Dorset Bird Report 2009

Dorset Bird Club Published June 2011 Blank Page Dorset Bird Report 2009

Published June 2011

© 2011 Dorset Bird Club

2009 Dorset Bird Report 1 We offer

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2 Dorset Bird Report 2009 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2009

CONTENTS

...... 5 ...... 5 Report Production Team ...... 6-7 Current Committee of the Dorset Bird Club ...... Notes for Contributors ...... Review and Highlights of 2009 8-13 ...... The Dorset List 14-18 NotesSystematic to Systematic List for List2009...... 20-16919 ...... Escapes 170-171 ...... Pending and Requested Records 172-173 ...... Dorset Bird Ringing Summary and Totals for 2009 174-177 Article ...... Dorset Bird Ringing – Selected Recoveries in 2009 178-179 ...... : The Collared Flycatcher at Southwell, Portland 180-181 ...... County Map 182-184 ...... Gazetteer 186-190 ...... List of Contributors 191-192 ...... Photographic Credits Inside Back Cover Acknowledgments Inside Back Cover

2009 Dorset Bird Report 3 Mark S. Andrews F.C.C.A. CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT

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4 Dorset Bird Report 2009 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2009

PRODUCTION TEAM

Editor:

Species Accounts: Kevin Lane

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

Map: Kevin Lane

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

2009 Dorset Bird Report 5 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.

6 Dorset Bird Report 2009 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 rarity formswww.dorsetbirdclub.org.uk 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.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 7 REVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS OF 2009 Kevin Lane (records marked * are subject to acceptance by the relevant committee)

An relatively quiet year, with 261 species recorded in the county. This is the second lowest total2000 in the last decade.2002 The table below shows 2005the annual2006 totals for2007 the last2008 10 years.2009 275 269 267 275 269 269 268 258 277 2001 2003 2004 261

CollaredThree species Flycatcher were addedEastern to the Bonelli’s Dorset Warblerlist in 2009. CitrineRemarkably Wagtail all three birds appeared within a nine-day415 spell in late April and early May and, in order of appearance, these were: , and . The Dorset list now stands at species. Eastern Subalpine Warbler In stark contrast to 2008, with its glutGlossy of national Ibises rarities in Dorset, this year produced very few other major rarity highlights,Glossy with Ibises just a one-day * at Portland Bill during May, 6 flyover at Weymouth and The Fleet during September and a further 3 flyover at Hengistbury Head during October. January Whooper Swans Black Brants A fewPale-bellied notable waterfowl Brent Geese lingered on from December 2008, with up to 4 and 2 remaining on The Fleet throughout the month, whilst recordShort-eared numbers Owlsof Siberian were Chiffchaffs overwintering, with up to 47 on The FleetLong-tailed and 19 aroundDucks Poole Harbour. Other birds remaining from the previous year included up to 5 and a couple of on Portland, whilst 1 or 2 continued their stays at both AbbotsburySiberian Swannery Chiffchaff and Poole Harbour. Cattle Egret nd Therd firstTundra new arrival Bean of theGoose year was a at Lodmoor (2 onwards) whilst, what was considered to be the same rdwas to 5seen at East Holme and AbbotsburyWhite- fronted(3 ). A Geese was present mainly on theth Hampshire side thof the Avon, but put in appearances on the Dorset bank as well (3Black Brant and again onth 15 ) andth 8 dropped in to the fieldsRing-necked alongside Longham Duck Lakes (4 and 5 ). The onlyst otherth reports of scarce wildfowl concerned a new around Poole Harbour (from 16 ) and the rediscovery of last year’s at Sturminster Marshall (31 ). Icelands Glaucous Gulls Unsettled weather from mid-month onwards caused a flurry of sightings of white-winged gulls, with seen at 4 sites and turning Pomarineup at a similar Skua number of locations, including much appreciated long-stayers between Abbotsbury Beach and West Bexington and Littleat Swanage. Gullsth During this period, an unseasonableth was seen off Branksomest Chine (25 ) and Hengistbury Head (26 ). Later in the month, there was a Greysmall Phalaropepulse of passing the coast, which included 14 birds past West Bexington on the 31 . The rough weather was also presumablyth responsible for the finding of a dead atWaxwing Abbotsbury Swannery (12 ). Great Grey Shrike th The month’s only Serins put in an all-too-brief appearanceth at Easton, Portland (11 ) and a was seen at Great Ovens Heath (15 ). There was also a relatively unusual record of 2 , which were seen on 3 dates near Langton Herring. 8 Dorset Bird Report 2009 February Black Brants Whooper Swans Long- tailed Duck remained on The FleetGlaucous and at Gulls Poole Harbour throughout the month, whilst the 4 were last reportedSiberian on 24th. Chiffchaffs Other lingering birds included a Siberian at Poole Chiffchaffs Harbour, at West Bexington and Swanage (where 2 adults wereIceland now in Gulls residence) and on Portland and at Lodmoor. Further th were located alongside PC World in Poole (up to 3 present from 20 ). were seen at a couple of sites and the records may well have involvedRing-necked some of the Duck birds seen during January. nd rd The was seen Waxwings again at Sturminster Marshall (2 ) before promptly disappearing. It turned up again laterGreat in the Grey month Shrike at Little Sea, Studland (fromth 23 ). There were more briefth records of , with flocks seen at Holes Bay (4 ) and at Hengistbury Headth (8 ). A wintering was located at Chamberlayne’s Heath (from 12 ). Great Shearwater

The major rarity of the month, at leastth in Dorset terms, wasth the that was seen from a boat in Lyme Bay (19 ). This was only the 8 record of this species in Dorset. March

Black Brants Ring-necked Duck A few wintering birds were still lingeringth on, however both the Poole Harbour Siberian and The ChiffchaffsFleet had departed by the 5 of the month. The th also left Little Sea around the same date, but turned up again at SwinehamGreat Grey GP (from Shrike 20 ). continued to winter at Lodmoor, . th PC Worldth in Poole and on Portland, with a new individual being discovered at Uptonth CP (12 to 16 ). The remained on Chamberlayne’s Heath until theBewick’s 29 Swan Garganey Cattle Egret th The only early year record of came from LonghamRuff Lakes (19 ), whilst later in the month, the firstth began to appear. A took up residence inth the Ring-billedFrome Valley Gulls (from 7 ) and there was an excellent count of at LodmoorIceland (14 Gulls on 16 ). Glaucousth Gull th st were at Lytchett Bay (8 ) and Stanpit Marsh (18 ), again featuredA Yellow-browed (at 4 sites), Warbler however only one was seen (at Poole Harbour on 1 ). th th Serin was an unusual discovery at Bridport (16 – 24 ). Whether this individual had wintered in the area or wasth just moving through will never be known. Finally, a was reported over Durlston (18 ). April Ring-necked Duck Cattle Egret Siberian ChiffchaffsThe remained on Swineham GP throughout the month, as didth the nearby in the Frome Valley (which was joined by a second bird from 11 ). Great continued White Egretsto be seen at both PC World in Poole and on Portland.

The first ofWhite what Storkturned out to be a recordth year for them in the county were seen atCrane Lodmoor andth flying past Durlston (both on 6 ) and later in the month, 2 flew alongth the Avon Valley (18 ). A Red-footed spent a day Falcons on the water meadows at FramptonStone Curlew(17th) and a lingered long enough at Morden Bog for a few people to arriveth and see it (18 ). Less obliging were single flyoverth on Portland (25 ) and at Christchurch Harbour (20 ). 2009 Dorset Bird Report 9 Pomarine Skua . The regular th passage commenced towards the end of the month and reached 7 birds on 27 Hoopoe Blue-headed Wagtails Woodchatth Shrike The year’s only was at Church Ope Cove (19 ) andMealy a handful Redpoll of were picked out Serinson Portland. The first th of the year was well inland at Over Compton on the Somerset border (29 ) and a was seen on Portland on the same day. were recorded at Durlston,Collared Portland Flycatcher and Winspit.

The star bird of the month was however,th the male which graced a Portland garden for several days (from 28 ). Access to a neighbouring field was very kindly permitted and large numbers of birders were able to enjoy this first for the county during its stay. May Collared Flycatcher Eastern Bonelli’s Warblernd The remained onst Portland (until 2 ), meaning that plenty of people were on site to see Dorset’s first Citrine Wagtail , which was discovered at the Avalanche Road Hump on the 1 of the month. The third and final additionth to the Dorset listEastern in 2009 Subalpine was less obligingWarbler – a male at Lodmoor (6 ), which was photographed,th but didn’t linger long enough to be seen by anyone else. A few days later (9 ), an * was presentRing-necked on Portland Duck for muchrd of the day. Cattle Egrets Pomarine Skua Other lingering birds includedBlack Ternthe Swinehamth (until 3 ) and the 2 in theth Frome Valley (until 9 ). passage trickled on, with 8 past Portland (9 ), althoughSandwich th passageCommon was a Tern blink-and-you’ve-missed-it affair with all 4Common spring birds Tern passing on the 13 . ThereArctic were mixed Tern fortunes for our breeding terns, with positives being 263 and 185 nests on Brownsea and a further 65 nestsRoseate at Lodmoor. Terns A male was again around the Lodmoor colony and this year managed to produceLittle Tern a hybrid chick with a Common Tern, which unfortunately did not fledge. were seen at Brownsea Island and Hengistbury Head. Bad news came again from the colony at Ferrybridge. Although 37 birds had arrived at the site, these had all deserted by mid-month and no breeding attempts took place.Cory’s Shearwater Stone Curlew Iceland GullThere were many other scarceAlpine birdsth Swift seen during the courseBee-eaters of theth month,th with a off Chesilth Beach (16Red-rumped), a Swallow at Stanpitth (12 and Marsh13 ), a Warblerslate th at Radipolerd (27 ), anth at LodmoorIcterine (13Warbler), th at LangtonHooded Herring Crow(20 ) and Broadstone (24 ), a th at Lodmoor (5 ), th at Abbotsbury (23 ) andth Hatch Pond (25 ), an at Wick (15 ) and a at QuailPortland (30 ). Spotted Crake Golden Orioles Singing were near Gillingham and at Tarrant WoodchatRushton Airfield, Shrikes whilst a surprise was a singing on Brownseath IslandMealynd for Redpollsthree days. A total of 5 were seen on passage between 13 Serins and 22 and 3 put in appearances (2 at Portland Bill and 1 at Middlebere). were seen at a couple of sites around Portland and a few more were seen along the coast, including a female, Sep . which remained around West Bexington until mid-October. The possibility of breedingth in the county in 2009 was raised when a juvenile Serin was seen at the same site on 12

10 Dorset Bird Report 2009 June Marsh Harriers Quail The big news of a largely quiet monthRoseate was the Ternsconfirmation that a pair of were attempting to breed at Radipole Lake. Calling Tree remained Sparrows at Tarrant Rushton Airfield throughout, as did a pair of on Brownsea Island. Welcome news was received from the north of the county, where 6 pairs of Great White were Egret breeding. st Bee-eater sp rd Serins Rare and scarceMealy birds Redpoll were .at a premium this month, with just a past Hengistbury Head (1 ), a over Durlston (23 ), a handful of reports of and a single July Marsh Harriers Roseate TernThe Radipole Lake fledged 3 young around mid-month – the first successful breeding in the county by this species since 1962. Similarly, the Brownsea Island pair hatched a single chick and this was the first confirmed breeding by this species in QuailDorset since 1988. Serins continued to sing at Tarrant Rushton Airfield, with others at Maiden Castle and Langton Herring. were seen on Portland and at Durlston. Cattle Egret st The only rarity seen during the month was a fine breeding-plumaged at Lodmoor (21 ). August Quail

The good yearRoseate continued Tern with birds continuing to sing at Tarrantrd Rushton Airfield and at nearby Hemsworth. Another was heard at Wyke Down – anotherLong-eared traditional Owl site for this species. The chick successfully fledged on the 3 of the month, with the family leaving the lagoon a few days later. The year’s onlyth record of was that of a still partially downy bird at West Bexington (15 ) – surely this must have been raised within the county? Yellow-legged Gulls

The now-expectedGrey Phalarope early autumn build up of occurred at sites around Poole Harbour, with up to 63 at Holes Bay and 91 at Middlebere. Less expected was a juvenileth , which was discovered on the watercress beds at Dodding’s Farm onA Cattle 27 and Egret remained on site until the following day. Great White Egret Spotted Crakesth was seen briefly on Portland (7 ) and a colour-ringedDotterel nd was againBluethroat at Sturminsterth Marshall. were seen at Stanpit (2 ) and Abbotsburyth Swannery (24 ). This month also saw the thyear’s only records of (at Stanpit on 5 ) and (at West Bexington onMelodious 15 ). Warblers Wrynecks More expected August fayre included (3 on Portland and 1 at Wick) and the first couple of (at Durlston).

2009 Dorset Bird Report 11 September Glossy Ibises

The rarity highlight of the month was the record ofth 6 , which were seen at Radipole Lake and at Littlesea, The Fleet (both on 19 ). Ring- necked Duck Great White Egret There wereRichard’s plenty ofPipit other rareth and scarceTawny birds seen Pipit during the month, with a drake th atst StanpitHippolais (29 ),sp a th tracked from Stanpitth to Brownsea (18Red-backed), a Shrike at Wick (19 ), a Rose-coloured on Portland Starlings (19 , with presumablyth st tothe 6 same on 21 ), a (probablyth Common Melodiousth Rosefinch Warbler) at Hengistbury Head (4 ), aLittle th Bunting at Durlston (19th and 20 ), th at Westonth (1 ) and at the Bridging Campth (5 ), a at Durlston (4 and 5 ) and a on PortlandOrtolan (25 ). Bunting to 22 Grey Phalarope rd th All thend year’sWrynecks records of fell duringSerins this month, with 6 birds recorded (9th ). Another early Lesser Whitethroat was found inland at Longham Lakes (3 and 4 ). Several appeared during the month and were again recordedth at Durlston and on Portland. An eastern was trapped on PortlandSooty (28 Shearwaters). . The month was also notablend for a county and Portland record of 177 , which flew past the Bill on 2 October Glossy Ibis Radde’s Warbler was againth the rarest bird recordedst . during the month, with 3 flying over Hengistburyth Head (25 ). Another good record was that of a (Dorset’s 13A Purple), which Heron was trapped at Abbotsbury on 31 Crane Whooper Swans th Black Brantsth flew over Lodmoor (12Grey) and Phalarope the year’s second (near Arne on 12 ) was also recorded. were seen on The Fleet on 3 dates and 3 returned to winter at the same site. A appeared off Portland Bill late in the Wrynecksmonth. Yellow-browed Warblers Red-backed Shrike lingered at a couple ofth sites untilLesser early Whitethroat in the month, whilst began to arriveth from 8 . AnotherLittle Bunting was found – this time at Nineth Barrow Down (8th ), another eastern was trapped on PortlandSerins (28Lapland, remaining Buntings to 29 ),Snow the year’s Buntings secondth . was found in almost exactly the same spot as the first on Portland (8 ) and there were a scattering of reports of , and November Leach’s Petrels

The major event of ththe month was Dorset’s largest ever wreck of , which occurred on the 29 . Smaller numbers had been recorded in the preceeding days but, on the day of the wreck itself, well over 600 birds were involved, providing a memorable experience for those lucky enough to be in the area at the time. Bewick’s Swans Whooper Swans A few locallyWhite-fronted rare and scarce Geese wildfowl wereth recorded during the month, including 2 nd Black Brant over Gussage St Andrew (4 ), 5 th at AbbotsburyPale-bellied Swannery Brentth Geese(22 ) and Long-tailedpast Hengistbury Ducks Head (5 ) and Weymouth Bay (10 ). The 3 remained on The Fleet throughout and up to 30 were at the same site. Four returned to winter at Poole Harbour. 12 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Cattle Egret

The only rare heron seen during theGrey monthth Phalaropes was a , which tookLittle up Auks residence were for a few weeks at Winkton (from 15 ). Stormy weather, as well as causingMediterranean the Leach’s GullsPetrel wreck, also producedth severalth , whilst a total of 6 recorded between 15 and 30 . This month also saw a new record set for in the county, with an estimated 300Richard’s birds being Pipits present on The Fleet. Yellow-browed Warblers Greatth Grey ShrikeScarcer passerines recordedth included Lapland at Buntings Langton Herringth (4 ) and HengistburySnow Head Buntings (15 ), a few moreth Siberian (until 7 Chiffchaffs), a were at Ferndown Common (25 ), a handful of at expected coastal sites and over Durlston and Portland. Several seen on Portland during the month. December Black Brants Cattle Egret Grey Phalarope LeftoversLong-tailed from November Ducks includedth the 3 , which remained into 2010, the Winkton (until 7 ) and a couple of records early in the month. Up to 4 remained at Poole Harbour, whilst others were seen in Studland Bay and passing Durlston and PortlandBewick’s Bill. Swans st Whooper Swan st White-fronted Geese New wildfowlFerruginous seen included Duck 4 at Stanpit (31 ), a th at Abbotsburyth Swannery (1 ), 2 at bothth Stanpitth (4 ) and Puddletown (17 ) and a Siberian Chiffchaffs at Abbotsbury Swannery (4 to 18 ).

One or two were located at Hatch Pond, along with another on Portland. Birds remained at both sitesSnow into 2010.Buntings

Finally, there were further records of , with birds seen at Hengistbury Head and a Poole Port, with the latter remaining present into the New Year.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 13 THE DORSET LIST

NBLetters - Species in brackets recorded indenote 2009 arewhich highlighted types of in recordsbold are requested for each species.

Mute Swan Bewick’s Swan Red-legged Partridge Whooper Swan (B C M) GreyBlack PartridgeGrouse (D) Bean Goose (A) Quail (B C) (D) Pheasant (A) White-fronted (D) Goose Golden (A) Pheasant GreylagPink-footed Goose Goose (D) Red-throated (U) Diver (A) Black-throated Diver (A) Canada Goose (A) Great Northern Diver (A) Snow Goose (D) (A) Brent Goose (B C) (A) Barnacle Goose (A) LittleWhite-billed Grebe Diver (D) Egyptian Goose (C F&L I) GreatPied-billed Crested Grebe Grebe (*) Red-breasted Goose (*) Red-necked (BGrebe C) Shelduck (A) Slavonian Grebe (B C) MandarinRuddy Shelduck Duck (A) Black-necked Grebe (A) Wigeon (B C M) (A) (A) Fulmar (A) Gadwall (C M S) Cory’sBlack-browed Shearwater Albatross (*) TealAmerican Wigeon (D) Great Shearwater (B I M) (B C) Sooty Shearwater (D) Mallard (B C M) Manx Shearwater (D) PintailGreen-winged Teal (D) Balearic Shearwater (A) Garganey (B C M) (A) (C M S) Storm Petrel (A) Shoveler (A) Leach’sMacaronesian Petrel Shearwater (*) Blue-winged Teal (*) Gannet (A) Pochard (C M S) Cormorant (D) Ring-neckedRed-crested Pochard Duck (A) Shag (I M) Ferruginous (B C DuckM) Bittern (B C I) Tufted Duck (D) (B C I) Scaup (D) (A) (B C M) American Bittern (*) Eider (A) Little Bittern (*) Lesser Scaup (*) CattleNight Heron Egret (D) Long-tailed (A) Duck LittleSquacco Egret Heron (*) CommonKing Eider Scoter (*) Great White (D)Egret (A) Grey Heron (A) Velvet Scoter (C M) Purple Heron (D) GoldeneyeSurf Scoter (D) (B C) (A) White Stork (D) Red-breasted (C MMerganser S) GlossyBlack Stork Ibis (*) GoosanderSmew (A) Spoonbill (D) Ruddy Duck (C I M S) Honey Buzzard (*) (A) (A) (A) (D) 14 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Red Kite Black Kite (D) Temminck’s Stint (D) Marsh Harrier (A) White-rumped Sandpiper (D) HenWhite-tailed Harrier Eagle (*) Baird’s Sandpiper (*) (A) CurlewPectoral Sandpiper Sandpiper (D) Montagu’s Harrier (A) PurpleSharp-tailed Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) Pallid Harrier (*) Dunlin (A) Sparrowhawk (D) (A) BuzzardGoshawk (D) (C M) (B M) Stilt Sandpiper (*) Osprey (B C M) RuffBroad-billed Sandpiper (*) KestrelRough-legged Buzzard (D) JackBuff-breasted Snipe Sandpiper (D) Red-footed (A) Falcon Snipe (A) Merlin (B M) (A) Hobby (D) (B C M) (A) WoodcockGreat Snipe (*) Peregrine (A) Black-tailedLong-billed Dowitcher Godwit (*) WaterGyr Falcon Rail (*) Bar-tailed Godwit(A) Spotted Crake (B I) Whimbrel (C M) (B C M) Curlew (C M) (D) (C F&L M) CorncrakeLittle Crake (*) (B C M) MoorhenBaillon’s Crake (*) CommonUpland Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) (D) Terek Sandpiper (*) Coot (B C M) Green Sandpiper (C M W) CraneAllen’s Gallinule (*) Spotted Sandpiper Redshank (*) (B C M) Greenshank (C M) (D) (C M) OystercatcherLittle Bustard (*) (C M) Great Bustard (*) WoodLesser SandpiperYellowlegs (*) Avocet (B C M) RedshankMarsh Sandpiper (*) Stone-curlewBlack-winged Stilt (*) Turnstone (A) (A) (B C M) (A) (C M) LittleCream-coloured Ringed Plover Courser (*) GreyWilson’s Phalarope Phalarope (*) RingedCollared Plover Pratincole (*) PomarineRed-necked Skua Phalarope (D) (A) Arctic Skua (A) Dotterel (B C M) (A) Kentish Plover (D) Great Skua (A) (D) Long-tailed Skua (D) GoldenAmerican Plover Golden Plover (D) (A) GreyPacific Plover Golden Plover (*) KittiwakeIvory Gull (*) (C M) Sabine’s Gull (D) (C M) Black-headed (B C GullM) LapwingSociable Plover (*) LittleBonaparte’s Gull Gull (*) KnotWhite-tailed Plover (*) (B C M) Sanderling (B C M) (A) (A) Ross’s Gull (*) (A) MediterraneanLaughing Gull (*) Gull LittleSemipalmated Stint Sandpiper (*) CommonFranklin’s GullGull (*) Western Sandpiper (*) (A) (A) (C M S) 2009 Dorset Bird Report 15 Ring-billed Gull Kingfisher Lesser Black-backed Gull Bee-eater 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) Bridled Tern (*) SkylarkLesser Short-toed Lark (*) (B C F&L M) (A) Gull-billed Tern (*) Sand Martin (B C M) BlackCaspian Tern Tern (*) SwallowShore Lark (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 (*) Tawny Pipit (D) Arctic Tern (B F&L I M) Blyth’s Pipit (*) Guillemot (A) Tree Pipit (D) Razorbill (A) Olive-backed Pipit (*) (B I M) Meadow Pipit (A) Little Auk (B I M) Pechora Pipit (*) PuffinBlack Guillemot (D) Rock Pipit (B C M) (A) WaterRed-throated Pipit Pipit (D) Feral Pigeon (A) Yellow Wagtail (B C M) StockPallas’s Dove Sandgrouse (*) Citrine Wagtail (A) Woodpigeon (C U) Grey Wagtail (A) Collared Dove (C M) White/Pied 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) Bluethroat (A) Nightjar (A) Siberian Rubythroat (*) (A) Black Redstart (D) (A) RedstartRed-flanked Bluetail (*) SwiftEgyptian Nightjar (*) Whinchat (A) Common Nighthawk (*) Stonechat (B F&L M) Alpine (B Swift C F&L M) Wheatear (B F&L M) Pallid Swift (*) (B C M) (D) (B F&L M) Little Swift (*) Pied Wheatear (*) 16 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Goldcrest Firecrest Black-eared Wheatear (*) Spotted Flycatcher (B M) Desert Wheatear (*) (A) RingRock ThrushOuzel (*) Collared Flycatcher (B F&L M) BlackbirdGrey-cheeked Thrush (*) PiedRed-breasted Flycatcher Flycatcher (D) (A) Bearded 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 (*) NuthatchWillow Tit (D) (A) (B C) GrasshopperFan-tailed Warbler Warbler (*) Treecreeper (B C) Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler (*) Wallcreeper (*) (A) (B C) SedgeSavi’s Warbler Warbler (*) GoldenShort-toed Oriole Treecreeper (*) Aquatic Warbler (D) Penduline Tit (*) Marsh Warbler (B F&L M) Red-backed Shrike (D) ReedBlyth’s Warbler Reed Warbler (*) Isabelline Shrike (*) (D) Great Grey Shrike (A) (B F&L M) Lesser Grey Shrike (*) Great Reed Warbler (*) Woodchat Shrike (A) Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (*) JaySouthern Grey Shrike (*) IcterineBooted Warbler Warbler (*) Magpie (D) MelodiousSykes’s Warbler Warbler (*) (B M) Blackcap (D) (C) Garden Warbler (D) JackdawNutcracker (*) (B M W) RookChough (D) Lesser Whitethroat (B F&L M) Carrion Crow (C M) Barred Warbler (D) Hooded (C) Crow (B F&L M) Raven (C) WhitethroatOrphean Warbler (*) Starling (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) Greenish Warbler (D) BramblingRed-eyed Vireo (*) Yellow-browedArctic Warbler (*) Warbler Serin (C M) Pallas’s Warbler (D) Greenfinch (A) Radde’s Warbler (A) Goldfinch (A) Hume’s Warbler (*) Siskin (C M) (D) Linnet (C M) EasternDusky Warbler Bonelli’s (D) Warbler (B C M) WoodWestern Warbler Bonelli’s Warbler (*) Lesser (BRedpoll C M) Chiffchaff (*) MealyTwite (D) Redpoll (A) (B C M) Willow Warbler (B M W) (D) Iberian Chiffchaff (*) Arctic Redpoll (D) (B F&L M) Two-barred Crossbill (*) 2009 Dorset Bird Report 17 Common Crossbill Common Rosefinch Ortolan Bunting Bullfinch (A) Cirl Bunting (D) Hawfinch (D) Little Bunting (A) (B C M) Rustic Bunting (D) (A) Reed Bunting (D) Northern Parula (*) Yellow-breasted Bunting (*) Northern Waterthrush (*) Corn Bunting (B C M) LaplandSavannah Bunting Sparrow (*) Black-headed Bunting (*) SnowDark-eyed Bunting Junco (*) (A) (A) TotalBobolink – 415 (*) (2009 – 261) Yellowhammer (A) Pine Bunting (*) (B C)

Selected Identifiable Subspecies

Blue-headed Wagtail Pale-bellied Brent Goose BlackGreenland 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 2009 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2009

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. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 19 MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor A common resident and winter visitor. The Fleet is one of the most important UK sites.

