). TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis A localised breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding

: At least 19 territorial birds reported as follows: Avon Heath (1), Chamberlayne’s Heath (3), Cold Harbour (1), Great Plantation, Bovington (1), Higher Hyde Heath (1+), Holt Heath (3), near Kingston Russell (1), Lawson Clump (1), Morden Bog (2+), Powerstock Common (2), Turnerspuddle Heath (1), Upton Heath (1), West Moors Plantation (1). In addition recorded in the breeding season in suitable habitat at Badbury Rings, Cranborne Common, Middlebere, Oakers Wood, Sherford Forest, Tadnoll Heath, Throop Heath and Winfrith Heath.

All of these sites are in the east of the county with the exception of Powerstock and Kingston SpringRussell. passage:

th th Christchurch Harbour 21 bird-days between 7th Apr andth 9 May. Durlston 14 bird-days between 9 and 26 Apr. Portland Bill 59 in Apr and May st th th Portland Away from the Bill area, 81 bird-days between 7 Apr and 13 May, peakth of 12n on 21 Apr. Sturminster Marshall GPs 2 on 24 Apr. st th Singleth birds were recorded at Hill Bottomth (10 Apr), Old Harryth (1 May), Rushcombe Bottomth (15 May), St Aldhelm’s Head (20 Apr), Swineham Point (14 Apr) and Winspit (20 Apr).

2010 Dorset Bird Report 119

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 119 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage (all sites recording 5 or more are shown): Sep . th th Abbotsbury Swannery 5 betweenth 28 Augrd and 28 Sep Boys Hill 5 on 27 Aug. rd th th Sep . Durlston 227 bird-days, 3 Aug to 14th Oct. Max of 60 on 8 th Central/North Portland 365 bird-days, 3 Aug to 17 Oct.Sep . Max of 40s on 8 th Christchurch Harbour An excellentth autumn passageth of 219 bird-days between 29 Jul and 14 th Oct, max of 23 on 8 Sep . Langton Matravers 5 on 16 Aug. th th st Lodmoor 15 between 28 Aug andth 13 Lytchett Bay 5 bird-days between 16 and 31 Aug. Sep . Portland Bill A total of 239 Aug to Oct.th th ExtremeWest Bexington/Cogden dates 8 bird-days between 8 Aug and 17 6 th th: Apr and 25 Oct at Portland. MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

BreedingCold weather movements at the beginning and end of the year were a feature of 2010.

: Records of breeding were received from: Burton Fields (10 pairs/singing males), Canford Heath (4), Hengistbury Head (8), Lytchett Bay (2), Portland Bill (30) Stanpit Marsh (4, up to Winter8 young) flocks: and West Bexington (1).

th Abbotsbury Beach 50 on 4 Jan. th th Durlston 140 over on 6 Jan and 100 present on the park on 8 thJan. The Fleet 150 betweenth Ferrybridge and Butterstreet Cove on 17 Feb. Hengistbury Head 220 on 10 thJan. nd Lodmoor 150ne onnd 6 Jan. 100+ on 2 Dec. Longham Lakes 80 on 2 Dec.th Mudeford Quay 340e on 6 Jan.nd Poole Bay 80 over on 2 Dec.th Portland Peak of 400+ on 7 Jan in central/southern areas; 150 - 200 throughout Dec.th Radipole Lake 80 over onth 6 Jan. th nd Stanpit Marsh 300 onth 10 andth 400 on 13 Jan; 200+w on 2 Dec and 100+ on 17 andrdth 19 Dec. Turlin Moor 75+ on 6 Jan. WaddockSpring passage Cross (all counts 50of 100on 3 or Jan. more birds):

Christchurch harbour Reported asth the poorest since 1995 with 785 bird-days, best 220n on 24 Mar. th th Portland 2,128th bird-days between 4 Mar and 24 Apr peaking at 200n 120 Dorset Bird Report 2010 on 6 Mar and 4 other counts of 150+n during Mar.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 120 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage (all counts of over 400 birds):

Christchurch Harbour 1814,827th bird-days Sep to Novth with peaks of 1,250 Hengistbury on th12 Sep; c4,000w on 17 Sep andth 2,100wth Hengistburyth on Sep; and 3 counts of 520+e on 4 , 9 and 14 Oct. Durlston 6,821 counted during visible migration watchesth from Nov mid-Sep . until Dec. The peak day-count was 1,430rdth Sep on to 10 1st Oct.th East Bexington 576e and 95w in 6 watches betweenrd 7 Oct and 10 Portland Separate reports of 2,370 bird days 3 th Nov; and 10,465 bird-daysth between 3 Sep and 25th Oct, peaking at 1,750+n on 25 Sep and 1,000+n onth Sep 10 . Oct. th South Haven 1,086 over onth 5 dates between 24 th Sep and 16 Oct. West Bexington 500w on 16 Sep; 2-3,000w on 17 ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus A locally common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Records of breeding or during the breeding season were reported at: Burton Bradstock (common resident, occasionally wandering to nearby Cogden), Durlston (5 - 8 pairs), WinterHengistbury counts: Head (5 pairs), Portland (c30 pairs) and Seacombe. st

nd st Holes Bay Singles on 31 Jan and 2 Dec. th Lytchett Bay Common throughoutth winter until 21 Mar and from 17 Oct, max of 30 on 9 Jan. Stanpit Marsh Early and late year counts of 10 and 36 respectively.

Passage:In addition small numbers reported from several sites along the coast.

Durlston 122 birds logged on visible migration watches between Nov . mid- Sep and early Dec. th th East Bexington 4e and 4wth on 7 visits between 30 Aug and 10 Longham Lakes 1 on 11 Oct. th Portland Bill 31 considerednd Sep .to be non-locals on 17 Mar. Portland, Tout Quarry 1s on 2 Sep thOct. . South Haven 1n on th25 West Bexington 3 on 7 Anthus petrosus littoralis A scarce winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ ROCK PIPIT

Stanpit Marsh Birds showingth characteristicsst th of this race were recorded between 9 Feb and 18 Mar with a total of 28 bird-days and peak of 10 on 21 Mar.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 121

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 121 17/07/2012 11:51 WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

th th A fairly typical set of records. Present in the county until 9 Apr and from 12 Oct.

Separating wintering from passage birds isn’t always clear, especially in autumn, but in spring there was a distinct lull in reports from mid February until a second surge in Firstrecords winter from period/spring:the second week of March onwards.

rdth th Bere Regis CBs 1 on 16 Jan; 2 on 7 Feb. Bride Valley Fish Farm 2 on 3 thst Jan. rd Dodding’s Farm CBs 1 on 14st Feb. Herbury Gore 1 on 31 Jan; 1 on 3th Apr. Holes Bay 1 on 31th Jan; 1 on 4 Feb.th th st Cowards Marsh 1 on 13 Mar, 2 on 14 and th15 Mar. th Lodmoor Intermittent reports untilrd 5 Apr, max of 7 on 31 Jan and 12 Mar. Birds usually favoured the Overcombeth end of the reserve.th Stanpit Marsh 19 bird-daysthst between 3 Jan and 9 Apr, max of 4 on 9 Feb. Sunnyside Farm 2 on 9 Jan. Swineham Point 1 on 1 Jan. Waddock Cross CBs 1 on 3 datesth in Jan.th WychAutumn/second Causeway winter period:1 on 17 and 24 Jan.

thst Avon Causeway 1 on 30 Dec. Nov . Bere Regis CBs 1 on 31th Dec. th Cowards Marsh 123 on 18 Nov;th 4 on 19 th Lodmoor Seenth from 12 Oct until the end of year, max of 4 on 9 and Dec. th nd Radipole Lake On 4 datesst between 8 nd Nov and 2 Dec when 8 were present. Stanpit Marsh Intermittently from 22 October until end of the year, max of 5 on 1th Dec. Swineham Point 1 on 6 thDec. th Waddock Cross CBs 1 on 27 Nov, 2 on 27 Dec. nd Wareham 1 from the causewayth between here and Stoborough on 2 Dec. West Bexington 2 on the Mere on 5 Dec.

122 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 122 17/07/2012 11:51 YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava A common passage migrant and former breeder. [Amber list]

Passage: Bird-days: Sep Nov 79 40 1 1 456 374 12 Jan Feb Mar Apr83 May53 Jun Jul 258Aug 527 Oct24 Dec Christchurch Harbour 2 4 90 18 Portland Bill SpringWest Bexington passage (all counts of 10 or more birds):

th th Central/North Portland An additional 160th bird-days between 10 Apr and 13 Jun, peak of 11 on 15 May. th ChristchurchAutumn passage Harbour (all countsMax of was30 or 12 more at Stanpit birds): Marsh on 24 Apr. Sep . Sep . th th Abbotsbury Swannery Up to 50 throosting between 26 Aug and 17 Blandford Forum 32 on 24 th Briantspuddle 30+ on 30 Aug. th Christchurch Harbour High counts wereth 72 Hengistbury on 25 Aug; 112 Wick/th Hengistburyth on 28 Aug and 82 Wick/Hengistbury on 30 Aug. Dean, Gussage St Andrew 50 on 28 Aug. nd th Durlston 188 bird-daysth between 2 Aug and 14 Oct. East Bexington 58 on 30th Aug. st Hartland Stud 52 on 27 Aug. th th Lodmoor 267+ bird-days,st Sep . 27 Aug toth 25 Sep. th Max of 160 on 31 Aug.th Lytchett Bay 147 bird-days between 16 Aug & 9 Sep, max 38 on 30 Aug. Middlebere 30 on 1 st Sep . th Portland An additional 1,205 bird-days withnd peaks of 110+ on 28 Aug 11and 300+Sep . on 31 Aug,nd 120+ on th2 Radipole Lake 230+th bird-days, 22 Aug to 13 Sep, including 120 roosting on thst Stoborough Heath 52 on 28 Aug. Sep . Swineham Point 50 on 31 Aug. th Wareham to Stoborough 50+ from the causewayth on 6 West Bexington Peak was 69 on 30 Aug. th ExtremeWorth Matravers dates: 70+ in fields along Priest’s Way on 30 Aug. 7 th th Apr at Portland and Hengistbury, 24 Oct at Christchurch Harbour and East Bexington. Motacilla flava flava An occasional passage migrant. BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL

rd th th Central Portland Singles at Reap Laneth on 4 and 12 May. Portland Bill Singles on 3 and 5 May.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 123

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 123 17/07/2012 11:51 GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea A local breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Breeding season reports as follows: Canford School (1 pair), Hammoon (1 pair), Knapp Mill (1 pair), Merley Park (1 pair fledged 7 young from 2 broods), Moors Valley CP (1 singing), Morden Park Lake (juvs seen) and Sopley Mill (1 pair). Also reported during the breeding Springseason atpassage: Higher Hyde Heath, Lyme Regis, Lytchett Bay and Winterbourne Steepleton.

AutumnChristchurch passage Harbour (all counts12 of bird-days 10 or more Mar birds): – May. Sep . Sep . th Christchurch Harbour 155 bird-days Aug-Nov, thmax of 21 Hengistbury/Wick 12 Durlston Peak count was 14 on 7 Portland Bill 106 bird-days Jul - Oct, the lowest sinceth 1969. Portland (other reports) 73 bird-days with peak of 12 on 28 Aug. WestWinter: Bexington 71 bird-days in Aug and Sep.

Noted in winter from Branksome Chine, Cranborne CBs, Dorchester, Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head, Holes Bay, Lyme Regis, Lytchett Bay, Norden, Nottington, Poole, Portland, Stanpit Marsh, Tadnoll Heath, Throop Mill, Waddock Cross, Wimborne St Giles and Winkton. PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba yarrellii A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported from Canford School (1 pair fledged 5 young), Hengistbury (2 pairs both successful), Langton Herring (1 pair), Lytchett Bay, Merley Park (2 pairs fledged 5 young), SpringPortland passage: (10+ pairs north island), West Bexington and Wick (1 pair, 2 young).

rd th Christchurch Harbour Max of 34 at Stanpit Marshth on 12 Mar. Longham Lakes Max of 30th on 3 and 8 May. Martinstown 100 on 5 Mar. th AutumnPortland passage (all countsMax of of100 20+n or more): on 24 Mar.

Christchurch Harbour 7,062 bird days withth a record CHOG count of th 1,670e at Hengistbury Head on 9 Oct and 1,200e thereth on 10 Oct. Durlston The highestth counts were of 605 over on 5 Oct and 1,040 over on 10 Oct. th th Lytchett Bay Autumn roost peaked at 400 birds on 4 and 12 Oct, equalling the previous site record. 375 birds ringed in October (and noteworthy that no bird caught more than once, indicative of rate of change of birds).

124 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 124 17/07/2012 11:51 th East Bexington 394e and 51w on 7 visits. Maxth 203e on 7 Oct. Additionally 200 birds on the ground Sep - on1st 9 Oct. th Lodmoor 14The reedbed roostth peaked at 200 birds on 13 Oct. Portland North 1,840th bird-days 5 Sep - 31 Nov.st 50 roosting at Castletown on Oct. th nd Portland (other records) 3,415 bird-daysth 12 th Oct with peaks of 350 on 2 , 400+ on 7 and 350 on 10 Oct. th Radipole Lake A pre-roost thgathering of 150 on 4 Oct. South Haven 121n on 11 Oct.th West Bexington Max 150e onalba 9 Oct.

WinterPassage roosts:numbers refer to unidentified wagtails as well as Pied.

st th Norden SF 40+ on 19st Jan. st Shell Bay 57 on 1 Mar. Weymouth Ferry Terminal 400 on 21 Jan, 150 on 1 Mar. Motacilla alba alba A frequent passage migrant. WHITE WAGTAIL Spring passage:

th Cogden Beach 2 on 8th Apr. Cowards Marsh 1 on 8th Mar. th Hengistbury Head 1 on 8 thand 2 on 9 Apr.th th Lodmoor 3 on 17 Mar, th2 on 20 Marth and 2 on 24 Mar. Longham Lakes 7 between 30 Mar and 24 Apr. Portland Bill 67 bird-days Mar-May.th th Portland (other records) 57 bird-daysth 10 Mar - 25 Apr. -17 . Radipole Lake 2 on 17st thMar. th nd th Stanpit Marsh 1+ on 12 Mar, 2 on 26 Mar, 1 on 5 dates 2 Apr StudlandAutumn passage: 1 on 21 Apr. Sep . Sep . th th Brownsea Singles reportedth on 11 Jun and 25 rd Cogden 1 on 26th nd Lodmoor 3 on 28 Sep, 2 on 2 Oct and 2 on 3 Oct. Portland Bill 66 bird-days Sep . Augth - Oct. th Portland (other records) 89 bird-daysth 27 Aug - 8 Oct. ExtremeRadipole Lake dates: 2 on 6 10 th th Mar and 27 Oct at Portland.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 125

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 125 17/07/2012 11:51 WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus A rare winter visitor, but can irrupt in large numbers.

A single report only for the first winter period but part of a large national influx filtered as far as Dorset in December. Many of the birds were mobile and inevitably there will be some duplication but an excellent series of records which continued into 2011. As is the norm in influx years the east of the county produced the majority of records, but birds Firstreached winter as far period: as Bridport and Halstock in the west.

th GillinghamSecond winter period: 1 photographed in a garden on 19 Jan.

th th Blandford Forum 29In Dec, at Larksmeadth 14 on 13 and 4 onth 16 ; 4 Blandford Cemeteryth on 14th ; 6 by Homebase on 24 and 3 by Tescos on 12 . 13 on 15 with the siterd notth specified. Bournemouth 6 overth Alumhurst- 19 Road on 12 ; 25 . at Cemetery Junction onth ; 25+th Ophirth Road on 23 andth 6 Cleveland Road on 25 Dec. Bradpole 1 on 17th Dec, withst 3 on 18 Bridport 2 on 20th Dec. Broadstone 5 on 8 and 1th on 21 Dec. Burton Bradstock 1 over onth 18 Dec. . th Canford Heath 1 on 16 then many reportsth into double figures until the 28 Dec, maxth of 116 on 24 Charlton Marshall 2 on 7 Dec. th th th Christchurch 4 over Wick on 5th , 3 The Grove on 8th , 1 over Wick on 14 , 6n Stanpitnd on 19 , 12 Stanpit on 20 th, 7 over Solent Meads on 22 , 28 overth Solent Meads on 24 , 1 Solent Meads- 16and 1 Stanpit on 30 Dec.th th thrd th Dorchester 10 at Tesco onth 11 with 1 on 13 , 1 Bridport Rdth 14 and 5 over onst 26 Dec. Up to 22 at Poundbury 19 –th 23 Dec.th Durlston Up to 7 birds on the park on 6 dates between 11 & 24 Dec. Forston 2 on 21th Dec. th Gillingham 2 on 12th and 2 on 28 Dec. Halstock 1 on 28nd Dec. th Holes Bay 1 on 22 Dec,th increasing to 60 on the 27 with last report of a single onrdth 30 Dec.th Lower Parkstone 4+ on 20 , 6 on 25 Dec. Lytchett Bay 1 on 23nd Dec. th Mudeford 7 on 2 th, 2 on 19 Dec. th th Poole (Pitwines) 4 on 12 , rising to 85th on 14 and downth to 18 by 16 Dec. Portland Several heardth on 26 , 1 Easton on 30 Dec.th Radipole Lake 1 over onth 17 , 6 byth visitor centreth on 26 Dec. . Southbourne 2 on 17 , 30 on 19th and th3 on 25 Dec. th Upton Recordedth from 15 – 25 Dec, with max of 15 on 16 rd Wareham 1 on 19 Dec. st th Weymouth In additionth to the Radipoleth birds, 1 over on 18 Dec, 9 on 23 , 10+ on 26th, 1 on 26 and 12 on 31 Dec, at differing localities. Wimborne126 Dorset Bird Report 2010 50+ on 16 Dec.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 126 17/07/2012 11:51 Red-necked Stint at Ferrybridge - 27th August Paul Baker Dorset’s first and Britain’s seventh record of Red-necked Stint was this cracking adult bird in mainly summer plumage. It was only present for a short time amongst the Dunlin flock at Ferrybridge.

Spotted Redshank at Brownsea Island - 4th April Peter Moore Numbers of this species were again fairly low, with small numbers overwintering at their favoured Poole Harbour locations at Brownsea Island, Holes Bay and Lytchett Bay and also at Stanpit Marsh.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 127

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 127 17/07/2012 11:51 Fieldfare at Blandford Forum - 13th January Mike Coleman Early January saw huge numbers of winter thrushes pouring into Dorset during the harsh conditions that were gripping Britain at the time, with many birds taking refuge and finding food in urban gardens.

Waxwing at Poole - 13th December Peter Moore December produced a good-sized influx of these ever popular birds into the county. Eastern Dorset received the lion’s share of birds, but fair numbers were also recorded in Weymouth and Dorchester.

128 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 128 17/07/2012 11:51 DIPPER Cinclus cinclus A scarce and local breeding resident, restricted to the west of the county.

Breeding

: Confirmed/likely breeding from the following sites: Lyme Regis (R. Lim) 2 pairs reported intermittentlyst throughout the year. Netherbury (R. Brit) Pair bred. OtherToller Porcorumrecords: (R. Hooke) Adult feeding juv on 21 May.

th Cattistock (R. Frome) 1 on 26th NovDec. . Charmouth (R. Char) 1 on 6 thApr. Cruxton (R. Frome) 1 on 30th Nov . Maiden Newton (R. Frome) 1 on 7 thFeb. Oxbridge (R. Brit) 1 on 30 Parnham (R. Brit) Sightings in Mar and Sep. WREN Troglodytes troglodytes A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Reported from Bridging Camp, the Fleet, Cogden, Durlston (58+ territories on the park), Hatch Pond (5+ pairs), Langton Herring, Merley Park (10 pairs), North Portland (12 pairs), Winter:Rushcombe Bottom (8 singing males), West Bexington and Wick (10 pairs).

Merley Park Up to 27 using a nestbox in Dec. DUNNOCK Prunella modularis A common breeding resident and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Reports as follows: Durlston (50+ pairs on the park), Hatch Pond (3 pairs), Langton Herring (2 pairs), Merley Park (4 pairs, all fledged young), North Portland (14+ pairs), Portland Bill (33+ singing), Rushcombe Bottom (3 pairs), The Fleet (20+ singing Chickerell to Rodden Passage:Hive), West Bexington and Wick (14 pairs).

th East Bexington 1e on 7 Oct.th Glebelands 2 over 11 nd Oct. th Portland Bill 30+s on 2 Oct, 30+n on 19 Dec.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 129

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 129 17/07/2012 11:51 ROBIN Erithacus rubecula A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported at Cogden, Durlston (25+ pairs on the park), Lodmoor (1 pair), Merley Park (13 pairs, all fledged young), North Portland (17+ pairs), Portland Bill (8+ singing males), Rushcombe Bottom (8 singing males), West Bexington, Weymouth Rodwell Trail (1 pair) Passage:and Wick (7 pairs).

th th North Portland 50 on 13 thMay, 50 on 15 Oct. Portland Bill 100 on 10 Oct. NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos A scarce and local breeding species and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Birds reported at likely breeding sites as thfollows (max number of singing males in brackets): Alners Gorse (7, adult and juv seen on 27 Jun), Burning Cliff/White Nothe (4+), Corfe Castle (2 at Challow Hill), Deadmoor Common (6), Garston Wood (1), Kings Stag (1), Knitson (1) Springand Lydlinch passage: Common (6). st st th Christchurch Harbour Singles heard at Wick Ditch on 21 and Whitepits on 28 Apr.nd Portland 1 at Barleycrates Lane onth 21 Apr, 1 at Avalanche Road on 22 Autumn passage: Apr, 1 at Top Fields on 9 May. Sep . Sep . th th Durlston Singlesth on 19 Aug and 7 st Sep . Hengistbury Head 1 on 9 Sep . th Portland 1 at Obsth Quarry on 30 Aug and 1 at Reap Lane on 21 LodmoorExtreme dates 1 on 4 10 st th : Apr at Burning Cliff and 21 Sep on Portland. BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochuros A frequent passage migrant and winter visitor, occasionally breeding. [Amber list]

th Apart from the few summer records the last of spring was on 14 May with autumnal birds Breedingfrom October and onwards. summer records st : th Abbotsbury 4 on 27 Jun and 3 on 1 th Jul at the Swannery. Bat’s Head Fledged young seen on 8 Jun. th Portland Adult male at Blacknor on 24 Jun giving alarm calls, with additional June sightings at the Bill andth Weston. Weymouth Single female at Maiden Street on 30 Jun giving alarm calls. 130 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 130 17/07/2012 11:51 First winter period and spring passage: st

th Records were received from 37+ locations between 1 Jan and 14 May. The highest site counts came from the following locations. st th Bridging Camp, the Fleet Up to 3 threported on and off between 28th Jan and 1th Mar. Newton’s Cove/The Nothe 4 on 18 Jan. Singles on many dates - 5 Jan to 27 Feb. Portland Minimum of 12 birds across the island in Jan and Feb. Passage birds at the Bill totalled 35 bird-days inst Mar and 25 in Apr. An additional 31 bird-days elsewhere on Portland in spring. Stanpit Marsh 1 - 3 reported at various sites until 21 Feb. SecondWeymouth winter period and Fromautumn Jan passage: - Mar records suggest at least 12 separate birds. st

th Recorded from 35+ locations between 10 Oct and 31 Dec. The highest site counts came from the following locations. Nov . th Bridport 3 at West Mead on 8 Portland Passage birds at the Bill totalled 12 bird-days in Oct and 26 in Nov. There were an additional 27 bird-days elsewhere on Portland in autumn. The wintering population again numberedth around 12 birds. Weymouth From 15 Nov at least 6 birds at various sites. REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus A scarce breeding summer visitor and fairly common migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding: st

st Morden Bog 2 singing birds in May with a family party seen on 21 Aug. A singing bird at Sherford Bridge on 21 Jun may refer to one of these 2 birds, whilst stelsewhere in ththe Wareham Forest a male was singing at Cold Harbour on 19 May. Powerstock Common 1 singing male on 31 May. th Rushcombe Bottom A ‘spotty’ juvenile was seen on 29 Jun. It was not thought to have been bred onnd site, but presumablyth hadn’t travelled far. Slepe Copse Singing male on 2 and 10 May with 2 birds present on the Passage: latter date. Bird-days: Sep Nov 56 2 4 34 54 1 Jan Feb Mar 124Apr May84 Jun1 Jul Aug 29 Oct9 Dec Christchurch Harbour SpringPortland passage Bill (all counts of 4+ birds):

th Christchurch Harbour Max countth was 18 on 20 Apr. Durlston 12 on 12th Apr. Lodmoor 4 on 20 Apr. - 22 Portland 199+ bird-daysst th ndin addition toth those at the Bill with peak of 20+ on 20 Apr and 8 May. St Aldhelm’s Head 4+ on 21 Apr. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 131

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 131 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage (all site counts of 5+ birds): st

th nd Arne 20 bird-days 1 Aug -th 8 rd Sep with max of 5 on 22 Aug. Sep . Christchurch Harbour Peak was of 11 on 15 Oct. th th Durlston Peak counts of 15th on 23 th Aug, Sep 14 . on 28 Aug & 30th on 8 Grove Hill Bottom 12 bird-days 13th Aug - 9 ndSep .with max of 6 on 18 Aug. Hartland Moor 11 bird-days 12th Aug - 22th Middlebere 8 bird-days Sep . 17 Aug - 25 Portland 44 bird-daysth in addition to records at the Bill with max of 15+ on 8

Small numbers reported on passage from many sites throughout the county, both coastal Extremeand inland. dates 3rd : th Apr at Stanpit Marsh and 16 Oct at Portland. WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra A fairly common passage migrant, breeding occasionally.

th No confirmed breeding. Juveniles were seen on Black Down, near Kingston Russell on 25 Jul but were not thought to be local birds.