Breeding:

Widespread in suitable wetland or riverine habitat – records were received from the following sites. Abbotsbury Swannery (150 pairs), Brownsea Island (1 pair), Chard Junction GP (1 pair - all young predated), Charmouth (1 pair with 5 cygnets), Creekmoor Ponds (1 pair), Dorchester, Ham Common (7 cygnets on 29th May), Harpitt’s Lake (1 pair), Lewell Mill, Lodmoor (4 pairs with up to 18 cygnets), Radipole Lake (4 pairs with a total of 8 cygnets), Spetisbury (1 pair with 5 cygnets), Wareham, West Bexington (1 pair) and Upton CP.

High mortality was noted at Lodmoor where at least 6 of 18 cygnets died and at Chard Junction GP where no cygnets survived for the second year in succession. At Creekmoor Ponds, the nest was believed to have been destroyed by vandals. In addition, the remains of Siteat least maxima: 2 birds could be seen under the power lines at East Holme during March. Apr Sep Nov

Jan56 Feb69 Mar98 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec66 Christchurch Harbour 13 9634 34 nc 1676 2835 2745 6 178 14865 16982 19 East Holme 587 767 35 36 897 Poole Harbour 126 107 54 127 The Fleet 591 604 531 612 639 684 703 831 732 BEWICK’S SWAN Cygnus columbianus A scarce winter visitor, mainly to the Avon and Frome valleys. [Amber list]

First winter period:

th SecondLongham winter Lakes period: 1 flying over on 19 Mar constituted the only spring record. Nov . th st Gussage St Andrew 2 flew east over the village on 4 Stanpit Marsh 3 adults and a juv were present for a short time on 31 Dec.

Now much the rarer of the two ‘wild’ swans. WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

First winter period:

SA Groves et al The Fleet 4 birds remainedth from 2008 and were last seen at Abbotsbury Second winter period: Swannery on 24 Feb ( , photo).

th Abbotsbury Swannery Possibly 9 differentth individualsth noted: stan adult on 8 Oct; 2 adults on bothSA 12Grovesnd and 13 Oct; a family party (2 adults and 3 juveniles) on 22 Nov; an adult on 1 Dec (all records ).

This species has become an annual visitor, since 2004, to the western Fleet, generally 20between Dorset Tidmoor Bird Report and2009 Abbotsbury. TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE Anser fabalis rossicus A rare winter visitor.

rd - 5 th A singleth bird wasrd with Greylag perGeese HOS on the west side of the river Avon 3 Jan and on 15 Jan. This may have beenth the same individual that frequented the Hampshire side of the river between 3 and 26 Jan ( ). WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons albifrons A very scarce winter visitor, formerly regular.

First winter period: - 5 th th SecondLongham winter Lakes period: 8 there 4 Jan.

Nov . th Bardolf Farm 2 were thon the water meadows near Puddletown on 17 Dec. Hengistbury Head 9e on 5 th Nov . Stanpit Marsh 2w on 4 thDec. Weymouth Bay 8w on 10 GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser A rare winter visitor in the wild state and a locally common feral resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th A feral breeder in the Avon valleyrd and in Poole Park where 15 goslings were seen on 15 Jun. In addition, for the first time, 2 pairs bred on Brownsea Island and a pair at Swineham GP Selectedwere seen other with 3records: goslings on 23 May.

th Lower Avon Valley 150 on 4thst Jan.Apr . Poole Park 33 on 27 Feb. Portland Bill 1w on 21 th Swineham GP 25+ on 26 Jan. Anser spp

GREY GOOSE spp Novth . Branksome 24 overth on 9 Oct were thought most likely to be Greylags. Durlston 4e on 9

2009 Dorset Bird Report 21 CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis A common feral resident.

Breeding:

Records were received from: Bardolf Farm (1 pair), Chard Junction GP (1 pair with 5 goslings), Lodmoor (at least 4 pairs raised 27 goslings), Radipole Lake, Redbridge Road, Sturminster Marshall GP (2 pairs raised 10 goslings), Swineham GP (1 pair with 6 goslings) andSite Uptonmaxima: CP.

thrd Sep . Cowards Marsh 180 on 28 Nov Aug. . Lodmoor 400 on 23th st Swineham GP 204 on 6 Warmwell Quarry 700+ on 21 Aug

There appears to be considerable interchange of birds between Warmwell Quarry and Lodmoor. DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla bernicla A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 90 90 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 529 600Dec Christchurch Harbour 550168 188 40 106 102 Poole Harbour 812 471 347 54 112 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 1500 40 1 1150 1830 1774

CoastalThe maximum passage: count on The Fleet is below 2,000 for the first time since 2002. Bird-days Apr Sep Nov 25 2 Jan Feb Mar2 2 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec25 Hengistbury Head 336 123 118 1 213 36 Portland Bill 37 81 40 31 Branta bernicla hrota A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE First winter period:

st Abbotsbury Swannery 25A feral bird continued to be resident throughout the ndyear. Poole Harbour 19th birds were at Baiter on 1 Jan,th with 18 there on 2 and Jan and 1 remainingth until 11 Mar. Elsewhere, 2 thwere in Ower Bayth on 16 Jan and 2 were at Middlebere on 29 Jan. Portland Harbour 9 on 11 Mar. th st Studland Bay 10 at Middle Beach on 27 Feb. The Fleet Maximath of 47 at Littlesea on 1 Jan and 42 at Ferrybridgeth on Passage: 19 Jan with the last remaining bird at Littlesea on 27 Mar. Nov . th 22Chesil Dorset Cove Bird Report 2009 2s on 24 th th th Portland Bill 3w on 25 Feb, 25wth on 8 Apr and 9w on 24 Apr. During autumn, 3s on 4 Oct. th SecondSwineham winter GP period: 2 on the late date of 10 May were presumably migrants. Nov . th Mudeford Quay 2 in The Run on 4 th th Nov Poole Harbour 2 in Parkstone Bayth on 13 Nov and 2 at Baiter Nov . on 16th Nov, 5 at Arne on 17 Nov and 4 on Brownseath Lagoon 28 with perhaps the same 4 at Baiter on 30 th th Studland Bay 22Single bird present off Middleth Beach on 17 and 18 Oct. The Fleet Maxnd of 30 at Littlesea on 30 Nov and 27 at thFerrybridge on Nov. First returning bird was seen on 4 Oct.

A significant wintering population has developed in the county since the autumn of 2008, with record numbers in Poole harbour and on The Fleet. Branta bernicla nigricans A scarce but regular winter visitor. BLACK BRANT First winter period:

st GJ Armstrong et al Poole Harbour 1 frequentedth the harbour mouth/Studland Bay/Brands 26Bay area 16 Jan - 1 Mar ( , photo). The Fleet 2B adults thSpencer were et presental on the eastern Fleet fromth 2008 until Feb with a single bird remaining until 4 Mar ( , photo).

The birds on The Fleet would appear to be returning individuals, which first appeared in SecondNovember winter 2006 period: and were present in both winter periods of 2007 and 2008.

th The Fleet The first returning bird arrived at Littlesea on 12 th Oct. 3 birds were recordedth togetherth at Lynch Cove on 19 Oct,th at Ferrybridge on 7 and 17 Nov and at LittleseathMO on 13 Dec. 2 birds then remained in the areath until 24 Jan 2010, with a single bird remaining until 14 Mar 2010 ( , photo). EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca A scarce feral visitor.

All records:

rd Apr . th Christchurch Harbour 2 birds were on Blackberryst Apr . Point briefly on 15 Feb and 2 flew north Nov on . th 23 Cowards Marsh 2 presentth 19 - 21 Nov . Hatch Pond 1 on 7 th Iford 1 on theth golf course on 7 Lodmoor 1 on 6 thJun. Longham Lakes 2 on 28 Jan.

Tempting to suggest that 2 birds were touring east Dorset in the first2009 half Dorset of the Bird year. Report 23 SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna A localised breeding species and numerous winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

rd th th Records were received from Brands Bay (30 juvs on 4 Jul), Holes Bay (7 juvsrd on 10 th Jul), Lodmoor (4 pairs with a total of 13 young on 23 Jul), Middlebere (55 juvs on 26 Aug), SitePortland maxima: Harbour (2 pairs on the breakwaters) and Rodden Hive (7 juvs on 3 Sep). Apr Sep Nov 8 6 899Jan 579Feb Mar685 May Jun8 Jul Aug55 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 6630 6664 6553 49 2732 11 7 1 12 Poole Harbour 215 13 34 177 201 715 439 The Fleet 51 53 13 11 16 37

Numbers in Poole Harbour remain below 1,000 whereas they were regularly over 3,000 as recently as 1997. MANDARIN Aix galericulata A scarce feral resident, mainly along the Stour valley.

Breeding:

Records of successful breeding were received from Canford Magna GC (no further details) Otherand Merley records: Park (36 young hatched).

th Bestwall 7A male in flight 26 Feb. th Bryanston Singleth birds of both sexes on 4 dates between 17 Apr and Jun. th Apr . Delph Woods A female on 26 May. nd Dewlish 7 birds on 22nd Mar andth 2 pairs on 2 Longham Lakes 14 on the river Stour 19 Oct. Merley Park Maximum count of 72 included at least 40 juveniles, which were thought to be from both breedingth colonies. Morden Park Lake A pair in woodland near the laketh on 29 Mar.th Sherborne Lake A drake on 5th dates between 14 Feb and 14 Mar. Tadnoll A pair on 20 May.

A wider spread of records than usual with several in potential breeding habitat. WIGEON Anas penelope A common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 800 25 2 5 206 2695Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 295 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 725551 389 8 569 425 540 373 Poole Harbour 1353 201 10 3 915 484 2388 The Fleet 3000 400 4 1750 1541 5131 24 Dorset Bird Report 2009 The WeBS total for The Fleet in December is the highest there since 5,360 were recorded Coastalin October passage: 2002. Sep . th Durlston 4w on 18 th st th th Hengistbury Head 83 arrivedth on 10 Sep; 244w between 14 & 17 Sep; 72w on 15 Oct; 23w on 31 Oct. OtherPortland records: Bill A total of 87 birds were recorded between Aug and Nov.

Bardolf Farm About 700 were present in the water meadows near Puddletown during both winter periods. GADWALL Anas strepera A scarce resident, locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th The only record received was from Lodmoor of a pair with 8 young on 24 Jun. No information was received from other regular breeding sites such as Brownsea Island or SiteRadipole maxima: Lake. Apr Sep Nov 95 5 2 2 2 5 6 5 Jan Feb Mar8 May2 Jun Jul Aug5 22 Oct50 Dec Christchurch Harbour 58 4 80 4 4 701 Hatch Pond 46 32 64 2 6 2239 61 Lodmoor 70 110 Poole Harbour 112 13928 382 6 126 21 845 Radipole Lake 150 16 The Fleet 150 1 1 10

This species seems to suffer, perhaps more than most, from inconsistent reporting and is almost certainly under recorded. Significant numbers are often present on smaller water Otherbodies records:away from the main coastal sites.

th Crichel Lake 118 on 15th Mar. Monkton up Wimborne 55 on 15th Mar. Morden Park Lake 40 on 28th Dec. CoastalLongham passage: Lakes 58 on 8 Jan. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 8 7 6 Jan6 Feb Mar 8 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Hengistbury Head 10 Portland

2009 Dorset Bird Report 25 TEAL Anas crecca A scarce breeding species, passage migrant and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

SiteThere maxima: were no breeding records received. A single pair had bred on Brownsea 2006-8. Apr Sep Nov 206 5 2 9 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 250Dec Christchurch Harbour 237 100 2 8 83 850140 872111 148 Lodmoor 200150 100 2 3 1 100 160 Poole Harbour 1255500 1715 412 2015 1 2 3 375 660 520804 Radipole Lake 100 120 The Fleet 450 138 53 330 100

Numbers generally were higher than in 2008. The Fleet WeBS count for October is the highest there since autumn 2004 and the Poole Harbour total in February is above the 10- Coastalyear average passage: of 1,658. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 6 5 Jan Feb Mar 9 May2 Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Portland 1 15 10 Hengistbury Head 115 37 MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos A common breeding species and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Widespread and no doubt under recorded breeder with at least 41 broods reported Sitethroughout maxima: the county. Apr Sep Nov 99 Jan Feb Mar5 8 May Jun Jul58 Aug67 Oct29 Dec Christchurch Harbour 299 25 80 208110 Hatch Pond 16 12 14 37 39 19 25021 Poole Harbour 588375 158 220 55230 261 Radipole Lake 400 450 400 450 300 300 The Fleet 379 261 169 334 238 495 610 440 481 PINTAIL Anas acuta A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 88 6 56 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Harbour 200373 162 5513 87 3 [NBRiver – TheAvon totals for Poole Harbour100 above100 include100 counts for Little Sea, Studland] 300 The Fleet 46 46 40 64

26 Dorset Bird Report 2009 The count of 373 birds on Little Sea during January was the highest in theth Pooleth Harbour area sinceth 2002. Also reportedth at Christchurch Harbour (including 10 on 8 & 14 Janth and 11 on 17th Jan, 17 on 12th Sep), Coward’s Marsh, Critchel Lakes, East Holme (40+ on 15 Feb, 7 on 6 Mar, 30 on 5 Dec), Lodmoor,th Portland, Radipoleth Lake, Sturminster Marshall GPs, CoastalSwineham passage: GP (including 38 on 18 Sep, 10+ on 20 Sep) and West Bexington. . th th th th Durlston One on 5 Jan, 4 on 9 Nov,st 1 on 13 Dec and 2 on 15 th Hengistbury Head Monthly totals: 1 in Jan, 41 in Sep (including 25 on 16 ), 45 in Oct (including 28 on 31 ), 5 in Nov, 36 in Dec (including 8th past and 28 arriving from the north and landing on sea on 5 ). Portland Monthly totals: 5 in Jan, 2 in Feb, 1 in Mar, Oct and Nov. GARGANEY Anas querquedula A scarce passage migrant and occasional breeding species. [Amber list]

Spring passage:

th Abbotsbury Swannery A drake on 25th May. Arne Moors A drake on 14 May. nd rd th Christchurch Harbour A female at Stanpitrd on 22 Mar, 2 past Hengistbury on 10 Apr, a drake on Priory Marsh on 23 Apr, a draketh from Hengistbury on 3 May, tha drake at Stanpit on 12th May,th 4 juvs/ females at Stanpitstth on 25nd Jun, a juv/female 27 – 29 Jun. Lodmoor Drakes on 14 and 22 May.th Longham Lakes A pair on 31 Mar and 4 May.nd rd Apr . th Radipole Lake Two drakesth andst a female on 2 nd Apr, pair onst 5 days between 4 and 18 Apr, single birdsnd on 22 and 23 Swineham GP A pair on 21 and 22 Mar,th single bird on 1 May. AutumnWest Bexington passage: A pair on the Mere on 20 Mar.

th st th Abbotsbury Swannery A juvenile on 25 rdand 26 Aug. nd Christchurch Harbour Two at Stanpit on 31 Jul, 1s through the harbourth on 22 Aug, 1 at Stanpit on 23 Aug, 1 at Stanpit on 12 Sep. A below average year; the first time for at least 15 years that there have beenth no records in October. ExtremeLodmoor dates: One on 7 Aug. st

th 21 Mar at Swineham GP and 12 Sep at Stanpit Marsh.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 27 SHOVELER Anas clypeata A scarce breeding species, passage migrant and localised winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

At least 10 over-summered at Lodmoor but no chicks were seen. A pair at West Bexington Sitein May maxima: might suggest local breeding. Apr Sep Nov 50 Jan27 Feb Mar 7 May2 Jun5 Jul6 Aug6 5 Oct 7 Dec8 Avon Causeway 30 24 2 40 Christchurch Harbour 763 3 7 Lodmoor 48 60 71 40 101 Poole Harbour 26043 9031 2 2214 37 5237 156 Swineham GP 8034 60 5015 3 2 1 10 4 The Fleet 135 14 35 105 West Bexington 4 54 32

th The count of 101 at Lodmoor on 19 Dec is the highest thcount since 100 in the winter of 1994/95. Also seen at Bardolfth Farm, Bestwall (20+ on 25 Jan), Creekmoor Ponds, Critchelth Lake, Dorchester (13 on 6 Mar on wet meadows near the A37,th 11 still present onth 9 ), East Holme (small numbers in Feb and Dec), Ferrybridge (4 on 8 Jan and 2 on 18 Apr), Hatch Pond (small numbers present in Jan toth Mar and Sep to Dec), Longham Lakes, Mordenth Bog, Poole Park (an unusual record on 11 Oct), Portland, Radipole Lake (34 on 7 Jan), CoastalSturminster passage: Marshall GP, Wimborne St Giles and Winterborne Herringston. st

th th th Abbotsbury Beach Two on 19 th, 3 on 21 , andth 6 on 28 Feb; 3 on 18 Mar. Durlston Three on 5st and 2 on 20 Mar. Hengistbury Head Monthly totals: 6 in Jan, 2 in May, 11 in Jul, 22 in Sep, 41 in Oct (all on 31 ) and 15 in Dec. Portland Monthly totals: 5 in Jan, 2 in Feb and Mar, 3 in Apr and May and 2 in Sep. POCHARD Aythya ferina A rare breeding species and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

SiteAt least maxima: 3 pairs bred at Lodmoor, producing broods of 7, 5 and 5 young. Apr Sep Nov 200 20 9 297 70 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct6 Dec Lodmoor 14 14 21 Poole Harbour 650320 294 14 7 6 6 26019 600124 [NBRadipole – The Laketotals for Poole Harbour213 above include counts for Little Sea, Studland] 45 The Fleet 718 130 11 21 165 360

th Also seen at Bardolfnd water meadows, Christchurch Harbour (12 over on 19 Dec), Critchel Lakes (61 on 22 Feb), Hatch Pond (1 or 2 birds reported on 8 dates in Jan and Nov - Dec), 28Hengistbury Dorset Bird HeadReport (small2009 numbers past in Jan including an exceptional 74 in several flocks thst th on 7 , Feb, Sep, Oct and Dec), Longham Lakes (100 on 9 Jan), Lytchett Bay (2 males present on 21 Dec were the first since 2006), Morden Bog,th Poole Park, Sherborne Lake, Sturminster Marshall GPs (including a flock of 9 in thflight on 8 Aug - presumably a flock of wandering early migrants), Stanpit Marsh (3 on 17 Dec), Swinehamth GP (recorded from Jan to Apr, and from Sep to end of year with a peak count of 58 on 15 Nov) and West Bexington. RING-NECKED DUCK Aythya collaris A very rare visitor – eighteen previous records.

st th A female, considered to be the same bird first discovered atrd Swineham GP on 7 Dec nd2008, was present with the Tufted Duck flock at Sturminster Marshall GPs on 31 Jan and 2 Feb. Theth same birdrd was relocatedKE Lane onet alLittle Sea, Studland on 23 Feb and remainedth there until 4 Mar. It then returned to its original location on Swineham GP on 20 Mar and was last reported on 3 May ( , photo). L Chappell th Later in the year, a drake was discovered in Mother Siller’s Channel at Stanpit Marsh on 29 Sep. It remained in view for just 15 minutes before flying off northwest ( ). th The early year femalest lingering on from 2008 was the 19 county record, as publishedth in the 2008 Dorset Bird Report, whilst the Stanpit Marsh bird represents the 20 Dorset record and is also the 1 record for CHOG. FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca A very rare visitor.

There was one record this year: SA Groves et al Abbotsbury Swannery An adult femaleth wasth with the Pochard flock on The Fleet between 4 and 18 Dec ( , photo). TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula A localised breeding species, passage migrant and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th Four chicksrd were seen at Lodmoor on 25 Jun andth a brood of 10 was seen two days later. At Radipole Lake 10 – 15 pairs were present on 5 Jun and a female was seen with 4 young Siteon 23 maxima: Jul. Apr Sep Nov 6 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 87 Dec Lodmoor 250 38 34 30 95 Poole Harbour 20081 25543 39 14 4 82 272 29643 24 [NBRadipole – The Laketotals for Poole Harbour above150 include counts for Little10 Sea,40 Studland]40 The Fleet 185 135 35 31 74 155 300

2009 Dorset Bird Report 29 th Also recorded between the Avon nd Causeway and Christchurch (including 23 on 18 Jan), Bardolf water meadows (18 on 22 Feb), Canford School, Chard Junction GPs, Christchurch Harbour, Cowards Marsh, Creekmoorth Ponds, Critchel Lakes, Hatch Pond, Higher Hyde Heath,th Longham Lakes (38 on 16 Jan), Moorsth Valley CP, Morden Bog, Poole Park (73 on 10 Jan), Sherborneth Lake, Studland Bay (3 on 10 th Jan), Sturminster Marshall GPs, Swineham GP (132 Coastalon 15 Nov), passage: Wareham Channel (2 on 7 Jan), West Bexington and Wimborne St Giles.

Birds were recorded passing Hengistbury Head and through Christchurchth Harbour in low numbers in all months other than November with a maximum of 19 on 7 Jan. SCAUP Aythya marila A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 6 2 6 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 5 Dec Abbotsbury Swannery 176 188 5 12 Lodmoor 12 4 4 OtherSwineham records: GP 1 1 10

th Christchurch Harbour 5w off Hengistbury Nov . on 7 Jan, a thpair were on the river near the Hengistburyth Head Centre on 12 Jan. 2w off Hengistbury Head on 30 st East Fleet 2 females on 9th and 10th Jan. Poole Harbour 6 from the RSPB Bird Boat on 1 Jan, then varying numbers at various locations (eg Brambleth Bush Bay, Little Sea, off Shipstal Point, off Ower)th until 16th Jan. Radipole Lake Singles on 7 Jan and 19 Dec. EIDER Somateria mollissima A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Monthly totals: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 Jan Feb Mar5 2 May Jun Jul Aug Oct2 Dec Hengistbury Head 4 1 14 13 1 OtherPortland records: (all sites) 11 4

nd th th Durlston/Swanage Two past on 22 Jan,th 2 on 15 Jul, 1 on 24 Dec; 6 off Peveril Point, Swanage on 6 Jan.st rd Poole Harbour Up to 5 birds in the Bramble Bush Bay/Brands Bay/South Haven area thbetween 1st thJan and 3 Feb and up to 4 birds between 30 Oct and 16 Dec.th th Studland Bay Single bird betweenth 1 and 24 Jan;th 3 on 10 Feb; 2 past Ballard Down on 24 Apr, 3 onth 14 Dec. The Fleet Two at Langtonth Herring on 25 Jan. 30Weymouth Dorset Bird Bay Report 2009 Two on 16 Jul. LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

First winter period: st

th Abbotsbury Swannery 2 present between 1 and 7 Jan. th CoastalPoole Harbour passage: Singles on 7 days in Jan and 3 in Feb; 2 off Arne on 4 Jan.

thst Durlston 1e on 30 Dec. Poole Bay 4e on 31th Jan. SecondPortland winter Bill period: 1w on 6 Dec.

Poole Harbour Up to 4 (2 adult males, an immatureth male andnd an immature/ female) mainlyth in Brands Bay, 7 Nov – 22 Dec. Studland Bay Two on 20 Dec. COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra A common offshore passage migrant, and regular winter visitor. [Red list]

Settled flocks/birds:

th Chesil Cove Settled flock of up to 40 from 2008 until 27 Jan. Hengistbury Head Present offshore in small numbers during Jan – Apr, Jul – Aug and Nov – Dec. st th Portland Bill Up to 50 settled off Portland Bill fromth 29 Nov into 2010. Studland Bay Varyingth numbers betweenth 1 Jan – 13 Mar (maximum of 7 on 17 Feb),th and from 6 Oct until the end of the year (max of 5 on 6 Dec). th th Weymouth Bay 8Variousth dates from 29 Jan to 12 Mar when 10 were present, 1th on 19 May, up to 4 irregularlyth mid-Julth and early Aug, 16 onth Sep, most thregular 30 Sep – 12 Nov (maximum of 7 on 7 Coastal passage: Oct), 1 on 15 Dec. Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 2 68 209 7 9 6 Jan Feb Mar May29 Jun62 Jul Aug 26 Oct 29 Dec77 Chesil Beach 5 8 29 781 17 20 3 77 34 Durlston 38 20923 293 41 48 43 51 Hengistbury Head 34862 128 164 535 9 189 23 516 Portland Bill 302 452 1917 633 383 421 239 329 302 163 152 West Bexington 3 10 10 37 4 12 4

The number ofth bird-days in March for Durlston was heavily influenced by the presence offshore on 29 Mar of a large distant raft of over 200 Scoters which then flew off east. Theth April total for Portland Bill was significantly influenced by a peak count of 545 birds on 6 Apr,A as was the total for Chesil Beach with a count of 420 birds on the same date. th st lso recorded past or offshore of Ballard Down (29 past thon 24 Apr), Branksomest Chine, Burtonth Bradstock, East Bexington, East Fleetth (6 present 30 Novth to 31 Dec), Lymeth Bay (65 on 26 Apr), Poole thHarbour (between 11 Jan (when 5)th and 10 Feb;th and 1 – 6 Decth (8 off Shipstal Point on 5 Dec)), Portland Harbour (6 on 16 Jan, 2 on 16 Jul and 2 on 29 Nov). 2009 Dorset Bird Report 31 VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

All records:

th At Sea 3 from MV Cotentin,th rd20 miles SW of Portland Bill on 16 Feb. Branksome Chine Two past on 25 Jan. th Chesil Cove 1 present between 3 and 27th Jan. th Durlston Eight off Durlstonnd Head on 4 th Jan beforest flying off, 2 on 25 Jan, 2 on th2 Nov and 1th on 14 Dec. th Hengistbury Head 1e on 15 Apr, 3e on 4 May,th 1w on 31 Oct, 2w on 8 Nov, 1 arrived from the east on 18 Dec, settled on water, and then returned east. Apr . th Poole Harbour One fromth the RSPB Bird Boatth on 6 Dec. Portland Bill 1e on 12 Jan Apr and . 1e on 9th th Portland Harbour 1 – 2 presentth between 26 and 28 Dec. Southbourne One on 18 th th th th Studland Bay Two on 25st Jan, tha drake until 17 Feb, 2 on 25 – 27 Dec. West Bexington Two offshore 15 Dec before flying off west. Weymouth Bay One on 1 Mar. GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula A fairly common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 60 6 70 Jan Feb6 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Harbour 126 3 OtherDurlston records: 38 1 34

th Avon Causeway One on 6 Dec. Christchurch Harbour Recorded inside the harbour onth 9 dates in Jan, with a maximum of 3th birds, 2 at Stanpitth Marsh onth 14 Feb, 3 in theth harbour on 18 Oct, 1 on 11 Nov, 3th on 19 Dec with 2 on 28 . Two past Hengistburyth Head on 7 Jan. Ferrybridge 3 on 13rd nd Jan and a total ofth 14 seen during Dec. Portland Bill 1e on 22 Mar, 2w onst 18 Oct. Portland Harbour 1 on 3 Dec.nd st Nov . Radipole Lake One on 2 Jul and 1 Dec. Swineham GP Maximum of 4 on 21 th West Bexington Onest on the sea on th15 Feb.th th Weymouth One at Lodmoor 5 – 18 Dec and in Weymouth Bay 29 – 31 Dec.

32 Dorset Bird Report 2009 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator A common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 69 Jan Feb Mar250 200 May2 Jun Jul2 Aug2 Oct60 200 250Dec Poole Harbour 241 141 3 34 105 120 OtherPortland records: Harbour/Fleet 350 341 1 1

th rd Christchurch Harbour Singles inside the harbour . on 5 Febnd and on 8 dates in Mar. In Apr, 2 were in the harbourth on 2 , with 3 there on 3 and a pair over the river on 4 th th Studland Bay Maximumth counts – 21 onst 18 Jan, 30 on 27 Feb and 14 on 24 Dec. th CoastalWeymouth passage: Bay Two on 20 Feb, 1 on 31 Oct. Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 2 9 Jan Feb Mar6 May Jun Jul Aug Oct5 Dec8 Durlston 3 1 2 108 11 Hengistbury Head 3 12 10 30 Portland and Chesil 1 4 4 West4 th An unusual recordth was of a bird flying overland at Durlston on 16 Oct. Two passed Bexington on 20 Oct. GOOSANDER Mergus merganser A scarce winter visitor to the river valleys and estuaries.

Breeding:

nd Avon Valley A female with 2 young was seen on on the river on 2 Aug, although it is not known where the nest site was. The Avon here is the county boundary between Dorset and Hampshire.

Although nesting has never been proven in Dorset, there have been occasional records suggestive of local breeding since 2000. The species has bred in Hampshire in recent years and it could well be that this year’s family originated from parts of the River Avon in that Firstcounty. winter period:

Avon Valley Recordedst from various locations betweenth the Avon Causewayth and Christchurch (WeBS totals of 9 on 18 Jan, 2 on 8 Feb,th 2 on 1 Mar)nd including Coward’s Marsh (up to 3 between 18 Jan and 22th Apr).th rd Apr . nd Christchurch Harbour One on 6 and 7 Jan, 1w off Hengistbury Head on 2 Feb, 1n past Hengistbury Headth on 3 th Moors Valley CP Up to 3 betweenst 15 Jan and 5 Feb. Poole Harbour What was presumably the same redheadth at the Harbourth entrance (1 Jan), Bramble Bush Bay (26 and 29 Jan), off 2009 Dorset Bird Report 33 st

th th th Brownsea Island Apr (15 . Jan), Poole Parkth (1 , 17 and 18 Jan); also singles duringth WeBS count on 8 Mar, and in Wareham Channel on 25 th River Frome Three near Worgret on 8 Feb. th River Piddle Six north ofth Wareham Commonnd on 17 Feb. River Stour Four on 29 Jan and 3 thon 22 Feb (both at Spetisbury), 2 at Merley Hall Farm on 8 Feb. The Fleet Up to 3 birds at various locations (Abbotsbury Swannery, Chickerell Hive Point, Herburyth Gore, Langton Herring and Second winter period: Rodden Hive) up to 19 Mar.

Avon Valley 20Recorded from various locationsth betweenth the Avon Causeway andth Christchurch between 6 Nov and 25 Dec (total of 5 on Dec during WeBS count). th st th Christchurch Harbour In October, 2 wereth inside the harbour on 8 and 11 , 3 th through on 16 , 9 past Hengistbury Head on 31 . On 24 Nov, 3 in Barn Bightth and then flew north, 6 flew north at Stanpit Marsh on 8th Dec. Longham Lakes One on 17 Dec. th Poole Harbour One at Pooleth Park on 29 Dec. th Portland Harbour 3 onth 24 Nov, 1 in the harbour or at Ferrybridgeth 28 Nov – 24 Dec, with an additionalth bird there on 7 Dec. River Stour Four at Spetisburyth on 20 Dec. Sturminster Marshall GP One on 4 thDec. th Weymouth Bay One on 30 Nov (just off the beach) and 30 Dec. RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis A very localised breeding species.

Breeding:

There was no evidence of breeding this year in the county, although at least 5 birds over- Sitesummered maxima: at Lodmoor. Apr Sep Nov 9 9 Jan9 Feb6 Mar2 6 May2 Jun Jul Aug2 Oct 9 Dec2 Abbotsbury Swannery 1 1 Lodmoor

Still dodging the bullets. Its status in the Weymouth area may perhaps best be described as a summer visitor and a winter visitor rather than as a resident. The eradication programme continues to reduce numbers; it may not be long before a Table becomes unnecessary to record numbers! th th th Also recorded at Little Sea Studland (1 – 2 birds on 11 andth 17 Jan and 8 Feb), Radipolewere Lake (recorded in Jan and Dec with a peak count of 12 on 7 Jan), thSwineham GP (1 – 3 birds recorded in Jan, Feb and Sep with 3 thoff Swineham Point on 10 Jan when the pits 34frozen) Dorset and Bird 3 Report in Weymouth 2009 Bay on 19 Dec (presumably displaced from a frozen Lodmoor). RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa A declining resident; the population is sustained by regular releases.

Breeding:

The only site where confirmed breeding took place was West Bexington (several pairs, four juveniles seen). Otherwise, apparent pairs were reported from Cogden and Rempstone and there were also breeding season reports of bird from the following locations: Ballard Down, Batcombe, Blandford, Langton Herring, Langton Matravers, Maiden Castle, Morden Bog, SignificantMuckleford, counts:Rodden Hive, Toller Fratrum and Worth Matravers.

th The largest flock reported this year was of 28 birds at Langton Herring on 11 Feb. GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix A scarce and declining resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

No confirmed breeding records, however birds were recorded from the following sites during the breeding season: th th Ackling Dyke Pairs recordedth on 8 Mar and 12 Jun. Blandford 2 on 28 Mar.nd th th Durlston Two on th2 and 4 Apr; 1 on 30 Jun. Maiden Castle 1 on 24 AprJul. . th Sixpenny Handley 2 at Downth Farm on 15 Mar. AllTarrant non-breeding Rushton Airfield records: 1 on 12

rd th Durdle Door 1 at Newlands Farm thon 29 Oct. Nov th. th th Maiden Castle 4 on both 3 th and 13 Jan; 6 thon 25 Sep; 11 on both 6 and 8 Nov, 5 onth Sep11 . Nov, 12 on 25 Martinstown 2 on 11th Feb. Minchington 1 onrd 29 th Portland Bill A family party of 6 birds in the Top Fields from 27 Sep until 23 Oct, with 3 birds remaining into 2010. These birds were assumedth to be released there. WykeTwo sets Down of reports were submitted3 on 15 Aug. with peak numbers only: Sep . th Sep . Chapel Down 12 records with peak of 3 birds on 4th Gussage Hill, Cashmoor 6 records with peak of 8 birds on 19

2009 Dorset Bird Report 35 QUAIL Coturnix coturnix A scarce summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Records of singing birds in potential breeding habitat:

A reasonably good year, with at least 10 singing birds recorded, although only Tarrant Rushton Airfield held birds for a long period of time. The Hemsworth record is intriguing as this site is not far from Tarrant Rushton and is presumably little visited, hinting at a decent concentration of birds in the general area during 2009. nd Gillingham 1 aroundth the Culvers Lane and Langham Lane area on 22 May. Hemsworth 3 on 13st th Aug. Langton Herring 1 on 20rd Jul. Maiden Castle 201 on 1 Jul. rd th th th Tarrant Rushton Airfield 1 onth 23 May, 3 on 25 stMay,th 1 on 29 th May; 2 on 16 Jun, 1 on Jun; 1 on 23 and 24 Jul; 1th on 6 Aug. Passage:Wyke Down 1 on 3 dates between 1 and 14 Aug. st

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 1 Oct. PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus A very common feral resident; numbers are sustained by releases for shooting. Breeding:

As usual this species was heavily under-reported, however breeding reports were received from Butterstreet Cove, Christchurch Harbour, Cogden, Durlston and West Bexington. Large numbers are released across the county, making judgements about breeding and populationsNotable counts sizes (assumed near impossible. to be releases):

Septh . Batcombe 50+ on th13 Dec. st Parnham, Beaminster 90 on 4 Chettle About 110 onth 31 Oct. Langton Herring 220+ on 28 Sep, noted as artificially reared. GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophus pictus A scarce feral resident on Brownsea and Furzey Islands.

All records: rd rd th th Apr . Brownsea Island 2 on 25 Feb, 1th on 13 Apr, 1 on 3th May, 2 on 3 Dec.th Furzey Island 1 female on 10 Jan, 1 male on 24 Jan, 1 male on 25

36 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Balearic Shearwater off Portland - 2nd August Nick Stantiford It was a relatively poor year for records of this species, although reasonable numbers were found around the Shambles, off Portland, during boat-based surveys.

Great Shearwater at sea 20 miles off Portland Bill - 19th February James Phillips Only the 8th record of this species in Dorset, with the previous records coming almost a decade earlier, when different single birds passed Portland Bill and Seatown on 23rd September 1999.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 37 Yellow-legged Gull at Sandbanks - 10th May Nick Hopper The UK’s only known breeding pair again bred on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, raising a single chick. The above photo shows one of the breeding adults on the nearby Sandbanks peninsula.

Yellow-legged Gull at Ferrybridge - 15th August Nick Hopper The usual post-breeding influx into the country brought good numbers to traditional sites around Poole Harbour (including 91 at Middlebere on 21st August). Portland also hosted good numbers during late summer.

38 Dorset Bird Report 2009 RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata A scarce winter visitor and fairly common passage migrant. [Amber list]

A very good early-winter period, with somewhat low numbers in the late-winter period, produced a good year overall. A full summer plumage bird in September in Weymouth Bay was remarkable. Hengistbury Head numbers were extremely high (742 bird-days), with more bird-days in January than in the whole of 2008 (itself a best-ever year for the site, with 306 bird-days), but rather poor numbers in the second winter period. Durlston numbers Settledwere also birds: high. West Bexington and Cogden reported no major change from 2008. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 7 2 Jan20 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec25 Studland Bay 1 CoastalWest Bexington passage: & Cogden 21 16 1 1 1 Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 9 2 5 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct6 Dec Chesil Cove 1 2 3 4 Durlston 144 91 17 4 2 17 32 Hengistbury Head 491 163 10 11 19 46 OtherPortland notable Bill records: 455 198 119 35 13 4 13 157

th Christchurch Harbour One over theth harbour on 24 Jan. Little Sea, Studland One onth 29 Jan. th Poole Harbour 1 on 5 Nov,th 2 (Brands Bay and Ower Bay) 15 Nov Nov, . 2 Brands Bay on 27 Dec. th th th Portland Harbour Singles presentth 13th to 16 May and on 15 Weymouth Bay A bird on 11 – 13 Sep in full summer plumage is the earliest ever recorded there. th Weymouth Harbour A bird was picked up injured on 30 Nov and taken to Significant and peak counts:Radipole Lake.

th nd Durlston 32 on 13th Jan and 31 onnd 2 Feb. Hengistbury Head 85 on 17th Jan, 67 on 2 th Feb ExtremePortland Billdates: 58 on 13 Jan, 64 on 24 Jan. 9 th th Jun at Portland Bill and 16 Aug at Abbotsbury Beach.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 39 BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

As usual, numbers were low, although at least 3 birds were present in Weymouth Bay during SettledOctober. birds: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov

Jan2 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Harbour 1 1 1 6 3 21 Studland Bay 1 1 Weymouth Bay 1 1 1

th th In addition, Portland Harbour held two birds until 12 Mar, and two from 14 Dec into 2010. CoastalAt least 3passage: different birds were seen in Weymouth Bay during October. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Chesil Beach 5 5 Durlston 21 1 1 2 1 5 Hengistbury Head 1 1 1 1 3 NotablePortland Billrecords: 4 1 1 Apr . th Christchurch Harbour A bird flew through on 24 th Preston Beach A bird was foundth dead on the beach on 5 Feb. Swineham GP 1 present on 26 Jan. th th ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay A summer-plumaged bird was present 16 – 18 Oct.

th th 11 May and 6 Sep, both at Portland Bill. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

A fairly average year for this species. Noted as becoming scarcer in Lyme Bay, although by contrast, Weymouth Bay had an excellent year, including at least 1 summer-plumaged bird Settledin April. birds: Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 5 Jan6 Feb5 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec5 Poole Harbour 7 2 4 2 Portland Harbou 8 53 2 15 7 Studland Bay 3 Weymouth Bay 11 4 10

Birds appear to treat Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour as a single area, regularly moving from one to the other. Combined counts were made on 26th Jan (at least 10 birds) and 28th Nov (25 birds). 40 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Coastal passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 5 2 2 5 7 Jan Feb2 Mar May6 Jun Jul Aug Oct 9 Dec5 Durlston 6 2 3 4 5 Hengistbury Head 3 4 1 AlsoPortland reported Bill from: 4 15 38 3 3 13

Ballard Down, Chesil Beach, Hengistbury Head, Mudeford Quay, Osmington, Portland (Chesil UnusualCove, Ferrybridge or notable and records: East Weares), West Bexington and Weymouth Harbour.

th Central Portland 2 passedth over Easton onth 4 May. Durlston 2 on 27th May; 2 on 28 Jun. Lytchett Bay 1 on 26 Nov – perhaps the sameth bird recorded in the north- east of Poole Harbour on 13 Decth (WeBS count record). Osmington One of the two recorded on 15 Apr was in full summer plumage.th Stanpit Marsh 1 on 16 May. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay At least one summer-plumaged bird was noted in the spring. 28 th th Jun at Durlston and 15 Oct at Portland Bill. DIVER spp Gavia spp

Records of unidentified divers were received as follows:

th th th th th Hengistbury Head 9 on 7 Jan; 1th on 7st May; 1th on 18 Oct, 1 thon Apr 19 . Oct; 1 on 7 Nov, 3 on 30 Nov; 3 on 12 th Dec; 1 on 18th Dec. Studland Bay Single birds on 21 Mar, 10 Apr and 13 LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis A localised breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

20+ pairs attempted to breed, hatching at least 21 chicks and fledging at least 9. Winter numbers include about 30 birds on The Fleet and about 30 in the Avon Valley. The species has all but disappeared from Sturminster Marshall GPs, and no breeding was reported from Breeding:the Allen Valley. Breeding success on Lodmoor was felt to be low and declining.

Reported from: Bardolf Farm (2 pairs hatched young), Chard Junction GP (2+ pairs bred, fledging 7 young), Cogden (4 territories,th but no proof of successful breeding), Coker’s Frome (a pair with 2 chicks noted on 4 Sep), Hengistbury Head (A pair failed with their first brood, but successfully fledged 2 youngth from a second brood), Higher Hyde Heath (an adult with a very small chick seen on 12 Aug), Lodmoor (an adult with a very small chick during July), Morden Park Lake (several pairs bred), St Catherine’s Hill (successfulnd breeding confirmed, but no further details), Swineham GP (an adult and 1 chick on 22 Aug), Warmwell Quarry (2 pairs), West Bexington (3 territories, th but no proof of successful breeding) and West Knighton Heath (adult and 4 chicks on 14 Jun). 2009 Dorset Bird Report 41 Also reported during the breeding season from Evershott, Harpitt’s Lake, Holnest, Little SiteSea (Studland) maxima: and Wimborne St Giles. Apr Sep Nov 5 6 Jan Feb Mar May Jun5 Jul5 Aug2 Oct 8 Dec Bardolf Farm 3 3 6 4 Christchurch Harbour 11 15 13 3 1 3 129 7 16 Poole Harbour 2924 14 11 19 28 18 Radipole Lake 21 112 2 2 9 2 The Fleet 24 12 1 16 23 30 35 OtherWimborne reports: St Giles 3 4 4 3 3

Coordinated counting suggests that the River Stour held at least 4 wintering birds between Whitemill and Spetisbury, and that the Avon south of Avon Causeway had a flock of around 30 wintering birds. 29 nd Abbotsbury Swannery Presentth in both winter thperiods; peaks of 30 on 2 Jan, 28 on Oct and 25+ on 10 Dec. th Hatch Pond Present in both winter periods; peak of 4 on 10 Dec. th Little Sea, Studland Present for much of the thyear, with a peak count of Nov 8 on . 7 Mar. Longham Lakes Peak report of 10 on 19 Oct. th Lytchett Bay Present in both winter periods; peak of 8 on 26th Morden Park Lake Present for much of the year; peak of 12 on 28 Dec. Portland Present at Portland Harbourth and Ferrybridgeth in both winter periods;nd peaks of 13 on 8 Jan and 8 on 30 Dec. st Rodden Hive 2 on 22 Dec were noted as unusual for this part of The Fleet. Swineham GP Present throughout the year, with a peak count of 8 on 21 Mar. GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus A scarce breeding resident and common winter visitor.

Widely reported from many sites across the county. Eighteen breeding pairs hatched at least 21 young. A large influxth of birds in the early-winter period peaked with a flock of 330 birds off Southbourne on 12 February; in parallel,st a smaller flock built up in Weymouth Bay (paralleling Great Northern Diver). Similar but smaller flocks built up in December, Breeding:with a peak of 186 birds off Southbourne on 31 Dec, and 26 in Weymouth Bay.

Records were received from the following sites: Creekmoor Ponds (1 hatched 2 young), Hatch Pond (1 pair reared 2 young; it appears that a later attempt by the same pair was washed out by heavy rain), Lodmoor (1 pair hatched a chick which did not fledge in June; two pairs hatched 5 chicks in August, of which at thleast three fledged), Radipole Lake (10 pairsth noted as nesting. A pair with 4 chicks on 7 Aug and an adult with 2 juveniles on 24 Sep are the only later reports), Sturminster Marshall GPs (1 pair reared 2 young; it appears that this pair returns to the site in late November, overwinters, breeds, andth departs in late July), Swineham GP (3 pairs nested, each seen with single juveniles on 27 Jun) and Warmwell Quarry (1 pair fledged two young). 42 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 2 2 2 Jan Feb Mar9 May Jun Jul2 Aug Oct Dec26 Poole Bay 144 330 1 201 186 Poole Harbour 35 537 7 6 1 4 14 182 536 Portland Harbour 2230 30 30 16 5 15 Sherborne Lake 4 29 221 1 3 4 4 Studland Bay 5 21 165 21 1 1 11 The Fleet 14 12 10 8 31 23 40 38 23 17 2630 West Bexington 3 1 3 OtherWeymouth notable Bay records: 12 41 42

Poole Bay An influx of birds built up into a substantialth stflock on the sea off Southbourne, Sep . peaking at 330 on 12 Feb. A smaller flock built up inth December, peak count 186 on 31 Dec. Longham Lakes 10 on 29 th Lytchett Bay One on th14 Mar is unusual Sep for .the site. Ringstead Bay 34 on 7 thFeb. th Swineham GP 10 on 29 Mar; 11 on 13 th Weymouth Bay A flock built up from a January peak of 12 to over 40 by 28 Feb, dispersing by mid-April. In December, a smaller flock peaked at 26 birds. RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

A below-average year, with perhaps as few thas six thindividuals recorded. It seems likely that Settledthe summer-plumaged birds: Studland bird of 12 – 13 April was on passage. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Bay/Studland Bay 1 1 1 Portland Harbour 33 17 12 OtherWeymouth records: Bay 1 1

th to 29 Durlston 1 on 17 Janst is the firstth recordth for many Nov . years. Poole Harbour 1 on five dates from 8th Jan.th Portland Bill Singles on 1 Feb, 15 Septh and 25 th ExtremeThe Fleet dates: 1 at East Fleet from 17 Dec – 2010; 2 at Littlesea on 13 Dec.

th th 13 Apr at Studland Bay and 15 Sep at Portland Bill.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 43 SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

Numbers were rather better this year than in 2008, but still low. There were no reports of Settledsummer-plumage birds: individuals. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 2 Jan2 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 2 Dec2 Poole Bay/Studland Bay 84 4 21 4 Poole Harbour 1 2 Portland Harbour 4 3 Weymouth Bay 1 3

th th th Abbotsbury Beach 3 on 5 thJan; 2 on 19 Feb;st 2 on 18 Mar. st Chesil Cove 3 on 11th Feb. Durlston 1 on 4 Feb and 2 on 31 Dec are the site’s 1 records for many years.th th Hengistbury Head 2 fromst 7th – 10 Jan. Lyme Bay 3 on 26 Feb. Mudeford Quay 1 on 1th Dec. Osmington 2 on 7 thFeb. Southbourne 1 on 13 th Jan. th ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 2 from 5 - 10 Jan.

th th 18 Mar at Abbotsbury Beach and 4 Nov at Weymouth Bay. BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis An uncommon winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. [Amber list]

Settled birds: Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 5 7 25 Jan8 Feb9 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec6 Poole Harbour 18 2 5 28 Portland Harbour Studland Bay 33 37 15 The Fleet 1 1 1 1 th In Studland Bay, numbers built up from 25 in December 2008 to a peak of 37 birds on 20 Feb. This is the highest total of birds recorded at the county’s main site for this species since the 1960s. The numbers recorded inside Poole Harbour were unprecedented, withth an early Otheryear peak records: of at least 18 birds and a record count of 25 birds off Redhorn Quay on 9 Dec.

th ExtremeHengistbury dates: Head 1 on 20 Dec. st

th 21 Mar and 4 Oct, both at Studland Bay.

44 Dorset Bird Report 2009 FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis A locally common resident on coastal cliffs and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Breeding is difficult to assess in this species due to its choice of nest site and its tendency to make dummy nests, which are not used. However, this seems toth have been an average year with reports received from: Ballard Down (3 nests seen on 29 Mar),th Durlston (4 sites apparently occupied), Portlandth (Blacknor – 10 pairs, 10 young seen on 8 Aug; The Grove – 1 pair, 1 young seen on 9 Aug) and St Aldhelm’s Head (22 sites occupied).

CoastalAs usual, maxima: no reports were received from a known breeding site at Burton Bradstock. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 8 28 Jan Feb Mar7 May Jun Jul Aug 2 Oct Dec Hengistbury Head 1 12 45 114 21 4 CoastalWest Bexington movements: 3 31 23 1 3 11 Apr . th Chesil Cove 80 on 25 th OtherHengistbury records Head of note: Peak movement of 47w on 18 May.

th th Christchurch Harbour Birds seen over the harbour: 1 on 13th Jun, 2 on 30th Aug. RecordsLodmoor of ‘Blue’ Fulmar: Birds seen over the reserve: 1 on 24 Apr, 1 on 13 Jun

th th th Singles at Chesil Beach on 16 May and Portland Bill on 16 Apr and 30 Aug. CORY’S SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea A very rare passage migrant.

Two reports on the same day almost certainlyCE refer Richards to the same bird. th B Spencer Chesil Cove 1s on 16 May ( th ). 2008Chesil Addition:Beach 1 past Camp Road on 16 May ( ). CE Richards th Chesil Cove 3 on 29 Jul ( ). GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus gravis Vagrant – seven previous records.

-

A remarkable and unseasonable recordth of a single bird sat on the sea around 20 miles south west of Portland Bill. This was the 8 DorsetJ Phillips record andet al the first since 1999. th Lyme Bay 1 on 19 Feb ( , photo).