Widespread records of small numbers on passage at both the well watched coastal sites and Passage:inland. Bird-days: Sep Nov 9 16 13 36 5 Jan Feb Mar Apr6 May4 Jun Jul Aug14 34 Oct1 Dec Christchurch Harbour 21 148 2 173 26 Durlston 6 1 14 38 5 Portland Bill SpringWest Bexington/Cogden passage (all counts of 2+ birds): st

th Christchurch Harbour Passage was from 18 Aprth until 21 May with max of 5 at Hengistbury Head on 9 May. Portland Additionalth 167 bird-daysth elsewhere on island with max of 45+ Autumn passage (all countson of 8 4+ May birds): and 15 on 9 May. Sep . th nd Christchurch Harbour Recorded fromth mid-Augth to 24 Oct, with max of 7 on 2 Lytchett Bay 10 recordsth 14 Aug – 8 Oct. East Bexington 5 on 30th Aug. st Sep . Gussage Hill 4 on 30th Aug. Hartland Moor 4 on 30th Aug and 1 Martinstown 4 on 27 Sep at Rainbarrow Farm.

132 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 132 17/07/2012 11:51 st Sep .

Minchington 74 on 1 Sep . th Portland Additionalth 207 bird-daysth on island with max of 25+ on 6 and Extreme dates Sep, and 40+ on 8 16 th : th Apr at Portland and 24 Oct at Hengistbury Head. STONECHAT Saxicola torquatus A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Several reports of birds displaced by the cold weather in January does not appear to have Breeding:been followed by a drop in breeding records this year with the total comparable to last year.

69+ pairs reported as follows: Abbotsbury beach (2 - 3 pairs, 3 young seen), Beacon Hill DWT (2 pairs), Bridging Camp,rd the Fleet (1 - 2 pairs), Broadstone Golf Course (4 pairs, at least 1 successful), Canford Heath (6 pairs), Cogden (3+ pairs), Dancing Ledge (1 pair th hosting a juvth Cuckoo on 23 May), Dorchester, Durlston (2 - 3 pairs bred, juvs seen on 26 May and 30 Jun), Higher Burton Farm (juv seen), Gore Heath (1 pair), Greenlands Farm (2 pairs), Hartland Moor (4 pairs), Hardy’s Monumment (juvs seen), Hengistbury (7 pairs, success generally good), Higher Hyde Heath (family party including 3 juvs), Holt Heath (4 pairs), Langton Herring (1 pair), Maiden Castle (family party), Moors Valley CP (1 pair), Morden Bog (3+ pairs, several reports of family parties), Parley Common (2+ pairs, juvs in Jun and Oct), Portland (4 - 5 pairs, 2 successful with single brood each), Redcliffe Point (1 pair), Rushcombe Bottom (1 pair ), Sopley Common (1 pair), Stoborough Heath (7 pairs, a reduction from normal population here), West Bexington (3+ pairs), West Moors (1 pair), Wick (1 - 2 pairs) and Wyke Down (1 pair).

Also noted during breeding season in suitable habitat at Arne, Badbury Rings, Burning Cliff, Durdle Door, Holton Lee, Hurn Forest, Middlebere, Osmington Mills, Ringstead Bay, Rushcombe Bottom, Sherford Forest, Studland, Swanage, Tadnoll Heath, Upton Heath, West SpringLulworth, passage: White Horse Hill, Winfrith Heath. - 16 th th Portland 45 bird-daysth recorded by one observer 4 Mar with max Autumn passage: of 11 on 4 Mar. No numbers from PBO.

th st Bere Regis CBs 8 on 18 Oct. th thst Sep to 6 Durlston Peak counts of 25 on 21 Sep and 15 on 9 and 12 Oct. th Portland 428 bird-days recordedth by one th observer fromth 21 Nov. Maxst ofSep 35+ . on 4 , 30+ onth 7 and 30 on 13 Oct. No totals from PBO but max of 28 on 4 Oct. Wick 30 on 21

2010 Dorset Bird Report 133

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 133 17/07/2012 11:51 WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe A rare breeding species and common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Following a blank year in 2009 there were 1 - 2 pairs this year and a couple of reports of juveniles as follows: th Hartland Stud Pair bred, 2 juvsnd on 4 Aug. Maiden Castle A juvenile on 2 Aug. nd Purbeck Coast A pair displaying at an unspecified coastal site on 22 Apr. West Bexington A juvenile in Jun.

Widespread reports of passage birds but large counts were limited to the main coastal Passage:watchpoints. Bird-days: Sep Nov 67 537 110 247 458 81 Jan Feb Mar21 Apr92 May13 Jun1 Jul1 148Aug 228 Oct21 Dec Christchurch Harbour 147 962 494 6 14 853 1133 449 2 Durlston 5 80 31 1 2 97 144 22 Portland Bill SpringWest Bexington/Cogden passage (all counts of over 25 birds): st

th Christchurch Harbour Peaks at Hengistburynd Head of 89 on 18 , 100+ on 21 and 130 on 22 Apr. th Portland Away from theth Bill 1,910 bird-daysnd with peaks of 200 on 18 , Autumn passage (all counts280+ of over on 20 25 andbirds): 150 on 22 Apr. . th Sep . Bridging Camp, the Fleet 35+ on 30 Augth th Chrischurch Harbour Max of 90 on Sep 8 . and 120 on 12 th Portland Away fromth the Bill 2,206 bird-days with max of 150 on 30 Extreme dates Aug and 8 7 th : th Mar at West Bexington/Cogden and 10 Nov at Portland. Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa A scarce passage migrant. ‘GREENLAND’ WHEATEAR

Birds recorded as this subspecies as follows: th Glebelands 1 on 25th Oct. Greenlands Farm 1 on 10 May. th th Portland 44 bird-daysth between 11th Apr and 13 May; 137 bird-days betweenth 27 Aug and 13 Oct. West Bexington 1 on 6 thMay. Wyke Down 1 on 25 Apr.

134 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 134 17/07/2012 11:51 RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus A scarce passage migrant. [Red list]

Spring passage:

th nd Christchurch Harbour 8 betweenth 7 and 22 Apr. Dancing Ledge 1 on 25th Mar. th th Durlston 1 on 29 Mar, 2th on 20 Apr andth 1 on 26 Apr. th th Portland 35 betweenth 17 Mar and 28 Apr. Max 4 on 17 and 18 Apr. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 24th Apr. AutumnWorth Matravers passage: 1 on 24 Apr.

th Sep . th Ballard Down, Glebelands 1 on 11th Oct, 10 on 12 Oct. Cogden Beach 1 on 30th st Cowards Marsh 1 on 18 Oct. th st th Christchurch Harbour 52 bird-days between 28th Sep and 1 Nov. Max 15 on 10th Oct. Durlston 39 bird-daysth betweenth 16 Sep and 1 Nov. Max 6 on 12 Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 11th Oct. 1 on 12 Oct. Longham Lakes 1 on 27 thOct. Lytchett Bay 3n on 11th Oct. . Merley 1 on 26 Oct. th th th Portland 101 birdth days between 25 Sep and 27 Oct. Max 13+ on 13 Pucknowle 1 on 10th Oct. Ringstead 1 on 10th Oct. Shapwick 1 on 11th Oct. Stour Valley NR 1 on 12th Oct. Sturminster Marshall GP 1 on 13 NovOct. .First site record. th th The Fleet Singles that Bridging Camp on 10 Oct & Littlesea on 12 Oct. ExtremeWest Bay dates: 2 on 14 17 th th Mar at Portland and 14 Nov at West Bay. BLACKBIRD Turdus merula A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

It hardly seems worth reporting the few breeding records that we have received. However for completeness the most significant are listed. There is no indication of any change in status. Durlston (37+ pairs), Merley Park (32 pairs), Portland (c100 pairs), Wick (13 - 14 pairs).Beginning of year and spring passage:

th AutumnBroadstone passage and winter:100 along the Castleman Trailway on 10 Jan. st

rd Christchurch Harbour 100n on thst1 Nov was Nov the . th only notable count. Durlston 50 on 18 Oct, 50th on 4 Dec and 60 on 23 Dec. Portland 50n on 1 and 6 2010 Dorset Bird Report 135

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 135 17/07/2012 11:51 FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris A common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Beginning of the year and spring passage:

th The 6 January dawned with all counties surrounding Dorset enduring heavy snow falls. It seemed that only a small “hole” stretching from Weymouth to Christchurch and from the coast to Blandford had avoided the blizzard. By mid morning snow began to fall heavily across this last snow free area and with it came probably the biggest cold weather movement since the winter of 1967/68. Thrushes were the most numerous, particularly Fieldfare, though some sites had huge numbers of Skylark too.

Many sites decribed large movements of Fieldfare. Only those in excess of 1,000 are listed below. The spectacle was widley reported by birders and non birders alike. An observer at Newton’s Cove reported “huge numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare (100s per min) moving at the moment”. Typical messages included “Just received a telephone call from a DBC member down at Swanage who has been watching a constant stream of hundreds of Redwing and Fieldfare coming in off the sea past his house for the last 3 hours”. From Weymouth, “Back at garden I put about 8 apples on back lawn, and within 5 minutes had 60 Fieldfare fighting over them and annoying the resident Blackbirds. My usual in-garden Fieldfare count is zero per year. Overhead constant stream of Thrushes - mostly Fieldfare”. A patch watchers delight, “Wow, oh wow. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a more compelling avian spectacle in the 10 years I’ve lived at Lodmoor”. th th th Christchurch Harbour 33,200e on 6 Jan;th 4,770nw on 7 Jan; 300 on Stanpit, 13 Jan. Durlston 34,000+ne on 6 Jan (the observer was keen to stress that this number was a thvery conservativeth count!). Lodmoor 12,000ne onth 6 Jan; 2,900 on 7 Jan. . Poole Bay 1,500 on 7 thJan. th Portland Bill 5,000+ on th6 Jan, falling to 1,500 on 7 Portland North 3,000 on 6th Jan. th Radipole Lake 2,348 on 6th Jan; 1,500 on 7 Jan. AutumnThe Fleet, passage Chickerell and end of1,200 year: on 8 Jan.

nd Interestingly a cold weather movement caused by snow on the 2 Dec involved only very small numbers of thrushes. Nov . th Christchurch Harbour Unremarkable passage. Max 60nw on 8 A further coldth weatherth movement in late Dec. 680e atrd Wick between 24rd and 26 Dec. Durlston 875 over inst 1 hour and a further Nov350 . grounded on 23 Dec. Lodmoor 600 on 23 Dec. th Lytchett Bay 258n on 1 thNovNov .and 120n on 7 Melcombe Regis 200+ on 26th Nov December . Pucknowle 200 on 14th ExtremeTarrant Gunville dates: 500 on 20 7 2 th nd May at Portland and Oct at Swineham. 136 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 136 17/07/2012 11:51 SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos A declining breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

A typical series of reports, clearly understating the actual population (number of pairs in brackets, where known). Abbotsbury Beach (3), Bagber (1), Chalmington Orchard (1), Clifton Wood (1), Cogden Beach, Creekmoor Ponds (3), Durlston (5), Hatch Pond (2), Kingcombe (1), Langton Herring (1), Lodmoor (3+), Lytchett Bay (6), Merley Park (5), Portland (13+), Radipole Lake, Rushcombe Bottom (6), Stanpit Marsh (5), Swineham (1), West Bexington Beginning(2), Wick (4) of and year Winspit and spring (3). passage:

th Christchurch Harbour 50 at Stanpitth Marsh on 13 Jan. Durlston 410 on 6th Jan. th Lodmoor 150 on 6th Jan. 100 on 7 Jan. Portland Bill 400 onth 8 Jan.th AutumnPortland passageCentral and end of250, year: 7 – 10 Jan.

th st Nov . Ballard Down, Glebelands 76n on 11 Oct Christchurch Harbour Unremarkableth passage.thrd Max 70n on 1 th Durlston 70 on 8 Oct, 220 on 4 Dec, 80 on 11 Dec,th 120 grounded and 47 flewth over on 23 Dec and 80 on 24 Dec. Lodmoor 50ne on 11 Oct. Lorton Valley Up to 80 inrd thDec. th Lytchett Bay 473n on 11 Oct. 176n on 12 Oct. Portland Bill 100 on 23 Dec. th th th Portland Central 571 bird-days betweenth 27 Sep and 24 Nov. Max 80n on 10 Oct. 100+th on 26 Dec. Portland North 150 on 9 Oct.th Studland, South Haven 270n on 11th Oct. The Fleet 100+ on 24 Dec. REDWING Turdus iliacus A common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Beginning of year and spring passage:

Like Fieldfare (see above), this species featured strongly in the cold weather movement at the beginning of the year. th th Christchurch Harbour 12,000e on 6th Jan. 5,400nw onth 7 Jan. Durlston 5,600ne on 6th Jan. 1,800 on 7th Jan. Lodmoor 10,000 on 6 Jan.th 1,700 on 7 Jan.th Portland Bill 5,000nwth on 6 th Jan. 1,500nw on 7 Jan. Portland North 2,000, 6 –th 13 Jan. Radipole Lake 3,439 on 6 thJan. Studland Heath 2,500n on th7 Jan. The Fleet, Chickerell 1,000 on 8 Jan. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 137

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 137 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage and end of year:

24 Christchurch Harbour Unremarkableth passage or concentrations.rd Max 160 at Wick on Dec. Durlston 929 recordedst Nov mid-Sep . to mid-Dec. On 23 Dec, 490 flew over in 1 hour and a further 300 were grounded. Lytchett Bay 514n on 1th st Melcombe Regis 500 on 26 Dec. th th Portland 423 bird-days Nov between . th 5 Oct and 25 Nov. Max 100n on 1 Nov. 500+th on 28 Dec. TarrantExtreme Gunville Dates: 550 on 20 21st th Apr at Portland and 28 Sep at Portland. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus A fairly common breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

, Typically few reports though this species does seem to be declining in Dorset. Pairs were reported from Canford School (1) Christchurch (1), Corfe Mullen (1), Luscombe Valley (2), Merley Park (2), Moors Valley (1), Morden Bog (1), Nottington (1), Rushcombe Bottom (1), Post-breedingShaftsbury (1), Sturminsterflocks of 10+: Marshall (1) and Wyke Down (1). rd Sep .

Arne 30+ on 3thrd Hartland Moor 21 on 18 Jul. Long Bredy 20+ on 3th Aug. Sunnyside Farm 25 on 15 Aug.

It is not inconceivable that the records at Arne, Hartland and Sunnyside refer to the same Beginningroving flock? of year and spring passage:

th Durlston 18 over on 6 Jan. Portland Usually absent in winter but unusually high numbers asth a direct resultth of harsh weather.th 49 bird-days between 6 Jan Autumn passage: and 14 Feb. Max 11n on 7 Jan. rd

Durlston 30 over on 23 Dec. th Morden Bog A extraordinary flock of 73 on 9 Nov. There are 3 records of flocks in excess of 100 from the 60’s and 70’s.

138 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 138 17/07/2012 11:51 CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti A locally common breeding resident. Breeding:

At least 91 singing males reported, demonstrating that this species survived the cold spell reasonably well. Avon Causeway (2), Bardolf Farm (1), Burton Meadows (3), Canford Bridge (1), Crichel (1), Cogden Beach (2), Cowards Marsh, Hatch Pond (3 - 4), High Hall (1), Hurn (3), Lodden Lake (1), Lodmoor (9), Longham Lakes (1), Lytchett Bay (9), Morden Park Lake (1), Ogber (6), Puddletown (1), Radipole Lake (5), Shapwick (2), Sherford Bridge (1), Sopley Mill (5), Spetisbury (2), Turners Puddle (2), Stanpit Marsh (2), Swineham area (10 - 14), Wareham Watermeadows (3), Whitehorse Hill (1), Wimborne (1), West Bexington (6), Wick (4),Autumn Wool movements: (1) and Wytch Heath (1). rd Nov . st Nov . th Central Portland Singlesrd onNovth 3 . and 20 Portland Bill 1, 1 – 30 Winspit 1 on 3 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia A fairly common passage migrant and irregular breeding species. [Red list] Breeding:

Breeding was not confirmed but birds were singing in suitable habitat in early summer. Lodmoor 1 singing in early Jun. Stinsford 1 singing at Bhompston Farm throughout Jun. WestSpring Bexington passage: 1 singing throughout spring and early summer.

th Abbotsbury 1 on 29thst Apr. Alners Gorse 1 on 18 Apr. st Bestwall 1 on 21 Apr. th th th Christchurch Harbour 34 bird-days, th10 Apr - 1 th May. Max 4 on 18 and 19 Apr. Lodmoor 11 between 9 Apr and 7 May. Portland Bill 39 bird-days in April andth May. th th Portland Central 68 bird-days betweenth 7 Apr and 13 May. Max of 25+ on 18 Apr and 15+ on 19 Apr.th th Portland North 5 bird-days betweenthrd 18 andth 27 Apr. Radipole Lake 5 between 20 Apr and 16 th May. WestAutumn Bexington passage: 6 between 23 Aug and 13 Oct. Sep . thrd th th Central Portland 49 bird-days 29 Jul - 7 Oct.th Max an exceptional Septh . 25 onth 8 Christchurch Harbour 16 bird-daysnd 23 Jul –th 20 Sep. Max 3 on th11 and 18 Aug. Durlston Recorded 2 Augth to 5 Oct.nd Max 12 on 8 Lytchett Bay 7 between 24 Jul and 2 Oct. Also recorded at Ballard Down, Bridging Camp, Corfe Mullen, Gussage St Michael, Hartland Moor,Extreme Langton dates: Matravers, Radipole Lake, Rushcombe Bottom and Nine Barrow Down. 7 th th Apr at Durlston, Lodmoor & Portland and 13 Oct at West Bexington.2010 Dorset Bird Report 139

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 139 17/07/2012 11:51 SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus A summer visitor, breeding in river valleys and coastal wetlands.

Breeding:

Poorly reported. This species breeds widely along Dorset’s rivers. Hengistbury Head (2), Lower Avon Valley (26), Monkton Up Wimborne (8), Stanpit Marsh (4), Sturminster SpringMarshall passage: GPs (2), Swineham (1), West Bexington (2) and Wick (7). st rd . Bestwall 11 on 21 Apr. th Christchurch Harbour 35 bird-days in Apr.th Max 7 on 23 and 24 th PortlandAutumn passage:Bill 154 bird-days, 7 Apr - end of May. Max 25+ on 8 May.

Christchurch Harbour A very strong thpassage with 1,143 bird days in Aug and Sep. Max 350 on 9 Aug,th a recordth day count for the site.th Lytchett Bay 237 bird-days, 18Sep Jul. and 7 Oct. Maxth 36 on 16 Aug. th Portland 394 bird-daysth between late Jul and 5 Oct. Max 25+ on 8 Aug and 30+ on 8 ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 270 trapped and ringed during autumn passage. 24 9 th th Mar at Christchurch Harbour and Oct at Durlston. MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris A rare spring and autumn migrant. [Red list]

There was one record: M Cade et al th Portland Bill A male was trapped at PBO on 8 Jun. It remained present the following day ( , photo, sound-recorded). REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus A locally common summer visitor, breeding in most reedbeds.

Breeding (Sites with more than 5 pairs):

Cogden Beach (c50), Hatch Pond (4 - 7), Langton Herring (6), Lower Avon Valley (23), South SpringHaven - passage: Studland (9), Stanpit Marsh (13 - 19), West Bexington (c40/50) and Wick (8).

th AutumnPortland passage:Bill 65 bird-days between 20 Apr and Jun.

th PortlandExtreme Billdates: 39 bird-days between Aug and 15 Oct. 16 th th Apr at Christchurch Harbour and 16 Nov at Abbotsbury. 140 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 140 17/07/2012 11:51 ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina A rare migrant, mainly in autumn.

Following a lean period with no records in the county between 2004 and 2007, this species has now been recorded for 3 yearsst in a row, albeit just a single bird in each year. M Cade Eth Cockburn et al Portland Bill A 1 -winter was trapped at PBO on 7 Sep and remained present the following day ( , , photo). MELODIOUS WARBLER Hippolais polyglotta A rare migrant, mainly in autumn.

A poor year, with just one record submitted. M Cade et al th Portland Bill 1 was trapped at PBO on 9 Aug ( , photo). BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla A common breeding summer visitor, migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

This species seems to be increasing as a breeding species across the county, though these records fall well short of confirming that. Broadstone (1), Hatch Pond (3 - 4), Hengistbury Head (4), Lytchett Bay (5), Merley Park (2), Peacemearsh (1), Portland North (2), Rushcombe Bottom (8), Stanpit Marsh (6), Stour Valley LNR (1), Sturminster Marshall GPs Spring(5+), Turnworth passage: (1), West Bexington, Wick (8) and Winspit (4).

th Christchurch Harbour 351 bird-days between Marnd and May. Max 115 on 18 Apr. Durlston 87 bird-days betweenth 22 Mar and endst of May. th Portland Bill 686 bird-days, 6 Mar andth end of May. Max 75+ on 7 Apr. PortlandAutumn passage:North 325 bird-days between 7 Apr and 31 May. Sep . th Sep . Christchurch Harbour 935 bird-days between Aug and Oct. Maxth 95 on 8 th Sep . Durlston 1,407 bird-days, Augth - Nov. thMax 200 on Nov8 and . 30 th Portland Bill 977 bird-days, 30 Aug - th20 Nov. Maxth 250+ on 30 PortlandFirst winter North period: 331 bird-days between 6 Aug and 10

Blackcaps winter very widely throughout the sub-urban towns of Dorset. The first record of wintering was not until 1952 and then not again until 1959. The formal record suggests a county maximum of 160 in the first winter period of 1996. However this must be well short of the current total. Ask anyone who feeds birds in their garden. It is unusual to find one who does not record at least the occasional Blackcap. RecordsSecond wintersubmitted period: from 30 sites across the county. Some sites held as many as 5 individuals.