Previous records were in 1868, 1877, 1885, 1963, 1991 and 1999 (2).2009 Dorset Bird Report 45 SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus A scarce autumn passage migrant. [Amber list]

This would – have beennd rather a poor year, but for a single extraordinary day, with 177 past Portland Bill on 2 Sep. This is significantly more than the entire year’s records for Dorset in 2008 itself a good year with 139 bird-days. This peak was reflected by relatively large single-dayth numbers at Durlston and West Bexington. There was also a much smaller peak on 6 Oct, with sightings from Portland and West Bexington. There was only one sighting from Hengistbury Head this year. The county total for thend year was 235 bird-days, with over 80% of those reports (192) coming from a single day (2 Sep). th st Sep . Chesil Cove 1 on 6rd thOct. nd Durlston 2 on 30 Aug, 3 on 1 Sep, 11 on 2 Sep . Hengistbury Head 1 on 3th Oct. th th th st Lyme Bay Pelagic 2 on 6 thAug, 3 on 8 Aug,th 1 on 9 Aug;th 1 on 7 st Portland Bill 3nd on 26st Aug, 1th on 29 Aug, Nov th1 . on 30 Aug;th 3 on 1 Sep, 177 on Sep, 2 on 9 Sep; 10 thon 6 Oct, 1 on 19 Oct; 1 on 1 Nov, 1 on 21 nd Nov and 1 onth 29 West Bexington 4 on 2 th Sep; 4 on 6 Oct. ExtremeWinspit dates: 1 on 26 Aug. 6 th th Aug in Lyme Bay and 29 Nov at Portland Bill. MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus A fairly common passage migrant and non-breeding summer visitor. [Amber list]

A below-average year. Peak movement was in late April (Portland & Chesil Beach, with other reports confirming movement from e.g. Winspit), with a smaller movement in late May (Durlston & Ferrybridge). Two observers commented on a lack of records later in the season: at West Bexington there were no records after May, but normally the last sightings are in August; and Hengistbury Head had no August sightings. However, early August pelagic records hint that the birds were present, but further offshore than has been usual. CoastalThere is passage:a notable dip in June records from all sites. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov

Jan Feb Mar 77 May Jun6 Jul66 Aug7 Oct2 Dec Chesil Cove 1631 1267 412 54 1 Durlston 1 6585 248 281 8 Hengistbury Head 5723 6543 38 Portland Bill 13 4471 368 863 157 West Bexington 25 Apr . th th Apr . Peak counts: 1,400, Portland Bill on 26 Apr. 774, Chesil Cove on th Elsewhere:Sample count: 265 past Bridging Camp, The Fleet in 30 minutes on 26

thSep . th th th Lyme Bay Pelagic 231 on th9 Apr, 38 on 7 Aug, 240 on 8 Aug, 300 on 9 Aug, 25 on 7 46 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Also reported from Branksome Chine, Dancing Ledge, Ferrybridge, Studland Bay and ExtremeWinspit. dates: st

th 21 Mar at Portland Bill and 14 Nov at Chesil Cove. BALEARIC SHEARWATER Puffinus mauretanicus A scarce non-breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

nd A fairly poor year by recent standards. Peak count was 80 at Portland Bill on 2 Sep; there were only three other records of 20 or more birds. Last year’s January peak was repeated Coastalon a much passage: smaller scale. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun2 Jul Aug5 5 Oct Dec Chesil Cove 203 3 3 Durlston 221 571 8612 70 3 8 2 Hengistbury Head 3 AllPortland other Bill records: 1 21 175 44

th th Branksome Chine 1 on 17th Jul; 1 on 4 Aug. Ferrybridge 1 on 7 thJul. Sep . th th th nd Lyme Bay Pelagic 1 on 19 Feb;th 2 on 7 Aug, 1 on 8 Aug, 5 on 9 Aug, 2 on 22 Aug; 2th on 7 Peveril Point 1 on 7 thDec. Studland Bay 2 on 26nd Aug West Bexington 1 on 2 th Jul. Weymouth Bay 2 on 26th Aug Winspit 1 on 26 Aug. STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus A scarce non-breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, subject to occasional ‘wrecks’ during storms. [Amber list]

A very poorst year with a total of only 30 bird-days, not helped by weather conditions which were not apt for early-summer sightings. Seven birds were ringed at Portland Bill on the Allnight records: of 21 Jun.

th Durlston Head 1 on 17th Jun. Hengistbury Head 1 on 29th Nov, with Leach’snd Petrels. st Lyme Bay Pelagic 11 on 6th Aug; 3 on 22th Aug. rd Nov . Portland Bill 1 on 16 May, 1 on 17 May, Nov 7 trapped . overnight onth 21 Jun, and 4 the following night, 1th on 3 Sep and 1 on 25 ExtremePortland Harbourdates: 1e over the harbour on 27

th th 16 May at Portland Bill and 29 Nov at Hengistbury Head. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 47 LEACH’S PETREL Oceanodroma leucorhoa A rare autumn and winter visitor, usually storm-driven. [Amber list]

An record year for this Nov species . in Dorset. Although there was just a single October record, November saw a gradualth built of up reports, culminating in the county’s largest ever wreck Octoberof this species record: on 29 GJ Armstrong th ReportsBranksome from Chine 14th to 28th Nov:1 on 9 Oct ( ). Nov . th rd Abbotsbury Beach 1 on 25 th th nd Nov . th Chesil Cove Singles on 14 th Nov, 18 Nov Nov, .th 22 Nov, 2 onth 23 Nov, 3 on 24 Nov, 20 thrdon 25 Nov, 3 thon Nov 26 . Nov, 2 on 28 Durlston 1 on 25 Nov, 1 on 28th rd Nov . Ferrybridge 2 on 23th NovNov, . 1 on 25th Hengistbury Head 3 on 14th Nov, 1 on 19 Nov, 3 on 23 Peveril Point 1 on 25th Nov . th th th Portland Bill 1 on 14thrd Nov, 1 on 15 Nov, 3 on 24 Nov, 1 on Nov 25 . Nov, 1 on 26 Nov . th th th Portland Harbour 4 on 23th Nov, 1 on 25 and 26 Nov, 2 on 28 TheSwanage wreck Bay of 29th Nov: 1 on 25

Despite little passage occurring before midday to suggest that a wreck of this species was imminent, by early afternoon small numbers began appearing in Chesil Cove and passing Portland Bill. By mid-afternoon large numbers were present in the Cove, with most ‘sweeps’ picking up 100 or more birds. Birds were also observed flying over Fortuneswell and across the road between Portland and Ferrybridge and 20+ were observed in Portland Harbour. The best estimate from Chesil Cove was of well in excess of 600 birds.

Watchers at Portland Bill logged 582 birds passing there and there were also many records from The Fleet (65 past Abbotsbury Beach, 2 at Abbotsbury Swannery, 50+ at Wyke Regis and 12 at Ferrybridge). Further west, 4 flew past West Bexington and 1 was seen at Burton Bradstock. Weymouth also logged birds, with 2 at Lodmoor, 2 at Radipole Lake, 1 in Morrison’s car park and 4+ in Weymouth Bay.

The east of the county also recorded good numbers with 30 past Durlston, 10 past Branksome Chine, 15+ past Hengistbury Head, 15 past Avon Beach and 3+ off Mudeford Quay. Birds were also recorded inside Poole Harbour, with 2 being seen off Brownsea Island and a further single in the harbour mouth.

This wreck easily trumps theth previous largest day count, which was of c420 at Chesil Cove and Portland Nov Harbour. on 27 October 1952. The 15+ birds recorded off Hengistbury Head constitutesth the biggest count there since 1989. Remarkably, there was not a single report from 30

48 Dorset Bird Report 2009 GANNET Morus bassanus A fairly common species offshore throughout the year. [Amber list]

An under-reported species, often present offshore in considerable numbers. Noted as a disappointing year by observers at Hengistbury Head. Nonetheless there were substantial movementsSite maxima: on several occasions. Apr Sep Nov 25 26 77 70 275 70 Jan Feb20 Mar6 May65 Jun2 Jul Aug50 Oct 7 Dec Hengistbury Head 14 45 45 45 1 3 NotableWest Bexington records and all counts3 of 50 or 100more: 10 46 100 Apr . th Ballard Down 75 on 24th th th th Branksome Chine 50 on 16 May,th 53 on 15 Jul, 40 on 17 Jul, 50 on 4 Aug. Chesil Beach 15 dead on th6 Dec were attributedth to recent storms. Sep . Chesil Cove 470+ on 25th Apr; 400+ onth 15 May. th Durlston 120 on 15th Jul, 150 on 11 Aug and 100 on 18 Lyme Bay Pelagic 300 on 8 th Aug. st th Nov . th Portland Bill 500e on 6 Apr,th 280 feeding on th18 May andth 600w on 6 Oct. Portland Harbour Singles thon 29 May, 21 Jun, 28 Jun and 25 Studland Bay 60 on 6 thOct. West Bexington 100 on th6 AprOct. . Weymouth Bay 60 on 6 thOct. WinspitInland and brackish-water 60 records: on 25

th Brands Bay 1 into Poole Harbour from Studland on 4 Aug. CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo A common coastal resident.

2 Thend Poole Harbour flock continues to grow, with a new Dorset record count of 687th birds on Nov (up from 2008’s record count of 568); a count of 203 in Lychett Bay on 26 Oct was a site record. There was a substantial flock in Poole Bay in the later part of the first-winter Breeding:period, and birds of this flock were seen commuting to and from Christchurch Harbour.

The onlyth positive reports received came from Ballard Down, where 21 nests were counted Siteon 18 maxima: Apr. It was noted that there were no nests at Durlston Head. Apr Sep Nov 276 56 87 57 Jan29 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 687 Dec Christchurch Harbour 30026 35 nc5 nc 487 nc 5043 185 Poole Harbour 11 53 45765 20365 55 91 Portland Harbour 9 4 1 3 12 24 14 40 22 Radipole Lake 26 2 35 7 26 Lower Avon Valley 27 168 10 25 28 3 17 Sherborne Lake 1 1 4 21 4 14 The Fleet 11 18 35 39 45 31 34 16 2009 Dorset Bird Report 49 Inland records (10 or more birds):

th Glebelands 22 on 9 Oct were Nov apparently. commuting into Poole Harbour from the sea ndoff Ballard Down Hatch Pond 10 overnd on 2 Longham Lakes 62 on 2 Nov was a record for the site. Sturminster Marshall GPs Up to 16 birds present in bothth winter periods, mostly at roost, with a largeth flock over on th18 Oct bringing theth total to 50. Migration:Swineham GP 73 on 13 Sep, 150 on 20 Sep and 135 on 10 Oct. Sep . nd th st Christchurch Harbour 106w on 2 Aug. 57 arrived from Sep .west on 11 Portland 149th bird-days, all going south,th on 23 dates from 31 Jul to 17 Oct, peaking at 27 on 17 Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis

‘CONTINENTAL’ CORMORANT

Five birds present at Stanpit Marsh in April were considered to be sinensis. The feedingth flock of 150 birds at Swineham GP (mentioned in the Cormorant section above) on 20 Sep had many and perhaps all birds of this appearance. SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis A fairly common coastal resident and localised cliff-nesting species. [Amber list]

Under-reported. Windy late-autumn weather was suggested as the cause of relatively large Breeding:numbers in Portland Harbour.

Very much under-reported this year, with notes from only one location. One observer commented on the lack of nests at Ballard Down. OtherDurlston records: Three nests, no reports on success.

th Ballard Down 10 on 29th Mar. Nov . Durlston 12 on 13 Jun. th th Chesil Cove 30+ presentth between 15 and 17 Nov . Ferrybridge 23+ on 19 Dec. th th Hengistbury Head Maximath of 30+ on 16 Jan; 47 on 15 th Poole Harbour Entrance 31 on 5 Jan, 78th into the harbour on 25 Nov, 66 into the harbour onth 14 Dec. th Portland Bill 2054 on 10 thAug and 40+ on 24 Aug. Portland Harbour 30+th on 25 Jan; the late-winterth flock peaked at over 100 on Nov, threducing to 50+ by 4 Dec. UnusualWeymouth records: Bay 14 on 18 Jan.

th Hengistbury Head 1 on 16 May was the first May recordth since 1998. 50Radipole Dorset Lake Bird Report 2009 1 was picked up in the toilets on 25 Nov and was later released. BITTERN Botaurus stellaris A scarce winter visitor. [Red list]

FirstA good winter set of period:first winter period records were not followed up in the second winter period. st rd st Apr . Arne 1 on 21 Jan, 2 on 23 Jan. th Hatch Pond 1 – 2 (occasionallyth 3)th birds present from 1 Jan to 4 rd Hengistbury Head 1 on 6 Jan; 1 on 27 Feb.th st Lodmoor 1 – 2 birdsst present to 4 thJan, then intermittently to 3 Feb; then 1 regularly fromth 17 Febst to 21 Mar. Poole Harbour (WeBS) 1 on 1 Feb; 1 on 8 Feb. nd Radipole Lake 1 – 2 intermittentlyth from 1 Jan to 2 Mar. Studland Heath 1 on 9 thJan. SpringSwineham and GP summer records:1 on 24 Jan. Sep . th st Hatch Pond 1 on 27th rd st Lodmoor 1 on 4th May; 1 immature on 21 Jun.th SecondRadipole winter Lake period: 1 on 5 Apr, 1 on 23 Jun, 1 on 30 Jun, 1 on 1 Jul.

rd th Hatch Pond 1 bird (occcasionallyth 2) present from 18 Oct intoth 2010. Lodmoor 1 on 23 and 25 Oct, thenth 1 regularlyth from 28 Nov into 2010. Radipole Lake 1 on 7 dates between 11 Nov and 9 Dec. CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis Formerly a national rarity, now a rare visitor.

A good year, with 5 records involving 6 individuals. Although there was no repeat of the All2007 records: influx, it is tempting to think that some of this year’s birds may be returning visitors. rd SA Groves rd KE Lane Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 3 Jan ( ) – presumed same at East Holme. East Holme 1 on 3 Jan ( , photo) – presumed same at Abbotsburyst Swannery.D Croxson R Morris Lodmoor A breeding plumaged bird was present forG a Walbridgeshort time on 21 Jul ( , ). th Central Portland 1 briefly present at Reap Lane on th7 Aug ( ). Frome Valley A single bird was discoveredth on 7 Mar and was joined by a second bird from 11 Apr. Despite this apparent ‘pair’ visiting aJR local Mitchell heronry,I Pillow no breeding etth al attempt was made and the birds were last reported on Nov 9 to May 7 A McCafferty et al ( , th , photo).th Winkton/Bockhampton 1 present from 15 Dec ( , photo).

2009 Dorset Bird Report 51 LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta A local breeding resident. [Amber list]

A very visible species, widely reported from across the county. Breeding was attempted by at least 39 pairs, with conspicuous success at Hengistbury Head; several known breeding sites were not reported on this year. Substantial roosts exist at Radipole Lake and Little Sea, Studland. Noted as surprisingly uncommon at West Bexington, given the habitat.

Breeding: Brownsea Island 3+ nests are a welcome return after last year’s absence. Canford A single pair may have attempted to nest. Clifton Wood No survey was carried out. Hengistbury Head 8 pairs raised at least 20 young – a record year. Mid-Dorset 6+ pairs nested at a confidential site; no reports of success. Purbeck 20-25 pairs attempted to nest at a confidential site. SiteSt Catherine’s maxima: Hill Breeding was “proven”, no details submitted. Apr Sep Nov 8 7 Jan Feb7 Mar 2 May2 Jun2 Jul7 Aug Oct2 6 Dec9 Lower Avon Valley 1 13 29 1 273 Bardolf Farm 16 10 73 4 Christchurch Harbour 18 4 13 16 31 20 2543 325 10 Lodmoor 9 9 1 1 4 281 Lytchett Bay 60 5811 4 12 13 55 20 Poole Harbour 23 24 163 164 34 40 NotableThe Fleet counts and inland records:42 40 10 18 30 42 40 54

rdth Bride Valley FF 19 on 27 Dec. Ferrybridge 35 on 3 th Jan. Lytchett Bay 25 on 27 Sep was a site Sep record. . th th Shillingstone flock of up to 28 birdsth present 20 Nov Feb . to 13 Mar. Swineham GP 40 birds present on 9 nd th RoostingTarrant Crawford birds: up to 18 birds present 22 – 29 Maxima: Apr Sep Nov

Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Radipole Lake 23 39 Little Sea, Studland 23 18 24 163 164

th st Merley Park 8 roostingth on 20 Jan. Middlebere 24 on 11 Aug and 20 on 21 Aug. Both records involve birds flying towardsth the Little Sea roost. CoastalUpwey movement: 11nw on 17 Apr to a known roost. st

th Durlston Head 1 on 1 Octth and 4Sep on . 12 Oct. East Bexington 1e on 29 Nov Oct. . th Hengistbury Head 5w & 2eth on 26 52Portland Dorset Bill Bird Report 2009 1 on 11 GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba A very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor – 24 previous records.

AllThe records: best year to date for this species with 6 records, involving 7 individuals. DJ Chown et al th L Chappell Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 18 thSep (R Plowman , photo) – same at Stanpit Marsh. Cowards Marsh 2n on 18thst Apr MS( Andrews). Durlston 1e on 6 Apr D( Croxson R) Morris – different et al to Lodmoor bird. Hengistbury Head 1w onth 1 Jun ( R Howell ). Lodmoor 1 on 6 Aprth ( , GP). Green Stanpit Marsh 1n on 18 Sep ( th th ) – sameth at Brownsea Lagoon. Sturminster Marshall GPs 1 ringed bird on 8 , 9 and 13 Aug ( , photo). GREY HERON Ardea cinerea A common breeding resident.

A noticeable species, reported from many locations across the county; nonetheless, some observers felt that the species was under-reported. Christchurch Harbour observers Breeding:described this as another year in an ongoing slow decline.

Success is hard to establish. However, it is known that at least 84 pairs attempted to nest, and at least 10 young were raised. The marked reduction from 127 pairs in 2008 is partly due to the fact that at least one regular breeding site was not counted this year.

Brownsea Island 7 pairs present. Canford 19 pairs present. Christchurch Harbour 5 pairs raised at least 10 young, a recovery after 2008. Clifton Wood No breeding survey was undertaken this year. Dudmoor Farm 10 pairs present Mid-Dorset 31 pairs present at a confirdential site. Nottington 6+ pairs present. Purbeck 5+ pairs present at a confidential site. SiteSt Catherine’s maxima: Hill Breeding “proven”, no further details submittted. Apr Sep Nov 8 7 6 6 Jan5 Feb6 Mar May8 Jun Jul Aug9 Oct5 5 Dec7 Lower Avon Valley 3 2911 Christchurch Harbour 4 15 9 Poole Harbour 19 3 11 2 2 2 2 35 46 192 2 Radipole Lake 2 5 6 6 5 18 5 137 7 Sherborne Lake 3 23 1 61 23 4 2 The Fleet 1 3 11 10 Elsewhere:West Bexington 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 1

rd th Stanpit Marsh A wing-taggedth bird was present on 28 Jun. Winspit 1 on 28 Mar; 1 on23 Oct; noted as unusual2009 Dorset here. Bird Report 53 Coastal passage:

th th th st nd Durlston Single birds on 4 dates, 29 Mar, 14 Sep, 27 Sep, 2 Oct. Hengistbury Head Smallth numbers (3th or fewer) on 4 dates from 21 May to 17 Oct; 9e on 24 May.th Lodmoor 1 very high Nov NNE . on 13 Mar. Portland Bill 36 recordedth between Mar and Dec. Studland 1n on 8

PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea A rare passage migrant.

As in 2008, there was just one briefly seen bird this year: D Croxson th Lodmoor A subadult flew north on 12 Oct ( ).

WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia A rare visitor and occasional escape from captivity.

There was a single record this year: R Warren et al th Frampton 1 on the water meadows on 17 Apr ( , photo).

STORK sp Ciconia sp

2008 Addition:

B Spencer PM Harris th Wareham Forest 1 was seen soaring distantly over the forest on 7 Jun ( , ). GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus Vagrant and national rarity. Circa 14 previous records.

There was a small influx of this species into southern England during the autumn. Dorset had two records, involving nine birds. th DN Smith A Thompson Hengistbury Head 3sw on 25 Oct were only the secondI Dodd recordAG Duff fromPA the Lawson Christchurch Harbour area ( , ). Littlesea, The Fleet 6 flew southeast on 19th Sep ( , , A Neilson, etphoto) al – presumed same at Radipole Lake. Radipole Lake 6 at the North Hide before flying east on 19th Sep ( , photo) – presumed same at Littlesea. th th These constitute the 7 and 8 modern-era records in Dorset. This species has now been recorded in 3 out of the last 4 years. 54 Dorset Bird Report 2009 SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

The high numbers of recent years have not been maintained and there was no repeat of 2008’s over-summering birds. Poole Harbour was again the prime site for this species, holding birds for 9 months of the year, whilst elsewhere, Lodmoor had an excellent run of Poolerecords, Harbour including records: 1 or 2 long-stayers.

th th The highest counts were of 17 birds on Brownsea Lagoon on both 19 Oct and 6 Dec. The peakMaxima: monthly counts are shown below: Apr Sep Nov 6 8 7 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec OtherPoole Harbour records: 13 3 3 17 16 17

th Christchurch Harbour 1 throughth on 27 Aug. Cogden 1 on 12thrd Oct. th th th Hengistbury Head 2 on 5 Apr, 3 on 8th Apr, 1 onst 10 Apr. 5 on 10 Oct. th Lodmoor 9 on 3 Jan, 4th on 6 Jan, thenst 1 - 2 birds continuallyth untilth 26 Mar; 1th on 14 Apr. 5 onth 21 Oct; then 3 from 9 to 14 Nov, 2 on 20 Dec,th 3 from 29 to 31 Dec. Lower Avon Valley 1 on 12th May. th th st th Radipole Lake 1 on 9 AprJan,th .1 onth 27 Jan; 1 on 5th Mar; 2 on 20 Dec. th Stanpit Marsh 1 fromth 12 to 16 May.rd 2 on 12 Aug, 2 on 21 Aug. 5 on 9 Oct. Studland Bay 1 on 4 The Fleet 8 at Lynch Cove on 3 Jan.th 1 on an unspecified date in October. ExtremeUpton dates: 1 over the Bypass on 10 Jan.

th th 16 May at Stanpit and 7 Aug at Middlebere. HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus A rare breeding species and scarce passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Birds were seen displaying at two locations during late spring and early summer, although it is likely that just 1 pair was involved as the sites were relatively close together. There was Passageno confirmation records: of successful breeding.

A poor year with just 1 spring record and 3 autumn records. As is often the case, several reported birds were not subsequently submitted to the Dorset Records Panel and can be Springfound in passage: the Pending and Requested Records section towards the back of this report. G Walbridge th Central Portland 1n at Blacknor on 28 May ( ).

2009 Dorset Bird Report 55 Autumn passage: DH Taylor et al th DH Taylor et al Hengistbury Head 1 on 10th Sep ( N Fowler). Stanpit Marsh 1 on 16 Sep (th , photo). Tyneham An adult on 7 Aug ( ).

An unfledgedth male Honey Buzzard was ringed and satellite tagged in a nestth in Moray, Scotland on 5 Aug 2009. This bird remained in theth nesting area until at least 4 Sep before starting its migration south. On the evening of 10 Sep its signal was picked up, showing that it was roostingst in a woodth south of Loders, Dorset. Furtherth signalsrd Sep from to 27th this bird were pickedth up from Portugal (14 Sep), Southernndst Spain (16 Sep), Morocco (17 th Sep), Nov Algeria to 25 (19th Sep), Mali (21 Sep), thMauritania (22 Sep), Southernth Mali (23 thOct), Guineath (28 Oct), Ivory Coastst (30 Oct), Liberia (1 toRoy at least Dennis 13 Nov) and Nigeria (19 Jan 2010). This bird was tracked through 2010, which showed the bird summering in Africa 2008as is normal Additions: for 1 year Honey Buzzards (per ). B Spencer th B Spencer Littlesea, The Fleet 1 on 15th Sep ( ). st B Spencer Radipole Lake 1 on 20 Sep th( th ). Weymouth Singles on 17 and 19 Sep, with 2 on 21 Sep (all ).

This brings the total number of accepted birds involved in autumn 2008’s large movement to 42. RED KITE Milvus milvus A scarce passage migrant, and increasing wanderer from introduction schemes elsewhere in Britain. [Amber list]

Another record year, with 91 records received from all over the county. As in other years, more than half of all records were from March to May. There appears to have been two pulses of migrant birds moving north, one in the third week of March and the other during the last week of May. The graph below shows the trend of birds being reported since 1993. 100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Annual Red Kite records (1993 – 2009)

56 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Jan:

5 singles recorded at Creekmoor, Dancing Ledge, Kingston, Sherford Bridge and Feb:Stanbridge. 20 . th th th 3 records – singles at West Bexington on 19 and 26 and at Wimborne St Giles on Mar:

18 records - singles at Abbotsbury, Broadstone, Compton Abbas Airfield, Corfe Mullen, Cranborne, Durlston, Frampton, Holes Bay, Middlebere, Portland Port, Sixpenny Handley, Stanpit Marsh, Sutton . Waldron, Tincleton, West Bexington, Wimborne, and Wimborneth St Giles. Two birds thwere seen at Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head on 19 and at Apr:Warmwell on 12

9 records – singlesrd were . seen at Alderholt, Blandford Forum, Chamberlayne’s Heath, Charmouth, Comptonth Valence, Hengistbury Head, Upton and West Bexington, where birds May:were seen on 15 and 23

28 records, mostly of single birds on various dates at Briantspuddle, Bridport, Brownsea Island, Burton Bradstock, Canford School, Dancing Ledge, Dorchester, Gussage St Michael, Horton, Lodmoor, Marnhull, Martinstown, Monkey Jump, Morden, Osmington, Radipole Lake, Stoke Abbott, Studland Bay, Tarrant Rushton Airfield, Verwood, Weymouth, Winterbourneth Whitechurch, Woodyates andth Wytch Causeway.th Two were at Blandford Forum on 10 and Bottlebush Down on 12 , while on 24 groups of 3 were reported from Puncknowle and Ringstead. On that date at least 10 birds were recorded in the county, Jun:suggesting an influx of migrant birds.

11 . records - singles at Bridport, Broadwindsor, Christchurch, East Stour, Frome Whitfield,th Lodmoor, Spetisbury, Stalbridge, Todber and Wimborne, with 2 at West Moors Jul:on 14

Aug: 3 records, of singles at Ferndown, Gillingham and Melplash. . th Sep: Just a single record - 1 at Langton Herring on 13 . 8 records, of singles at Compton Abbas Airfield, Horton, Littleseath – The Fleet, Lodmoor, Oct:Stalbridge, Uploders and West Bexington andst 2 at Bridport on 18 . th Nov: 2 records - singles at Kingcombe on 21st and West Bay on 18 . th Dec: 2 records - singles at Cranborne on 21 and Longburton on 16 th th a bird was seen at Cranborne on 6 and 20 , possibly the same bird that was seen there in Nov. EAGLE sp Haliaeetus sp

2008 Addition:

Haliaeetus albicilla Hartland Moor AN large Hopper Eagle sp, thought most likely to have been a White-th tailed Eagle ( ) flew high over on 9 May ( ). 2009 Dorset Bird Report 57 MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus A scarce migrant and regular winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Bred at Radipole Lake – the first recorded breeding in Dorset since 1962. An immature male and an adult female were frequently seen together over the reserve duringth the spring. Breeding was suspected and in mid-Juneth the birds started to feed young. On 9 Jul young Firstbirds winterwere seen period: in flight and on 16 Jul 3 young birds were seen to have fledged.

nd th th th Abbotsbury Swannery Singlesth on 2 and 24 Jan, 16 Feb and 7 Mar. Cogden 1 on 7 thMar – same as the above Abbotsbury record. Durlston 1 on 16 Mar.th th Hengistbury Head Singles thon 19 and 30 Mar. Langton Herring 1 on 19 Mar. Lodmoor/Radipole Lake 1 – 2 female/imm birds were seen on most days in the period. Poole Harbour Up to 3 birds present. Mainly seen in the Wareham Channel, but alsoth from Lytchett Bay, Middlebere and Ower Quay. Portland Bill 1 on 20 Feb.nd th SpringStanpit passage:Marsh Singles on 22 Feb and 19 Mar.

th Apr . Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 11th AprMay. . Ballard Down 1 on 17th st rd . Broadwey 1 on 16 Apr . th th nd Christchurch Harbour During Mayth singles moved through on 1 , 3 , 9 , 14 and 22 Apr . Hartland Moor 1 on 28 Apr . th th Hengistbury Head A female/immatureth on 4 Apr and male overst Wick on 28rd Middlebere 1 on 11 Portland Single females moved north at Eastonth on 31 Mar and 3 Apr,th a first-summerth male at Weston on 5 Apr, and singles on 12 and 20 May.nd th AutumnSwineham passage: Point Singles on 2 Apr and 16 May. Nov . rdth th th rd Nov . Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 10 Sep, 15th Oct andth 15 th Christchurch Harbour Singles on 3 th Aug, 10 Sep,th 9 and 23 Oct and 5 Cogden Singles thon 26 Jul and 9 Aug. Sep . Cowards Marsh 1 on 28 Aug.th th Durlston Singles thon 29 Aug andrd 16 East Bexington 1 on 15 Oct.th Langton Herring Singles on 9 Jul and 3 Aug. Lodmoor/Radipole Lake Many records at both reserves, most of which related to the breeding pair and their offspring. Poole Harbour At least 8 different individuals were recorded in the Wareham Channel, with a maximum day count of 3 birds. Up to 2 stbirds Sep . were frequently recordedth Sep at . bothth Lytchett thBay andth Middlebere. Portland Singles reported on 6 th and 9 Aug and 11 , 15 and 21 Renscombe 1 at Hill Bottom on 24 58 Dorset Bird Report 2009 th Sep . Tadnoll Health 1 on 30 Jul. th th SecondWest Bexington winter period: A juvenile (later at Cogden) on 9 Aug; 1 on 11

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on variousth dates in December. Langton Herring 1 on 19 Dec. Lodmoor/Radipole Lake 1 or 2 birds remained in the area to the end of the year. Poole Harbour In the Wareham Channel, a female was presentnd in early December and a male was presentth from 22 Dec into th2010. Singles were at Middlebere on 6 Dec andth Arne onth 28 Dec. West Bexington A young male on most dates between 10 and 30 Dec. HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus A localised winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. [Red list]

There were more reports in the first half of the year than in 2008, however the autumn and Firstsecond winter winter period period (Jan were – againMar): disappointing.

nd Poole Harbour Many reports were received up to 22 Mar. The best estimate is that 1 adult male was present, along with 1 – 2 subadult males and 2 females. Most reports came from Arne, Hartland Moor, Middlebere and the Wareham Channel, with single reports from Lytchett Bay,st Rempstoneth th Forest and Wytch. Wareham Forest A male at Mordenth Bog on 4 and 25 Jan, also atth Sherford Bridge on 24 Jan and 21 Feb. A thringtail onth 11 Mar. West Bexington A ringtail was in the area from 12 Mar - 16 Apr. It was also noted at Abbotsbury Swannery and north of the coast road. st th th Also recordedth on 1 or 2 dates from Abbotsbury Swanneryth (15 Mar), Acton (13 Mar), Ashleyst (5th Jan), Avon Causewayth (1 Mar), Cerne Abbasth (11 Mar),th Chamberlayne’s Heath (male 14 Feb, ringtail 15th Feb), Cowardsth Marsh (15 Feb thand 26 Mar), Dodding’s Farmth CBs (1 Jan), Holt Heath (7 Janth and 20 thJan), Horton Inn (10th Feb), Langton Matraversth (17 Jan), St Aldhelm’sth Head (11 Feb andth 6 Mar), Swyre (7 Mar), Tadnoll (19 Mar), Upton Heath (19 Jan), West Knightonth (20 Mar), Winfrith Heath (unknown date in March) and SpringWinterborne passage: Whitchurch (26 Jan). Apr . th Abbotsbury Swannery A ringtail on 19 Apr . th Central Portland 1 male flew in off sea at Church Opeth Cove on 20 May.Apr . Forston A male at Brooklands Farm on 14 th Hengistbury Head A ringtail andth a male departed southwest Apr on . 11 Littlesea, The Fleet A male on 20 May. th th AutumnMiddlebere passage: 1 ringtail present between 10 and 20

th Christchurch Harbour A ringtail on 7nd Oct. Durlston A male on 22 Oct. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 59 th Lytchett Bay 1 on 24 Aug. th Swineham Point A sub-adultth male on 28 Oct. SecondWytch Lake winter period (Nov1 – on Dec): 20 Oct.

Poole Harbour Possibly just 3 birds present (an adult male, a sub-adult male and a ringtail). Birds were most frequently recorded from Hartland Moor, Middlebere, Stoborough Heath andst the Wareham Channel. After no records in 2008,th Lytchett Bay recorded a male bird on 3 dates between 19 and 31 Dec. th th Also recordedth from Abbotsburyth Swannery (24 Nov), Avon Causewayth (10 Dec), Bardolfth Farm (4 Nov),th Cashmoorth (12 Nov), Christchurchth Harbour (5 Nov, with 2+th on 30 Nov), Holt Heath (14 and 20 Dec), West Bexington (9 Nov) and White Nothe (7 Nov). MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus A rare breeding species and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th There was a single report of a ringtail hunting in a traditional breeding area on 12 Jul, but no evidence was received of any breeding attempts this year. Successful breeding was last Otherconfirmed records: in 2003. rd MO Christchurch Harbour A ringtail, probably an adult female, flew east on 3 May (, photo). SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus A fairly common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Breeding:

Breeding season records were received from just 10 sites, however this is undoubtedly a severe underestimate of the true population. Breeding was confirmed or presumed at Gussage St Michael, Hengistbury Head, Lodmoor, Merley Park (where 1 pair fledged 3 Migrants:young) and Portland (3 territories, with fledged young noted on 12th Aug). Sep to 27 th th Durlston Head Up to 3 thbirds from 17 Oct. Glebelands 2 on 17 Oct during a visible migrationth watch. Hengistbury Head 5 seen over the Avon Valley onst 15 Mar could have been Sep migrants. th th Portland Bill 3n betweenth 17 Mar and 21 Apr, 8n and 2s between 10 and 14 Oct. ndSep . Portland Harbour 1n on 22th Mar. Seacombe Valley 2 on 19 th th th South Haven, Studland Singles on 7 , 11 and 30 Oct during visible migration watches. th th 60St Aldhelm’sDorset Bird Head Report 2009 Several sightings between 18 Sep and 16 Oct. BUZZARD Buteo buteo A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Widely reported throughout the county, this is now the commonest raptor in most parts. Breeding was confirmed from Canford School (1 young), Dean, Gussage St Andrew, Gussage Hill, Gussage St Michael, Langton Herring (4 pairs), Markham and Little Francis (Weymouth), Merley Park (1 pair raisedth 2 young), Portland (two pairs, but both unsuccessful), Sherford LargeBridge counts (1 juv seen (all countson 29 Jun),of 10 Stoborough or more are Heath, given): Wareham Forest and Wyke Down.

th Hardy’s Monument 24 on 10 May. Norden 47 birds feeding onth earthworms in Apr a field. during Feb. Ringstead to White Nothe At least st22 on 16 Mar. th Stalbridge 42 in a single soaring flock on 5 Sutton Hill 16 on 1 thOct. Tolpuddle 21 on 11th Feb. Migrants:Wardon Hill 14 on 12 Oct. rd th Sep . Portland Bill 1s on 20 Feb, 3n on 23th Feb. th Portland Harbour 8 flew over between 15 Jan and 19 OSPREY Pandion haliaetus A frequent passage migrant. [Amber list]

Although less abundant than in 2008, there were nevertheless a good number of records, with sightings from across the county. 250

200

150

100

50

0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Annual Osprey totals in bird-days (1993 – 2009)

Spring passage:

At least 20 individuals were recorded in the spring, a slight decrease compared to recent years. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 61 to 9 th th th th Arne/Middlebere Singles thfrom 10 to 18 Aprst and from 4 Apr . May. Brands Bay 1 on 17 May.th st th th Christchurch Harbour Singles onApr 29 . Mar and 1 , 4 and 10 Christchurch 1 overthrd the Priory on 21 May. Crossways 1 on 8 East Holme 1 on 3 th Jun. Apr . Little Sea, Studland 1 on 10 thApr May. . Lytchett Bay 1 on 12thrd Lytchett Minster 1 on 5 Apr . Over Compton 1 on 3 th May. Poole Bay 1 on 16th Portland Harbour 1 on 30thst Mar. Stoborough 1 on 17rd May. Todber, near Gillingham 1 on 31 Mar.Apr . Upton 1 on 3 th May. Apr . Upwey 1 on 10th AutumnWareham passage: 1 on 29

Autumn passage was also less heavy than in recent years. It is difficult to know how many different birds passed through because of the presence of long-staying individuals in Poole Harbour. However it is likely that at least 37 different birds were involved, compared with over 50 last year. Sep . th th nd st Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 30 Jun, 16 Aug and 2 Arne/Middlebere One stor moreth single Sep . birds were presentth on many datesth from 1 Jul to 24 Sep,th with 2 present from 27 Aug to 12 Sep and 3 on 1 andth 16 Canford Magna 1 on 9 Jul. nd Central Portland 1 over Westonth on 22 Aug.th Christchurch Harbour Singles thon 27 Jun and 27 Aug. Durlston 1 on 30th Aug. Little Sea, Studland 1 on 30 Aug. th th Lytchett Bay A poor autumn with only 6 records between 14 Aug and 30 Oct. Theth last date is the latest ever at this site. Middlemarsh 1 on Sep 20 . Aug. th Morden Bog Singleth stbirds observed on five occasions between 9 Aug and 14 Pimperne 1 on 1th Aug. Sep . Poole Park 1 on 9 SepAug. th. th th th Stanpit Marsh Singlesth on 5 , 10 , 13 and 15 South Haven, Studland 1 on 9 th rd th Wareham Channel 221 on 26 Jul, then 3 at Swineham Point Sep on. 29 Aug, after whichnd 1 or 2 birds remained untilth 23 Sep, with 3 again on Extreme dates: Sep and 1 remaining until 30 29 th th Mar at Christchurch Harbour and 30 Oct at Lytchett Bay. 62 Dorset Bird Report 2009 KESTREL Falco tinnunculus A fairly common breeding resident and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Widely reported throughout the year, but few records were received of breeding. Successful breeding was noted at Ashley Chase, Abbotsbury (pair raised two young), Canford School, Christchurch Priory, Durlston, Godlingston Heath, Hengistbury Head, Lodmoor, Lorton Meadows, Merley Park (pair raised 1 young), Morden Bog, Portland (7 occupied territories, at least 14 young fledged), Redcliff Point, Tarrant Rushton Airfield, Woolgarston and Wyke Migration:Down.

th Lytchett Bay 3 heading south on 18 Sep at Turlin Moor left an impression of migration. th Portland 1s at the Bill on 8 Oct was the only direct evidence of passage noted in either season, although an obvious influx in stautumn was strong evidence that the local population wasth bolstered th by migrants; upth to ten in Aug rising to 20+ on 9 , 21 and 27 Sep and on 16 Oct. RED-FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus A very rare visitor. 33 previous records.

There was one record: PA Coe G Walbridge th Central Portland A female flew north at Reap Lane on 25 Apr ( , ).

This constitutes the 34th record for Dorset. MERLIN Falco columbarius A scarce migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

A somewhat better showing in the winter and early spring period than in recent years, Firsthowever winter the autumnperiod: migration was less strong than in 2008.

st rd th Recorded fromth many sites, although mostly just onrd single dates: Abbotsbury Swanneryth (18 Jan), Arne (10 Jan),th Avon Causeway (1 Mar), Bestwall (3 Feb), Brandsth Bay (26 Feb), Brownsea Islandth (15 stFeb), Burton Meadowsth (23 Jan), East Holmeth (16 st Mar), Gussage Stnd Andrew (18 Jan), Hartland Moor (6 Jan), Langtonth Herring (14 rd Jan), Longham Lakes (2 th Feb), Lytchett Bayth (31rd Jan), Maiden Castleth (20 Jan), Martinstown (31 Jan), Ridgend (13 Jan), Studland (25 Jan), Throop Heath (15 Mar),th Tolpuddle (3 Jan), Warehamth (2 Jan), Warmwell Quarryth (3 Jan), West Bexington (13 Jan), Winterborne Monkton (26 Jan) and Wytch Farm (10 Jan).

2009 Dorset Bird Report 63 Also recorded at Durlston (single records in Jan, Feb and Mar) and at Middlebere (3 dates Springin Jan and passage: 1 in Feb).

th rd Apr . Arne Moors 1 on 5 Apr, alsoth seenth atth Stoborough thHeath. th Christchurch Harbour Singles ndon 15 , 17 , 18 , 23 and 30 Mar and 11 Hardy’s Monument 1 on 22th Mar. Langton Herring 1 on 29th Mar. Morden Bog 1 on 24 Mar. Portland 6 bird-daysth Apr in . Mar, 3 in Apr and 1 in May. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 6 thMar. Stalbridge 1 on 11th Apr . Swineham Point 1 on 27th Mar. AutumnWest Bexington passage and second1 on winter 19 period: st

th th th th th Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 12 Sep, 1 , 5 , 11 and 13 thOct and 12 Dec. Durlston The first autumn passage birdth was on 4 Sep and birds were Nov . recordedth from then up to 10 Dec. nd th East Bexington 1 on 29 Oct and single birds headed west on 2 and 5 Glebelands 7 bird-days in Oct, of birds seen moving with passerinesst during visible migration watches. th Hartland Moor At least one female was present from 12 Oct to 31 Dec, also seen at Middlebere, Stoborough Heath andth NovStoborough . th village. An immature male was also seenth onst 12 andth 18 Dec. Hengistbury Head 9 singles recorded between 5 Sep and 5 Lodmoor A single bird flewth in off the sea on 1 Sep andth perhaps the same thbird on 4 , another went west on 29 Oct, and another on 13 Nov. The observer comments that 4 records of probably 3 birds is an excellent year (only 5 previous records). Middlebere 2 bird-days in Nov andnd 2 in Dec. Portland 1 at Ferrybridge on 2 Jul, possibly the previous day’s Radipole Lake bird. Subsequent autumn passage Nov . involved 50 bird-days betweenth Aug andth Nov. th Ringstead Bay Singles east onth 26 andth 27 Septh and on 7 th West Bexington Single birds 8 and 15 Sep, 13 Oct and 11 Nov. Fewer records than in 2008.st th Also recordedth on 1 orth 2 dates from Baiter Park th(1 Oct), Briantspuddleth (29 Oct), Brownsea Septh Islandrd (15 and 27 th Oct), Canfordth School (10 Dec), Cogdenth (29 Sep), Hill Bottomst th (17 Oct), Holt Heath (14 and 20th Dec), Kimmeridge Bayth (6 Sep), Langton Herring (11 th and 3 Oct), Lytchett Bay (28th Oct), Maiden Castle (28th Dec), Radipole Laketh (1 Jul and 30 Oct), St Aldhelm’sth Head (18 Oct), Swinehamth Point (6 Nov), Wareham (11 Sep), Winfrith NotableHeath (25 records: Dec) and Wyke Down (14 Jul).

th 1 was seen at Brownsea on 15 Jan chasing Dunlins over the lagoon

64 Dorset Bird Report 2009 80

70

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20

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0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Merlin records in 2009 by month Extreme dates: 9 st th May at Portland and 1 Jul at Radipole Lake. HOBBY Falco subbuteo A localised breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

2009 was a somewhat disappointing year for this species in thcomparison with 2008. The largest feeding flocksth were noted at Morden Bog (5+ on 16 Jun) and at Turnerspuddle Heath (4+ on 10 May). Spring and autumn passage at Portland Bill were at 1990s levels, as shown in the bar60 chart below.

50

40

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0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Spring Autumn

Annual spring and autumn totals of Hobby at Portland Bill 1990 – 2009 Breeding:

Breeding season records (June and July) were received from 40 sites, a further improvement Extremeon last year’s dates: total. Breeding was confirmed at only 2 sites, where pairs each raised 3 young. 27 th th

Mar at Watery Lane, Portland and 4 Nov at Stoborough Heath. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 65 PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus A scarce resident, breeding on cliffs along the coast and on inland pylons.

Breeding:

28 sites were occupied, of which 19 were coastal and 7 were on inland pylon sites. A further two pairs were thought to have bred on buildings, however their breeding success was not known. Regular observers of traditional coastal sites report that there has been a slight but genuine reduction in numbers from the peak a few years ago. Nevertheless the 14 coastal pairs that nested successfully raised 31 young, and the 4 pylon pairs raised 6 young. The total number of young fledged2000 – at least 372002 – is easily the highest2005 in2006 recent2007 times.2008 2009 20 20 22 25 27 28 28 Year 1998 1999 28 200122 27 2003 200429 25 28 Pairs 23 23 24 32 30 Juveniles 18 24+ 23 32 30 37+ 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, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Radipole Lake and Stanpit Marsh. At Lytchett Bay there were no specific records this year but there has been no perceived change in status since the 2004 breeding survey established a population of more than 60 pairs. Not Portlandrecorded duringmigrants the &breeding wintering season birds: this year at West Bexington/Cogden. Nov . th Central Portland 1 at Southwell on 13 th th North Portland 18 bird-daysth between 11th Jan and 11 Mar and 20 bird-days between 20 Sep and 29 Dec. th Sep . th Portland Bill Singles overwintered from 2008 until 14 thMar and from 6 Site maxima: Nov into 2010. 1 was also recorded on 30 Apr Sep Nov 6 5 5 Jan6 Feb6 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct5 7 Dec6 Christchurch Harbour 3 Lodmoor 1 10 2 Radipole Lake 1 3 10 The Fleet 11 1 SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana A rare passage migrant.

Three were recorded this year, after none inS 2008:Hales et al th to 27 N Hopper C Thain Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 24 Aug ( th ). th T Butler Brownsea Island A singing male from 25 nd May ( , ). Stanpit Marsh 1 at Parky Meade Rail on 2 Aug ( ). 66 Dorset Bird Report 2009 MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus A common breeding resident.

Breeding was confirmed at Chard Junction GPs (pair raised 1 young), Dorchester Water Meadows (pair with 2 young), Gussage St Andrew (pair with 3 young), Hatch Pond (at least 3 pairs), Hengistbury Head (several pairs), Higher Hyde Heath (2 young), Lodmoor (at least 2 pairs), Lytchett Bay (at least 3 pairs, hatching 11 young, fledging at least 5), Martinstown (2 young), Merley Park (3 pairs, 15 young), Organford (1 young), Ridge (2 young), Rodden SiteHive maxima:(1 pair), Turnworth NR (6 young), Winterborne Came (4 young) and West Bexington. Apr Sep Nov 9 9 Jan Feb Mar50 May Jun Jul Aug Oct8 26 Dec22 Critchel Lake 2217 2812 15 13 16 18 16 14 10 Lower Avone Valley 2037 12 7 7 5 8 Poole Harbour 19 14 11 44 13 The Fleet 13 13 4 4 3 16 30 COOT Fulica atra A common breeding resident.

Breeding was confirmed at Chard Junction GPs (2 pairs fledged 4 young), Hatch Pond (2+ pairs), Lodmoor (15+ pairs bred successfully), Merley Park (pair raised 4 young), Morden Park Lake (2 pairs raised at least 4 young), Radipole Lake (9+ pairs bred successfully), Stanpit Marsh (several pairs), Sturminster Marshall GPs (approx 3 pairs), West Bexington Siteand Westmaxima: Knighton Heath (2 young). Apr Sep Nov 262 70 Jan Feb Mar May25 Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 203 20 284 423 416 169 Critchel Lake 123 49 54 21 38 34 61 63 54 8684 Little Sea, Studland 14082 31 8230 118 Lodmoor 150 120 100 100 1002 12620 29 20 Lower Avon Valley 200 41 50 1 21 19 Poole Harbour 111 114 47 85 500 2200 Radipole Lake 150 150 100 111 100 The Fleet 1857 1005 442 125 39 271 612 638 1660 COMMON CRANE Grus grus A rare visitor.

There were two records – the first since 2005: R Dixon th C&G Whitby et al Arne 1 on 12th Oct between Arne and Swineham ( ). Morden Bog 1 on 18 Apr ( , photo).

2009 Dorset Bird Report 67 OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus A common resident, breeding in small numbers. [Amber list]

Breeding:

On Brownsea Island, 26 pairs raised just 15 young (compared to 12 pairs and 3 fledged young in 2008). Mortality rates among chicks on Brownsea seem alarmingly high.

Elsewhere a pair again nested at Portland Bill and this year successfully fledged at least 1 juvenile. A second pair at Ferrybridge and a third on Portland Harbour breakwaters also raised at least 1 chick each. Nearby Lodmoor played host to a successful breeding pair for the 7th year running. They raised 2 young, but a second pair failed.

Counts of 12 in Weymouth Bay in April and 11 on Lodmoor in June hint at more breeding Wintering/passage:birds in the wider Weymouth area.

The decline in wintering numbers that set in during the 1990s, showed no sign of being reversed. Early in the year, numbers in Poole Harbour peaked at 927 in February and later at 674 in December. The highest winter count in Christchurch Harbour came in March, with 49. Regular numbers now frequent the Fleet: flocks there peaked at 91 in March and 81 in November. th A flock of 18 at Lyme Regis on 12 Dec is an exceptional count for that area.

As part of a gradual change in status, Dorset is becoming more important for this species as a stopping off point. The highest counts of the year in both Poole Harbour (1,013 in September and 1,110 in October) and Christchurch Harbour (108 in September) again came in the autumn. AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta A common winter visitor to Poole Harbour. Elsewhere, a scarce migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 977 25 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Harbour 735 3 10 100 993 1553 1274 1246sive

This species continues to make use of Poole Harbour as a wintering ground in impres numbers. It’s easy to forget, looking at some of today’s counts, that 25 years ago you would have been lucky to see 40 Avocets in the entire harbor – how times have changed. Nowadays, the only waders that occur in bigger numbers in winter are Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit.

In the last few winters, a few birds have also started wintering in nearby Christchurch Harbour. However, numbers remain small, peaking at 8 in February. Less predictably – this Recordsfar west in from Dorset elsewhere: – a pair that arrived at Lodmoor in mid-December stayed into 2010.

A good smattering of autumn records, but given the numbers in Poole Harbour, this species remains a surprisingly scarce bird elsewhere in Dorset, particularly in spring. 68 Dorset Bird Report 2009 th Abbotsbury Swannery 2 on 15 Mar. th Christchurch Harbour 4 records in spring, 4 in Aug, followed Nov by a. max of 20 on 10 Sep (perhaps thest Portlandth birds). Alsoth singles past Hengistbury Sep Head. on 8 Oct and 11 Durlston 1 offshorestth on 21 st Oct. Nov . Herbury Gore 5 on 10 Sep . th th th Lodmoor 3 on 31 Mayth & 1 Jun, 1 on 20 Sep, 2 on 16 Oct, 1 on 25 Portland Bill 20e on 10th West Bexington 1w on 25 Nov (possibly the Lodmoor bird and a bit of a rarity for the dedicated patch watchers). STONE CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus A rare passage migrant and formerly regular breeding species. [Amber list]

th th th Christchurch Harbour 1 over on 20 Apr and 1 at Stanpit Marsh on 12 and 13 May.