Records submitted from 24 sites. Some sites held as many as 10 individuals.2010 Dorset Bird Report 141

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 141 17/07/2012 11:51 GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin A localised breeding summer visitor and fairly common migrant.

Breeding:

All records submitted. Alners Gorse (1), Chard Junction GP (4), Child Okeford (2), Deadmoor Common (4), Higher Hyde Heath, High Hall (1), Hilton (1), Holt Heath (7), Knighton Heath (1), Lydlinch Common (12), Merley Park (1), Powerstock (1), Sopley Island (1), Sturminster SpringMarshall passage: GPs (2) and Sutton Waldron (1).

th th th Christchurch Harbour 36 bird-days between 18th Apr & 24 May. Max 5 on 17 May. Durlston 18 bird-days betweenth 19 Apr thand the end of May. th PortlandAutumn passage:Bill 121 bird-days, 10 Apr and 15 May. Max 35+ on 4 May.

th th th Sep . Christchurch Harbour 66 bird-days, 28 Jul and 15 Sep. Nov thMax . 17 on 9 Aug. th Durlston 118 bird-days between Aug and 19th Oct. Max 20 on 8 PortlandExtreme dates:Bill 78 bird-days between Jul and 28 10 th th Apr and 28 Nov, both at Portland. BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria A rare autumn passage migrant.

M Larking th Solent Meads GC One was in the car park on 6 Nov ( , photo). st th This is a very late date, but not the latest for Dorset, which is 14 Nov 2000 on Portland.th This species was 1 recorded at Christchurch Harbour in 1986, this is now that site’s 15 record. LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca A scarce breeding summer visitor and fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Few records submitted. Much of the species strongholds in the north between Sherborne to Blackmoor Vale to Gillingham went unreported. Alners Gorse (1), Badbury Rings (1), Burning Cliff (1), Cogden Beach (2+), Durlston, Hammoon (1), Hod Hill (2), Portland (4), SpringRingstead passage: (1), Sturminster Marshall GPs (1), West Bexington (5+) and Wick (3 - 4).

Widely recorded in small numbers across the county. th th th Christchurch Harbour 39 bird-days between 11 Apr & 12 May. Max 4 on 28 Apr. Durlston 41 bird-days during Apr and May. Some records may have involved resident breeders.th thst th Portland Bill 39 bird-days between 14 thApr and 13 May. Max 8 on 4 May. 142Portland Dorset North Bird Report 2010 127 bird-days between 18 Apr and 31 May.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 142 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage:

Sep . Widely recorded during August along the coast in small numbers.th nd Christchurch Harbour 123 bird-days between Aug and 10th Oct. Max 13 on 2 Sep . Durlston 97 bird-days between Augth and 5 Oct.nd Sep . th Portland Bill 63 bird-days between 29th Jul and 22nd Sep. Max 9 on 8 PortlandExtreme Northdates: 57 bird-days between 6 Aug and 22 11 th th Apr at Christchurch Harbour and 10 Oct at Christchurch Harbour. WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported breeding widely. Concentrations of more than 10 pairs came from the coast. Cogden Beach (10), Portland (c150), West Bexington (12) & Wick (21). The species other Springstronghold passage: is in the north around Sherborne, Gillingham and Shaftesbury. . th th th Christchurch Harbour 166 bird-days betweenth 7 andth 28 Apr.st Max 35 onth 24 Portland Bill & Central 559 bird-days, 11 Apr to 24th May. Max 75+ on 8 May. AutumnPortland passage:North 542 bird-days between 18 Apr and 31 May.

th Christchurch Harbour An exceptional passage.th 1,423 bird-days between Aug and 8 Oct. Max 250 Sepon 9 . Aug. A recordth day-count for the site. Durlston 766 bird-daysth between Aug and 9 Oct. Sep . Lodmoor Max 30 on 8 th th th Portland Bill & Central 545 bird-days, 29 Jul to th13 Oct. Maxth 100+ on 8 ExtremePortland Northdates: 100 bird-days between 7 Aug and 13 Oct. 7 th th Apr at Christchurch Harbour & Portland and 13 Oct at Portland. DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata A locally common breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

A good series of records, though many sites reported presence rather than numbers of singing males. Arne, Avon Heath (10), Ballard Down (3), Broadstone GC (3), Canford Heath, Cold Harbour (3), Durlston (1), Ferndown Heath, Godlingston Heath, Great Ovens Heath, Hartland Moor, Hengistbury (2), Higher Hyde Heath, Hurn Forest, Lytchett Bay (1), Mordon Bog (4), Parley Common, Sopley Common, South Haven (4), Stoborough Heath (9), Tadnoll First(1), Turnerspuddle winter period: (1), Town Common (1), Tyneham, Upton Heath (10) and Winfrith Heath.

Portland Seen on 2 dates in Jan. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 143

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 143 17/07/2012 11:51 Autumn passage and end of year:

Christchurch Harbour Up to 11 were present on Hengisbury Head during the autumn.th Cogden Beach 1 on 30 Oct. th th Portland Reguarlyth seen from 11 Oct into 2011. Max 6 on 25 Oct. West Bexington 1 on 20 Oct. SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans Vagrant - 27 previous records.

cantillans .

There was one record involving a male of the westernMS race Andrews et al th th Wick 1 on 24 and 25 Apr ( , photo). th th Somewhat elusive, this was Dorset’s 28 and CHOG’s 5 record. PALLAS’S WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus A rare autumn passage migrant; has overwintered

After 2 blank autumns, something of a return to formst with 4N records Hopper this et year: al st D&P Saunders et al Central Portland 1 at Wakeham onth 31 Oct ( M Cade et al , photo); 1 at Perryfieldsst on 20 and 21th NovR ( Hewitt et al , photo); Portland Bill 1 trapped at PBO on 27 Oct ( , photo); 1 at PBO on 31 Oct was later trapped ( , photo) and was reported the following day. YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus A scarce autumn passage migrant; has overwintered.

th th A decent autumn with 28 bird-days. Records spanned the period 4 Oct to 30 Nov. The inland record at Melcombe Bingham was particularly notable. th st Nov . Burton Bradstock 1 on 12 Oct. th th th th Durlston Singles seenth on 24 Oct,th 7 & 8 Nov, 21 Nov and 30 Hengistbury Head Singles on 7 and 11 Oct. th Langton Matravers 1 in the grounds of Leeson House on 14 Oct. th th Melcombe Bingham 1 around the garden of Jay Cottageth th between 15 and 19 th Oct. Portland 1 at Southwell Schoolth on 4 - 15 & 5 Oct; 1 at PBOth on 10th Oct; 1 at Easton on 12 Oct; 1th at Perryfieldsth on 12 & 13 Oct;th 1 at Avalanche Roadst on 13 th Oct; 1 at Easton onth 14 Oct; 1 at Portland Castle on 14 NovOct; . 1 at Easton on 30 Oct; 1 at Wakeham on 31 Oct. th Swanage 1 in California Quarry on 6

144 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 144 17/07/2012 11:51 WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix A scarce passage migrant and sporadic breeder. [Amber list]

Spring passage:

th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 5 May. th Central Portland 1 at Eastonrd onth 7 May.th Durlston Singles on 7 and 19 May. Greenlands Farm 1 on 23th Apr. rd Hengistbury Head 1 on 6 May. nd Higher Hyde Heath Singingnd male on 23 May and 2 Jun, but no proof of breeding. Little Sea, Studland 1 on 2 th May. to 9 Portland Bill 1 on 25rd Apr.th th Portland Castle 1 present 7 May. WhiteAutumn Sheet passage: Plantation 1 on 23 May. st

Arne 1 on 1 Aug. th Christchurch Harbour 1 at Wickth and Hengistbury Head Sep on . 9 Aug and 1 at Stanpit GC on 16 Aug. th Southwell, Portland 1 at Eight Kings Quarryth on 25 ExtremeWyke Down dates: 1 at Down Farm on 24 Aug. 23rd th Apr at Greenlands Farm and 25 Sep at Southwell. CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant; scarce in winter.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from many locations across the county. The highest site reports were from: Ballard Down (13), Beacon Hill (5+), Boys Hill (10), Christchurch Harbour (6 – 9), Langton Herring (20+), Lytchett Bay (7), Rushcombe Bottom (7), Stour Passage:Valley LNR (12+), Sturminster Marshall GPs (6+) and Two Mile Copse (6). Bird-days: Sep Nov 97 237 2 38 1746 548 24 Jan Feb Mar20 Apr85 May14 Jun10 Jul10 127Aug 1083 359Oct 50 Dec Christchurch Harbour 125 629 183 58 5 22 933 1155 38 Durlston PeakPortland counts Bill from the above sites: Sep . th th Sep . th Christchurch Harbour 270 on 9 thSep, 200 on 12 Septh and 225 on 17 Durlston 15513 on 12th Sep and 180 onth 30 th th Portland Bill/Central 125+th on 7 Apr, 200 on 30 Sep, 11 & 14 Oct and 300 on Oct.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 145

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 145 17/07/2012 11:51 Other passage records:

th Boys Hill 50 on 27st Aug.th th Leeson House 20 on both 8 Sep and 14 Oct. Lodmoor 25 on 1th Apr. Sep . Lytchett Bay 24 on 4 Oct.th st Nov . Middlebere 30+ on 17thst st th th North Portland 480, 14 Mar Sep to . 31 May; 1,000, 30 Jul to 28 Radipole Lake 25+ on 1 thApr and 24 on 21 Apr. Ringstead Bay 20+ on 18th Rushcombe Bottom 20 on 30 Aug. WinteringWest Bexington records: 124 birds trapped and ringed during the year.

Recorded from 37 locations: Ballard Down, Bardolf Farm, Bockhampton, Branksome, Bridport, Burton, Castle Cove, Central Portland, Dorchester, Durlston, Forston, Gillingham, Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head, Holmebridge, Knoll SF (Studland), Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Middlebere, Monkton Up Wimborne, Newton’s Cove, Portland Bill, PC World Poole, Radipole Lake, Spetisbury, St Aldhelm’s Head, Stanpit Marsh, Stinsford, Stour Valley LNR, Studland Heath, Swanbridge Court, Swineham GPs, Waddock Cross CBs, West Bexington, West Moors OtherPlantation, records: Weymouth (Cranford Avenue) and Wick.

P.c.abietinus Abbotsbury Swannery A bird consideredst to be an eastern th type (presumably 14 ) was trapped and ringed on 15 Nov and was seen againth on 21th Nov. An eastern bird was also recorded there on and 15 Dec. Phylloscopus collybita tristis A rare, but regular, autumn/winter visitor. ‘SIBERIAN’ CHIFFCHAFF Birds showing characters of, and vocalising as tristis currently thought to sound: ES Brodie et al th th Hatch Pond 1 remained from 2009 and was seen on 4 and 5 Jan ( , photo).rd G Walbridge th Central Portland 25A bird originallyPA Coe Gfound Walbridge at Blacknor et al on 28 Dec 2009 was seen again2 th thereG Walbridge on 3 Jan ( ); 1 at AvalancheG Walbridge Road on nd Oct ( , ); 1 at Suckthumbth PAQuarry Coe onG Walbridge Nov ( et al );th 1 at Easton on 17 Nov ( ); 1G atWalbridge Reap Lane on 11 Dec remainedth into 2011 ( , G Walbridge et al); 1 at Blacknor onth 11 Dec remained into 2011 ( ); 1 at Easton onG 19 Walbridge Dec remained into 2011 ( ). th Radipole Lake 1, possibly 2 birds on 9 Dec ( ). tristis th Additionally, a bird trapped at Portland Bill on 7 Nov was heard to call correctly for , Birdsbut showed showing abnormalities characters in of the tristis, plumage but notand heardis currently to vocalise: under consideration by the DRP. M Cade et al th

146Portland Dorset Bill Bird Report 2010 1 trapped on 15 Nov ( , photo).

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 146 17/07/2012 11:51 WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus A fairly common, but declining, summer visitor and common passage migrant.

Breeding:

The only reports suggesting breeding in the county were from: Broadstone GC (2), Canford Passage:Heath (8), Higher Hyde Heath, Rushcombe Bottom (1), Tadnoll Heath and Winfrith Heath. Bird-days: Sep Nov 12 1328 47 252 2562 146 Jan Feb Mar1 124Apr May6 Jun Jul7 419Aug 47 Oct2 Dec Christchurch Harbour 12 2668 1049 1 328 2000 268 P P Durlston PeakPortland counts Bill from the above sites:

th Christchurch Harbour Peak11 spring count was of 430 onth 20 Apr. The highestth counts duringth autumn were of th370 on 5 Aug, 400 on 9 Aug, 600 on Aug andth 420 on 18 th Aug. th st Durlston 50 on 12 Aug, 65 on 18 Aug andth 50 on 28 Aug. Portland Bill/Central Spring8 Sep peak. counts of 250+ thon 18 Apr and 275th on 21 Apr. Autumnth peaks of 200+ on 8 Aug, 400+ on 9 Aug and 200 on Other sites:

thst Langton Matravers 50 on 16 Aug. Lodmoor 40+ on th21 Apr. Lytchett Bay 23 on 5 thAug.rd Sep . Merley Park 27 on 20 Apr. th th th North Portland 1,320, 23th Mar to 24 May; 434, 24 Jul to 27 Sherford Bridge 80+ on 6 thAug. St Aldhelm’s Head 30+ on 20 Apr. th The Nothe periods‘Dozens’ . present on 20 Apr. West Bexington A total of 195 birds were ringed on site during passage Extreme dates 14 th : th Mar at French’s Farm, Lytchett Bay and 25 Nov at Portland Bill GOLDCREST Regulus regulus A common breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Breeding records were received from:nd Durlston (2 – 3), Great Plantation (2+), Higher Hyde Heath (adult and juvenile seen on 22 Jul), Lytchett Bay (1), Merley Park (3), Nottington (1), Radipole Park Drive (1), Rushcombe Bottom (3), Stoborough Heath (1), Studland peninsula (10), West Bexington (2 – 3) and Wick (1).

2010 Dorset Bird Report 147

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 147 17/07/2012 11:51 Passage: Bird-days: Sep Nov 7 2 2 28 438 73 3 Jan Feb Mar7 Apr1 May1 Jun3 Jul Aug4 55 359Oct 292 Dec Christchurch Harbour 1 2 242 51 Durlston PeakPortland counts Bill from the above sites:

st th th Christchurch Harbour At Hengistbury Head, 63 on 7 Oct and 65 on 17 Oct. DurlstonOther passage counts: 35 on 31 Oct. Sep to 24 th th st Portland Central 715 bird-daysth reportedst Nov 27. th Nov,th with peak counts of 40+ on 10 Oct, 40 on 14 Oct, 50 on 19 Oct, 75+ on 31 Oct and 100+ on 1 FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla An increasing migrant and winter visitor, breeding occasionally. [Amber list]

Breeding & summer records:

rd A pair bred at a location in the Wareham Forest, with 2 adults seen carrying food to the nest on 3 Jun. This is the first confirmed breeding record in Dorset since 1990.

Singing males were also recorded in suitable breeding habitat at 2 other sites in the county, Passage:however no proof of breeding was obtained. Bird-days: Sep Nov 17 4 1 15 15 Jan Feb Mar14 Apr5 May Jun Jul Aug1 6 Oct29 39 Dec Christchurch Harbour 24 14 2 6 12 16 Durlston OtherPortland passage Bill records were received from:

Brownsea Island, Christchurch, Highcliffe, Hill Bottom, Langton Herring, Langton Matravers, Littlesea , the Fleet, Lodmoor, Lower Parkstone, Lytchett Bay, Meyrick Park (Bournemouth), Moors Valley CP, Oakers Wood, Oakley, Pen Wood (Halstock), Peveril Point, Portland (Central areas and Verne Common), Radipole Lake, Rodden Hive, Rodwell Trail, Stoborough, WinterStudland, records Throop (may (Bournemouth), include some West late Bexington autumn andpassage Winspit. migrants):

Recorded during January, February and December at the following sites: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Arne, Bournemouth (Castle Lane and Sheepwash), Bridport, Brownsea Island, Creekmoor Ponds, Durlston, East Holme, East Lulworth, Hengistbury Head, Holes Bay, Little Sea (Studland), Littlesea, the Fleet, Lodmoor, Morden Bog, Oakers Wood, Parkstone, Portesham, Portland (Church Ope Cove, Easton, Pennsylvania Castle), Radipole Lake, Sherford Bridge, South Haven, Stanpit Marsh, Two Mile Copse, West Bexington, Weymouth (Goldcroft Avenue and Southill) and Winspit.

148 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 148 17/07/2012 11:51 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata A declining breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

Breeding records wereth received from the following sites: Brackett’s Coppice (2 pairs seen feeding young rdon 4 Jul), Child Okeford (a pair built a nest but then abandoned the site), Christchurch (at least 1 pair at Town Common), Corfe Castle (pair with 2 fledged young at Boar Mill on 3 Jul), Gussage St Andrew (1 pair), Hammoon (1 pair), Higher Hyde Heath (adults carrying food andth juveniles seen during Jul and Aug), Horton Heath (2 adults and 4 fledged young seen on 12 Aug), Merley (1 pair), Morden Bog (2 pairs bred), Nordenth Woods (3 pairs), Shillingstone (1 pair), Turnworth NR (adultth feeding 2 juveniles on 15 Jul), West Stafford (1 pair bred, with fledged youngth seen on 4 Jul) and Wyke Down (fledged young Passageseen in garden records: of Down Farm on 26 Jun). Bird-days: Sep Nov 47 3 35 49 1 Jan Feb Mar Apr1 May191 Jun3 Jul1 Aug29 37 Oct9 Dec Christchurch Harbour PeakPortland counts Bill from the main sites:

Sep . th Christchurch Harbour 29 at Wick/Hengistburyth Headth on 28 Aug. PortlandOther significant Bill/Central passage (all30 on sites 13 recording May and 32+ a total on 8of 10 or more birds): Sep . th th Arne 18 bird-days,th 18 Aug to 8 Beaminster 12 on 11nd Aug. Sep . Canford School 12 on 22 Aug.th th th th Cogden 5 recorded, 12 – 18 May; 9 recorded, Sep 18 . Aug – 12 Durlston 11 bird-days Sep . in springth and 150 bird-daysth in autumn. Peak counts ofnd Sep28 on . 28 Aug and 40 on 8 Gore Heath 18 on 2nd Sep . Great Ovens Heath 11 on 2nd st Sep . Hartland Moor 22 on 2 to 27 th Sep . Middlebere At least 10 recorded,th 28th Aug to 1 th th North Portland 213 recorded,thst 7 May;th 39 recorded 12Sep .Aug to 26 Rushcombe Bottom 12 on 28 Aug and 15 onnd 30 Aug. th Sadborow, Thorncombe 15+ on 31 Aug,thrd 6 on 2 Sepnd and 3 on 13 th Sherford Bridge 32 bird-days, 6 Aug to 2 nd Sep, peaking at 12 on 28 Aug. Stour Valley LNR 14 recorded, 23 Aug to 2 Oct. th th Studland At least 28th bird-days between Sep 28 . Aug and 12 Sep, including 12+ on 30 Aug.th th ExtremeWest Bexington dates 18 recorded, 24 Aug to 4 23rd :th Apr and 17 Oct at Portland Bill.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 149

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 149 17/07/2012 11:51 PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca A fairly common spring and autumn migrant, formerly a sporadic breeder.

Passage at the major sites: Bird-days: Sep Nov 6 1 7 4 Jan Feb Mar Apr6 May Jun Jul Aug14 5 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 9 3 4 19 9 Durlston SpringPortland passage: Bill

th Alton Pancras A male in the churchyardth onth 14 Apr. North Portland 23 recorded,th 19 Apr to 13 May. Swanage 1 on 7 thApr. ThroopAutumn Heath Passage: 1 on 15 Apr. st

nd th nd Arne 1 on 1 thAug, 3 on 2 Aug, th1 on 18 Aug and 1 on 22 Aug. Beaminster 1 on 11th Aug and 2 on 12st Sep Aug. . Boscombe 1 on 25 Jul. th Sep . Cogden Singles on 28 th Aug andth 1 Coombe Heath, Arne 1 present thSep on . 5 and 6 East Stoke 1 on 15th Aug. Ferndown Common 1 on 8 th Great Ovens Heath 1 on 18th Aug. Hartland Moor 1 on 30nd Aug. rd Sep . High Hall, near Wimborne 2 on 22 Aug.th to 29 th Langton Matravers Singles on 19th Aug, th23 Aug and 8 Martinstown 1 presentnd Sep 27 . Aug. Morden Bog 1 on 2th Oct. North Portland 2 on 8 thrd Sep . Powerstock Common 1 on 28 Jul. Radipole Lake 1 on 23th Sherford Bridge 1 on 14th Aug. Trickett’s Cross, Ferndown 1 on 13th Aug. West Bexington 1 on 15th Aug. ExtremeWinspit dates 1 on 18 Aug. 7 th : nd Apr at Durlston, Portland Bill and Swanage and 2 Oct at Morden Bog.

150 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 150 17/07/2012 11:51 BEARDED TIT Panurus biarmicus A scarce and local breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Lodmoor At least 3 pairs bred, fledging 15+ juveniles. Lytchett Bay At least 1 pair bred, with fledged juveniles seen in Jul. Radipole Lake At least 2 territories were located, but just one pair was known to have bred and was thought to have raised 2 broods. Swineham Point Up to 3 birds present in May, but no definite proof of breeding.