Not getting any easier to see in Dorset – this century there have been an average of less than 3 records per year. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius A rare breeding summer visitor and uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding:

Hanging on by a thread. The county’s only known breeding pair raised 3 young at Warmwell Quarry. More worryingly, there were no records at all this year from Chard Junction GP, Springwhere they passage: bred as recently as 6 years ago.

A textbook flurry of later March and early April records. th Apr . Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 18 Mar.nd th Apr . Bride Valley FF 2 on bothnd 2 andth 10 th Apr . nd th Cowards Marsh 1 on 22 and th24 Mar,nd 2 on 28 Mar,th 2 on 2 Apr, 1 on 15 Hengistbury Head Singles on 18rd Mar, 2 st Apr andth 18 th st Apr . Lodmoor c7 werest recorded between 17 Marth and 9 Apr, max of 3. Longham Lakes Singles on 23 and 31 Mar,nd 2 on 5 Apr and 1 on 21 AutumnStanpit Marsh passage: 2 on 31 Mar and 1 on 22 May.

Better than average for Abbotsbury and Portland, but surprisingly lean pickings Sep elsewhere. . th th th th th Abbotsbury Swannery Singlesth on 13 and 19 Aug, 15 Sep and 20 - 24 Arne 2 on 4 thJul. Brands Bay 1 on 17th Aug. rd Bride Valley FF 1 on 19st Jul. th Christchurch Harbour Around 7 recorded between 23th Jul andth 30 Aug. th Ferrybridge 1 juv, 1 Aug; thup to 4 juvs onth 13 & 14 Aug; 2 juvs on 24 Aug. Lodmoor Singles on 29 thJun and 16 Aug. Portland Bill 1 juvenile on 5 Aug. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 69 RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula A scarce and local breeding species, common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Pretty depressing reading for a species more vulnerable to disturbance than most. The only reports of nesting birds came from Osprey Quay on Portland, where 4 chicks were counted and nearby on Chesil Beach where 1 or 2 pairs bred and at least 1 chick was seen. A pair also Siteprospected maxima: Brownsea Lagoon but there was no evidence that they nested. Apr Sep Nov 7 5 60 Jan66 Feb50 Mar May Jun20 Jul Aug Oct 55 Dec Christchurch Harbour 45 377 18 11 13 7 6 210 1049 10062 38 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 35 35 40 40 175 122 71 54 Poole Harbour 40 12 15 40 17

SpringA scattering passage: of winter sightings elsewhere included 5 on rocks at Lyme Regis in December.

th Apr . Chesil Cove 4s on 16th May. Lytchett Bay 5 on 24rd th th Lodmoor c8 between 29 Mar and 14 May. Middlebere 7 on 3 Jun. AutumnWest Bexington passage: Maximum counts of 15 during April and 13 during May.

The record of the year undoubtedly came from Gussage Down. Even single records of this species are rare away from the coastrd in Dorset and this flock was unprecedented inland.

Ballard Down 1 on 23 Aug. th th Brands Bay Records included Sep 6 on . 26 Jul andth 13 on 15 Aug. Brownsea Lagoon The peak countnd was of 15 on 17 Aug. Durlston 1 offshore Septh on . 2 East Bexington 5w onth 29 Aug. Gussage Down 8 on 4 th Sep . Langton Herring 35 on 17 Aug. th th Lodmoor 1 – 7 birds regularly between 13 Aug and 20 Portland Bill Peak countth of 20 during August. Sep . Rodden Hive 2 on 29 Aug. th th Stanpit Marsh Peak countsth Sep . of 102s on 24 Aug and 115 on 24 Studland Bay 3s on 4th Aug. Swineham Point 1 on 5 DOTTEREL Charadrius morinellus A rare passage migrant. [Amber list]

DN Smith th Stanpit Marsh 1 on 5 Aug ( ).

You had to be up early to catch this one - it had gone by 7am. There have been 17 records in 70the lastDorset 9 yearsBird Report – all 2009 but 4 of them in the autumn. GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria A localised winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

The headline events of the year were two cold weather movements; the first in early February Firstand the winter second period: in late December. Both tied in with similar movements of Lapwings.

The year began routinely enough with a maximum of 500 at Maiden Castle in January, which may have accounted fornd a similar count at Chickerell Hive. The first sign that birds were on the move came on 2 Feb when 645 turned up in fields just behind the beach at East Bexington, with another 200 at Abbotsbury and 150 at West Bexington. The next day 450 were counted at nearby Portesham, with flocks of 50 – 100 recorded at Burton Bradstock, SpringFarrington, passage: Lodmoor and East Holme over the next few days.

th th Portland Singles thon 19 and 20 Mar. AutumnStanpit Marsh passage: 1 on 30 May.

st th th Christchurch Harbour 9 records of up to 10 birds between 25 Jul Novand .26th Sep, then mainly singles on 15 dates betweenth 1 Octth and 9 Dec. Durlston 3 recordsst Sep of up . to 4 between 5 Sep and 6 Portland The highest monthly totals were of 18 in Sep and 14 in Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 21th South Haven 1 on 8 Oct.th SecondStudland winter Bay period: 20s on 6 Oct.

The usual October arrivals included 450 at Tarrant Hinton and 150 at Gussage St Andrews. By November, 200 were at Maiden Castle, with another 150 at Eggardonst Hillfort. These figures however, were dwarfed in late December. A sign that something was up came when 25 flew over Weymouth and 200 appeared at Friar Waddon on 21 Dec. The next day, numbers at Maiden Castle rocketed from 400 to 1,500, with a further 900 at Rodden Hive. Numbers quickly subsided, but 750 lingered at Maiden Castle until at least Christmas Day. GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 5 5 2 5 8 2 25 Jan25 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct2 Dec9 Christchurch Harbour 17 27 1 11 1 3 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 21 1 1 1 SpringPoole Harbour passage: 91 18 15 48 31

th Apr . Brands Bay 1 on 10th AprMay. . th Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 11th and 12 Butterstreet Cove 2 on 16 2009 Dorset Bird Report 71 rd Apr th. th th Lodmoor Singles on 5 Mar, 12 May and 30 May. AutumnPeveril Point passage: 1 on 3 Sep . th Sep . Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 24th th Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 7 Augth and 4 on 25 th st Christchurch Harbour 11w onst 9 Octth and 8 onnd 25 Oct.th Durlston Singles on 19 Aug, 22rd Oct, 12 Nov and Sep 1 .Dec. Herbury Gore 1 on 31 Aug.th th th Middlebere Singles ndon 9 Aug, 3 Sep, 5 Sep and 9 Wareham Channel 1 on 22 Aug. LAPWING Vanellus vanellus A declining breeding resident, common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

Not many Dorset birders will have heard of Margaret’s Marsh, but with 10 – 15 pairs it has become one of the county’s single most important breeding sites for this species. In the north of the county 6 pairs bred at Bottlebush thDown, and a pair raised 2 chicks at Wyke Down, although a count there of 31 birds on 25 May hints at a bigger nesting population. At Ridge 6 birds and 3 juvs were noted in July, 2 – 3 pairs nested at Organford, with another 2 pairs at Monkton up Wimborne in April, and 2 more pairs at Shapwick. Two broods were reported from Gussage Down and single pairs from Bokerley Down, Tarrant Rushton, Corfe SiteRiver maxima: Meadows and Tadnoll Heath. Apr Sep Nov 2 650 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 1000 120 1 10 137 191 110 315 192 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 1373 147 1 413 Winter:Poole Harbour 1000 314 457

Thousands of birds were involved in several hard weather movements in January and early February. As flocks left Christchurch and Poole Harbours, big numbersnd started turning up further west. During February, 350 turned up at West Bexingtonth on the 2 and the same day 500 were counted in the Lower Avon Valley. On the 7 Feb, 450 were at East Holmeth and a total of around 950 roosted on or flew west over Lodmoor. The followingth day (8 . Feb) 3,000 were at Todber and 900 on Dorchester Waterth Meadows. By the 11 , 3,000 thhad settled at Bardolf Farm, with 500 noted at Almer on 13 and 450 at Charminster on 15

There was another influx at the end of the year. After 600st . were counted at Woodsford in early December, numbers at Maiden Castle climbed to 600 later in the month, with a total of 1,220 by the Avon Causeway and 800 at Lodmoor on 31

72 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Passage:

th Cranborne Common 3 on 10 May.nd th th Lodmoor Singles thon 2 , 11 and 30 May. Longham Lakes 3 on 12th May. Ringstead Bay 1 on 4 May. KNOT Calidris canutus A scarce and local winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 5 2 Jan25 Feb5 Mar2 May Jun Jul Aug2 Oct2 2 Dec Christchurch Harbour 251 6 28 2 8 33 2042 17 9 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 1 12 1 Poole Harbour 12 33 41

A poor year by Poole Harbour standards. The January count on the Fleet however, is an Springimpressive passage: total for the west of the county. rd Apr . th Abbotsbury Swannery Singles thon 14 and 23th th th Brands Bay 3 on 10 thMay, 4 on 13th May, 2 on 16 Maynd and 3 on 17 May. Brownsea Lagoon 28 on 12th Apr, 2 on 7 May and 8 on 2 Jun. Christchurch Harbour 1e on 30th Apr Apr . and a max thcount of 6 in May. Ferrybridge 4 on 24th Apr and 1 on 15 May. Lodmoor 1 on 14th AutumnPortland passage:Bill 1 on 25 May. Sep . th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on Sep 24 . th th Brands Bay Peakth countsst included 10 on 30 Aug, 33 on 4 Sep and 7 on 10 th th th . Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 21 Jun, 2 on 7 Aug, 1 on 14 Aug, 5 on 30 Aug. th During September there was a maximum countnd of 20 onth 25 Numbers in October builtth up from 13 on 2 to 41 on 19 , with 20 still presentth on 30 th Oct. Sep . th Christchurch Harbour 4 on 24 Aug, Septh 5n . on 9 Octth and 17w on 25 Oct. Ferrybridge Singles onth 20 Jul and 4 Herbury Gore 12 on 14 th th Sep . th th Lodmoor 1 between Sep 11 . and 17th Jul, withth 2 on 18 Jul. Singles on 29 Aug andth rdbetween 11 and 15 Lytchett Bay 1 on 15 Portland Bill 5e on 23th Aug. Sep . Preston Beach 3 on 19 Aug.th th Radipole Lake 2 betweenth 17 and 19 Rodden Hive 2 on 29 Aug.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 73 SANDERLING Calidris alba A localised winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov

Jan Feb Mar May8 Jun Jul Aug8 9 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 251 27 155 2 16 12 20 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 4 11 Poole Harbour

Its always worth countingth waders…you might set a record. The 27 that had gathered in SpringBramble passage: Bush Bay on 25 Feb appear to be Dorset’s biggest wintering flock for 25 years.

A really poor showing. th Brands Bay 1 on 16th May. Brownsea Lagoon 5 on 20 May.th th st th Durlston 2 past on 6 May,th 4 on 19 May and 1 on 20 May. Chesil Beach 17 past on 30 th May and 3 onth 31 May. Chesil Cove 8s between 25 Apr andth 18 May. th Ferrybridge Peak counts Apr of .th 4 on 25 Aprth and 8 on 14 May. Lodmoor Singles thon 26 Mar and 13 May. South Haven 1 on 25 AutumnWest Bexington passage: Max of 35 in May. Sep . thst th th Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 13 Jun, 1 on 4 Augrd Septh and . 1 on 25 Chesil Beach/Cove 7 on 21th Jul and 1s on 30 Jul. st Herbury Gore 2 on 20th Jul and 1 on 3 th nd th Lodmoor 2 on 9 Aug, with singles on 8 Sep, 1 – 2 Oct and 24 Oct. LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Occasional records in winter.

Winter records:

Christchurch Harbour played host to its first wintering bird for 10 years. An immature was Springnoted at passage: several sites around the harbour in early January.

th th th AutumnFerrybridge passage: Singles on 12 May and 17 – 18 May.

Dire: one of the poorest autumns for 15 years. to 20 th Septh . th th th th Abbotsbury Swannery 2 on 18 Aug,nd singles onth 7 – Sep8 Sep, . 15 Sep and 8 Oct. Brownsea Lagoon Singles thon 22rd and 25th st th Lodmoor 1 on 13 Jun, 2 on 15 – 17 nd th Stanpit Marsh Singles on 3th Aug thand 21 – 22 th Aug, 2 on 20 Sep and 1 between 25 – 28 Sep, 1 on 26 Oct. 74 Dorset Bird Report 2009 CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Spring passage:

th Almost a regular now in spring…recorded for the 6 year in a row. th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 6 thMay. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 10th May. Ferrybridge 1 on 8 thMay. AutumnStanpit Marsh passage: 1 on 12 May.

A good spread of dates and locations.st Sep . nd rd Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 21 & 22 th th Brownsea Lagoon 13 birds recorded;th th 1 on 23th Jul, 3 on 25 Julth andth 1 onth 30 Jul.th Singles onSep 4 . , 9nd and 20 Aug. Singles on 5 – 6 , 10 and 25 Sep andth 2 on Sep 2 . Oct. Ferrybridge 1 on 6 th Sep . Hengistbury Head 2w on 17 st th th Lodmoor Between 1 and Septh 3. birds were present between 8 and 13 Radipole Lake Singles stonth 16 – 21 Sep (perhaps one of the Lodmoorst birds) 22and on 26 th th Stanpit Marsh 1 onnd 31 Jul; 1 onth 12 Aug; 2 onth 13 Aug;th 1 on 21 Aug;th 2 on Aug;th 2 onth 11 Sep; 1 on 18 – 19 Sep; 1 on 27 Sep; 2 on 29 Nov – 30 . Sep; Duringth October, 1 bird was recorded on 8 dates,th with 2 on 26 Oct. The final record was of a single bird on 4 th Sep . The Fleet 2 at Butterstreet Cove on 11th Sep, with probably the same birds at Rodden Hive on 14 PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritime A local winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. [Amber list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 9 8 Jan8 Feb Mar8 9 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 116 3 128 Lyme Regis (The Cobb) 3 8 5 146 118 Poole Harbour 3 11 Portland Bill 10 10 1 1

th th ExtremeElsewhere dates: singles were reported from West Bay on 27 Nov and Peveril Point on 27 Dec.

th th 19 Apr in Christchurch Harbour and 25 Aug at Portland Bill.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 75 DUNLIN Calidris alpine A common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 87 500 6 270 280Jan Feb Mar May70 Jun Jul Aug 80 Oct 20 Dec Christchurch Harbour 310 190 240 47 168 120 668189 2000215 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 114 100 30 10 30 137 103 140 Poole Harbour 3271 2116 74 150 149 317 456

The relatively big counts in January can be linked, at least in part, to cold weather movements. Generally though, there was little evidence of a sustained recovery in wintering numbers. On a brighter note however, there are some signs that the steep decline in numbers that set in during the 1990s may at least have bottomed out in the last few years. th Spring passage peaked as usual in May and included 300 at Lodmoor on 7 May.

The last really prolific autumn for this species was 2005 and it was comparativelyst lean pickings again this year. There were a few three-figure flocks – 150 had stopped over on Brownsea Lagoon in late July, while 136 left Christchurch Harbour on 31 Jul. But that was about as good as it got for dedicated wader watchers. nd Inland records are always worthth mentioning, with singles at Longham Lakes on 2 May and at Chard Junction GP on 29 Aug. RUFF Philomachus pugnax A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Red list]

Winter:

rd th st Just 4 records, all of them in the east of the county;th 1 at Stanpit Marsh on 13 Jan, 1w at Hengistbury Head on 3 Feb, 1 at Middlebere on 16 Nov and 1 at Avon Causeway on 31 SpringDec. passage:

The Lodmoor flock is the biggest recordedrd in Dorset since the early 1990s. th st Apr . Cowards Marsh 1 on 23 th – 25st Mar. th Apr . th Lodmoor 14 on 16th Mar; 2 between 17 and 21nd Mar; 1nd on 13 AutumnStanpit Marsh passage: 1 on 29 – 31 Mar and 1 between 2 and 22

th Arne 1 on 5 Jul.th th Hengistbury Head 2w on 16 Septh and 2w onth 25 Oct. Lytchett Bay 1 between 29 Sep and 6 Oct. th stth Stanpit Marsh Aroundst th 17 birds wereth recorded: 2th on 26th Jun; 3 on 29 Jun; 1 on 15 Jul; 4 on 13th Aug; 1 onth 29 th– 30 Aug;st 2 onth 31 Aug; 1 on th1 Sep; 3 on Sep 5th . Sep; 1 on 7 th – 9 Sep; 2 on 10 Sep; 1 onth 11 Sep; 2 onth 14 Sep; 1 on 17 Sep; 1 on 21 Sep; 1 on 25 Sep; 1 on 29 76 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Greenshank at Brownsea Island - 25th September Nick Hopper Wintering and passage numbers around Poole Harbour seem to be holding up well and there has been no real status change in that respect since the early 1970s.

Grey Phalarope at Dodding’s Farm Cressbeds - 27th August Kevin Lane There were two inland records this year, with another juvenile turning up at Longham Lakes a few days after the bird in the above photo was discovered. Late autumn and winter storms produced a perhaps more predictable set of coastal records.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 77 Crane at Morden Bog - 18th April Nick Hopper Two Cranes were recorded in Dorset this year - the first records since 2005. The Morden Bog bird was the only one to linger long enough to be seen by several observers.

Turtle Dove at Portland - 24th May Nick Hopper Passage numbers of this species are still showing no signs of recovery. The county also hosts a tiny breeding population in central and northern area.

78 Dorset Bird Report 2009 JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

First winter period (Jan – Mar):

Clear signs of a hard weather movement early on, or at least the kind of weather that may have made this notoriously skulking species easier to see. The Hengistbury Head record is, by recent standards, an outstanding count.

Birds were noted from 18 sites: Bere Regis CBs, Chard Junction GP (3), Cogden, Compton Valence, Culverwell, Durlston, East Holme, Hengistbury Head (6 at Salt Hurns on 7th Jan), Herbury Gore (3), Lodmoor (2), Lytchett Bay, River Avon, Rodden Hive, Stanpit Marsh, SwinehamSpring passage: Point (2), Waddock Cross CBs (2), Upwey and West Bexington.

th AbbotsburyAutumn passage: Swannery 1 on 24 Mar was probably on the move.

In the autumn there was a pulse of records from a species that in some years can pass through Dorset almost entirely undetectedst on migration. All records are given: st Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 1 Oct. th Nov . th Portland Singles at the Bill on 27 Oct, Southwellth area on 30 and 31 Oct and Suckthumbth Quarryth on 9 th StanpitSecond Marsh winter period (NovSingles – Dec): on 25 Sep, 11 Oct and 17 Oct.

th 5 at Stanpit Marsh on 16 Dec was an excellent record. Also noted from Abbotsbury Swannery, Herbury Gore, Lytchett Bay, River Avon and Swineham Point. COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago A scarce breeding resident and declining winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Just 3 records of drumming birds from Holt Heath, Morden Bog and Sunnyside Farm. It is impossible to say whether this is a comment on this species imminent extinction as a nesting Wintering/passage:bird or a lack of effort by birders noting and/or submitting potential breeding records.

In common with a number of species,th Snipe were involved in some hard weather movements at the beginning of the year. On 27 Jan more than 300 were logged on Weymouth’s RSPB reserves – 160 at Radipole Lake and 150 at Lodmoor. There were also relatively good counts at Chard Junction GPs (70) and Hatch Pond (50), as well as unusually high totals from locations as disparate as Osmington and Tincleton CBs, which each clocked 30 birds. A count of 40 at West Bexington in February was high for the site.

There was a less pronounced, but nevertheless widespread, arrival of birds in late Dec that included an exceptional site count of 11 at Durlston, along with 26 at Bardolf Farm, 44 at Hatch Pond, 100 by the Avon and 170 at Lodmoor on the last day of the year. In between, passage numbers were pretty unexceptional,th apart from an impressive gathering of 170 on Wareham Water Meadows on 17 Oct. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 79 WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola A scarce breeding resident and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Almost certainly under recorded. The only reports of roding birds came from Holt Heath First(5), Sopley winter Common period: (2) and West Moors (2).

This species is normally widespread and visible around the Poole basin in winter, so reports – among others – of up to 10 at both Langton Matravers and Merley, 4 at Arne, Broadstone and Sherford Bridge shouldn’t raise too many eyebrows.

However the spread of records from elsewhere in Dorset early in the year is striking. Birds were reported from no fewer than 22 locations away from the immediate environs of Poole Harbour. The saddest sighting was of a freshly dead bird at Middlemarsh in early February – a clue to their dispersal during what was a marked hard weather movement for a number of species. Records from elsewhere included 3 at Chard Junction GPs and Chamberlayne’s Heath and 2 each from Abbotsbury, Cranborne Common, Portland, Purse Caundle and Migrants:Puncknowle.

There was the usual rash of arrivals in late October and November. These included one in a birder’s garden in Child Okeford and another corpse, this time in Swanage, as well as a total Secondof 6 on Portland winter period: and 3 each at Christchurch Harbour and Durlston.

Recorded from Abbotsbury Swannery, Brownsea Island, Canford Heath, Higher Hyde Heath, Kilwood Coppice, Lodmoor and Merley Park (up to 10). BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa A locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 250 20 82 688Jan Feb Mar960 500 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 42 125 197 32 14 49 43 54 120 Poole Harbour 591 348 102 355 591 1601 1603 634 224 st For the second year running, Dorset played host to record breaking numbers. The count of 2,651 in the Avon Valley on 31 Dec beats the previous highest total – in the same area – in February 2008. A total of 600 flying west over Stanpit Marsh on Boxing Day almost certainly came from this flock.

Perversely, wintering numbers as a whole were actually down on the previous year. There is increasing evidence that many of the birds that arrive here in the autumn, depending on the weather and feeding conditions, subsequently move on to winter in France. Such an exodus may account in part for numbers in Poole Harbour dropping from 1,600 during September and October to fewer than 300 by December. There was however, some evidence during early 2010, to suggest a high degree of interchange between the Poole Harbour and Avon 80Valley Dorset flocks. Bird Report 2009 As with Avocet, there is a sharp east – west divide in numbers in Dorset. Further west, 2 at West Bexington in March were the only records there during 2009 and the tiny wintering flock in the Weymouth area peaked at just 16 birds on Lodmoor during November.

Unlike Bar-tailed Godwit, spring passage for this species is a prolonged affair. A flock of 960 at Swineham Point in March was undoubtedly bolstered by migrants, with 348 still going through Brands Bay in mid-May. Otherwise birds turned up in most of the usual places in usual numbers. 29 Whatth wasn’t usual was the appearancerd of 36 birds, briefly, at Sturminster Marshall GPs on Jan – only theth second site record. The only other inland birds were at Longham Lakes, with singles on 8 Jan and 23 Mar. BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant, mainly in spring. [Amber list]

Hardly a vintage year for a species that passes through Dorset in consistently inconsistent numbers.Spring passage: st

th Brands Bay c7 recordedth between 25 Apr and 21 May. Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 8 Jun. Chesil Beach Max of 57 in Apr and 31 in May. Christchurch Harbour Max ofth 50 in Apr Apr . and 25 in May. Durlston 8 on 5 May.th Hengistbury Head 59e onth 24 Littlesea, The Fleet 4 on 5 May. Lodmoor Poor: around 25 birds recorded during spring. Portland Bill Below average:th total ofth 73 in Apr and 31 in May. West Bexington 1 on 14 Mar, 2 on 13 May.

One other recordth that is worth a mention: 3 were seen flying over Littlemoor Road in WeymouthAutumn passage: on 24 Apr (the same day as the high count at Hengistbury Head). Sep . th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 24th Sep . Brands Bay 1 on 24 Aug.th th Brownsea Lagoon Singles onth 11 and 25 th Christchurch Harbour 16 on 27st Sep; 15 settled on 25 Oct, with a further 31w past Hengistburyrd Head on the same day. Lodmoor 1 on 31 Sep Jul .andth an unusually long-staying individual between 23 Septh and 29st Oct. Sep . Portland Bill 1 on 8 th RadipoleWinter: Lake Singles on 21 and 25

The flock at the eastern end of Poole Harbour peaked at a modest 78 in February and 56 in December. Elsewhere there were a maximum of 12 on the Fleet in Januaryth and December. In Christchurch Harbour the highest count of the year – 9 birds – came on 20 Dec (the same day an out of range bird turned up at Bestwall). 2009 Dorset Bird Report 81 WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus A locally common passage migrant, with occasional records in winter. [Red list]

Winter:

th 4 on the western side of Poole Harbour on 15 Nov may represent a very small, but regular, Springwintering passage: population.

No repeat of last year’s bumper movement. In Christchurch Harbour, for example, the biggest flock this year was just 70, compared to 197 in spring 2008. th th Brands Bay Around 49th were recorded between 4 Apr and 6 Jun. Burton Bradstock 20 on 13 May. Chesil Beach Total on 170 in Aprrd . and 7 in May. th Christchurch Harbour 328 bird-days in Apr, starting from 9 rd; 394 bird-days in May, including 70 on 3 th Ferrybridge c64 recordedth between 16 Apr and 3 rd Jun. Holton Lee 33rd on 8 May. th Lodmoor About 300 recorded from 15 Apr – 3 Jun, including 180 on 3 May. th th Lytchett Bay Just 70 bird-days from 17 Apr – 10 May. Described as the poorest showingrd Apr . for nearly 20 years. th Portland Bill Total of 214 in Apr, including 61 on 16 ; 88 in May. West Bexington 30 on 23

Elsewhere, single figures were recordedth for a number of sites, including a single over Stalbridge in north Dorset on 13 May. Apr The. onlynd other inlandnd record came from Longham Lakes where 15 passed through betweenth 22 Apr and 2 May. In addition, 6 flew over AutumnCranford passage:Avenue, Weymouth on 24 Sep . th th Brands Bay 40 recorded between 4 Jul and 7 . Christchurch Harbour 223 bird-daysth in Jul;th 245 bird-days in Aug, includingth 26 over on both 27 and 30 ; 47 bird-days in Sep up to 30 Ferrybridge A peak of 13 birds during Aug. Portland Bill 53 were recorded during Jul, 38 during Aug and 2 during Sep.

Small numbers were noted from Ballard Down, Brownsea Lagoon, Chesil Beach, Durlston, East Bexington, Holes Bay, Langton Herring, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Middlebere, Swanage Bay, Swineham GP & Point and West Bexington. CURLEW Numenius arquata A scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and common winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

A pair on Tadnoll Heath produced a genuinely rare sight in modern day Dorset – 2 chicks. Sadly both were predated. The only other evidence of breeding came from Holt Heath, where a pair were present throughout the spring and Arne where 2 were noted in late May. 82 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 27 2 28 29 22 Jan20 Feb22 Mar5 May Jun Jul8 Aug Oct9 Dec Christchurch Harbour 24 552 15 3 17 41 38 14 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 4 4 4 12 23 19 23 Wintering:Poole Harbour 454 323 211 331 400 549 404

Another downward lurch in wintering numbers in Poole Harbour. Apart from theth regular haunts, there were very few other reports.th 9 wereth alongside the River Avon on 20 th Dec and singlesSpring werepassage: seen at Lodmoor on 25 Jan and 14 Dec and at West Bexington on 6 Jan.

th th Abbotsbury Beach 2 on 28th Feb, 3 on 18 Mar. th th Brands Bay 3 on 25 Apr, th25 betweenth 10 May and 6 Jun. Durlston Singles thon 11 Feb and 6 Mar. Littlesea, The Fleet 3 on 24st Mar. th th Lodmoor c13 recorded between 24 Feb and 5 May. Longham Lakes 1 on 31th Mar was a first for the site. Lyme Regis 2 on 13 Apr Mar. .th th West Bexington Singlesth on 6 and 13 Mar. WinspitAutumn passage: 1 on 7 Sep . th th th Brands Bay 170 on 4 Jul,th 211 on 24 Jul andth 215 on 10 Nov . Christchurch Harbour 17w on 13 Junth and 18wth on 26th Jun. th th Durlston Singles on 27 Jun, 6 and 19 Augnd andst Sep on . 14th and 20 Lodmoor 3 records Sep of th. 5 birds betweenth 22 Jun and 16 Jul. West Bexington Singlesth on 8 and 10 Aug and on 21 West Lulworth 2 on 9 COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos A fairly common passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Scarce in winter. [Amber list]

Winter:

th 2 frequented Holes Bay up to 7 Mar, with up to 3 there from October intoth 2010. The only otherSpring report passage: came from the Lower Avon Valley where 1 was present on 4 Jan.

There was a marked arrival in the third week of April. Thereafter reported as much scarcer than usual from as far apart as Christchurch in the east and West Bexington in the west. Migrants were, nevertheless, noted from no fewer than 26 locations in between. As well as the usual coastal watch points, there was a good spread of inland records from Bryanston, ChardAutumn Junction passage: GP, Hatch Pond, Longham Lakes, Sherborne Lake, Stalbridge and Wimborne.

The first returning birds appeared, as usual, from rd mid-June, with the expected peaks in July and August. Although it was generally a below par autumn, concentrations of 25 in Christchurch Harbour in July and Peveril Point on 3 Jul are noteworthy. The oddest sight of the year was surely 2 being constantly harassed by a flock of Swallows as they crossed Weymouth Bay. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 83 GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus A locally common passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Even allowing for what looked very much like hard weather movements, this species seems to be an increasingly common sight in Dorset in winter. Indeed the flock at Bere Regis/ Dodding’s Farm CBs in December is the biggest gathering recorded in Dorset in winter. It was also a prolific autumn, with the August flock of 16 at Christchurch Harbour being exceptionalFirst winter in period: its own right.

Dorset’s commercial cress beds have become the Costa Brava for wintering Green Sandpipers. Early on, 6 were at Dodding’s Farm/Bere Regis, 3 were at Tincleton and 2 at Waddock Cross. There were also 5 at Cowards Marsh, 2 at Bride Valley FF, East Holme, Longham Lakes and Lytchett Bay and singles at Chard Junction GPs, Cheselbourne, Corfe RiverSpring Meadows, passage: Hatch Pond and Lodmoor.

th The only apparent migrants were singles in Christchurch Harbour on 29 Mar and at Tadnoll HeathAutumn during passage: April. Sep . nd rd nd st th th rd Chard Junction GPs 5 on 22nd Jul, 3 on 2 Aug, 3 on 7 Sep and 1 on 27 Christchurch Harbour 1 on 22 – 23 Jul, 5 on 31 thJul, 16 at Stanpitnd Marsh on 3 Aug and a total of thc15 betweenth 5 Aug and 2 Oct. Lodmoor Singles on th29 Jun andth 26 Jul, followed by 1 – 2 regularly between 4 and 28 th Aug. rd Sep . Lytchett Bay Max count of 7 on 7 Aug. th Middlebere Max count of 4 betweenth 23 Julth and 19 Sunnyside Farm, Ridge Up to 3 between 4 Jul and 24 Sep. Undoubtedly involving some interchange with Lytchett Bay and Middlebere birds.

1 – 5 birds were also recorded from Abbotsbury Swannery, Bride Valley FF, Longham Lakes, Portland Bill, Portland Harbour, Radipole Lake, Rodden Hive, Stalbridge, Sturminster MarshallSecond winter GP, Swineham period: GP, Verne Common and Winfrith Heath.

th As well as the record flock of 18 at Bere Regis/Dodding’s Farm CBs on 28 Dec, another 6 were at Tincleton CBs and 1 was at Waddock Cross CBs. There were 3 at Spetisbury, up to 2 at Chard Junction GPs, Lytchett Bay and Ridge and singles reported from Hatch Pond, Higher Hyde Heath, Lodmoor, Nottington, Radipole Lake and Winfrith Heath. SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Winter:

The northern end of Poole Harbour remains the place to see this species in winter. Up to 5 frequented Holes Bay at both ends of the year. In 2009 thisth was a more reliable location that nearby Lytchett Bay, which despite a count of 13 on 7 Oct, was not the regular haunt that it once was. Odd records of birds elsewhere in the Poole Harbour area almost certainly 84originated Dorset Bird from Report here 2009 or Holes Bay. In Christchurch Harbour, the bird firstnd noted asth a juvenile in the autumn ofth 2006 overwinteredth Passage:again and was briefly joined by a 2 bird on 8 Feb. It returned for its 4 winter on 29 Aug.

A number of April records probably related to wintering birds, so for the second year running there were no definite spring migrants. th th th Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 19 Jun; 5 on 24 Jun; 4 on 27 Jun; then a max of 4 birds duringst Jul and Aug, singles in Sep and a max of 6 in Oct and Nov. Holes Bay Up to 3 during Jul, Aug and Sep. Lodmoor 1 on 1 Aug. th Middlebere Max of 6th on 6 Jul. Portland Bill 1n on 4 Jul. GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia A localised passage migrant and winter visitor.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 2 2 6 Jan5 Feb5 Mar5 May Jun Jul9 Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 1 18 15 3 1 Wintering:Poole Harbour 15 12 12 18 11

Good numbers wintered in Poole Harbour, particularly towards the end of the year. But Springwintering passage: records elsewhere seem to have dried up in recent years. rd

Arne 1 on 3rd Jun. th th Brands Bay 2 on both 24 Apr and 13 May. Brownsea Lagoon 5 on 3nd May. Herbury Gore 2 on 2 Jun. th nd th th Lodmoor Singlesnd on 13 , 22 and 29 Apr and on 8 May. AutumnMiddlebere passage: 1 on 2 May.

th Abbotsbury Swannery 4 on 13th Aug. th th Brands Bay 3 on 19th Jul, then 1 – 3 regularly until 29th Aug, 6 on 30 Aug, 8 on 7 Sep, then 1 – 7 regularlyth until 10 Oct. Nov . Brownsea Lagoon First returningth bird onth 27 Jun.st Furtherth records includednd 12 on 15 Aug, 15 onth 26 Aug, 12 on 8 Oct and 18rd Sepon 2 . Lodmoor Regular from 25th Jun until 1 Sep, with a max count of 3. Lytchett Bay Regular from 5 Jul. Peak count was of 12 on 3 Middlebere Max counts of 4 in Jul, 6 inth Aug and 8 in Sep.th Rodden Hive Records included 7 onth 14 Aug andth 3 on 17 Aug. Swineham GP Recorded between 29 Aug and 28 Sep, with a max count of 7.

Smaller numbers noted from a numberth of other coastal sites, including 1 killed by a Peregrine over Ballard Down thon 26 Jun. Evidence of overland passage was provided by a record at Gillingham SF on 18 Aug. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 85 WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. [Amber list]

Spring passage:

th Stanpit Marsh 1 on 13 May. This was the first spring record in Christchurch Harbour for 15 years and the first in spring anywhere in east Autumn passage: Dorset for 10 years.

th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 13th Aug.th Chard Junction GPs 1 on 7 and 8 Aug was the first site record. But perhaps surprisingly, this is a wader that does turn up occasionallyst inland in Dorset. st Christchurch Harbour 5 – 7 birds recorded. Singles at Stanpit Marsh on 31 Jul (with possiblyrd theth same at Hengistbury Headth on 1 Aug), Stanpit Marsh on 5 Aug, Wick Hams on 19 Aug, Stanpit Marshth on 23 Aug (with perhaps theth same at Wick Hams on 24 Aug) and Stanpitst Marshth on 29 thAug. th Lodmoor Singles on 26 Jun and 25 – 28 Aug. Portland Bill 1s on 31 Jul. th th Sunnyside Farm, Ridge Single birds recorded on 4 dates between 8 and 19 Aug (considered to be the sameth in each case). 1 over nearby Stoborough Heath on 9 Aug was also likely to be the same individual. REDSHANK Tringa tetanus A declining breeding resident, common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

An indeterminate number of pairs again nested in Lytchett Bay. Intriguingly, another pair were displaying at Swineham Point in May. Most encouraging of all was the discovery of a nest with 4 eggs in one of this species former strongholds in the Lower Avon Valley – the Sitefirst maxima:confirmed breeding there for 6 years. Apr Sep Nov 55 22 85 Jan Feb Mar May9 Jun25 Jul9 Aug2 2 Oct2 6 Dec50 Christchurch Harbour 174 160 150 4 8 13596 126 160 155 148 Ferrybridge & The Fleet 35 49 41 18 OtherPoole Harbour records and passage:348 274 366 112 353 247 46 425

Outside the usual haunts this is a surprisingly scarce bird in Dorset. The only other wintering records for instance, came from Lodmoor (1), Radipole Lake (1) and West Bexington (2) in December. Lodmoor also enjoyedth one thof its best passage yearsth for Redshank. About 30 passed through betweenth 30 Mar and 5 Jun, including 13 on 26 Mar. Autumn migration, beginning on 14 Jun, was also busier than usual.

86 Dorset Bird Report 2009 TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres A local winter visitor and passage migrant to coastal sites. [Amber list]

An odd year. The count of 118, between Ferrybridge and Moonfleet, in February was Dorset’s highest ever (following record breaking numbers in 2007). Generally however, it was a mediocre year. One possible trend emerging is that Poole Harbour now appears to attract more birds than Christchurch Harbour. Or maybe there is just more Novinterchange . between the sites. Evidence that birds may be wandering locally was providedth by records of Site35 at maxima: Steamer Point NR in January and another 35 past Mudeford Quay on 24 Apr Sep Nov 27 Jan Feb55 Mar70 May Jun2 Jul Aug 55 Oct Dec55 Christchurch Harbour 16 12 32 13 10 1 3 10 15 24 72 5015 Ferrybridge/Portland Hbr 47 61 10 18 32 45 15 Passage/recordsPoole Harbour from elsewhere17 34 include:23 39 43 rd Sep . st th Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 23 Jul, then up to 4 regularly up to 25 Chesil Beach 2 past on 31 May. Durlston 5 recordsth of just 10 birds. Lyme Regis 2 on 25 May. Newton’s Cove, Weymouth Peak counts of 27 in Feb and 25 in Dec. Portland Bill Peak countsst of 5 in Feb and 8 in May. Preston Beach Up to 23 occasionally in Jan. The first returning bird was noted on 31 Aug, with up to 8 present irregularly until the end of the year. GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius A scarce autumn and rare winter visitor, usually after gales.

The first record of the year was, sadly, a corpse. This was followed by two unexpected inland records in early autumn. Then gales in late October and November produced a more Allpredictable records: mini-wreck, probably involving fewer than 20 birds.

th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 found dead thon 12 Jan.th rd nd th Chesil Cove Singles on 14 and 19 Nov, 1 - 4 daily betweenth 22 and 30 Nov, followed byth furtherth Nov singles . on 3 and 5 Dec. Dodding’s Farm CBs Juvenile on 27th and 28th Nov Aug. . Ferrybridge Singlesrd on 14th andSep 18. th Hengistbury Head Singles on 25 th and 29 Nov . Longham Lakes 1 on 3 rd and Nov 4th . th Lyme Regis Juvenile on 9 and 10 Poole Park 1 on 23 Novnd . th th Portland Bill Singles ndon Nov 22 . – 25 Oct and 29 Oct. Portland Harbour 2 on 22th Nov . Stanpit Marsh 1 on 29th Nov . th West Bexington 2 on 14th Nov and 1 on 18 Weymouth Bay 1 on 19 2009 Dorset Bird Report 87 POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus An uncommon passage migrant, mainly in spring.

9 th Ath typical year, the maximum day counts from Portland Bill involved 7 on 27 Apr and 8 on Monthly May. totals from the main coastal sites: Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Chesil Cove 8 20 2 Hengistbury Head 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 Portlandspring Bill 1

Other migrants were noted asth follows: Camp Road, The Fleet 1 on 16 May.th th Durlstonautumn 7 between 18 – 27 May. st Nov . Other migrants were notedth as follows: Branksome Chine 2 on 20th Oct, 1 on 1 Durlston 1 on 29th Oct. Lyme Bay 1 on 7 thAug from a fishing boat. Winter:Studland Bay 1 on 30 Aug.

th Poole Bay An adult on 25 Jan off Branksome Chine was seen the following day off Hengistbury Head. ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus A fairly common migrant, scarce in winter. [Red list]

Monthly totals from the main coastal sites: Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 2 Jan Feb Mar 7 May Jun Jul9 Aug6 9 Oct Dec Chesil Cove 11 7845 3 2 21 Hengistbury Head 4 3 1 Portland Bill 64 3 14 23 12 th th Day maxima from Portland included 20 at the Bill on 15 May and 11 at Chesil Cove on 27 OtherMay. sites:

th th Durlston 24 bird-days 17th Apr – 29 Oct, compared with 55 in 2008. spring Max of 3 on 15 May. Apr . Other migrants were noted asth follows: Ballard Down 3 on 24th th th Camp Road, The Fleet 5 on 14 Apr, th3 on 13 May,th 7 on 16 May. West Bexington Singles thon Apr 25 . Apr and 16 May. Weymouth Bay 1 on 11th May. Winspit 1 on 29 88 Dorset Bird Report 2009 autumn

Other migrants were notedth as follows: Ballard Down 1 on 6th Oct. Branksome Chine 4 on 6 thOct. stth Ferrybridge 1 on 19 Nov and 5 Dec. Sep . Lodmoor 1 flew inland on 21 Oct. th Lyme Bay Singlesth on 3 datesst in Aug and 3 Nov on . 7 West Bexington 2 on 6 thOct. th Weymouth Bay 1 on 26 Aug, 1 Nov and 19 LONG-TAILED SKUA Stercorarius longicaudus A rare passage migrant.

2008 addition: B Spencer

Wool 1 flew over on 5th Oct ( ). GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua An uncommon passage migrant, occasional in winter. [Amber list]

Monthly totals from the main coastal sites: Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 2 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 2 Dec Chesil Cove 2 2 6721 10 21 1 14 1 Hengistbury Head 1 1 3 4 Portland Bill 21 1 21 24 74 23 4

OtherDay maxima sites: at Portland Bill of 56w on 6th Oct.

th th Durlstonspring Just 8 bird-days 9 Apr – 24 Dec compared with 42 in 2008. Apr . Other migrants were noted asthrd follows: Branksome Chine 1 on 24 Apr . Lyme Regis 2 on 23th Oct. West Bexingtonautumn 2 on 25

Other migrants were notedth as follows: th th Ferrybridge 3 on 14th Nov, 1 on 16 Nov, 2 on 6 Dec. Holes Bay 1 on 29 Nov in NE sector feeding on dead gull sp then flew south. Sep . Lyme Bay Total of 57 Novseen . from several fishingth boat surveys in Aug and early Sep,th with a day max of 15 on 7 Nov . Portland Harbour 2w on 24th th th Studland Bay 10 on th6 Oct, 1 on 28 Nov, 4 on 29 Weymouth Bay 2 on 6 thOct. Winter:West Bexington 1 on 24 Oct.

th

Lyme Bay 1 on 19 Feb. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 89 KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla A local breeding species and common offshore passage migrant. [Amber list]

Disappointingly no breeding information received. Gales in late November saw good counts Breeding:all along the coast:

Dancing Ledge No reports received. CoastalPortland passage Bill maxima: No full count of breeding colony was made. Nov . th Chesil Cove 300 on 29th Christchurch Harbour 350 on 29 Nov, many of which actually went through the harbour: the Nov best . day countth at this site since Nov 2000. Durlston 360 per hourth past Nov on. 12 Jan. Poole Bay 181 on 29 th UnusualPortland Billrecords: 1400e on 29

th Durlston 1 perched on cliffs on 30 Apr – thisst Nov species . last bred here in 1991. th th Radipole Lake Singles on 15 Jan, 26 Jan and 21 BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus A very common breeding species in Poole Harbour, common passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Brownsea Lagoon 115 pairs. Lodmoor No repeat of the 2008 nesting attempt. Wareham Channel No nest countsth received although 5,000 birds were estimated Coastal passage: here on 8 May.

th th Chesil Cove 400 south or east 28 Feb – 30 May. OtherPortland large Bill counts received:203 in Oct.

Nov . th Christchurch Bay 4,000 in roostth on 16 Feb. Lodmoor 1,000 on 14th Maiden Castle 1,500 on 25th Jan. Sherborne Lake 1,500 on 8 thMar. Nov . Tarrant Rushton 1,000 on 26 Dec. th th th Weymouth Bay 2,000 in roost on 12 and 26 Feb, 1,500 on 20

90 Dorset Bird Report 2009 LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus An uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, occasional in summer. [Amber list]

Monthly totals at the main coastal sites: Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 7 2 Jan Feb Mar May2 Jun Jul2 Aug Oct6 Dec Chesil Cove 4 5 4 1 9 7 38 2 Christchurch Harbour 1 4 3 1 1 11 Winter:Portland Bill 12 1 st

th Abbotsbury Beach 3 on 1nd stFeb with 4 onth 4 Feb. Butterstreet Cove 1 on 2 stFeb and 18 Feb. Branksome Chine 1 on 31 Jan.th Durlston 5 past thst1 – 6 Feb. Peveril Point 1 on 6 Feb. Poole Bay 3 on 1nd stFeb. Poole Park 1 on 2 Feb. Studland Bay 1 on 31ndst Jan. st st Radipole Lake 1 on 2 st Feb. st West Bexington 29e 21 Jan – 1 Feb, max of 14 on 31 Jan. WeymouthSpring passage: Bay 1 on 21 Jan, 2 on 31 Jan. st

rd th Canford School 1st summer on river Stour 17 – 21th May. Cowards Marsh 1st summer 16th –th 23 Apr, 1 on 4 Aug. Studland Bay 1st summerth on 18 May. Summer:Weymouth Bay 2 on 12 May.

nd th Christchurch Harbour 1st summer on mostth dates Sep between . 2 and 28 Jun. Ferndown Juv reported onth 6 Jul onth St George’s Recreation Ground. AutumnSwineham passage: GP Juv present 29 Aug – 5

th Abbotsbury Beach 1 on 20th Oct. Ballard Down 2 on 9 thOct. Branksome Chine 1 on 20th Oct. Nov . Butterstreet Cove 1 on 12 Oct.th Novth . Durlston 19 past 28 Sep Nov –th .29 Hengistbury Head Max of 5w onnd 29 Higher Bockhampton Adult onth 22 Sep . Littlesea, The Fleet 1 on 12 Oct.th th th Lodmoor Singlesth on 5 , 7 and 9 Lyme Bay 1 on 9st thAug. th Lyme Regis 1 on 26 Nov– th27 . Oct. South Haven, Studland 1 on 1 th– 4 Oct. Studland Bay 1 on 30 th th Swineham GP 1 or 2 presentth 29 Sep – st26 Oct. West Bexington 3 past 20 Oct.th Weymouth Bay Singles on 6 Oct and 21 Oct. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 91 MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus An increasing breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

At least 300 were present in the Weymouth area in November, a staggering number Breeding:considering as recently as 2006 the county record stood at just 42.

Portland:Poole Harbour No information received this year. rd

th ThePortland Fleet: Bill Offshore seasonal max of 27 on 3 Jan and 125 on 17 Dec. Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 200 20 7 8 250 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Weymouth:The Fleet 100 1 42 240 300 Nov . th th st Lodmoor Seasonal max of 10 on 19th Feb and 12 on 14 Radipole Lake Seasonal max of 55 on 28 Jan and a site record 180 on 21 Nov. At least 23 different colour-ringed birds were recorded here from mid-Oct to late Nov - some on only a few dates: therefore it is assumed that, given approx 10% of the population of this species in western Europe are now colour- ringed, its likely that the numbers in late autumn in the Weymouth area are substantially higher than Nov the . max counts reported on The Fleet.th th PooleWeymouth Harbour: Bay Seasonal max of 92 on 11 Jan and 100 on 17

th Sep . Baiter Park Max of 17 on 7 thMar. Sep . Ballard Down Max of 36 on 11thst Brands Bay Max of 65 on 17 Apr . Brownsea Lagoon Max of 40 on 31 Mar. th ChristchurchLytchett Bay Harbour: Record 115 bird-days, max of 9 on 11

Bird-days: nd Aprth Sep Nov Max of 32 on 2 Apr, and 239 flew 8west on 8 Oct.58 55 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec OtherChristchurch sites: Harbour 74 316 21 43 46 93 15 1

Durslton 156 bird-days –th an increase from 61 in 2008. Max of 11 offshore ston 24th Dec. Longham Lakes Max 10 on 11 Mar. Maiden Castle 35 on 21 Oct. th West Bexington Max of 11 on 9 Dec.

92 Dorset Bird Report 2009 COMMON GULL Larus canus A common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

First winter period max:

th Brands Bay 600 on 13rd Mar. nd Bardolf Farm 320 on the water meadows on 22 Feb. Charminster 550 on 23nd Feb. Crichel Lake 800 on 22 Feb.th Christchurch Bay 140 at roostth 14 Feb. Dorchester 350 on 27th Feb. Ferrybridge 250 on 5 thMar. Horton Inn 250 on 19th Jan. Lodmoor 300 on 5th Feb. Lytchett Bay 300 on 8st thMar. Radipole Lake 600 on 29 Jan. Ringstead Bay 400 on 1 Feb. th Wareham Channel 2,500 in roostth 20 Feb. West Bexington 200 on 24 Feb. th SecondWeymouth winter Bay period max:1,000 in roost on 12 Feb. Nov . thNov . nd Chesil Cove 200+ on 16 thNov and . 22 Radipole Lake 350 on 18th Nov . Warmwell Quarry 260 on 5 th CoastalWeymouth passage: Bay 1,500 on 20

th Nov . th Chesil Cove 350s 10 Marth – 17 May. Portland Bill 500w on 5 th Portland Harbour A flock of 100 flew north on 5 Mar. RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis A rare passage migrant and winter visitor.

Three records, all from a typical time of year: S Robsonth et al th Lytchett Bay Adult on 8 Mar was the 9 record at this site L Chappell ( , photo).thGJ Armstrong th Stanpit Marsh First-winterth on 18 Mar was the 16 site record ( ). Swineham Point Adult on 20 Feb ( ).