The table below shows the maximum monthly counts from the Weymouth reserves during theMaxima: year: Sep Nov 20 20 5 12 7 12 11 4 22 14 10 11 Jan37 Feb6 Mar6 Apr4 May3 Jun2 Jul5 Aug2 8 Oct26 20 Dec12 Lodmoor RecordsRadipole Lakefrom other sites:

th th Abbotsbury Swannery 2 present on 13 and 14 Oct. th Central Portland 3 at Barleycratesth Lane and 1 at Avalanche Road on 16 Oct. Hatch Pond c6 presentth onst 12 Oct. th th th th Hengistbury Head 1st on 10 Apr, 27 Nov on 10. Oct,nd 13 on 16 andth 17 Oct, 1+ onth 20 Oct, 9 on 21 Oct,th 1+ on 22 Oct, 2 on 24 Oct and 4 on 25 Oct, Nov and 10 nd Sep to 11 th Longham Lakes A female on 22 Octth and a pairth present on 24 Oct.nd Lytchett Bay 167 bird-days,th 18 th Dec. Peak of 33 on 2 Oct. Portland Bill 4n on 16th Oct and 4 on 17 Oct. Nov . South Haven 4 on 19th Oct. th th th st Stanpit Marsh 2 on 6 thJan, 5 on 12 thOct, 2 on 16 Nov andth 1 on 25 Swineham Point 3+ onth 9 Jan, 1 on 24th Jan, ‘several’ onth 7 Feb, 3+ on 31 Oct, 3 on 8 Nov, 6 on 12 Nov and 1th on 24 Dec. Weymouth 4e over Charles Street on 10 Oct were presumably moving between Radipole Lake and Lodmoor. th West Bexington 152 overwintering from 2009th had th departed by 12th Jan. Birds 11wereth heard callingth on 10 and 20th Feb. 1 on 12 Mar and 2 on th Mar. Nov 4+ .on 25 Oct, 6 on 27 Oct, then up to 3 present until Dec.th Wick 1 on 6

2010 Dorset Bird Report 151

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 151 17/07/2012 11:51 LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of breeding wereth received from: Beacon Hill DWT (2 pairs), Canford School (1 pair – nest predated on 5 May), Cogden, Dean – Gussage St Andrew (1 pair), Dorchester (1 pair), Durlston (6 pairs), Hengistbury Head (3 – 5 pairs), Langton Herring (1 pair), Merley Park (7 nests found), Portland (East Weare – 1+ pairs, Suckthumb Quarry – 1 pair fledged 6 juveniles – and Verne Common – 2 pairs), Rushcombe Bottom (2 family parties), Stanpit Post-breeding/winterMarsh (3 pairs), West Bexington flocks of and 20+ Wick birds: (2 pairs).

th th Arne 120st Novon both . 19 Jan and 10 Oct. Durlston 20+ birds counted on 18 days in Oct and Nov, peaking at 32 on th Moonfleet 20 on 11 Dec. North Portland 30 at Verneth Common/Oldst Hill in late Dec. Nov Poole Park 24 on 18 thOct.st th th Portland Bill/Central 34+ on 19 Oct, 35 on 1 Nov, 40+ on 6 Nov, 37 on 20 and 20 on 1 Dec. Stanpit GC c50 in Septh (undated). Sutton Hill 20 on 6nd Aug. Nov . West Knighton Heath 21 on 2 th Jan. Nov . Winspit 20 on 26th Migration:Wyke Regis 32 on 13

South Haven Birds thwere seen attemptingth to cross Poole Harbour entrance on 16 Oct (17 birds) and 6 Nov (15 birds). BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeds commonly across the county. The sites reporting the highest totals were: Canford School (49 nests located, of which young successfully fledged from 42), Langton Herring (10+ pairs), Merley Park (21 nests – 16 in boxes, 5 in natural cavities), North Portland (40+ Significantpairs) and Portland counts: Bill (7+ pairs).

th Arne 70+ on 25st Jan. th North Portland 70 to 100 present on 18 Apr. Rushcombe Bottom c40 on 21th Aug. Sherford Bridge 50+ on 6 Aug.

152 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 152 17/07/2012 11:51 GREAT TIT Parus major A very common breeding resident. Breeding:

The sites reporting the highest totals were: Canford School (15 nest located, of which 12 successfully fledged young), Langton Herring (4 pairs), Merley Park (12 nest located), North PortlandPassage: (38+ pairs), Portland Bill (6+ pairs) and Rushcombe Bottom (6+ pairs).

rd nd Sep . th Durlston 30n in 4 groupsth on 2 Mar; 10 apparentth migrants on 24 Oct. Portland Bill 12n, 23 – 24 Mar and 12n on 18 South Haven Birds wereth seen crossing Pooleth Harbour entrance on 2 dates: Significant counts: 4n on 11 Oct and 10 on 16 Oct.

th Arne 30+ on 25th Jan. North Portland 70+ on 19 Apr. COAL TIT Periparus ater A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

st Birds were reported breeding at Canford School (1 pair, however all young died), Lytchett Bay (1 pair), Merley Park (5 successful nests), Morden Bog (juveniles seen on 21 Jun), Oakers Wood, Rushcombe Bottom (2 pairs), Stanpit, Stoborough Heath (‘several’ pairs) and Sutton Waldron (1 nest). MARSH TIT Poecile palustris A fairly common breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

nd The only reports were of a family partyth at Arne on 22 Aug and a family party of 2 adults and 2 juveniles at Turnworth NR on 12 Aug. th Reported in the breedingrd season from Brackett’s Coppice (4 on 4 Jul), Clifton Wood, Oakersth Wood, Powerstock Common, Puddletown Forest, Sherford Bridge, Slepe Copse (2 on 24 OtherApr), Swanage records: (2 on 23 Jul) and Tadnoll Heath.

Reported outside of the breeding season (highest count in brackets) from: Arne (3), Bardolf Farm (1), Batcombe (1), Brackett’s Coppice (6), Bulbarrow Hill (1), Cerne Abbas (2), Cogden (1), Delph Woods (2), Durlston (2), East Stoke (2), Farrington (1), Fifehead Wood (1), Hilfield (1), Holton Lee (2), Langton Matravers (1), Lillington (2), Long Bredyth (1), Oakers Wood (1), Plush (1), Radipole Lake (1), Stubhampton Bottom (10 on 17 Jan), Studland Heath (1), Studland Village (1), Swanage (1), Tadnoll Heath (1), Thorncombe Wood (2), Up Cerne (1) and Wynford Eagle (2). th On 26 Sep during a visible migration watch at South Haven, a Marsh Tit was seen to fly north across Poole Harbour entrance. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 153

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 153 17/07/2012 11:51 NUTHATCH Sitta europaea A fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeding records were received from: Ashley Cross Green (family party of 6 birds seen), Broadstone (juveniles seen in summer), Canford School (3 pairs fledgednd a total of 14 young), Creekmoor Ponds (2 pairs), Great Ovensth Heath (family party seen on 2 Sep), Higher Hyde Heath (adult and 2 juveniles seen on 30 Jun), Merley Park (4 successful pairs), Northmead Copse LNR (1 singing male), Rushcombe Bottom (c4 pairs), Shillingstone (family party Unusualseen), Stoborough records: Heath (1 pair bred successfully) and Swineham GP (1 singing male).

th Central Portland 1 at Easton on 24 Feb. Durlston Normally a rare visitor here – barely annual in occurrence.th Thisth year there were records onth 10 dates between 7 Sep and 29 Dec, including 2 birds on 8 Oct. TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris A fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

22 Records21ndst of breeding were received from: Higher Hyde Heath (adult and juvenile seen on Jul), Merley Park (2 pairs bred successfully), Morden Bog (pairth seen carrying food on May), Norden Woods (pair seen with at least 1 juvenile on 20 May) and Rushcombe OtherBottom records (1 pair). of interest:

to 26 Novth . th Central Portland Single(s) at Avalanche Roadth on 13th and 25 Oct. Winspit 1 presentth in the valley 13 Worth Matravers 1 on 24 Mar – a rarity here. Oriolus oriolus A rare migrant, mainly in spring. [Red list] GOLDEN ORIOLE 1978 .

No records submitted in 2010 - the first blank year for this species in the county since RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio A rare passage migrant. [Red list]

There were 3 records this year: st Sep .

Durlston 1 on 21 th Holt Heath A male was thpresent near White Sheet Plantation on 17 Jun. Portland Bill A male on 8 Jun.

154 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 154 17/07/2012 11:51 GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor A scarce and irregular winter visitor.

First winter period:

th th HoltSecond Heath winter period: 1 on 25 and 29 Jan. Nov . th Chamberlayne’s Heath 1 on 27 Nov . th Coombe Heath, Arne 1 was presentth fromth 15 Nov into 2011. Lower Hyde Heath 1 on 29 andth 30 Morden Bog 1 from 13 Oct into 2011 JAY Garrulus glandarius A fairly common breeding species and scarce autumn migrant.

Breeding:

Records of breeding werend received from: Hengistbury Head (2+ pairs), Higher Hyde Heath (family partyth seen on 22 Jul), Merley Park (6 pairs bred successfully),th Oakley (2+ juveniles see on 10 Aug), Rushcombe Bottom (adult with 2 juveniles on 10 Jul), Stanpit Marsh (2 pairs), Stoborough Heath (1 pair bred successfully), Two Mile Copse (1 pair) and Wick (1 Otherpair). records of interest: st

th Durlston 30 birds were counted on 18 Oct and 22 on 21 Oct. MAGPIE Pica pica A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

th Reported from Chard Junction GPs (6 juveniles seen on 16 Jun), Durlston (3 – 7 pairs), CountsLodmoor of (2 30+ nests), birds: Merley Park (8 pairs bred successfully) and Portland Bill (11 pairs).

th th Christchurch Harbour Roost countsth of 37 on 29 Nov and 38 on 9 Dec. Durlston 30 on 5 Oct. th Nov Hatch Pond Counts fromth the regular winterth roost includedth 137 on 26th Jan, 158 on 30 ndJan, 140 on 11 Feb, 121 on 4 Mar, 70 on 14 and 81 on th2 Dec. North Portland 50+ on 18 Apr.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 155

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 155 17/07/2012 11:51 JACKDAW Corvus monedula A common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Breeding:

The only sites reporting breeding were Brownsea Island (nesting at the Villa on the DWT reserve),nd Durlston, North Portland (20 – 50 pairs at the Verne; 50 juveniles at Grove Stadium onCounts 22 Jun),of flocks Merley of 100+Park (15 birds: pairs) and West Bexington (where probably bred).

th th Abbotsbury Swannery 100+ on 11th Jan and 200+ on 30 Jun. Arne 150 on 30 thJan. th East Fleet 200+ on 10 Sep Jan . and 100+ on 28 Jun. th North Portland 200+ at Groveth Stadium during Feb and 150+ there on 20 Jun. Ringstead Bay 110 on 20 Sopley Several thousandrd birds wereth noted crossing from Hampshire into Dorset to roost on 4 Mar. Sutton Hill 100 on 23 rd Jan. th Tadnoll 1,000+ between Tadnoll and Wool on 25 Jan. Two Mile Copse 200+ on 23th Jan. West Bexington 400 on 20 thOct. Passage:Woodsford 100+ on 17 Jan.

28 th Durlston Peakth counts of overheadth migrants were 120 on 7 Oct, 105 on Oct and 230 on 30 Oct. th Hengistbury Head 1,776 bird-daysstth in Oct, with peaks of 570w on 17 Oct and 400w on 25 Oct. Lytchett Bay 88nw onth 21 Oct. st Portland Castle 30s on 7 Oct.th Rushcombe Bottom 100w on 25 Oct and 100nw on 31 Oct. ROOK Corvus frugilegus A very common breeding resident. Breeding:

Poorly reported in the county. The only counts of rookeries came from Lytchett Bay (16 nestsCounts at ofWatery 200+ Lane) birds: and Sutton Waldron (14 nests).

st th Abbotsbury Swannery 200+ on 30 Jun. Bincombe 200+ on 1 thDec. Sep . East Fleet 200+ on 10 Jan.th th Langton Herring 300+ on bothth 30 Aug and 20 Maiden Castle 200+ on 12th Dec. Ringstead Bay 310 on 18 Jul. th rd Tadnoll 300+ between here and Wool on 25 Jan. rd Tarrant Keyneston 1,000+ betweenthrd here and Tarrantth Rushton on 3 Feb. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 600 on 18 Jan, 1,500 on 28 Jan and 300 on 23 Aug. 156Two MileDorset Copse Bird Report 2010 400+ on 23 Jan.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 156 17/07/2012 11:51 CARRION CROW Corvus corone A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

The only confirmed reports of breeding were from: Durlston (10+ pairs), Lodmoor (2 pairs), Merley Park (1 pair fledged 2 young),th North Portland (10+ pairs), Radipole Park Gardens (anCounts adult of feeding 40+ birds: a juvenile on 18 Jun) and Wick (1 pair).

th Baiter Park 69 on 26 thJan and a peak of 74th in the second winterrd period. East Fleet 70+ on 10 Septh Jan . and 50+ onth 28 Jun. Ferrybridge 60+ on nd14 Feb, 50 on 24 Oct and 75+ on 23 Dec. Langton Herring 50 on 2 th th North Portland 140+ roostingth at Grove Stadium on 26 Feb. 120+ on 18 Apr. Portland Bill 77 on 14nd NovMar. . th Portland Harbour 70n on 2thrd Oct; 100s on 7 Oct. Stanpit Marsh 74 on 15st West Knighton Heath 80 on 23 Jan. Weymouth Beach 75 on 31 Jan. RAVEN Corvus corax A locally common and increasing breeding resident.

Breeding:

Pairs were confirmed as breeding at the following sites (number of fledged juveniles in brackets): Brownsea Island (3), Buckham Down, Chard Junction GPs (2), Dorchester Town Centre (3), Hixton Bridge, Holt Heath (3+), Litton Cheney (4), Morden Bog (4), Oakers Wood (2), Portland (Blacknor – 3, Grove – 6 and a new site at the Verne – 2), Upton Heath (3), Sopley, Warmwell Quarry (1+) and Wyke Down (2+). A pair were also reported at nesting on a pylon at Potterne Park, Verwood, but there was no news of success or otherwise. No Significantreports were counts received (10+ from birds): the Purbeck coast, where several nests are located. st Sep . rd Bardolf Farm 12 on 21 Bulbarrow Hill 15 on 23 thOct. Central Portland 13n on 12 Feb. Swyre Head A flockth of 18 birds were present between here and Encombe on 26 Feb.th Tarrant Rushton Airfield 11 on 28 Jan. Up Cerne An impressive roost was located near here in late Novth and continuedst into 2011. 40 birds were thcounted on 28 th Nov and subsequent counts were of 102 on 5 Dec, 62 on 12 Dec and 147 on 31 Dec, easily setting a new Dorset record count for this species.th Verne Common 10 on 30th Aug. Wyke Down 10 on 24 Jan.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 157

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 157 17/07/2012 11:51 STARLING Sturnus vulgaris A common breeding resident and winter visitor. [Red list]

Breeding:

Breeding records were received from the Bridging Camp, the thFleet (only 1 pair noted as breeding within the camp, however 100+ juveniles there on 28 Jun shows there areth many other pairs in the general area), Canford Heath, Canford Magna (40 young seen on 8 Jun), Central Portland (widespread, but numbers in decline), Merley Park (3 pairs fledged 7 Passageyoung), North records: Portland (5+ pairs), West Bexington and Wick (several pairs). Nov . th Christchurch Harbour 6,596 bird-daysth Nov in Nov, . th peaking at 5,000w on 15 th East Bexington 4,195w, 7 Octth to 10 Nov Nov. Peaks of 2,200w on 7 Nov and 1,700w on 10st th Lodmoor 1,500w or sw on 10 Nov . th Lytchett Bay 402nw on 1 NovNovth .and 500nw on 7 Nov. 600 were in a stubble fieldth on 9 Sep to 14 Nov . Martinstown 2,000 on 13 st th th North Portland 835, mainlyth north, 30 st Portland Bill 3,570n 10 Oct to 1th Dec. Peak counts Nov from . other observers included 650th on 25 Oct and 800 on th31 Oct. West Bexington 2,000w on 7th Nov and 3,400w on 10 WinterWest Chaldon roosts and other counts1,000 ofon 300+ 25 Oct. birds: Nov . th Affpuddle 1,000+ flew south at dusk on 16 th th Central Portland 300+ betweenth Weston and Portland Bill on 9 and 10 Oct. Chickerell 1,000 on 24 Jan. th Christchurch Harbour 2,500w over Wick Fieldsth on 10 Jan and 1,000 roosted at Hengistbury Headth on 24 Jan. Ferrybridge Peak of 300 on 15 Jul. nd Hinton St Mary A roost formed in mid-Febth and peakedst at 2,000+ on 2 Mar. Langton Herring 3,000+ flewth rdwest on 9 Dec. st Lytchett Bay 450e on 10 Jan and 1,450e on 31 Dec. th Maiden Castle 1,500nd on 23rd Jan; 4,000+ onth 31 Jan; 1,000 on 14 Feb; 1,000+ on 2 Nov and 5,000 on 12 Dec. Martinstown 2,000 on 3 Feb. th Merley 1,000s at dusk on 17 Jan. Poole Up to 2,750 roosted in Jan/Feb; During Dec, tens of thousands were estimatedth at a roost near Sterte. Puddletown 1,000w on 9th Jan. Radipole Lake 2,000 on 28 Dec. th Southbourne 2,000+ roosted at St Peter’s Schoolrd Nov . on 17 Jan. th South Haven A roost in the reedbed here peaked at 750 on 6 Feb and at the end of the year 2,000+ on 23 Stalbridge A roost of manyrd thousands in the area in late Jan/earlynd Feb. West Knighton Heath Estimates of the roost here included 30,000 on 2 Jan and 8,000 on 23th Jan. Woodsford158 Dorset Bird Report 2010 3,000 on 17 Jan.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 158 17/07/2012 11:51 Hoopoe at Rodden Hive - 21st March Peter Moore An average year with six Hoopoes recorded in Dorset, but this did include the county’s third wintering record involving a bird at Longham Lakes. The latter was also the only inland record this year.

Wryneck at West Bexington - 7th September Mike Coleman It was an excellent autumn for this species with at least 24 birds recorded from 17 sites, including 6 inland locations. There was also a rare spring record, from a site well inland near Beaminster.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 159

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 159 17/07/2012 11:51 Willow Warbler at West Bexington - 8th September Mike Coleman Whilst remaining a very local and patchy breeding species, there were some truly impressive counts (in the hundreds) of migrants from both Christchurch Harbour and Portland during August.

‘Western’ Subalpine Warbler at Wick Fields - 25th April Peter Moore This Subalpine Warbler of the western subspecies cantillans was present for 2 days at Wick Fields and was CHOG’s fifth record following birds in 1988, 1993, 2004 and 2006.

160 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 160 17/07/2012 11:52 ROSE-COLOURED STARLING Pastor roseus A very rare passage migrant.

There was one record: rd SW Smith et al Brands Bay A juvenile was present withth Starlings along the track to Greenlands Farm on 3 and 4 Oct ( , photo). HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus A common but declining breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

Good breeding season numbers reported from Hatch Pond, Lytchett Bay, Mudeford Quay, Stanpit Marsh and Wick Fields. North Portland reported 250 pairs which raised 700+ young and the thriving total Portland breeding population was 500+ pairs. The well established Largeflock at counts: Worth Matravers had many juveniles. Nov . th nd th th Lodmoor 100+ recordedrd th on 6 Jul, 22 Jul, 5 Aug and 16 North Portland 1,500 on 15 Aug. Tarrant Keynston 150+ on th3 Feb. West Bexington 100 on 8th Aug. Weymouth Station 150 on 7 Aug. TREE SPARROW Passer montanus A rare and local breeding species and scarce migrant. [Red list]

After an encouraging increase in records, including breeding, from recent years, 2010 was Breeding:disappointing.

SpringNo news passage: received from north Dorset where breeding has taken place in recent years.

th th rd Hengistbury Head 2 on 24 Mar and 1 on 9 Apr. nd PortlandAutumn passage: 2 at Barleycrates Lane on 23 May and 1 at the Bill on 2 Jun. rd

th th th Hengistbury Head Singles thon 3 , 10 and 20 and 4 on 24 Oct. st Lodmoor 1 on 11 Oct. th Portland 1 at Suckthumbst NovQuarry . on 10 Oct, 10 at theth Bill on 21 Oct, 3 in Top Fields and 2 at the Windmills on 25 Oct and 7 at Eastonth on 1 SouthWinter Haven records: 1 on 16 Oct. st

th Martinstown 1 between 19 Nov & 21 Dec. The first there since 1997. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 161

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 161 17/07/2012 11:52 CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Widespread and common in the breeding season but there were thfew actual counts. However the 10,000 recorded on autumn passage at Portland Bill on 9 Nov was the highest ever Firstcount winter there. period:

th Maiden Castle 100+ on 14 Feb. Portland 200 in Janth and Feb. Stanpit Marsh 100 on 6 Janth SecondTadnoll winter period: 200+ on 25 Jan.

Nov . th Burton and Winkton 300 on stubbleth field on 4 Dec. Langton Herring 100 on 25th Lillington 200 on 14 Dec. SpringPortland passage: 350+ in Dec.

th th PortlandAutumn passage: Just 30 bird-days on 16 dates 4 Mar to 27 Apr. Sep to 24 Nov . Sep to 19 th th Central Portland 53,049 bird-days fromth 32 dates 17th Nov . Durlston 13,240th recorded,th 13 thDec. Peak counts of 1,260th Nov on . Oct, 910 Novon 7 . Oct, 960th on 14 th Oct and 1,470 on 14 th East Bexington 1,332 bird-daysth from 7 Sep Oct to to19 10 Nov. Max 543 on 10 Nov . Glebelands 162 on 11 th th th Hengistbury Head 9,000+ bird-days,th 18 Sep to 8 Nov. Nov .Max 1,400 on 10 Lodmoor Max 162 on 4 Oct. th th North Portland 1,000 bird-daysth from Sep 7 to 16 Portland Bill 10,000 on 9 Nov – ththe highestth count ever for Portlandth South Haven 1,049 bird-days, 24 Oct. Max 369 on 4 Oct. BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla A regular migrant, mainly in autumn and generally scarce winter visitor.

Good autumn passage numbers recorded but not a year for sizable wintering flocks. Portland noted that the crops grown at the Bill attracted grounded migrants but the crop Springcover made passage: them difficult to census.

th North Portland 1 on 19 May

162 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 162 17/07/2012 11:52 Autumn passage: Sep to 19 st th Nov . th Durlston 898 recorded, 13 th Dec. Peak counts of 124 on 1 Nov and 138 on 14 Nov . th East Bexington 15 bird-daysth from 4 dates.th Max 8 on 24 Oct. Nov . Glebelands 2 on 25 Oct andst 2 on 11 th Nov . Hengistbury Head 514 bird-days in Oct and Nov. Max 64 on Nov 10 . th th Lytchett Bay 23 bird-days, 1 Nov Sep to latetoth 29 Dec. Max 7th on both 6st Nov and . 10 North Portland 29 bird-days betweenth 28 Septh and 13 Nov . Portland Bill 451 bird-days,th 30 th Nov. Max 65 onth 1 WinterWest Bay flocks: 122 on 7 Nov, 54 on 10 Nov and 289 on 14

th Cranborne 30+ on 12th Dec. Lillington 40 on 14 Dec.

Also smaller numbers of 1 to 9 birds were recorded from 46 sites during the winter months. ExtremeLytchett Bay dates: reported its best year on record. 19 th th May and 28 Sep, both at Portland. SERIN Serinus serinus A scarce migrant, mainly in autumn. Has occasionally attempted to breed. [Amber list]

sites . Portland was the principal site for spring records this year with just 3 records from other Spring and summer records:

th Brownsea Island An unseen male in songst near the Lagoonth on 18 Apr. Christchurch A male bird ndsinging in a garden on 6 Apr. rd Durlston Singles on 2 and 21 Apr. th Portland 226 at Reap Lane and 1 at Portlandth Bill on 20 and 1 on 23 Apr, 1 atth Avalanche Church on 24 Apr, 1 nearth Cheyne thHouse on st Apr, singing maleth in Top fields on 13 and 24 May, 1 at Portland Bill on 20 andth 1 on 26th May,th 1 at Southwell on 21 Autumn records: May, 1 at Easton on 25 May and on 6 Jul.

nd Durlston 1 on 22 Oct. th Winspit One flushed from Sewage Works on 28 Oct.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 163

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 163 17/07/2012 11:52 GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

A varying picture of the well being of the Greenfinch population over the county. Reported at Hengistbury Head as doing well but on Portland the local population underwent a dramatic decline due to an outbreak of Trichomonosis in late summer resulting in a fall of 75% to Breeding:80% of the numbers. Poor autumn passage noted at East Bexington.

Durlston (c22 pairs), East Fleet (5+pairs), Merley Park (14 pairs) and North Portland (10+ pairs). Other sites with breeding pairs included Hatch Pond, Higher Hyde Heath, Lytchett AutumnBay, West passage: Bexington and Winfrith Heath. Sep to 19 th thst Nov . th Durlston 1,094 recorded,th 13 Dec. Peak Nov counts. of 75 on 10 Oct, 78 on 11 Oct and 64 thon 1 th East Bexington 58 bird-daysth on 7 dates, 7 Oct to 10 Glebelands 11 on 11 Oct. th Hengistbury Head 608 bird-daysth in Oct. Maxth 230 Nov on . 7 Oct. Portland Bill 230 on 7th and 170 on 8 Oct.th WinterSouth Haven and post breeding flocks:18 on 16 Oct and 79 on 11

th East Fleet 60+ on th12 Jul. th North Portland 70 on 8 Jan and 50 on 9 Apr. Portland Bill/Central 40 in both winter periods. GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Widely recorded across the county with high numbers recorded on autumn migration. Breeding:Breeding numbers on Portland are said to be increasing.

Cogden, East Fleet (2 pairs), Langton Herring (4+ pairs), Merley Park (2 pairs), North SpringPortland passage: (25+ pairs), Portland Bill/Central (28 pairs).

thrd st Hengistbury Head 65 on 18 Apr. Stanpit Marsh 47 on 23 Apr andth 12 on 1th May. nd th PortlandAutumn passage: 511 bird-days, 10 Apr - 4 May. Max 100 on 22 and 24 Apr. Sep to 19 th th Durlston 2827,498 recorded,th 13 th Dec. Peak counts Novth . included 1,780th on 4 Oct, 1,780th on 7 Oct, 1,990 on th11 Oct, 2,230 on Oct, 2,347 on th30 Oct andth 1,280 on 14 th East Bexington 535 bird-days,th 30 Aug toth 10 Nov. Max 329 on 7 Oct. Glebelands 748 on 11 and 88 on 25 th Oct. th 164Hengistbury Dorset Bird Head Report 2010 15,314 bird-days from 25 Sep to 11 Dec. Max 1,100 on 4

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 164 17/07/2012 11:52 th th th Oct, 1,350 thon 7 Oct, 1,150 Sep toon 7 10 Nov Oct . and 1,450 on 11 Oct. Lodmoor 290 on 11 Oct. st th th Nov . North Portland 630 bird-daysth from 8 nd Portland Bill 200 on 8 andth 31 Oct. Sep 300 to 16on 2 Ringstead Bay 600+ on 10 Oct th th th South Haven 2,760 bird-days,th 24 nd Oct. Max 1,273 on 11 Oct. WinterSt Aldhelm’s and postHead breeding flocks80 on 16 (counts Sep and of 100 200 or on more): 2 Oct. Sep . thst Sep . Bardolf Farm 220 on 12 to 20 Canford School 200+ on 1 th th th Durlston Feeding flock of 120+ on 13 Sep;nd c200 present 18 Sep and ‘hundreds’ present on 2 Oct. rd Portland Bill/Central Up to 150 from Janst to Mar. Up to 100 in Dec. Tarrant Keyneston 200 betweenth here and Tarrant Rushton on 3 Feb. Wareham 100+ on 20 & 21 Oct. SISKIN Carduelis spinus A local breeding species, fairly common migrant and winter visitor.

A good number of recordsth both from suitable localities and on autumn passage. 475 at Breeding:Hengistbury Head on 9 Oct is thought to be a record count for CHOG.

Breeding season records from Cranborne Common, Higher Hyde Heath, Holt Heath, Norden, SpringSherford passage: bridge/Wareham Forest and Stoborough Heath.

th Hengistbury Head Recorded on 4th dates in Marth and Apr, max 4 on 6 Mar. AutumnNorth Portland passage: Singles on 24 Mar and 5 May. Sep to 19 th th rd Durlston 4,894th recorded, 13 th Dec. Peak counts included 520 on 4 Oct, 460 on 6 Oct andth 365 onth 23 Oct. th East Bexington 62 bird-daysth on 5 dates 7 Octth to 10 Nov. Max 30 on 24 Oct. Glebelands 184 on 11 Oct and 48 Sepon 25 to 6nd Oct. Nov . th Hengistbury Head 3,330 bird-days mid Septh to 22 th Dec. Max 475 on 9 Oct. Sep . North Portland 84 bird-days fromth 24 th th Portland Bill 786 bird-days, 30 Augth to 29 Nov.th Max 100+ on 30 th SouthFirst winter Haven period (counts1,900 of 50 bird-days, or more): 24 Sep and 16 Oct. Max 1,092 on 4 Oct.

th Moors Valley CP 70 on 4 thFeb. SecondWareham winter Forest period (counts60+ ofon 50 5 orMar. more): Sep . thst Lyme Regis GC 50 on 10 Nov . Rempstone Forest 75 on 31 thDec. Sherford Bridge 100+ on 7 2010 Dorset Bird Report 165

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 165 17/07/2012 11:52 LINNET Carduelis cannabina A scarce and declining breeding species, common migrant & winter visitor. [Red list]

Widely distributed with reports from a whole range of habitats across the county. Interesting were the large post breeding numbers at Portland Bill feeding on the crop fields and also the recordBreeding autumn (number passage of pairs count in from brackets): Hengistbury Head.

Beacon Hill, Bridging Camp, the Fleet (10+), Cogden, Durlston (c5), Hengistbury Head (7 to 11 - success good), Higher Hyde Heath, Morden Bog, North Portland (8), Redcliff Point, RushcombeSpring passage: Bottom (2+), Stoborough Heath (6), Tadnoll Heath and Winfrith Heath. st

rd th Christchurch Harbour 336 bird-days from midth Mar to 1 May. Max 160 on 18th Apr. AutumnPortland passage: 650 bird-days from 15 Mar to 3 May. Max 150 on 18 Apr. Sep to 19 4 th th Durlston 23,684th recorded, 13th Dec.th Peak counts of 1,150th on Oct, 1,890 on 7th Oct, 2,516th on 9 Oct and 9,600 onth 10 Oct. East Bexington 4,200 bird-days,th 7 Oct to 10 Nov. Max 2,561 on 7 Oct. Glebelands 241 on 11 Oct. th Hengistbury Head 19,468 bird-days from mid Sep to early Dec. Max 4,750 on 9 Oct (this isth a record count Sep for to CHOG). 3rd Nov . Lodmoor 110 on 11 Oct. Septh to 16 North Portland 4,1407 bird-days fromth 5 th Portland Bill 4,350th bird-days, 30 th Oct. Peak counts of 1,200+ on Oct and 1,550 onnd 10 Oct. th th St Aldhelm’s Head 1,850 bird-days,th 2 Oct to 14 Nov. Max 1,000 on 9 Oct. NotableWest Bexington flocks (counts of 100+,1,000+ excluding on 9 Oct. obvious visible migration): Nov . th Bardolf Farm 100 on 27th Boy’s Hill 120 on 11 Apr. th th Gussage St Andrew At Chapel thDown, 150 on 27 Feb and 100 on 30 Aug. Cogden 100+ on 5th Jul. Nov . Compton Abbas Airfield 200 on 12th Dec. Sep . th Gussage Down 150 on 27 thFeb. and 200nd on 13 Langton Herring 100+ on st30 Aug. andth 2 Martinstown Max of 1,000 on 19 Dec. Minchington 120 ston 1 Jan. Portland Bill Post breeding flocks feeding in thcrops. 175+ in midth Jul, 500+ on 1 Sep risingth to 2,000 on 10 Oct. 215+ on 26 Dec. Sixpenny Handley 600+ on rd8 Dec. Stalbridge Up to 300 in Jan and Feb. Tarrant Keynston 150 on 3 th Feb. th th Tarrant Rushton Airfield 380 on 28 Jan, 150 on th17 Sep. and 180 on 13 Oct. Sturminster Marshall 300+ at Whitest th Mill on 8 Dec. Winkton 100+ on 18st Dec. Winterborne Herringston 150 on 1 Mar. Wyke166 Dorset Down Bird Report 2010 120 on 31 Dec.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 166 17/07/2012 11:52 TWITE Carduelis flavirostris A rare autumn visitor

There was one record: DN Smith DH Taylor th Hengistbury Head 1 on 14 Oct ( , ). This is the first record here since 2005. LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret A rare breeding species, reasonably common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list] Breeding:

NoFirst confirmed winter period breeding, and but spring Apr to passage: Jun records from Boy’s Hill and Chalbury Hill (Wimborne).

th th Arne 12 on 18th Jan and 15 on 30 Jan. Canford Heath 6 on 27rdnd Mar. Chalbury Hill, Wimborne 10 on 2 Apr. rd th Culpepper’s Dish 6 on 3 Jan and 30+ on 19 Jan nd th th Durlston Recorded on 4 dates: 23 Feb, 2 nd Mar, 27 Mar and 20 Apr. Hengistbury Head 54 bird-daysth in Jan. Max 10th on 2 , smaller numbers Feb to Apr. Higher Hyde Heath 10 on 15th rdJan and 5 on 19 Jan. Holt Heath 5 on 14 Jan. Little Sea, Studland 15+ on 23th Jan. Oaker’s Wood 34 on 18rd Jan. th th Portland Singles recorded on 6 dates between 16 Apr and 4 May. Studland Village 30 on th23 Jan. Thorncombe Wood 6 on 8 Feb.th VerwoodAutumn passage: 10+ on 5 Feb. Sep to 19 Nov . th th Nov . th th Durlston 337, 18 Dec. thPeaks of 22 on 18 Oct and 10 East Bexington 3 on 7th thNov and 3 on 10 Nov . Glebelands 25 on 25 Oct. Sep toth 14 Nov . Hengistbury Head 723 bird-days, mainly Sep Oct to 24to mid-Nov. Max 82th on 10 th Portland 38 bird-days of 1 toth 6 birds fromth 14 dates, 25 th SecondSouth Haven winter period: 191 bird-days, 26 Oct. Max 135 on 4 Oct.

th Arne 30+ on 11 thNov Dec. . th Canford Heath 40 on 27th Oct and 20 on 15 Dec. Gore Heath 5 on 10th Higher Hyde Heath 10 on th9 Dec. Little Sea, Studland 8 on 8 thDec. th Morden Bog 6 on 13 Octth and 20 on 19 Dec. Moreton 20+ on 15th Dec. Rushcombe Bottom 12 on 12th Dec. Studland Heath 48 on 18th Dec. West Moors Plantation 7 on 17th Dec. Winfrith Heath 7 on 15 Dec. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 167

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 167 17/07/2012 11:52 MEALY REDPOLL Carduelis flammea A very rare passage migrant and winter visitor.

There were two records submitted: rd G Walbridge L Chappell Central Portland 1 at Blacknorth on 3 May ( ). Stanpit Marsh 1 on 14 Dec ( ). CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra A scarce breeding species, irruptive migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Breeding success confirmed at Morden Bog and Oakers Wood. Pairs also present at Canford Heath (1), Cold Harbour (2+), Gore Heath, Higher Hyde Heath, Lawson Clump and Stoney AutumnDown Plantation passage: (3).

nd th Durlston 29 recorded,st 2 Aug tord 14 Dec. A poor year Nov compared . to the 281 recorded to in18 2008 and 521 in 2009. th rd Sept . Hengistbury Head/Wick 3e on 1 Nov,Septh . 1n thon 3 Nov andth 23e on 19 Portland 1 from 13th Jul, 4 on 9 Aug and 3 on 3 SouthSignificant Haven counts & site summaries:1 on 26

nd Alderholt 15 on 2 thrd Jul. Child Okeford 12 on 27 Jul. Gore Heath 22 on 23th Jan. rd Hurn Forest 2112st on 15th Jan. th th Lawson Clump 20 on 5 Jan, 30+ on 3 and 7 Feb, 20+ on 9 Feb and 21 on 25 Feb. th th th th Nov . Morden Bog 30+th on 20 and 25th Jan, 20 on 4 th Feb, 18 on 14 Feb,th 14 on Apr, th13 on 27 Apr, 14 on 12 Jun and 12 on 25 Purse Caudle 25 on 17th Jul. Sherford Bridge 30 on 25th Jan. Sopley Common 50 on 17th Mar. Throop Heath 20 on 15th Apr. West Moors Plantation 15 on 10 Jan. COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus A rare passage migrant.

There was one record: Dr D Murdoch et al th Portland Bill A first-winter bird trapped and ringed at Culverwell on 25 Sep ( , photo).

168 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 168 17/07/2012 11:52 BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula A fairly common but declining breeding resident. [Red list]

th SmallBreeding numbers recorded from 50+ sites, the highest being 10+ at Dorchester on 17 Dec.

Bardolf Farm (5 pairs), Cogden, Colehill, Durlston (4 - 7 pairs), Godlingston Heath, Higher Hyde Heath, Merley Park, North Portland (5 pairs), Redcliff Point, Spetisbury, Stoborough, AutumnHeath, Swanage passage: and West Bexington. Nov . th th Durlston Peak countsth of migrants wereth 12 on 18 Oct and Nov 6 . Glebelands 2 on 11 Oct. thand 5th on 25th Sep Oct. . th nd Hengistbury Head Singles on 17 , 20 , 28 thand 30 Oct. and to 22 North Portland 1 at Verneth Common onth 7 th nd Portland Bill 1 on 28 Aug, 2 on 4 Oct and 3 on 17 Oct. HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber List]

BreedingA small number season: of records scattered over the county.

th Norden A single female was first seen in a garden on 9 May and was visiting feeders and then flying into an apple tree nearby. The bird was later seen to be visiting a nest inth the apple tree and was seen regularly in the garden until 14 May. No male was Spring passage ever seen and there was no sign of any eggs/chicks in the nest.

: th th th PortlandAutumn passage Single birds on 13 May, 15 May and 27 Jun. st rd Nov . : Nov . th th th Durlston 2 on 1 thNov;st 1 on 3 & Nov 9 Nov;. 5 on 13 Nov; 1 on 16 Hengistbury Head 1 on 15 th WinterPortland and inland sites: Singles on 1 and 19

th Cranborne 1 feedingth on Yew berries on 12 Dec. Lyme Regis 1 on 12th Mar. Puddletown 1 on 18 Dec. th Shaftesbury 2 birds visiting gardens at Enmore Green on 10 Aug.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 169

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 169 17/07/2012 11:52 LAPLAND BUNTING Calcarius lapponicus A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn and rare winter visitor.

An excellent autumn and early winter passage with numbers that reflect the large influx into BritainAll records: during that time.

th rd Abbotsbury 219 on 10 and 1 on 27thth Nov. th th th th th Durlston Singlesth onNov 3 . and 19th Sep, 7 and 28 Oct, 8 , 9 , 12 and Novth and on 24 Dec. East Bexington 1 on 7 th th th th st th th Hengistbury Head 1 on 18th and 19 th Sep, 2 on 4 , th1 on 10 Oct, 3 on 7 , 1 on 8 , 6 on 19 ,nd 3 on 24 and th1 on 27 Nov. 2rd on 1 Dec. Langton Herring 3+ on 22thrd Oct, 2 on 24th Oct. Littlesea, the Fleet 1 on 14 NovOct, . 2 on 10 Nov and 1 on 3 Dec. Lodmoor 2 on 23thst Dec. Martinstown 1 on 28 st Moonfleet 185 on 21 Oct. th stth Portland 7Manyth recordsth as follows:th Duringth Sep, singles on 1 , 5 , 12 , th 1thst , 26 , 6th on 25 andth 3 onst 30 . Duringnd Oct, singles on 1 , 6 , andrd th 16 th, 2 onth 13 th andst . 2+ on 22 . Duringth Nov, singles on , 10 , th14 , th16 , 18 , 21 and 3 on 24 . During Dec, singles on 3 , 9 , 14 th and 21 th th Radipole Lake Singles thon Sep 18 . Sep, 19th Sep and 28 Dec.nd th Stanpit Marsh 2 on 29th Oct, 1 on 20st Nov, singles on 2 and 16 Dec. Stoborough 1 on 24th Nov . th th th West Bay 1 on 11 andthst 2 on 31st Oct, 1 on 6 and 5 on 7 Nov, 6 on 10 and 1 on 13 th West Bexington Singles on 1 Nov, 21 Nov. and 26 Dec. SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis A scarce autumn migrant and winter visitor. [Amber List]

FollowingFirst winter the period: bitterly cold December, a good number of January records from coastal sites.

th Durlston 2e on 7th Jan, with possibly 1 of these settled on the same date. Mudeford Quay 2 on 6 thJan. th st th rd Poole Port 1 on 14 and 17 Jan and on 25 Mar. SecondStudland winter period: 1 at Pilot’s Point on 1 Mar and Studland Bay on 3 Mar.

Nov . Durlston 1 on 3rdth Dec. th st Hengistbury Head 1 on 7 andst 1th on 24 thrd th th th Portland Singles onNov 13 . and 15 Oct and on 1 , 7 , 13 , 20 Nov with 2 on boththrd 21 Nov and 3 Dec. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 7 Nov . West Bexington 1 on 3 th Dec. Worth170 Dorset Matravers Bird Report 2010 1 on 14

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 170 17/07/2012 11:52 YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella A declining breeding resident and migrant. [Red list]

Widely reported from a range of habitats across the county. But no indication of any positive Breeding:improvement in the breeding populations.

Burton, Cogden, Decoy Heath, Durlston (5+ pairs), Hammoon, Higher Hyde Heath, Long Crichel, Lower avon Valley, Lytchett Minster, Nine Barrow Down, Portland, Redcliff Point, FirstTadnoll winter Heath, period: Thornicombe, Winfrith Heath and Winspit.

th th th Bardolf Farm 140 on 12rdth and 250 on 25 Jan and 320 on 8 Feb. East Fleet 50+ on 10 Jan. MichingtonSpring passage: 50 on 23 Jan. rd

th th Hengistbury Head Singlesth on 3 and 24 Mar and 4 Apr. Stanpit Marsh 2 on 4 thMar. PortlandAutumn passage: 1 on 27 Mar.

Nov . Durlston Low numbersth recorded,th peak of 4 on 10th Oct. East Bexington 2 on 24th Oct, 3 on 7 st Glebelands 102 on 11th Oct. th Nov . th th Hengistbury Head 3 onth 4 , 1 on 14 th, 2 on 24 andst 1 on 31 Oct. 1 on 6 , 1 on and 1 on th19 th Portland Singles ndon 30 Sep, 16th st and 31 Oct.th rd Nov . nd St Aldhelm’s Head 30 on 2 th, 50+ on 16 , 40+ on 18 and 50 on 22 Oct. SecondWast Bexington winter period: 25 on 16 Sep, 40 on 1 Nov and 36 on 3

th Bardolf Farm 250 on 18th Dec. Briantspuddle 60+ on 6th Dec. th Martinstown 50 on 13th Nov, 100 from 16 Nov into 2011. Plush 100 on 5th Dec. Wyke Down 50+ on 9 Dec.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 171

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 171 17/07/2012 11:52 ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana A rare passage migrant, mainly in the autumn.

Portland enjoyed a good series of records including some welcome May records. The only report off Portland came from Christchurch Harbour nd Central Portland 1 at Watery Lane/Suckthumb Sep Quarry. on 22 Sep. Possibly one of the birds seen at theth Bill on stthe previous day. North Portland 1 at Verne Commonth th onSep 7 . Portland Bill Singles on Sep 5 . and 8th May. 3 on 21 Sep, with at least 1 remainingth until 25 Wick Fields 1 on 20 REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus A declining breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Red list]

Breeding:Records indicate no obvious change in population status in recent years.

Bardolf Farm, Canford School, Cogden (2 pairs), Chard Junction GPs, East Holme, Fiddleford, Hammoon, Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head (3 pairs), Lower Avon Valley (32 pairs), Lytchett Bay (10 pairs), Moors Valley CP, Sturminster Marshall GPs (3 pairs), Tadnoll Heath, FirstWarmwell winter Quarry period: (2 pairs), West Bexington (4 pairs) and Winfrith Heath.

Corfe Hills Heath 30 in Jan.th Mudeford Quay 25 on 6 thJan. SpringTalbot Heath passage 50 on 10 Feb.

th th PortlandAutumn passage: Singles on 6 and 17 Mar.

th th th East Bexington 37 bird-days,th 7 Oct to 10 Nov. Max 24 on 24 Oct. Glebelands 8 on 25 Oct. st Nov . th Hengistbury Head 643 bird-days from mid Sep to late Nov. Max 115 on 7 Oct. Portland Bill 143 bird-daysthst in Sep thand Oct. Max 12th on 1 th South Haven 9 on 18 and 5 on 24 Sep. 9 on 11 and 14 on 16 Oct. StanpitSecond Marsh winter period: 8 on 21 Dec.

th Gussage St. Andrew 50 on 18th NovDec. . Higher Hyde Heath 30 on 9 thDec. Nov . Lytchett Bay 22 on 10 th Martinstown Max 50 on 29th Wyke Down Max 90 on 26 Dec.

172 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 172 17/07/2012 11:52 CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra A scarce and local breeding species and rare passage migrant. [Red List]

The key areas are still the chalk to the west of Dorchester and in the north east of the county. However this years’ records do indicate likely increases in both breeding populations and of wintering birds. Also Portland Bill has hopes of re-colonisation following their first winter Breeding:records (of 2 to 3 birds) for many years, and late spring records of 2 birds.

Ackling Dyke, Askerswell, Bardolf Farm, Bokerley Dyke, Briantspuddle, Crichell, Kingston Russell, Long Bredy, Maiden Castle, Martinstown, Monkey Jump, Sydling St Nicholas, Tarrant Keyneston (2 singing males), Tarrant Rushton Airfield (10 singing males), Wool and Wyke Flocks:Down.

th th Bardolf Farm 33 on 18st th and 19 Dec Gussage St Andrew 40 on 16 Mar.st Lower Bryanston 24 on 1 May Maiden Castle Max 40 on 31 thJan. Martinstown Max 150 on thNov 19 . Dec. Milborne St Andrew 80+ on 14th Feb. Monkey Jump 40 on 10 th Tarrant Rushton Airfield Max 92 on 10nd Feb. SpringWyke Down passage: Max 32 on 2 Apr.

AutumnNo records passage: for 2010

th Glebelands 2 on 12th Oct. Novth . Hengistbury Head 1 on 8 Nov. Nov Thisnd. is only theth 7 record since 1989 St Aldhelm’s Head Singles thon 22 Oct and 14 West Bay 1 on 10

2010 Dorset Bird Report 173

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 173 17/07/2012 11:52 SELECTED ESCAPES IN 2010

BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus Native range: Australia.

24 st th st Frome Valley 2 atth Bestwall Marshes on 10 Jan; 1 - 2 at East Holme between andth 31 Jan; 1 at Swineham GP on 1 Feb. Herbury Gore 2 on 27th NovDec. . Holes Bay 1 on 26th Dec. Nov . Lodmoor 2 on 15 th rdth Longham Singles on the Stour on 15 Jan and 10 th Poole Park Singles present throughout Jan, on 23 Nov and 14 Dec. BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus Native range: Central Asia.

th Hengistbury Head 1e withth 3 Greylag Geese on 17 Mar. Lodmoor 1 on 14 Apr. RED-BREASTED GOOSE Branta ruficollis Breeds in Arctic Eurasia. Small numbers stray to western Europe.

th Lodmoor A distinctly unwary adult bird was present on 5 Dec. Due to its general unwariness and plumage damage possibly being indicative of previous captivity, this bird was not considered to be wild. WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL Anas bahamensis Native range: South America.

th th Lodmoor 1 was reported here between 19 Apr to 11 Jul. HOODED MERGANSER Lophodytes cucullatus Native range: North America.

th Radipole Lake The male which first arrived at Chesil Beachth on 5 Jun 2008, before relocating to Radipole Lake on 15 Jun 2008, remained on site virtually all year. REEVE’S PHEASANT Syrmaticus reevesii Native range: central China. Introduced self-sustaining populations present in France and the Czech Republic.

Poole Harbour The only records this year werest ofth a male on the road between Bushey and Purbeck GC on 27 Mar and 2 males along 174 Dorset Bird Report 2010 Thrasher’s Lane, Bushey on 21 May.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 174 17/07/2012 11:52 GREAT BUSTARD Otis tarda All recent records have involved birds originating from the introduction scheme on Salisbury Plain. These birds are not yet self-supporting.

Christchurch 1 near Stoneyth Lane roundabout on 31 Dec. Portland Bill 1 on 24rd Dec. The Fleet A wing-taggedth bird (Pink 1) was present atth Butterstreetth Cove on 23 and 24 Dec, at Herbury Gore on 27 and 28 Dec and just east of Abbotsbury Swannery in late Dec. DIAMOND DOVE Geopelia cuneata Native range: Australia

Sep . th Portland Castle 1 on 6 ZEBRA FINCH Taeniopygia guttata Native range: Australia.

Sep . Central Portland 3 records,th possibly relatingth to the same individual: 1 at Eastonth on 4 Aug,th Weston on 8 Sep and Barleycrates Lane on 20 Muscliffe, Bournemouth 1 on 15 Oct. VILLAGE WEAVER Ploceus cucullatus Native range: Sub-Saharan Africa.

9 Portland Ath male at Fortuneswell and the Grove for several weeks from Jul. It was seen displaying at the Grove and even built a nest. DOMESTIC CANARY Serinus canaria domestica Native range: Azores, Canary Islands and Madeira.

th Rodden 1 at New Barn on 18 Mar.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 175

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 175 17/07/2012 11:52 PENDING AND REQUESTED RECORDS

Records pending BBRC/BOURC at the time of publication:

th th South Polar Skua 27th Jan to 4 Feb 1996 West Bexington Elegant Tern 10th May 2005 Christchurch Harbour Eastern Subalpine Warbler 26th Jun 2008 Duncecroft, Portland Eastern Subalpine Warbler 9 May 2009 Portland Bill Records pending DRP at the time of publication: rd

Marsh Warbler 23th May 2009th Abbotsbury Swannery Siberian Chiffchaff 18th and 19 Feb 2010 Reap Lane, Portland Red-footed Falcon 4th Oct 2010 Portland Bill Siberian Chiffchaff 7 Nov 2010 Portland Bill Requested records:

The following records from 2010 have not been substantiated or submitted at the time of publication. If you were the finder or simply an observer of any of the birds listed below, please submit supporting evidence as soon as possible to ensure these records are not lost to history. Accepted records will appear as additional records in the systematic list of next year’s report. th Whooper Swan (5) 25th Oct Morden Bog Whooper Swan (2) 27th Oct Bestwall Whooper Swan (5) 27th Oct Middlebere Whooper Swan (8) 12th Dec Longham Lakes Leach’s Petrel 29th Oct Portland Bill Cattle Egret 13th Jan Bridport Great White Egret 20th Apr Cowards Marsh Great White Egret 13thst Aug Middlebere Great White Egret 18st Oct White Mill Great White Egret 21 Oct Spetisbury Great White Egret 1 thNov Wareham White Stork 15th Apr Wimborne White Stork 9 thJun Sherborne Glossy Ibis 25th Sep Middlebere Glossy Ibis 17thst Oct Dorchester Honey Buzzard 8 rdJul Lodmoor Honey Buzzard 1rd Sep Creekmoor Ponds Montagu’s Harrier 23 May Barleycrates Lane Montagu’s Harrier 3 th Jun Durlston Corncrake 30th Sep Durlston Corncrake 15th Oct Portland Bill Buff-breasted Sandpiper 16rdth Oct Ferrybridge Long-tailed Skua 29 Sep Portland Harbour Long-tailed Skua 3 Oct Portland Bill 176 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 176 17/07/2012 11:52 st

Alpine Swift 21th Mar Durlston Bee-eater 5 thMay Durlston Bee-eater 17th May Radipole Village Bee-eater 28nd May Durlston Bee-eater 22th Jun Cold Harbour Red-rumped Swallow 18th Sep Lodmoor Red-throated Pipit 4 thOct Weston Street, Portland Red-throated Pipit 15th Oct Easton Melodious Warbler 24thst Aug Durlston Melodious Warbler 8 Sep nd Culverwell Pallas’s Warbler 21nd & 22 Nov Durlston Siberian Chiffchaff (2) 2 th Jan Radipole Lake Siberian Chiffchaff 20th Nov Lodmoor Country Park Golden Oriole 11th Jun Burton Bradstock Rose-coloured Starling 5 thApr Weymouth Twite 12th Oct Durlston Twite 10thrd Nov Durlston Twite 18 Nov Durlston Mealy Redpoll 23th Jan Studland Village Mealy Redpoll 9 thDec East Holme Mealy Redpoll (2) 15th Dec Shaftesbury Common Rosefinch 18th Jun Osmington Common Rosefinch 8th Sep Durlston Common Rosefinch 6 Oct Durlston

2010 Dorset Bird Report 177

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 177 17/07/2012 11:52 DORSET BIRD RINGING 2010 Kevin Sayer

Below are details of groups and individuals who have submitted ringing details for Dorset for 2010. Interesting recoveries and controls are shown at the end of this report. 25,307 birds of 121 species are known to have been ringed in the county during 2010. This represents a 35% increase on the number caught in 2009.

Ringing projects currently being undertaken in Dorset include a BTO RAS study into Dartford Warblers by Dr Simon Lane. A House Martin RAS by Roger Peart at Canford School that has been running since 1994. Steve Hales is continuing his colour-ringing study into Pied and White Wagtails along with colleagues in Devon and Scotland. Stour Ringing Group is also participating in the study of Aquatic Warblers as the birds pass through Dorset on theirPORTLAND way back BIRD to Africa. OBSERVATORY

: (www.portlandbirdobs.org.uk) 8,318 birds of 77 species which is a new record. Totals included 1,877 Willow Warbler, 1,284 Linnet, 1,080 Chiffchaff, 603 Blackcap and 552 Chaffinch. Infrequently ringed species included Quail, Knot, Crossbill, GoldenSTOUR Plover,RINGING Jack GROUP Snipe, Lapwing, Nightjar, Common Rosefinch and Ortolan Bunting.

: 3,187 birds of 66 species at various sites around Poole Harbour. Totals included 376 Pied Wagtails, 323 Blue Tit (22 pulli), 240 Swallow, 227 Sedge Warbler, 193 Goldfinch, 180 Reed Warbler, 122 Chiffchaff, 66 Blackcap and good numbers of other common summer migrants. Other species trapped included 37 Bearded Tits, 25 Barn Owls NEIL(24 pulli) CROTON and 20 Nightjar.

: 2,695 birds of 52 species at his sites in West Dorset including West Bexington, Sadborow Estate, Kingcombe Meadows, Wyke Farm and an alba roost near Bridport. Totals included 483 Blue Tit (117 pulli), 379 Reed Warbler (3 pulli), 270 Sedge Warbler, 195 Willow Warbler, 193 Great Tit (59 pulli), 130 Chiffchaff, 128 Goldfinch (6 pulli) and 105 Chaffinch. Neil’s highlights included the capture of 3 Woodcock and a Common CHRISTCHURCHSnipe by dazzling. HARBOUR RINGING STATION

: (www.chog.org.uk/ringing) 2,093 birds of 40 species which represents the highest annual total since 1989. Totals included 835 Sedge Warbler, 284 Reed Warbler, 204 Willow Warbler, 186 Chiffchaff and 109 Blackcap. STEVEUnusual HALES records included our first Cuckoo since 1976.

: 1,271 birds were handled during 2010 by Steve and his assistant Luke Phillips at Abbotsbury Swannery and Ferrybridge. Totals included 207 Sedge Warbler, 196 Chiffchaff, 189 Reed Warbler at Abbotsbury, whilst at Ferrybridge the highlights were 6 ROGERRinged Plover PEART (all colour-ringed), 16 Dunlin and 4 Little Terns.

: 1,222 birds of 30 species mainly at Canford School. Totals included 538 Blue Tit (278 pulli), 189 Greenfinch, 176 Great Tit (66 pulli), 48 House Martin and 32 IANChiffchaff. DODD Unusual birds trapped included a Wryneck and 2 Buzzard pulli.

: 1,155 birds of 52 species at his sites at Littlesea and Tidmoor. Totals included 108 Blackbird, 83 House Sparrow, 69 Robin, 66 Chaffinch and 61 Reed Warbler. Some rarely caught178 Dorset birds Bird included Report 2010 Woodcock, Common Gull, Tawny Owl, Firecrest and Whinchat.

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 178 17/07/2012 11:52 SIMON LANE

: 1,133 birds of 37 species at 6 sites across Dorset. Totals included 373 Blue Tit (148 pulli), 159 Great Tit (110 pulli), 124 Blackcap, 62 Goldfinch and 43 Sedge Warbler. Simon also managed to trap Buzzard, Marsh Tit, Yellowhammer and Firecrest. Simon has KEVINre-started SAYER his long-running RAS study into Dartford Warbler.

: 263 birds of 22 species in my Ferndown back-garden. Totals included 43 RADIPOLEGoldfinch, 42 RINGING Blue Tit GROUPand 30 Siskin.

: (www.radipoleringinggroup.co.uk) 241 birds of 11 species. Totals included 141 Mallard, 37 Mute Swan and 34 Coot. The Hooded Merganser was finally TONYtrapped TAYLOR and ringed.

: 140 birds of 11 species mainly in his Spetisbury garden including 49 House CHRISSparrow, REYNOLDS 27 Blackbird and 24 Swallow (23 pulli).

: 134 birds of 23 species. Totals included 31 Dunlin, 15 Redwing, 15 Blue Tit and 8 Mute Swan. A Jack Snipe caught at Sandbanks is a most unusual record for the site. Chris continues his long-running study of Dunlin in Poole Harbour.

As can be seen from the above, Bird Ringing is going from strength-to-strength in Dorset. If anybody is interested in training to become a BTO Licensed Ringer then you can get more http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/ringing/taking-part/learn-ringinformation at:

NB -

Many of the sites used by the ringers mentioned above are on private land and birders are asked to respect the landowner’s privacy.

Kevin Sayer Cuckoo trapped and ringed at Christchurch Harbour on 18th May 2010

2010 Dorset Bird Report 179

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 179 17/07/2012 11:52 RECOVERIES AND CONTROLS Kevin Sayer

GANNET Morus bassanus

2001269 Nestling 25.07.2009 Storstappen, Finnmark, NORWAY Tideline corpse 29.10.2009 Chesil Cove, Portland WIGEON Anas penelope 2,703km, 96 days

XJ12570 First-year 05.02.2009 Südbaden, GERMANY Shot dead 31.10.2010 Poole TEAL Anas crecca 869km, 633 days

EW65563 First-year female 14.09.2009 Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Shot dead 09.01.2010 Frome Meadows, West Holme 258km, 117 days

5076930 Fully-grown male 28.02.2006 A Coruña, SPAIN Shot dead 15.12.2010 Upton, Poole POCHARD Aythya ferina 1,052km, 1,782 days

DA260448 First-year male 25.11.2005 St Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, FRANCE Field record 16.02.2009 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 02.03.2009 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 21.12.2009 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 08.01.2010 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 01.02.2010 Abbotsbury Swannery TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula 408km, 1,529 days

EA622169 Female 05.07.2007 Sainte-Suzanne, Mayenne, FRANCE Field record 24.09.2007 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 21.10.2007 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 03.12.2007 Radipole Lake Field record 16.02.2008 Radipole Lake Field record 06.03.2008 Radipole Lake Field record 13.10.2008 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 28.09.2009 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 12.01.2010 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 22.02.2010 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 15.11.2010 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 13.12.2010 Abbotsbury Swannery 327km, 1,255 days

It would be interesting to know if these 2 aythyas return to France each summer.

180 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 180 17/07/2012 11:52 FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis

FC73343 Nestling 28.07.1998 Eday, Orkney Long dead 16.07.2010 Seatown, Bridport KESTREL Falco tinnunculus 941km, 4,367 days

5181267 Nestling 27.06.2010 Trysil, Hedmark, NORWAY Freshly dead 17.10.2010 Weymouth Golf Course (Accidental) 1,489km, 112 days

GREATNot surprisingly, BUSTARD theOtis first tarda Norwegian-ringed Kestrel to be recovered in Dorset.

“Red 28” Adult Sept 2008 Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire Field record 31.12.2010 Christchurch

OYSTERCATCHER One of the released adultHaematopus birds from ostralegus the introduction scheme.

FS33522 Second-year 21.10.1971 Brownsea Island Dead 02.08.1995 Saltangara, FAROE ISLANDS 1,303km, 8682 days

Although this bird was over 23 years old when it perished it is still well short of the BTO longevity record of 40 years and 1 month. No idea why it’s taken 15 years for this record to RINGEDcome to light! PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula

Colour- Adult 12.04.2004 Nidingen, SWEDEN ringed Field record 30.01.2010 Ferrybridge

SANDERLING Another re-sightingCalidris of this alba Swedish breeding bird that winters on The Fleet.

Colour- Fully grown 19.12.2008 Asenko Village, GHANA ringed Field record 25.03.2009 Amansuri River, GHANA Field record 20.07.2009 Kikam, GHANA Field record 17.04.2010 Asenko Village, GHANA Field record 25.05.2010 Ferrybridge 5,058km, 522 days

Colour- Fully grown 07.12.2007 Iwik, Banc d’Arguin, MAURITANIA ringed Field record 01.12.2008 Iwik, Banc d’Arguin, MAURITANIA Field record 17.12.2009 Iwik, Banc d’Arguin, MAURITANIA Field record 25.05.2010 Ferrybridge 3,615km, 900 days

Despite wintering in quite different parts of West Africa, these two northbound migrants were together when sighted at Ferrybridge. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 181

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 181 17/07/2012 11:52 DUNLIN Calidris alpina

3497337 Adult 22.07.2004 Ottenby, Öland, SWEDEN Caught by ringer 11.03.2010 Poole Harbour 1,359km, 2,057 days alpina th The first Swedish-ringed Dunlin to be re-captured in Dorset and only the 8 for the UK. This bird was probably of the race which breeds from northern Fennoscandia eastwards into Siberia and spends the winter in northwest Europe.

OB36484 Age unknown 03.08.2007 Langenwerder, Rostock, GERMANY Caught by ringer 11.03.2010 Poole Harbour 986km, 953 days th TheBLACK-TAILED first German-ringed GODWIT DunlinLimosa to limosabe recovered in Dorset and only the 9 for the UK.

WN+RW(X) Adult female 01.07.2009 Siglufjör∂ur, ICELAND Field record 10.03.2010 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour Field record 23.07.2010 Humber Estuary, Lincolnshire Field record 22.08.2010 Middlebere, Poole Harbour

G//R+WG Adult female 10.09.2008 Farlington Marshes, Hampshire Field record 02.07.2009 Forth Estuary Field record 10.03.2010 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour islandica Colour-ringing of Black-tailed Godwits has demonstrated that those occurring inlimosa Dorset are of the race. After moulting within the UK some will stay to winter but some move further south as far as Spain and Portugal, joining birds from the nominate race, which breeds in western Europe (from the Netherlands eastwards) and generally winter BARNfrom Iberia SWALLOW southwards.Hirundo rustica

V386016 Adult male 10.05.2008 Hengistbury Head Shot dead 15.10.2009 Malemba, CONGO 5,682km, 523 days th th Only the 7 record of a British-ringed Swallow turning up in the Congo and the 4 Swallow recovery by CHRS. We suspect this bird was one of the pair that bred in the Hengistbury WHITE/PIEDbarn in 2008. WAGTAIL Motacilla alba

X503353 First year 03.06.2010 Invermark, Angus Caught by ringer 12.10.2010 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour BOHEMIAN WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus 688km, 131 days

NW50206 Adult male 27.11.2010 Nellfield, Aberdeen Field record 19.12.2010 Poundbury, Dorchester 716km, 22 days 182 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 182 17/07/2012 11:52 BLACKBIRD Turdus merula

CW78263 First-year male 25.10.2007 Portland Bill Leg/ring found 15.11.2008 Zestoa, Gipuzkoa, SPAIN 810km, 387 days

CW78298 First-year male 01.11.2007 Portland Bill DARTFORD WARBLERFound deadSylvia undata20.05.2010 Erquinvillers, Oise, FRANCE 371km, 931 days

V185356 First-year male 29.10.2006 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 28.03.2010 Tidmoor, The Fleet 11km, 1,246 days

This record is just 3 months short of setting a new BTO longevity record. Also the fist recovery of a Portland-ringed Dartford Warbler. Martin Cade is fascinated as to where the BLACKCAPbird might haveSylvia spent atricapilla the intervening 3.5 years - aren’t we all.

N894230 First-year male 04.10.2009 Baños de la Encina, Jaén, SPAIN Caught by ringer 18.04.2010 Portland Bill 1,364km, 196 days

V685924 Adult male 14.04.2008 Portland Bill Killed by cat 08.04.2010 Haute-Goulaine, FRANCE 378km, 724 days

11007119 Adult male 11.10.2008 Solre-sur-Sambre, BELGIUM Caught by ringer 01.01.2010 Radipole Lake, Weymouth CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti 471km, 448 days

X361399 First-year female 25.08.2010 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour Caught by ringer 03.09.2010 Hengistbury Head 21km, 9 days

SEDGEAn easterly WARLBER movementAcrocephalus of juvenile schoenobaenus dispersal - is she setting a trend?

X395199 First-year 02.08.2009 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 17.01.2010 Djoudj Park, SENEGAL 4,033km, 168 days

X396369 First-year 28.07.2010 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 07.01.2011 Diawling, MAURITANIA 4,035km, 163 days

X396865 First-year 09.08.2010 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 25.08.2010 Remerschen, LUXEMBOURG 595km, 16 days 2010 Dorset Bird Report 183

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 183 17/07/2012 11:52 SEDGE WARLBER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (continued)

X396923 First-year 09.08.2010 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 19.08.2010 Icklesham, East Sussex Caught by ringer 18.12.2010 Diawling, MAURITANIA 4,035km, 131 days

To get retrapped once is unfortunate - to get retrapped again and in another continent is just carelessness! Many Dorset-ringed Sedge Warblers are recovered in France - in 2010 there REEDwere just WARBLER too manyAcrocephalus to list here! scirpaceus

X395657 First-year 06.09.2009 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 06.05.2010 Sevilla, SPAIN 1,491km, 242 days

N763762 Adult 09.04.2009 Sevilla, SPAIN Caught by ringer 01.05.2009 Hengistbury Head 1,519km, 22 days

V810519 First-year 08.08.2009 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour CHIFFCHAFF KilledPhylloscopus by cat collybita09.08.2010 Mios, Arcachon, Gironde, FRANCE 687km, 366 days

CHT290 First-year 03.09.2010 Frodsham Marsh, Cheshire Caught by ringer 12.10.2010 Portland Bill 310km, 39 days

DBE506 Adult 24.04.2010 Portland Bill WILLOW WARBLER Caught byPhylloscopus ringer 06.06.2010 trochilus Fair Isle, Shetland 1,004km, 43 days

AHA068 Adult female 27.06.2006 Carnoustie, Tayside Caught by ringer 02.05.2010 Portland Bill 662km, 1,405 days

CJR341 Adult female 15.04.2009 Bardsey Island, Gwynedd Caught by ringer 18.04.2010 Portland Bill 297km, 368 days

Y90892 First-year female 31.08.2010 Schiermonnikoog, THE NETHERLANDS Caught by ringer 13.09.2010 Portland Bill 754km, 13 days

3A8440 First-year 28.08.2001 Uskmouth, Newport, Gwent Caught by ringer 14.04.2003 Portland Bill 119km, 594 days

Y90892 is only the 2nd Netherlands-ringed Willow Warbler to be recovered at Portland.

184 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 184 17/07/2012 11:52 FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla

BBV853 First-year male 09.10.2009 Fareham, Hampshire Freshly dead 05.10.2010 Weymouth 96km, 361 days

Very few Firecrests are recovered, so this one is important even though it doesn’t tell us PIEDmuch. FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca

X065173 Nestling female 03.06.2009 Nant, Gwynedd Caught by ringer 05.05.2010 Portland Bill 319km, 336 days

X173720 Nestling male 07.06.2009 Llandudno, Powys Caught by ringer 21.04.2010 Portland Bill SISKIN Carduelis spinus 215km, 318 days

V957486 Adult male 13.03.2008 Wool Freshly dead 27.06.2010 Christchurch (hit glass) 33km, 836 days

Only 68 Siskins ringed in Dorset during 2010, so this was the best recovery. One must assume that this is a local breeder that got unlucky. I/we are still struggling to come to terms as to what makes up the population of Dorset’s Siskins at different times of the year. We know a substantial number of wintering birds breed either in the northern British Isles or go further to Scandinavia and even eastern Europe. But do out summering birds mostly stay here all year round (as the above would indicate) or perhaps go to the near continent? In winter 2010/11 I trapped a French-ringed Siskin at nearby Blashford Lakes - I wonder LESSERwhat that REDPOLL indicates!Carduelis cabaret

X396080 First-year 26.10.2009 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 16.11.2010 Greystoke Forest, Cumbria GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis 448km, 386 days

X695944 First-year 11.12.2009 Portland Bill Entered shed, 20.08.2010 Drinagh, Laois, EIRE GREENFINCH releasedCarduelis alive chloris 442km, 252 days

TL94176 Adult male 01.12.2009 Portland Bill Found dead 09.05.2010 St Brides, Newport, Gwent 118km, 159 days

2010 Dorset Bird Report 185

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 185 17/07/2012 11:52 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2010 - RINGING TOTALS

pre- Species 2007 2008 2009 2010 Totals 2007 8159 306 151 247 152 9015

Mute Swan 799 17 19 11 6 852 Canada Goose 291 2 293 Shelduck 10 1 11 Gadwall 3639 17 1 12 3669 Teal 60 60 Wigeon 2784 272 150 153 151 3510 Mallard 49 49 Shoveler 50 50 PochardEider 1 1 0 1 1

Garganey 357 357 Pintail 360 24 15 13 24 436 Tufted Duck 1 1 Red-legged Partridge 2 1 3 Quail 1 1 Black-throated Diver 9 9 Little Grebe 1 1 2 Great Crested Grebe 8 8 Fulmar 12 12 Manx Shearwater 404 17 12 4 437 Storm Petrel 0 1 1 Leach’s Petrel 5 5 Gannet 1 1 Cormorant 9 1 1 1 12 Shag 2 2 Bittern 2 1 3 Little Egret 6 6 Grey Heron 393 11 9 18 11 442 Sparrowhawk 54 8 2 7 71 Buzzard 1 1 Rough-legged Buzzard 192 69 26 58 22 367 Kestrel 2 2 Merlin 186 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 186 17/07/2012 11:52 pre- Species 2007 2008 2009 2010 Totals 2007 15 6 2 2 25

Hobby 4 1 5 Peregrine 261 2 1 264 Water Rail 20 20 Spotted Crake 3 3 Corncrake 481 1 5 5 3 495 Moorhen 893 47 36 14 34 1024 Coot 1538 1 3 2 2 1546 Oystercatcher 12 3 15 Avocet 10 10 Little Ringed Plover 248 4 1 2 7 262 Ringed Plover 4 4 Dotterel 46 2 2 50 Grey Plover 2 7 9 Golden Plover 435 4 1 10 41 691 Lapwing 228 19 2 2 251 Knot 25 2 1 2 3 33 Sanderling 25 25 Little Stint 1 1 Pectoral Sandpiper 10 10 Purple Sandpiper 119 1 120 Curlew Sandpiper 10711 68 99 47 47 10972 Dunlin 1 1 Buff-breasted Sandpiper 13 13 Ruff 42 16 58 Jack Snipe 1123 2 35 1160 Snipe 28 1 1 18 48 Woodcock 75 1 76 Black-tailed Godwit 253 4 4 3 264 Bar-tailed Godwit 240 1 2 243 Common Sandpiper 20 1 4 25 Green Sandpiper 8 8 Wood Sandpiper 726 3 729 Curlew 157 157 Whimbrel 54 1 55 Greenshank 2010 Dorset Bird Report 187

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 187 17/07/2012 11:52 pre- Species 2007 2008 2009 2010 Totals 2007 10 10

Spotted Redshank 776 2 4 7 789 Redshank 46 1 47 Turnstone 13 13 Grey Phalarope 5 5 Kittiwake 3185 31 16 6 24 3262 Black-headed Gull 1 1 Little Gull 7 7 Mediterranean Gull 7 1 8 Common Gull 9 1 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull 787 54 41 43 5 930 Herring Gull 44 2 46 Great Black-backed Gull 48 12 60 Little Tern 4 4 Black Tern 172 2 174 Sandwich Tern 917 52 4 31 1004 Common Tern 4 4 Roseate Tern 2 2 Arctic Tern 12 12 Guillemot 7 7 Razorbill 1 1 Little Auk 1 1 Puffin 258 13 7 27 25 330 Stock Dove 481 42 29 44 51 647 Woodpigeon 263 5 8 14 290 Collared Dove 57 1 1 59 Turtle Dove 55 2 57 Cuckoo 1 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 242 97 26 44 41 450 Barn Owl 1 1 Scops Owl 249 7 10 5 7 278 Little Owl 98 13 2 9 4 126 Tawny Owl 16 16 Long-eared Owl 3 3 Short-eared Owl 891 9 26 25 21 972 Nightjar 188 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 188 17/07/2012 11:52 pre- Species 2007 2008 2009 2010 Totals 2007 465 1 8 1 475

Swift 659 31 20 22 12 744 Kingfisher 2 2 Hoopoe 78 1 1 80 Wryneck 230 9 3 4 5 251 Green Woodpecker 298 25 21 27 39 410 Great Spotted Woodpecker 11 11 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 29 29 Woodlark 975 94 106 1 22 1198 Skylark 10775 34 3 8 58 10878 Sand Martin 35202 633 256 420 605 37116 Swallow 29867 91 45 137 128 30268 House Martin 2 2 Blyth’s Pipit 3 3 Tawny Pipit 1 1 Olive-backed Pipit 690 1 3 3 10 707 Tree Pipit 4822 217 295 407 226 5967 Meadow Pipit 348 9 1 44 26 428 Rock Pipit 15 1 16 Water Pipit 13327 78 27 18 47 13497 Yellow Wagtail 724 19 20 1 8 772 Grey Wagtail 7009 527 294 781 795 9406 Pied/WhiteDipper Wagtail 15 15 11803 355 272 367 389 13186

Wren 1 1 Brown Thrasher 10418 257 255 466 497 11893 Dunnock 1 1 Alpine Accentor 15441 523 395 615 631 17605 Robin 42 1 43 Bluethroat 2 2 Thrush Nightingale 299 1 300 Nightingale 119 5 2 2 3 131 Black Redstart 3261 89 48 56 88 3542 Redstart 602 3 5 5 17 632 Whinchat 1787 46 55 47 24 1959 Stonechat 2010 Dorset Bird Report 189

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 189 17/07/2012 11:52 pre- Species 2007 2008 2009 2010 Totals 2007 596 11 9 11 19 646

Wheatear 1 1 Pied Wheatear 1 1 Desert Wheatear 0 1 1 Grey-cheeked Thrush 127 7 1 3 138 Ring Ouzel 18874 665 463 568 653 21223 Blackbird 676 17 2 3 56 754 Fieldfare 7179 221 164 153 211 7928 Song Thrush 3707 149 81 87 244 4268 Redwing 315 2 1 6 324 Mistle Thrush 824 56 35 56 66 1037 Cetti’s Warbler 1 1 Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler 1194 20 39 31 38 1322 Grasshopper Warbler 4 4 Savi’s Warbler 226 1 227 Aquatic Warbler 71528 702 803 1194 1940 76167 Sedge Warbler 4 4 Blyth’s Reed Warbler 19 1 1 21 Marsh Warbler 32281 488 486 580 1213 35048 Reed Warbler 2 2 Great Reed Warbler 2 1 3 Eastern Olivaceous Warbler 4 4 Booted Warbler 1 1 Syke’s Warbler 46 1 47 Icterine Warbler 117 2 3 1 123 Melodious Warbler 26273 984 525 837 1221 29840 Blackcap 6575 165 62 103 131 7036 Garden Warbler 25 1 26 Barred Warbler 1563 19 20 39 48 1689 Lesser Whitethroat 1 1 Orphean Warbler 1 1 Asian Desert Warbler 11577 196 163 274 420 12630 Whitethroat 810 27 70 79 6 992 Dartford Warbler 9 9 Subalpine Warbler 5 5 Greenish Warbler 190 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 190 17/07/2012 11:52 pre- Species 2007 2008 2009 2010 Totals 2007 1 1

Arctic Warbler 11 2 13 Pallas’s Warbler 38 1 2 1 1 43 Yellow-browed Warbler 2 2 Hume’s Leaf Warbler 9 1 10 Radde’s Warbler 4 4 Dusky Warbler 3 3 Western Bonelli’s Warbler 145 2 1 2 150 Wood Warbler 33958 1258 1073 1750 2035 40074 Chiffchaff 2 2 Iberian Chiffchaff 64263 1992 1308 1496 2438 71497 Willow Warbler 18387 270 538 110 261 19566 Goldcrest 1356 31 42 33 28 1490 Firecrest 3892 111 142 66 69 4280 Spotted Flycatcher 31 31 Red-breasted Flycatcher 1495 25 14 22 25 1581 Pied Flycatcher 1339 41 4 9 40 1433 Bearded Tit 4960 219 347 293 292 6111 Long-tailed Tit 35409 1400 1594 2117 2598 43118 Blue Tit 13581 962 922 1192 1281 17938 Great Tit 2072 70 145 119 134 2540 Coal Tit 162 162 Willow Tit 745 8 16 16 28 813 Marsh Tit 480 31 87 51 66 715 Nuthatch 966 19 25 31 28 1069 Treecreeper 6 1 1 8 Golden Oriole 2 2 Isabelline Shrike 16 16 Red-backed Shrike 13 13 Woodchat Shrike 200 1 6 5 3 215 Jay 200 9 10 5 12 236 Magpie 234 19 18 20 18 309 Jackdaw 52 15 9 3 1 80 Rook 78 1 2 81 Carrion Crow 3 3 Raven 2010 Dorset Bird Report 191

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 191 17/07/2012 11:52 pre- Species 2007 2008 2009 2010 Totals 2007 13533 67 145 40 146 13931

Starling 10206 175 162 398 406 11347 House Sparrow 240 1 43 44 328 Tree Sparrow 9074 318 209 327 1022 10950 Chaffinch 490 6 16 2 97 611 Brambling 7 1 8 Serin 27713 610 468 760 803 30354 Greenfinch 7598 560 501 658 887 10204 Goldfinch 1635 28 611 172 68 2514 Siskin 18551 355 284 421 1303 20914 Linnet 2 2 TwiteRedpoll sp 34 13 1 48 481 10 45 27 21 584

Lesser Redpoll 0 1 1 1 3 Mealy Redpoll 5 1 6 Crossbill 6 1 7 Common Rosefinch 3272 69 55 87 95 3578 Bullfinch 4 2 6 Hawfinch 2 2 Northern Parula 1 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 1 Dark-eyed Junco 3 3 Lapland Bunting 2279 34 10 26 26 2375 Yellowhammer 6 6 Cirl Bunting 6 1 7 Ortolan Bunting 10 1 11 Little Bunting 9786 127 161 132 253 10459 Reed Bunting 1 1 Black-headed Bunting 1444 11 1455 TotalsCorn Bunting 668565 16843 14769 18727 25306 744410 Number of Species 233 113 111 113 120 237

192 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 192 17/07/2012 11:52 BUFFLEHEAD at WEST BEXINGTON and THE FLEET The First Dorset Record Alan Barrett

th On Saturday 6 March I was birding the patch alone as Mike Morse (to his subsequent frustration) wasn’t free that day. It was a sunny morning with a light wind, the sea had hardly a ripple and the light was good.

At about 11:30am, I had finished looking at the Winter Mere and decided to check the sea. Scanning to my right, I saw a bright black and white bird settled on the water. It was quite a way off and had its back to me and I thought it might be an auk. These had been quite scarce this winter on the patch and I thought I would try and get a closer view. I started to walk towards it, and to my surprise it then flew very fast towards me. I could now see that it was obviously a duck and it soon sped past me and continued east.

I quickly made some notes on what I had seen. The bird had a black and white head, white underparts, black back from the top of its mantle to the top of its rump, with a white stripe down each side of it. The wings also appeared black and white, but the precise pattern was hard to see because of its fast wing beats. At the time the size was hard to determine as there were no other birds nearby to compare it to, but I thought it was close to a Razorbill in size. By this time I was getting quite excited, thinking that the bird was a drake Bufflehead, but being the sole observer, I didn’t know how I could prove it with such a brief view.

As soon as the bird had passed me, I phoned Mike to see if he could get away and then started to phone a few local birders to let them know what I had seen and hoped that one might be close enough to keep an eye out for it. One of the people I contacted was Dave Foot from Weymouth, and after I had described to him what I had seen, he sent me a flight photo of a drake Bufflehead via his mobile phone. I received the picture a few minutes later and this confirmed my suspicions.

Later that afternoon, when I was at home wishing that I had got longer views, I received a phone call from Steve Groves from the Abbotsbury Swannery, where it transpired he had re- found the Bufflehead - it was feeding with Tufted Duck on the far side of the Fleet!

I left immediately for the Swannery and when I arrived, Steve was at the entrance to meet me. It wasn’t long before we were standing by the water’s edge, watching the bird on the far side of the bay. I was delighted that my first impressions were correct and that the bird Previousstayed into British April enabling records many- Kevin birders Lane to see it.

th The Dorset bird in 2010 was accepted by BBRC and became the 14 British record of Bufflehead. Up until 16 years ago there had only been 3 accepted records in Britain - in 1920, 1961 and 1980. Since 1994 there have been 11 records in 16 years.

2010 Dorset Bird Report 193

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 193 17/07/2012 11:52 RED-NECKED STINT at FERRYBRIDGE The First Dorset Record Paul Baker

th The 27 August was a typical day for me and I first visited the Melcombe Regis Cemetery close to my home in Weymouth, then continued on to Ferrybridge via the redundant Portland railway track, now known as the Rodwell Trail. At 10am, it was close to the turn of the tide. I could see what had become a regular group of gulls resting on a grassy patch above the high-water mark and it was no surprise either to find most of the 200 or so small waders feeding higher up the pebble beach and grassy areas. Crossing the bridge, there was a Turnstone and a couple of Northern Wheatears, some sign at least of migration.

At about 10:30am, I met fellow birder Nick Stantiford and together we watched the Dunlin, Ringed Plovers and Turnstones starting to feed on the exposed shoreline. Unfortunately, all of this coincided with a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter flushing all the birds, which also deterred Nick, who beat a retreat, while I moved out of the lee of the visitors’ centre, positioning myself with my back to the sun.

At the very moment Nick disappeared from view, a Redshank landed just a few feet away from where I was standing, allowing for some decent photographs: things were looking up. It was then I noticed, some way off, a small wader that looked more rufous than the others, but the first area of sand to be uncovered by the returning tide had a healthy growth of Sea Samphire partially obscuring some of the birds. Not until the tide ebbed further was I also able to see that the ‘red’ wader was a good deal smaller than the rest and my thoughts turned to a stint. Even then I was not convinced, so I delayed reporting the sighting to my ‘first line’ contacts, but did continue taking a series of photographs at a distance.

With my knowledge of stints being sketchy to say the least, with annual sightings of Little plus just one previous sighting of a summer-plumaged Red-necked in Barrow, Alaska, it took me time to put a name to it. Eventually, I decided on Little Stint and put the news out locally, but failed to make any mention of the unusual rufous colouration. No one answered the call, unfortunately, as Martin Cade, warden of the Portland Bird Observatory, was actively employed in the garden and didn’t hear the phone ring. The sea had now reached the low-water mark and most of the waders having fed voraciously during the ebb were now resigned to a little rest among the Bladder Wrack, so armed with a good description and photographs, I returned home to consult the field guide.

Once there, my first action was to crop some of the best photographs and send them to Martin at the ‘Obs’ and then get my nose into the book. A short time later I received a call from Martin saying that he was at Ferrybridge and could I fill him in on the finer detail. This done, he informed me that he had seen no sign of the bird, but having glimpsed my images only briefly, asked why it was not a Red-necked Stint. I told him that I was now sat at home surrounded by books and in my opinion that was exactly what it was and I was about to Previoussound the Britishalarm! recordsUnfortunately - Kevin the Lane bird was not seen again.

th This was the 7 British record following birds in 1986, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2000 and 2001. 194 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 194 17/07/2012 11:52 GULL-BILLED TERN at WEST BEXINGTON and ABBOTSBURY The Eleventh Dorset Record Mike Morse

th On Tuesday 29 June at approx 11:30am, Alan Barrett and I were walking west along the coastal path just east of West Bexington village. We had just completed an uneventful circuit of the ‘patch’ and were musing on the possibility of seeing a Gull-billed Tern. We had no real expectation of seeing this species other than the fact that two had been seen earlier that morning near Dawlish in Devon, about 35 miles to the west.

Then unbelievably, we both picked up a Tern flying east towards us that gained our immediate interest. It should be borne in mind that Alan and I had been seeing both Common Tern and Sandwich Tern almost daily for the previous 4 or 5 weeks. It’s hard to define, but this bird was different. It was flying differently, more directly without the wheeling and diving exhibited by the other two species. As it got closer I could see it appeared to have a stubby all black bill and I reached for my camera that, fortunately, was slung over my shoulder. Alan stayed on the bird and got better views than I did, but I was able to get off a couple of record shots. The bird was past us in a moment, but Alan immediately commented on the broadness of its wings and was able to confirm the stubby, all dark bill. I picked it up again as it flew away, but neither of us was able to make out the colour of the rump as by this time we were looking into the sun.

I looked at the first of the digital images I had taken throughst the camera’s viewfinder and was reasonably confident that we had seen a Gull-billed Tern. We returned to our cars and I took out the only reference we had with us at the time, the 1 edition of the Collins Bird Guide. That’s when doubts began to creep in. In one of the illustrations of an adult Sandwich Tern in flight, the guide showed a bird with a wedge of dark around the area of the inner primaries (actually up the innermost of the primaries with dark tips). None of the illustrations of Gull-billed Tern showed this dark wedge, but the second image of our bird did. Additionally, the bill looked longer in this image than it had in the first. This, coupled with the fact that the images were not that crisp, and we were all too aware of the number of Sandwich Terns misidentified as Gull-billed, we wondered whether we had made a mistake. To be honest there was also the nagging doubt that because we had been musing about finding a Gull-billed only a few moments before we saw this bird, we wondered whether we were guilty of seeing features that weren’t actually there. It just seemed outrageous to envisage and then claim a fly-by Gull-billed Tern and although we both had previous experience with this species, we somehow just couldn’t believe the evidence of our own eyes.

Later that day, we received a text from Steve Groves at Abbotsbury Swannery saying that he had just had a possible Gull-billed Tern there. This spurred me to look at my images of our bird on my computer. Downloaded, the images looked very good for Gull-billed and I emailed them to Paul Harris, Brett Spencer and Martyn Hayes to gain their opinion. Meanwhile, other references I had at home suggested that our reservations about the dark wedge in the primaries were unfounded and that the bird clearly exhibited many pro Gull-billed features. All three agreed with the identification and I releasedst the news which prompted several birders to look for the bird the following morning. It was subsequently seen in and around Abbotsbury Swannery most of the following day and again on 1 July. It was also seen to fly back to West Bexington a couple of times during this period.

There have been ten previous records of Gull-billed Tern in Dorset, but this was the first to stay long enough to be seen by other than just the finders. 2010 Dorset Bird Report 195

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 195 17/07/2012 11:52 196 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 196 17/07/2012 11:52 2010 Dorset Bird Report 197

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 197 17/07/2012 11:52 KEY TO DORSET MAP

01 Lyme Regis SY3492 46 Chapman’s Pool SY955770 02 Burton Bradstock SY4889 47 St Aldhelm’s Head SY961755 03 Peascombe SY498944 48 Winspit Valley SY976760 04 Loscombe SY506982 49 Middlebere/Hartland SY968863 05 South Poorton SY512975 50 Stoborough Heath SY924850 06 Brackett’s Coppice ST514074 51 Arne RSPB SY979887 07 West Bexington SY527866 52 Ham Common SY979910 08 Powerstock Common SY540973 53 Lytchett Bay SY972919 09 Kingcombe Meadows SY555992 54 Upton Heath SY989951 10 Sutton Bingham Res. ST544094 55 Corfe Mullen Meadow SY980967 11 Abbotsbury SY5785 56 Pamphill & Eye Mead ST995001 12 Langton Herring SY6182 57 Upton Country Park SY993928 13 Nunnery Mead SY615953 58 Townsend NR SZ024782 14 Muckleford SY642931 59 Durlston SZ032773 15 Ferrybridge SY667762 60 Kitt’s Grave SU025210 16 Lorton Meadows SY674826 61 Sutton Holms SU055095 17 Haydon Hill SY669946 62 Garston Wood RSPB SU002191 18 Brooklands Farm SY666952 63 Whitesheet Plant’n SU048036 19 Sherborne Castle Lake ST6416 64 Canford Heath SZ031955 20 Holway Woods ST633200 65 Brownsea Island SZ028878 21 Portland Bill SY677682 66 Ballard Down SZ054824 22 Chesil Cove SY6873 67 Knoll Beach SZ033835 23 Kingbarrow Quarry SY690728 68 South Haven SZ036867 24 Portland Castle SY684743 69 Branksome Chine SZ065896 25 Sandsfoot Castle SY674773 70 Alder Hills SZ063931 26 Radipole Lake RSPB SY6779 71 Ferndown Common SZ0699 27 Lodmoor RSPB SY6881 72 Holt Heath SU050050 28 Tadnoll Heath SY792873 73 Cranborne Common SU100110 29 Winfrith Heath SY805870 74 Troublefield SZ124975 30 Greenhill Down ST792037 75 Sopley Common SZ132976 31 Broadoak Orchard ST791123 76 Coward’s Marsh SZ151951 32 Piddles Wood ST797133 77 Stanpit Marsh SZ169919 33 Girdler’s Coppice ST797133 78 Hengistbury Head SZ176908 34 Mill Ham Island ST824126 79 East Holme SY895863 35 Higher Hyde Heath SY851902 80 Seacombe Valley SY984766 36 East Stoke Fen SY864866 81 Osmington Mills SY735817 37 Coombe Heath SY862848 82 Ringstead Bay SY760815 38 Fontmell Down ST884176 83 White Nothe SY772809 39 Purbeck Marine Res SY905792 84 Portland Bird Obs SY681689 40 Stonehill Down SY925822 85 Morden Bog SY913920 41 Kilwood Coppice SY933825 86 Soldier’s Road SY944855 42 Sherford Bridge SY919926 87 Holes Bay SZ0092 43 Ashley Wood ST925051 88 Dancing Ledge SY997768 44 Sovell Down ST985107 89 Baiter Park SZ020901 19845 SwinehamDorset Bird Report GP &2010 Point SY937879

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Abbeycroft Down ST 9505 Bride Valley SY4789/SY5888 Abbotsbury Beach SY559845 Bride Valley Fish Farm SY 521899 Bridport Abbotsbury Swannery SY 578839 Bridging Camp, The Fleet SY 652773 Ackling Dyke SU 015163 SY 4694 Acton SY 989784 Broadoak SY 4396 Affpuddle SY 805936 Broadcroft Quarry SY 698718 Alderholt SU 1112 Broadstone SZ 0095 Alners Gorse ST 737103 Broadstone GC SZ 0097 Alweston ST 664143 Brockington SU 019107 Arne Moors SY 947868 Brownsea Island SZ 0288 Arne RSPB SY 975878 Brownsea Lagoon SZ 029880 Ashley Wood ST 9205 Bryanstone ST 8706 Ashmore ST 9117 Buckland Ripers SY 6482 Athelhampton SY 771941 Bucknowle SY 949813 Avalanche Rd (& Hump) SY 686705 Bugley ST 7824 Avon Causeway SZ 1497 Bulbarrow Hill ST 7705 Avon Heath CP SU 1203 Burleston SY 776942 Avon River Valley SZ1692-SU1307 Burning Cliff SY 761815 Babylon Hill ST 576155 Burton (Avon Valley) SZ 1694/95 Badbury Rings ST 9603 Burton Bradstock SY 48/4989 Baiter Park SZ 022904 Burton Mere SY 508879 Ballard Down SZ 381 Bushey SY 979834 Bardolf Farm SY 763952 Butterstreet Cove SY 6379 Bardolf WM SY 7694 Canford SZ 0398 Barleycrates Lane SY 685710 Canford Heath SZ 032983 Batcombe Walk ST 6303 Canford Magna GC SZ 041986 Beacon Hill Landfill SY 973950 Cashmoor ST 9713 Beaminster ST 4701 Castle Cove SY 676775 Beaminster Down ST 4903 Castlepoint, Bournemouth SZ 112947 Bearwood SZ 0496 Cerne Abbas ST 685011 Bembury Walk ST 6014 Chafey’s Lake SY 6680 Bere Regis SY 8495 Chalbury Hill SU 0106 Bestwall SY 9287 Chamberlayne’s Heath SY 838913 Bincombe SY 6884 Chapman’s Pool SY 955771 Bindon Abbey SY 854867 Charborough Park SY 922298 Black Down SY 609876 Chard Junction GP ST 3404 Black Hill, Bere Regis SY 836941 Charlton Marshall ST 902039 Black Hill, Holton Heath SY 946910 Charminster SY 6892 Blackers Hole SZ 007767 Charmouth SY 3693 Blacknor SY 677714 Chaston Farm ST 718057 Blandford Forum ST 88/8906 Cheselbourne SY 7699 Bloxworth SY 881948 Chesil Beach SY 57/68 Blue Lagoon, Lilliput SZ 035899 Chesil Cove, Portland SY 984734 Bokerley Dyke SU 0418 Chettle ST 963134 Boscombe SZ 11/1291 Cheyne Weare SY 693705 Bourne Valley SZ 0693 Chickerell SY 6481 Bournemouth Hospital SZ 126942 Chickerell Hive Point SY 637791 Bovington Camp SY 8388 Chilcombe SY 527910 Bowleaze Cove SY 703819 Child Okeford ST 8312 Boys Hill ST 673102 Christchurch Harbour SU 1791 Bracketts Coppice ST 5107 Church Hill ST 715035 Bramble Bush Bay SZ 031862 Church Ope Cove SY 698711 Brand’s Bay SZ 0185 Cleaval Point SZ 005865 Branksome SZ 0592 Clifton Wood ST 5712 Branksome Chine SZ 0689 Cogden Beach SY 5087 Brenscombe Hill SY 986819 Colehill SU 0201 Briantspuddle SY 8193 Compton Abbas ST 869185

2010 Dorset Bird Report 199

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Compton Valence SY 593932 Fitzworth SY 992867 Coombe Heath SY 975867 Flaghead Chine SZ 053887 Coombe Hill ST 775025 Fleetsbridge SZ 010933 Coombe Valley SY 6983/84 Fontmell Down ST 884176 Corfe Castle SY 9682 Forde Abbey ST 359050 Corfe Common SY 9580/81 Forston SY 6695 Corfe Hills SY 9996 Fortuneswell SY 6873 Corfe Mullen SY 9798 Foxholes, The Fleet SY 652778 Corfe River Meadows SY 9684 Frampton SY 6295 Corscombe Cross ST 5105 French’s Farm SY 968930 Coward’s Marsh SZ 1595 Frome Whitfield SY 6991 Cranborne SU 0514 Furzehill SU 0102 Cranborne Common SU 104112 Furzey Island SZ 00/0187 Creech Heath SY 9283 Gad Cliff SY 882795 Creekmoor Ponds SY 999939 Gallows Hill SY 844911 Critchel Down ST 961101 Garston Wood SU 002190 Critchel Lake SY 9907 Gillingham ST 8026/27 Crossways SY 76/7788 Glebelands SZ 0381 Crouch Hill, Stanpit SZ 169918 Goathill ST 675172 Culverwell SY 982690 Godlingston Heath SZ 0182 Dancing Ledge SY 997768 Golden Cap SY 407923 Deadmoor Common ST 7511 Golden Springs SY 8290 Dean ST 9715 Gore Heath SY 9291 Delph Woods SZ 0197 Gotham SU 083113 Dewlish SY 775985 Grange Heath SY 9083 Didlington SU 010075 Grange Wood ST 665065 Dodding’s Farm CBs SY 852934 Great Coll Wood SY 8899 Dorchester SY 68/69 Great Ovens Hill SY 925903 Dorey’s Farm Pond SY 911850 Greenlands Farm SZ 0184 Down Farm, Blandford ST 993148 Grimstone SY 6494 Dudmoor Farm SZ 150960 Grove Point SY 706722 Dunyeat’s Heath SZ 0196 Grove Stadium SY 698726 Durlston Bay SZ 0377 /78 Gussage All Saints SU 0010 Durlston CP / Head SZ 0277 Gussage St Andrew ST 986145 East Almer SY 924991 Gussage St Michael ST 9811 East Bexington SY 550858 Hambledon Hill ST 8412 East Fleet SY 635800 Ham Common SY 9790/9890 East Holme SY 8986 Hammoon ST 8114 East Knighton SY 8084 Handfast Point/Old Harry SZ 055825 East Lulworth SY 8692 Handley Cross SU 011166 East Parley SZ 105975 Hardy’s Monument SY 613876 East Stoke SY 8786 Harpitts Lake ST 784242 East Stoke Fen SY 864866 Hartgrove ST 8318 East Stour ST 8023 Hartland Moor SY 9585 East Weare SY 7073 Hatch Pond SZ 013938 Easton SY 6971 Haven Hotel, Poole SZ 0387 Eccliffe ST 798254 Hazelebury Bryan ST 745085 Edmonsham SU 0611 Hedbury Quarry SY 992768 Eggardon Hill SY 5494 Henbury Plantation SY 9697 Eight Kings Quarry SY 688699 Hengistbury Head SZ 1790 Enmore Green ST 8523 Herbury Gore SY 6180/81 Eyebridge ST 995000 Herston SZ 0178 Farrington ST 8415 Hethfelton SY 851883 Ferndown Common SZ 0799 High Hall nr. Wimborne SU 001027 Ferrybridge SY 667762 Highcliffe SZ 2194 Fifehead Magdalen ST 779214 Higher Bockhampton SY 7292 Fifehead Wood ST 774215 Higher Hyde SY 851902

200 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 200 17/07/2012 11:52 GAZETTEER (continued)

Hillfield ST 634050 Lyme Bay SY 3391/6768 Hinton Parva ST 998044 Lyme Regis SY 3492 Hinton St Mary ST 7816 Lynch Cove SY 648781 Holcombe Bottom SY 6996/7185 Lyons Gate ST 660058 Holes Bay SY 0092 Lytchett Bay SY 9792 Holmebridge SY 8986 Lytchett Matravers SY 9495 Holnest ST 6509 Maiden Castle SY 66/6788 Holt Heath SU 0504 Maiden Newton SY 5997 Holton Heath SY 9591 Magiston SY 638968 Holton Lee SY 954914 Mapperton, nr Blandford SY 9098 Horse Down ST 965095 Mapperton, nr Beaminster SY 5099 Horselynch Plantation SY 6881/6882 Mappowder ST 734061 Horton SU 027074 Marnhull ST 7718 Hungry Hill SY 529974 Martin Down SY 5791 Hurn SZ 1297 Martinstown SY 6488 Iford SZ 1393 Masters Pit (MOD) SY 9184 Keysworth SY 9488 Matchams Viewpoint SU 134020 Kilwood Coppice SY 512975 Maunbury Rings SY 690899 Kimmeridge SY 918799 Melbury Park, Evershot ST 5705 Kingcombe ST 741002 Melcombe Bingham ST 7602 King’s Park, Bournemouth SZ 116929 Merley SZ 020980 King’s Stag ST 7210 Merley Park SZ 00/0198 Kingston, North Dorset ST 755095 Middlebere SY 968863 Kingston, Purbeck SY 956796 Milborne St Andrew SY 8097 Kingston Lacy ST 977013 Milton Abbas ST 8001 Kingston Maurward SY 717910 Minchington ST 9614 King’s Wood, Purbeck SZ 000815 Monkton-up-Wimborne SU 0113 Knitson SZ 0080 Moonfleet SY 6180 Knowlton SU 022101 Moor Critchel ST 9908 Knowlton Church SU 024104 Moors Valley CP SU 1205 Lamberts Castle SY 372991 Morden Bog SY 914917 Lane End SY 850925 Morden Park Lake SY 907927 Langton Herring SY 6182 Morden Park Corner SY 9093 Langton Matravers SZ 0078 Moreton SY 8089 Lankham Bottom SY 6099 Mudeford SZ 1892 Launceston Down ST 953106 Mupe Bay SY 844799 Lawson Clump SY 921909 Muscliffe SZ 0995 Leigh ST 6208 Nath Point SY 980859 Lewesdon Hill ST 4301 Nether Cerne SY 670982 Lillington ST 629127 Newton Bay SZ 0085 Littlebredy SY 5889 Newton Heath SZ 004840 Little Sea, Studland SZ 0384/85 Newton’s Cove SY 684782 Littlesea, The Fleet SY 645781 Nine Barrow Down SZ 002811 Litton Cheney SY 5590 Norden SY 945835 Loddon Lakes ST 812258 Norden Sewage Works SY 961831 Lodmoor SY 6881 North Poorton SY 519982 Long Bredy SY 570904 Northbourne SY 0896 Long Critchel ST 9710 Northport Heath SY 911894 Longburton ST 6611 Nottington SY 6682 Longham Lakes SZ 062981 Oakers Wood SY 8091 Louds Mill SF SY 7190 Oborne ST 6518 Lower Bockhampton SY 7290 Okeford Fitzpaine ST 806109 Lower Parkstone SZ 0391 Organford SY 939924 Lulworth Cove SY 8279 Osmington SY 7283 Lulworth Ranges SY 8370/9082 Ower Bay SY 9986 Lydlinch ST 7413 Ower Quay SY 997862 Lydlinch Common ST 7313 Pallington SY 789912

2010 Dorset Bird Report 201

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Pamphill ST 9900 Rodwell SY 6778 Parkstone Bay SZ 0290 Ryewater ST 667108 Parley Court Farm SZ 0997 Saltern’s Marsh SY 9686 PC World, Poole SZ 066828 Sandbanks SZ 03/0487 Pennsylvania Castle SY 6971 Sandford Heath SY 9389 Pentridge SU 0317 Sandsfoot Castle SY 674773 Peveril Point SZ 040786 Scotland Farm SY 961840 Piddle Valley SY9488-ST6902 Seaborough ST 4305 Piddlehinton SY 7197 Seacombe SY 9876 Piddletrenthide SY 7099 Shaftsbury SY 8622/23 Pilsden Pen ST 4001 Shapwick ST 9401 Pimperne ST 9009 Shell Bay SU 0386 Plush ST 7102 Sherborne ST 6678 Poole Bay SZ 08 Sherborne Lake ST 64/6516 Poole Harbour SY 9988 Sherford Bridge SY 919927 Poole Park SZ 0290/91 Shillingstone ST 825110 Poole Quay SZ 011902 Shipstal Point SY 983884 Portesham SY 602857 Shipton Gorge SY 4991 Portland Bill SY 677682 Sixpenny Handley ST 9917 Portland Castle SY 684744 Slepe Copse SY 957863 Portland Harbour SY 68 / 69 Slepe Plantation SY 951859 Portland Heights SY 689730 Soldier’s Road SY 9485 Poundbury SY 6790 Solent Meads GC SZ 159913 Povington SY 8882 Sopley Common SZ 12/130974 Povington Heath SY 53 / 5496 South Down SY 7781 Powerstock SY 517961 South Haven Point SZ 0386 Powerstock Common SY 540963 South Lake, Poole Hbr SZ 0286/0386 Poxwell SY 741841 South Poorton SY 519978 Preston SY 7083 Southbourne SZ 1491 Preston Beach SY 6880-6981 Southover, Frampton SY 6294 Priory Marsh SZ 162924 Southwell SY 6870 Puddletown SY 7594 Sovell Down ST 990107 Puddletown Forest SY 737927 Spetisbury ST 9102 Puncknowle SY 5388 Squirrel’s Corner SU 025145 Purewell Meadows SZ 1692/93 St Aldhelm’s Head SY 961752 Purse Caundle ST 695175 St Catherine’s Hill SZ 145953 Radipole Lake SY 675796 St Leonards SU 112036 Ramsdown SZ 1396 Staggs Folly ST 6100 Raymonds Hill SY 323963 Stalbridge ST 7317 Reap Lane, Portland SY 682705 Stanbridge SU 004038 Redcliff Point SY 713816 Stanpit Marsh SZ 16/1792 Redhill LNR SZ 087954 Steamer Point SZ 197929 Redhorn Point SZ 021855 Stoborough Heath SY 92/9385 Rempstone SY 989825 Stock Gaylard ST 725135 Rempstone Forest SY 985845 Stoke Heath SY 84 8897 Renscombe SY 964775 Stokeford Heath SY 8788 Ridge SY 9386 Stonehill Down SY 925822 Ringstead Bay SY 760810 Stoney Down Plantation SY 9696 Ringwood Forest SU 1205 Stourton Caundle ST 715154 River Allen SU1307-SZ1692 Stourpaine ST 8609 River Axe ST3202-ST4904 Stubhampton ST 9113 River Frome SY9487-ST5704 Studland Bay SZ 040840 River Lim SY3492–SY3196 Studland Beach SZ 040826 River Wey River Stour SZ1692-ST 7731 Studland Village SZ 0382 SY 6780-6685 Sturminster Marshall ST 9400 Rodden SY 611842 Sturminster Marshall GP SY 9599 Rodden Hive SY 604821 Sturminster Newton ST 7814

202 Dorset Bird Report 2010

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Suckthumb Quarry SY 686708 Walditch SY 485925 Sugar Hill SY 883924 Wareham SY 91/9288 Sutton Bingham Res ST 549110 Wareham Common SY 9087 Sutton Hill ST 882160 Wareham Forest SY 9092 Sutton Waldron ST 887160 Wareham Moors SY 9287 Swanage SZ 02/0378/79 Warmwell Heath SY 7586 Swanage Bay SZ 0379 Warmwell Quarry SY 7588 Swanworth Quarry SY 969782 West Bay SY 4690 Swineham GP SY 932880 West Bexington SY 525868 Swineham Point SY 944878 West Chaldon SY 777828 Swyre Head SY 933784 West Compton SY 5694 Sydling St Nicholas SY 6399 Westfields SY 932889 Symondsbury SY 4493 West Knighton Dump SY 7488 Tadnoll Heath NR SY 794872 West Knighton Heath SY 7488 Tarrant Crawford ST 921033 West Lulworth SY 8280 Tarrant Gunville ST 9212 West Moors Plantation SU 0903 Tarrant Hinton ST 9310 West Parley SZ 0898 Tarrant Keyneston ST 926043 West Morden SY 9095 Tarrant Monkton ST 9408 Weston SY 6871 Tarrant Rushton Airfield ST 9405 Weymouth SY 6880 The Fleet SY 5683-6675 Whitcomb Hill SY 714885 The Grove SY 700723 White Horse Hill SY 715843 The Nothe SY 6878 White Lackington SY 715985 Thorncombe SY375034 White Mill ST 956006 Thorncombe Wood SY 726921 White Nothe SY 7780 Thornford ST 6013 White Sheet Plantation SU 054032 Thornicombe ST 870032 Whitecliff SZ 0390 Three Legged Cross SU 0805 Wick SZ 160920 Throop Heath SY 820918 Wick Hams SZ 167912 Tidmoor Point, The Fleet SY 643785 Wimborne SU 010000 Tincleton CBs SY 766917 Wimborne St Giles SU 0312 Tolpuddle SY 7994 Winfrith Heath SY 805870 Tout Quarry SY 686726 Win Green ST 9417 Town Common SZ 140960 Winkton SZ 1696 Townsend SZ 128948 Winspit SY 9776 Townsend Reserve SZ 0278 Winterborne Came SY 704884 Trickett’s Cross SF SU100005 Winterborne Herringston SY 6887 Tripps Farm ST 687161 Winterborne Houghton ST 8104 Tuckton SZ 1492 Winterborne St Martin SY 6488 Turlin Moor SY 977917 Winterborne Steepleton SY 6289 Turnerspuddle SY 8393 Winterborne Whitchurch ST 8300 Turnerspuddle Heath SY 830934 Winterbourne Abbas SY 6190 Turnworth ST 8207 Witchamton ST 9806 Two Mile Copse SY 674821 Woodley Down ST 93179 Ulwell SZ 0181 Wool SY 8486 Up Cerne ST 6502 Woolbridge SY 844871 Uplyme SY 325936 Woolgarston SY 982814 Upton SY 9893 Woolsbarrow Fort SY 895925 Upton CP SY 993930 Worbarrow SY 872797 Upton Heath SY 9894 Worgret SY 906870 Upwey SY 6684 Worth Matravers SY 9777 Verne Common SY 692740 Wyke Down SU 0015 Verwood SU 0808 Wyke Regis SY 6677 Waddock Cross SY 799910 Wytch Causeway SY 981852 Wakeham SY 6971 Wytch Lake SY 9886

2010 Dorset Bird Report 203

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 203 17/07/2012 11:52 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

Brodie ES Abbotsbury Swannery Broad R Crossman J Abrahams R Croton N Adamcik T Brown A Croxson D Adams J BTO BirdTrack Dadds J Adams M BTO Heronries Darch D Alexander I BTO WeBS Darke M Allison A Buckle F Davis S Alsbury S Buckley P DoddDench I D Alway F Budden MD Dixon R Andrews MS Bundy A Armstrong GJ Burton N Donovan L Arnold K Butler T Dorset Wildlife Trust Ashby SV & S Butlin R Down J Astley J Cade M Dowty M Avanti C Cairns R DyerDuffield D R Baker P Campbell G DyerDurlston R Country Park Baldwin J Carley T Bale JV Carter R Balistrari S Caswell B Dymock A Ball D Chapleo C Easterbrook M Ball K Chappell L Elborn T Ballantine S Chapple B Elliot JM Balmer T CHOG Ellis J Banfield D Chown DJ Emmerson SD Banthorpe M Churchill C England P Barclay I Churchill R Fickling R Barlow C Clark J Foot D Barlow GF Clarke T Foot K Barnett P Clinch P Ford RA Barrett AJ Cockburn E Forrest P Barrett GC Cockram J Forster M Bartlett D Coe PA Fowler D Bath M Cole J Fowler N Bentley J Coleman M Fox M Bellamy JRW Collier R Francis J Bidwell S Constantine Ma Friend I BirdGuides Constantine Mo Gale A Bissell L Conway T Gale J Blood V Cooch S Gardner IC Blyth C Cooke D Garraway P Boarder J Cordery R Gartshore N Borough of Poole Corfield P Geall E Boswell R Cotter W Geater M Bowman ER Cottrell C Gibbons M Boys JV Court C Gibson N Bradbury P Courtaux C&J Gifford J BrettBragg E B Couzens D Gifford R Breeze S Crabb H Giovannini P Cross M Gleason R 204 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 204 17/07/2012 11:52 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS (continued)

Gould M Humphreys J Mantripp K Graham A Humphreys S Massey MJ Green D&M Hustinx M Massey PR Green GP Hutchings P Matthews N Green J Ingram S Matthews S Green M Inwood M McCafferty A Grinter A Irons T McGibbon R Groves J Jack D Mear B Groves SA Jackson K Membury A&G Hadrill P James RMR Miles R Haines B Jeffrey M Mitchell JR Hales S Johnson R Moore P Hall R Johnson S Moore S Hammick J Jones DA Morris R Hampton R Jones G Morrison P Hansford G Jones J Morrison S Hansford I Jones M Morse M Hansford J Jones S Morton P Hansford T Kaplonek J Moses P Hanson E Keevill A Mould R Hargreaves T Kellaway T Murdoch D Harradine A Kemp B Murray H Harris D Kemp RT Nairn I Harris J Kingman D Newton R Harris P Kirk I Nicklin RS Harris PM Kirton L Offer N Harrop D Knibbs D Ottery B&R Hayden A Knight P Ovens M Helliar D Lane C Owen F Hetherington P Lane KE Oxford A Hewitt R Larkin Dr JA Oxford R Hewson J Larking M Parker M Hill A Lawrence S Parker S Hill B Le Bas B Parnell C Hoar N Leadbetter D Paton J Hobbs D Leishman S PBO Hooker T Levell R Pearce H Hooper M Levey P Peart RH Hopkins GR Lewis IM Penton D Hopper N Lidster JA PettPeters K A Horne R Liley D Peters J Howell J Lilley H Howell R Lockwood J Pettit C Hughes D Lowing M Phillips J Hughes M Lowther J Phillips L Hull J Lucas J Phipps M Hull N Main J Pickess B Humber A Mallett K Pictor G Hume R Mann J Pierce C 2010 Dorset Bird Report 205

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 205 17/07/2012 11:52 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS (continued)

PiriePierce S R Snook N Waterman P Pike MV Southworth I&J Watts B&E Spencer B Weinberg J PowriePoore ME K Spierenberg P Wells G Powne JD Spittle D Wheatcroft A Sporke H Whitby C&G Price D Spring N White B&H Price R Squire T White C Pyke L Standfield P White D Quintrell N Stanley IM White G Rae M Stantiford N White J Randall C Stevens M White P Raper M Stimpson D White T Rare Bird Alert Stone J Whittle H Raymond C Stringer D Wilcox C Read E Stronach P Williams M Read J Sullivan J Williams P Reese A Taylor DH Wiscombe P Reese T Taylor J Wood Homer HG Relph B Taylor P WoodsWoodford N L Rendle P Taylor R Woodhouse J Richards CE Taylor T Rickman L Thain C Woodward A Ridley S Thorpe T Wright JF Robb M Tidy G Wynn R Robinson M Tilley J Robson S Tilsley J Rodgers M Tomlinson N Rogers C Tooth ND Rose AJ Travers A Ross J Trew M Rowland C Trewhella S RSPB Weymouth Trubridge M Sammons N Trübcher R Sarson ET Trundle R Saunders D&P Tucker K Saville V Tunstall J Sayer K Upton G Senior J Urch N Seward I Vaudin GC Sibsey I Vincent N Simmonds S Wakely J Simpson S Walbridge G Smith AD Wall S&N Smith DN Walls S Smith SF Ward M Smith SW Wareham D Smith V Wareham I Snell J Warrick T 206 Dorset Bird Report 2010

DBR2010 Master Text.indd 206 17/07/2012 11:52 PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS

Pectoral Sandpiper, Easton, Portland, 9th Sep 2010, Kevin Lane...... Front Cover Whooper Swan, Lytchett Bay, 4th Nov 2010, Shaun Robson...... p31 th Mar 2010, Andy Jordan...... p31 th Mar 2010, Martin Cade ...... p31 Bufflehead (settled), The Fleet, 14 Sparrowhawk, Hatch Pond, 5th Feb 2010, Mike Coleman ...... p32 Bufflehead (flight), The Fleet, 12 th ...... p32 Hobby, Wareham Forest, 3rd Jun 2010, Mike Coleman...... p59 Slavonian Grebe, Longham Lakes, 10 Apr 2010, Paul Corfield Glossy Ibis, Stanpit Marsh, 2nd Oct 2010, Peter Moore...... p59 White Stork, Wareham Water Meadows, 2nd Oct 2010, Peter Moore ...... p60 st Jul 2010, Luke Phillips...... p97 nd May 2010, Peter Moore...... p97 Gull-billed Tern, Abbotsbury Swannery, 1 th Nov 2010, Peter Moore...... p98 Roseate Tern, Brownsea Island, 22 Semipalmated Sandpiper, Lodmoor, 9th Sep 2010, Kevin Lane...... p98 Long-billed Dowitcher, Lodmoor, 20 th ...... p127 Spotted Redshank, Brownsea Island, 4th Apr 2010, Peter Moore...... p127 Red-necked Stint, Ferrybridge, 27 Aug 2010, Paul Baker Fieldfare, Blandford Forum, 13th Jan 2010, Mike Coleman...... p128 th ...... p128 Hoopoe, Rodden Hive, 21st Mar 2010, Peter Moore...... p159 Waxwing, Poole, 13 Dec 2010, Peter Moore th Sep 2010, Mike Coleman...... p159 ...... p160 Wryneck, West Bexington, 7 ‘Western’ Subalpine Warbler, Wick Fields, 25th Apr 2010, Peter Moore ...... p160 Willow Warbler, West Bexington, 8th Sep 2010, Mike Coleman th May 2010, Kevin Sayer...... p179 Blackcap, Blandford Forum, 2nd Jan 2010, Mike Coleman...... Back Cover Cuckoo, Christchurch Harbour Ringing Station, 18

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks are due to all individuals who have contributed to this report, regardless of the size of their contribution. The hundreds of both DBC members and non-members alike, who have taken the time and trouble to report their bird sightings throughout the year is reportsheartening, for inclusion as is the incontinued the county support report of . the other conservation organisations and clubs operating within the county in providing the DBC with copies of their records or annual

A large debt of gratitude is also due to the many individuals involved in putting this report together. This includes the sub-editors of the systematic list, who perform an often thankless task in sifting through several thousand records each and pulling together a enhancesbalanced accountthe report of . the status of each species within each year. Thanks are also due to the contributors of articles, maps, gazetteers and photographs, whose inclusionKevin greatly Lane

dbr2010cover - version 2.indd 3 02/07/2012 12:07 DORSET BIRD CLUB

Our Aims To promote the interest of birds and birdwatching in Dorset To collate Dorset bird records, producing the annual Dorset Bird Report To provide comment and support on local conservation issues To promote small-scale local projects through the Conservation Fund To initiate and encourage participation in local and national bird surveys

Membership Members receive a free copy of the annual report, plus three newsletters per year,

articles and other bird news of local interest . which feature summaries of recent sightings, reports on talks and field trips,

are free to members . The club also operates a program of guided walks to local nature hotspots, which Membership details are available on the club’s website, or from the membership secretary:

Mrs Diana Dyer, The Cedars, 3 Osmay Road, Swanage BH19 2JQ Tel: 01929 421402 • Email: [email protected]

www.dorsetbirds.org.uk

James Byrne Printing Ltd, Unit 10, Sandleheath Ind Est, Fordingbridge SP6 1PA

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