2009 Dorset Bird Report 93 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus graellsii A common migrant, winter visitor and scarce breeding species. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Dorchester 2 pairs at the County Hospital in Apr, with another pair at the Winterborne Hospital. Hatch Pond 2 pairs present nearby. Holes Bay 2 recently fledged juvs by Asda in Aug indicate local breeding. Portland Harbour At least 4 pairs on the breakwaters. Also an adult formed a pair with a Herring Gull andth fledged 2 hybrid young. North Portland 2 pairs with a juv each onth 9 Aug. CoastalWallisdown passage: 1 pair with 2 young on 5 Jul.

th Nov . East Bexington 40 on 5 Novth flew south out to sea. Hengistbury Head 22320w on 8 nd th Portland Bill 367nd bird-days between 2 Mar and 13th May, maxth of 33n on Mar. th463 bird-days between 20 Jul and 17 Oct, max of Other maxima: 79s on 27 Aug.

rd Lodmoor 40 in earlyst Mar. Longham Lakes 44 on 23 Mar was a site record. Radipole Lake 30 on 21th Mar. st Tarrant Rushton 40 on 14 Oct. Weymouth Bay 50+ in roost on 21 Mar. Larus fuscus intermedius A scarce passage migrant. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

Spring:Reports of intermedius types or intergrades as follows: Apr . th Little Sea, Studland 1 on 9 th Apr . th th Lodmoor 2 on 10rdth Apr, singlesnd on 4 dates 24 Apr – 18 May. Portland Bill 1 on 15 Mar and 2th Autumn:Radipole Lake 1 on 3 Mar and 18 Mar.

th Ferrybridge 1 on 17th Aug. st West Bexington 1 on 6th Aug. th Lodmoor 1 on 6 Jul andth 20 – th21 Aug. th Portland Bill 25 noted 25 Jul – 17 Sep with a max of 11 on 17 Aug.

94 Dorset Bird Report 2009 HERRING GULL Larus argentatus argenteus A common breeding resident, migrant and winter visitor. [Red list]

Breeding:

Durlston Head 12 cliff-nesting pairs. Portland 170+ pairs bred on buildings raising at least 400 young, 20 pairs bred on cliff sites, and 10 – 15 pairs bred on the harbour breakwaters. West Bexington 13 nests counted in rooftop colony, most pairs successful despite local attemptsth to ‘disrupt’ breeding. WinterWeymouth roosts: 400 juvs on 7 Aug indicate a successful season. Nov . thst th Portland Harbour 1,500 on 11 Jan, 3,000 on 24 OtherWeymouth Counts: Bay 1,000 on 21 Mar. Nov . th Chesil Cove 3,000+ on 16th Portland Bill 1,500 on 10 Aug feeding on grounded flying ants. Larus argentatus argentatus A scarce winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ HERRING GULL

Influx into the Weymouth area in early-mid January: th th Portland Bill Single adults on 9 and 12 Jan. th th Radipole Lake At least 8 (5 adults, 3 juv/1stW) 4 Jan – 13 Jan, YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis A rare breeding species and an increasing autumn and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

PooleBrownsea Harbour: Lagoon The UK’s only breeding pair hatched a single chick.

Monthly max: Apr Sep Nov Recorded at most sites throughout the harbour from Hatch5 Pond55 to Studland: Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul5 Aug5 Oct8 Dec Holes Bay 2 9 63 59 21 2 2 Lytchett Bay 1 1 15 WeymouthMiddlebere & Portland: 3 1 91 1 Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 6 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug57 Oct Dec Lodmoor 5 Portland 19 4 1 Radipole Lake 3 1 1

2009 Dorset Bird Report 95 th Portland Bill Max of 13 (adult and 12 juvs) on 10 Aug feeding on grounded flying ants.th OtherWeymouth coastal Beach sites: Juv on 5 Aug.

Abbotsbury The regularly returning post-breeding adult first recorded in 201990 failed to return this summer. Christchurch Harbour Recordedth throughout the year on 21 dates, max of 3 juvs on Jul. th th Durlston Singles offshoreth on 17 Aug and 29th Aug. East Fleet Juv on 10th Aug and a 1stW on 19 Oct. Inland:St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 25 Jul.

th Briantspuddle 1 on 27th Oct. West Knighton Heath GP 1 on 28 Jun. ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

A conservative minimum of seven individuals reported this year: th Chesil Cove Juv on 18th Jan.th Holes Bay Juv on 6 – 8 Mar. st th Lodmoor Unaged imm flew overth car park on 25 Jan. th Portland Bill Unaged immnd on 11 Jan, juvth on 1 Feb and adult on 24 Jan. 2ndW on 22 Marth and 29 Mar. Radipole Lake Juv/1stS onth 27 May. rd Sturminster Marshall GPs Juv on 14 Feb was the secondth site record. The Fleet Juv seen at Roddenthst on 20 Mar and Littlesea on 23 Mar. West Bay 1 unaged on 25 Jan. Weymouth Bay 1 juv/1stS on 21 Mar. GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus A scarce winter visitor. [Amber list]

Three lingering adults, including two together in Swanage, were well received. A minimum of five individuals were reported, but possibly asst many as eight: th Abbotsbury Beach Adult on 26 Jan – 1 Feb was also noted at Westth Bexington. Another or thest same adult then flew west on 26 Feb, also being seen at Cogden beach. Lodmoor Adult on 31 Jan. th Mudeford Quay Unagedst imm on 25th Jan. Poole Harbour Unaged imm on 28 Feb in Bramble Bush Bay and an adult on 1 Mar in Brownsea Roads. 96 Dorset Bird Report 2009 th rd Swanage Adult on 25 th Jan remained into Feb and was joinedth by a second adult from 15 – 23 Feb, withst one remaining until 25 Feb. 1 of these birdsth was thnoted at nearby Durlston on several dates. West Bexington Adult on 26 Jan, 28 Jan – 1 Feb. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus A local breeding species, common migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Durlston 2 nests at Durlston Head. Portland Harbour 10 pairs raised 20 young. North Portland 6 pairs bred on buildings, raising 13+ young. SiteWeymouth maxima: at least one pair in the town centre. Monthly max: Apr Sep Nov 550 200 200 220 750 900 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec OtherPortland counts: Harbour 300 400 300 150 300 400

th Nov . Chesil Beach 230+ on 18 Novth Aug. . Chesil Cove 300+ on th15 Nov . Lodmoor 86 on 14thrd Sep . Radipole Lake 60 on 10 Rodden Hive 145 onth 3 Sturminster Marshall GPs 1 on 7 Mar was the only record this year. LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons A local and declining breeding species and scarce passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Ferrybridge At least 37 birds visited the colony site but they abandoned by Coastal passage: mid-May and no breeding attempt was made. Apr . th Ballard Down 4e on 26 th Christchurch Harbour 91 bird-days in May, with a max ofst 27 on Stanpit Marsh on 7 May.th th OtherDurlston records: 2 on 27 Apr, 1 on 29 Apr and 1 May.

th Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 3 datesth Apr in . Jun, 1 on 4 Aug. Middlebere 1 on 17th May. Wareham Channel 1 on 25th th ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 3 on 28 Apr, 20 on 12 May.

th th 16 Apr at Christchurch Harbour and 4 Aug on Brownsea Lagoon. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 97 BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger A scarce passage migrant. [Amber list]

A paucity of records this year with the PBO and CHOG recording their lowest annual totals Springfor 42 and passage: 29 years respectively!

th Durlston 2 on 13th May. Lodmoor 1 on 13th May. Portland Bill 1 on 13 May was the only record here and the lowest annual Autumn passage: total since 1967. Sep . nd Sep . Durlston 1 on 2rd th nd Lodmoor Juv on 9 Aug, 1 on 2 Hengistbury Head 1 on 3 Sep was the only CHOG record and the lowest annual total at ththis site since 1980. InlandRadipole records: Lake 1 on 11 Aug.

th Buddens Farm GPs 1 on 19 Jul was seen the next day at nearby Higher Hyde Heath. SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis A common summer visitor and passage migrant; rare in winter. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th CoastalBrownsea passage: Lagoon A record 263 pairs by 28 May, fledging 90 young. Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 80 Jan Feb Mar20 May Jun Jul8 Aug Oct5 Dec Chesil Cove 61 201 16 5 Ferrybridge 115 18 16 16 15 OtherPortland coastal Bill passage: 3 238 24 10 21 16 st Sep .

SiteHengistbury maxima: Head Max of 260w on 1 Monthly max: Apr Sep Nov 70 20 2 75 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec OtherChristchurch records: Harbour 4 45 230 10 1

Iford, River Stour 1 on 2 datesth in Jul. WinterLongham, records: River Stour 1 on 14 Jun. Nov . th th Baiter Park 4 – 8 present 14 Nov – 30 98 Dorset Bird Report 2009 th st Christchurch Harbour 1 on 14th Dec. Sandbanks 1 on 14th and 21 Feb.th th Studland Bay 2 on 15th Jan, 2 on 6 Dec and 11 Dec. Weymouth Bay 1 on 16 Dec. COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Abbotsbury Swannery Around 10 pairs settled but had deserted by July. Brownsea Lagoon 185 nests counted. CoastalLodmoor passage: At least 65 pairs settled by late May, with c80 juvs fledged.

Christchurch Harbour A “disappointing year” – a total of 1,468 bird-days is well Inland: below the average for last 10 years of just over 2,500.

th OtherLongham records: Lakes 1 on 14 Jun.

th Lodmoor Anth apparent 1st summer type reported in the colony 27 Jun – 14 Jul. West Bexington The failure of the nearby colony at Abbotsbury in the past 2 years has seenth a large reduction in numbers reported here – Extreme dates: max of 4 on 9 Jul.

th th 4 Apr and 17 Oct, both at Christchurch Harbour. ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii A scarce migrant; has occasionally bred. [Red list]

Breeding:The first successful breeding in the county since 1988:

rd Brownsea Lagoon A pair that arrivedth in late May were feeding a 4 or 5 day old chick on 19 Jul. thIt had fledged by 3 Aug, and all three had Other records: left the area by 7 Aug.

st th Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 14st May. Ferrybridge 1 on 1 Aug. th Hengistbury Head 1 on 21th Mayth and 29 Jul. Lodmoor 1 on 7th – 11 Jun.th th th Stanpit Marsh 1 on 4 Jul, 3 on 6 Jul, 1 on 14 – 15 Jul. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 99 ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea A fairly common spring and autumn migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Lodmoor The male present at the colony for the past two summers formed a pair with a female Common Tern and hatched a single hybrid chick, which unfortunately did not survive heavy Spring passage: rain in late July.

th Durlston 3 on 15 May. th Hengistbury Head Max of 7th on 13 May. th AutumnWeymouth passage: Bay 2 on 11 May, 1 on 13 May. rd

th Abbotsbury 1 on 23th Aug, and 11 Oct. Ballard Down 1 on 6 Oct.th Brownsea Lagoon 1 juv onth 30 Aug. th Chesil Cove 3 on 28 Aug and rd1 on 24 Oct. Durlston 1 on 4 dates in Oct. th Hengistbury Head Max of 10wth Sepon 23 . Aug and 10w on 7 Oct. Littlesea, The Fleet 1 juv on 30nd Aug. Sep . Lodmoor 1 juv onthst 2 th Lyme Bay 1 on 9 Aug, 2 on 7 Portland Harbour 1 on 31th Jul.th South Haven, Studland 1 on 7 th– 8 Oct. st Swineham GP 1 on 29th Aug. th ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 2 on 26 Aug, 2 on 6 Oct, 1 on 21 Oct.

th th 18 Apr at Portland Bill and 26 Oct at Christchurch Harbour. Sterna hirundo / paradisaea

‘COMMIC TERN’

RecordsMonthly totals: from Portland of Common or ArcticApr Terns not positively identifiedSep to speciesNov level are given below: 220 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug7 Oct Dec Chesil Cove 42 OtherPortland records: Bill 239 514 16 4

th Lyme Bay 190 on 13th May Weymouth Bay 200 on 12 May.

100 Dorset Bird Report 2009 GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Locally common breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Nov . Durlston 420 adults counted with c64 juveniles onth the main ledge. The last birds left in July with a return on 10 AwayPortland from Bill the breeding sites:No full count made, but thought to be in the region of 50 pairs.

Hengistbury Head Recorded in all months except Aug – Sep.th In the first winter period a max of 30 birds offshore on 6 Feb and only a few birds Oct toth Dec. Studland Bay 150+ on 8 Feb. RAZORBILL Alca torda Local breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Durlston 10 occupied sites which is the highest for many years. AwayPortland from Bill the breeding sites:No full count made, but thought to be in the region of 10 pairs.

Hengistbury Head Recorded Jan to Mayth and Sep to Nov with a maximum of 80 birds offshore on 6 Feb. AUK spp

th Abbotsbury Beach c1,000, mostlyth Razorbills, on 19 Feb. Durlston 3,800w on 12 Jan, estimatednd as 60%th Razorbills and 40%th Guillemots. Over 3,000w 22 – 26 Jan and 500 on 8 Feb, mostly Razorbills.st st . Hengistbury Head Recorded chiefly in the winter months with maxima ofnd over 300e on 31 Jan, 80e on 1 Feb and a thfurther 85e on 2 Portland Bill Maximum count of 15,000 birds on 9 Jan. LITTLE AUK Alle alle A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, usually storm driven.

Nov . th th 6 birds were recorded between 15 and Nov 30 . th Nov . Chesil Cove 1 on 29 Nov . th Poole Harbour 1 south thof Brownsea Nov . Islandth on 30 Portland Bill 1 on 15 Nov,th 2w on 29 Portland Harbour 1w on 16

2009 Dorset Bird Report 101 PUFFIN Fratercula arctica A scarce and declining breeding visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding: st

Dancing Ledge Maxth of 6 birds on 31 May. 4 birds were seen carrying food on 4 Jun. PassagePortland andBill other records:At least 4 birds present. Nov . th th Chesil Cove 2 past on 30 th May andth a tideline corpseth onth 28 Durlston Singles on 12 and 26 Jan and 28 – 29 Nov and several records during Apr . the breeding season from the Dancing Ledge population.th Hengistbury Head 1 on 16 Portland Bill Birds consideredth not to be of localth origin were recordedth as follows:th 3e on 24 Apr, 3w on 14 May, 2w on 17 May and 3w on 18 Jul. FERAL ROCK DOVE (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia A common urban breeding resident, also breeding locally along the coast.

Breeding:

OtherNo specific records: records received - breeds in the main towns and along the Purbeck coast. st

Poole Harbour 80 on 1 Jan.th Poole Park 90+ on 17 Feb. Portland Resident thpopulationrd between 500 and 1,000 birds. Portland Bill 20 on 10 Jan. Weymouth 200+ on 23 Jul. STOCK DOVE Columba oenas A declining breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Hengistbury Head 1 pair bred. th Lodmoor A recently-fledged juvenile on 8 Aug. Merley Park 14 breeding pairs.

These were the only breeding records received, however the species is present in low Autumndensities passage:throughout the county. Nov . Nov . th Durlston 749 recorded Oct to mid-Dec, with ath peak of 243th on 17 East Bexington 145w andth 4e on 6 dates betweenth 29 Oct and 9th . Hengistbury Head 38 onnd 8 Oct, thenth 47w on 28 andth 20w on 30 . In Nov, Nov 79w . th on 2 , 146w on 5 and 65w on 6 & a thfurther 36 birds Novth . on 25 Portland 391 bird-days on 11 datesnd between 14 Oct and th17 102 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Peak count of 70s on 2 Nov and over 150s on 6 Winter flocks (20+ birds): st Nov . th Bardolf Farm 26 on 1th Feb and 42 on 12 Feb. Brenscombe Hill 33 on 6 Maiden Castle c50 birdsth during Dec. Monkton up Wimborne 30 on 24 Jan. WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus A very common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

AutumnBreeds very passage: commonly throughout the county with an increase in numbers recently. Nov . th Brenscombe Hill Novc7,500 on 6 . th Durlston 58,673 recorded Oct to mid-Dec with a peak of 21,000 on Nov 17 . rd th th East Bexington 15,323w and 1,154est on 7 dates thbetween 26th Oct and 9 th Hengistbury Head In Oct, 212 on 23 , 1,600 on 26 , 370 on 28 , 280 on 30 and 150 on 31st - all west.th In Nov, 87,830 bird-days with Nov a . maximum of 27,300 onth 5 , Novall west. . th Lodmoor 23,000w 31 Oct –th 15 Nov,th with a max of 7,600 on 6 Nov . North Portland 7,700n between 4 and 6 nd th Poole 76,230 birds over Constitutionth Hillth between 2 and 8 Portland 37,710s betweennd 12 Oct and 17 Nov,th Nov with . peak countsth of 4,150s on 2 th NovNov, . over 8,000s on 4 thNov, 8,450s on 5 Nov, 11,710s on 6th Nov Nov . and 8,250s on 17 Stanpit Marsh 27,300 on 5th WinterWest Bay flocks above 100: 35,190 on 6

th Badbury Rings 500 on 10 th Jan. Gussage St Andrew 2,000 on 7th Mar. Langton Herring c500 on 5 Feb. COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto A common breeding resident and scarce passage migrant.

Breeding:

The only reports were from Durlston (2 pairs bred), Merley Park (2 pairs fledged 6 young) Autumnand West passage Bexington and (1 anypair). flocks above 20: st

Chettle 38 on 31 Oct. Durlston Some evidence Sep of. migration from mid-Sep to mid-Dec with 21 birds in Oct,th Nov 17 . in Nov and 4 in Dec. Hampreston c80 on 29th Worth Matravers 31 on 13 2009 Dorset Bird Report 103 TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur A declining breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding season records:

th Alderholt Common 2 birds thon 15 May. Bloxworth 1 on 25th May. Cranborne Common 1 on 15th May. rd st Holworth 1 on 29 May. Throop Heath At least 1 bird 23 May – 1 Jul. Turnerspuddle Heath One pair bred, plus an unpaired bird.

CoastalA slightly migration: better picture than last year, but only one pair was confirmed as breeding.

st th th Christchurch Harbour 4 recorded in spring 28 th Apr – 15 Jun. 5 birds in autumn between 21 Aug and 18 Oct. A marginally better showing than last year. th th Durlston 5+ birds between 7th and 28nd May and just 2 on return passageth between 7 and 22 Aug. Lodmoor 1 on 17 May. th th Portland Bill/Central 34 bird-daysth between 11th Apr and 4 Jun and 71 bird-days between 11 Aug and 26 Oct. The autumn total was greatly influencedth rd by theth presence of up to 4 birds at the Bill between 24 Sep and 26 Oct. ExtremeVerne Common dates: 1 on 3 Jun.

th th 11 Apr at Easton, Portland and 26 Oct at Portland Bill. RING-NECKED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri A scarce feral breeding resident.

st th th th th Durlston 2 birds on 13 andrd 21 Jan, 5 on 10 and 11 Jun and 3 on 24 Oct. Melbury Osmond 1 found dead on 3 Feb. Studland Present all year with a maximum of 5 birds. Mating and nest excavation seen. CUCKOO Cuculus canorus A declining breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

No confirmation of breeding this year.

Recorded during the breeding season from a large number of sites: Alderholt (3), Alners Gorse, Arne, Badbury Rings, Bestwall, Bottlebush Down, Brackett’s Coppice, Brownsea Island, 104Canford Dorset Heath, Bird Report Canford 2009 School, Cerne Abbas, Child Okeford, Cowards Marsh, Cranborne Common (2), Crichel (3+), Eyebridge Wimborne, Gillingham, Grange Heath, Gussage St Andrew, Gussage St Michael, Hartland Moor (2), High Hall (2), Higher Bockhampton, Higher Hyde Heath, Holt, Holt Heath, Holton Lee, Little Sea – Studland, Loders, Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lower Bockhampton, Lydlinch Common (3), Lytchett Bay, Merley Park, Middlebere (2), Monkton up Wimborne (2), Moors Valley CP, Old Harry Studland, Pamphill, Powerstock Common, Rempstone Forest, Ridge, Shroton Brake, Spetisbury, Stalbridge, Stoborough Heath, Stour Valley LNR, Sturminster Marshall, Tadnoll Heath, Thorncombe Woods, Tyneham, Ulwell, Up Cerne, Wareham, Wareham Forest (Great Ovens Heath, Morden Bog, Sugar Hill and Woolsbarrow), Warmwell Heath, West Stafford, White Sheet Plantation, Wimborne St Giles and Woolland.

Migration:A total of 65 sites this year compared to 57 in 2008.

st th th Christchurch Harbour 15 bird-daysth between 26 Apr andth 10 Jun. No autumn records. Durlston Singles on 8 May, 21 nd Jun and nd29 Jun were the only records. North Portland 4 recorded between 2 and 22 May. ExtremePortland Bill/Centraldates: 2 bird-days in Apr, 6 in May, 1 in Jun and 2 in Aug.

th th 10 Apr at Grange Heath and 13 Sep at Middlebere. BARN OWL Tyto alba A scarce breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

st Lytchett Bay A pair reared 4 young at French’s Farm. Middlebere “Snoring” calls fromst th a juvenile heard on 21 Aug. Wyke Down Young calling on 12 Jul and 3 birds seen including at least one juvenile on 1 Aug.

Also recorded in the breeding season from: Abbotsbury Swannery (1 – 2 birds seen May – Aug), Arne (2), Ashley Wood NR, Blandford, Bardolf Farm (pair), Broadwey, Cerne Abbas, Child Okeford, Gussage St Andrew, Hinton Martell, Maiden Castle, Minchington, Organford, WinterPamphill records: and West Bexington.

Widely reported from 46 locations across the county. LITTLE OWL Athene noctua A local and declining breeding resident.

Breeding:

Martinstown A pair probably bred. th Pamphill One juvenile seen on 12 Aug. Portland Bill One pair reared 3 juvenilesth at the Obs Quarry. West Morden A breeding pair on 12 Jun. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 105 Also recorded from Brockington, Gussage St Andrew, Higher Eype, Langton Herring, Lodmoor, Monkton up Wimborne, Portland (Kingbarrow Quarry), Preston (Coombe Valley), WinterRedcliff records:Point, Tarrant Rushton Airfield, Uploders and Woodlands in the breeding season.

Recorded from Bryanston (2), Burton Bradstock, Durlston, Gussage St Andrew, Hengistbury Head, Lodmoor (2), Martinstown, Portland Bill, Preston - Coombe Valley, Purse Caundle, Redcliff Point (2), Seacombe Valley, Tarrant Rushton Airfield, Uploders, West Bay, Wimborne St Giles, Winterborne Herringston and Wyke Down. TAWNY OWL Strix aluco A common breeding resident.

Confirmed breeding:

th Bryanston Fledged young seen on 26 Jun. Canford School 2 breeding pairs. th Gussage St Andrew One juvenile on 20 May.th th Hengistbury Head 2 juveniles seen on 16 andth 26 Jun. Maiden Castle Young birds calling on 24 Jul. UnconfirmedMerley Park breeding: 2 pairs fledged 4 young.

Breeding season records from Ballard Down, Bere Regis, Canford Heath, Cranborne Common, Durlston, Egdon Heath, Holt Heath (2), Martinstown, Middlebere, Pamphill, Rushcombe Bottom, Studland Heath, Weymouth and Woolgarston. LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus A scarce winter visitor, with occasional breeding records.

All records:

The only record this year was an intriguing one of an apparently independent youngth bird, still with some down feathers on its crown, which was found at West Bexington on 15 Aug. SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

First winter period and spring passage:

th Askerswell 1 on 4th Jan. st Brands Bay 1 on 4 Feb. th th th Bridging Camp, The Fleet 1 – 2 birds presentth betweenth 1 and 26 Jan. 2 on 6 and 16 Mar, withth 1 on 18 and 27 Mar. Chamberlayne’s Heath 1 on 15th Feb. to 5 Dancing Ledge 91 on Apr 24 . th Jan. th nd th th Durlston 1th from 4 Jan; 1 on 2 Feb; 1 on 25 and 28 Mar; 1 on

106 Dorset Bird Report 2009 st st

rd th th nd th th Hengistbury Head Singles onApr 1 . thMar, 6 – 7 Mar, 2 – 14 Apr, 20 Apr, 21 Apr, 3 Mayth and 9 May. Lodmoor 1 on 9th Longham 1 on 4 Jan. Portland At least 5 birds overwintered from 2008 betweenth Barleycrates Lane andth the Bill, remaining in the area until 13 May. Spyway Barn, Acton 1 on 13th Mar. AutumnStanpit passage and second1 on winter 9 May. period:

th Sep . Abbotsbury Beach 1 on 15th Oct.st Nov . Christchurch 1 on 27 th th th Durlston Singles thon 21 Sep, 16 and 25 Oct and 5 East Bexington 1 on 15 Nov Oct. . th th Hengistbury Head Singlesth on 27 Sep and 15 Nov Oct. . Langton Matravers 1 on 9 th st th Lodmoor 1 on 11 Sep and 2 on 11 th th Portland 14 autumn migrants 31 Aug to 9 Nov. 1 on 24 Dec. NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus A fairly common breeding summer visitor and scarce passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

th Brownsea Island Adult and chick on 19 Jul. th Corfe Hills, Broadstone Maleth with 2 juvs at nest on 8 Jul. A different nest, with eggs, 15 Jul. Stoborough Heath 5 confirmed breeding pairs.

Also recorded in the breeding season from Alderholt, Arne, Bovington Heath (2), Briantspuddle, Broadstone GC (c6 birds seen), Dunyeat’s Heath (Broadstone), East Holme, Egdon Heath (3), Ferndown Common, Hardy’s Monument (4), Hengistbury Head, Holt Heath (5), Holton Lee (3), Lytchett Bay (2), Morcombe Lake, Oakers Wood (6), Parley Common (4 birds), Powerstock Common (4), Puddletown Forest (2), Rushcombe Bottom (pair), Sandford Heath (2), Sopley Common (3 birds), St Catherine’s Hill (c6), Studland Heath, Tadnoll Heath (3), Thorncombe Wood (6 birds), Throop Heath, Upton Heath (2), Wareham Forest (Cold Harbour, Gore Heath (5), Great Ovens Heath (4 birds), Lawson Clump (3) and Woolsbarrow (7)), West Moors (4+), Winfrith Heath (3+) and Woolgarston. Unless Migration:otherwise stated counts relate to churring males.

th Durlston 1 on 24 thSep Aug. . Goathorn 1 on 30th Aug. ExtremeHengistbury dates: Head 1 on 6 27 th th Apr at Upton Heath and 11 Sep at Cold Harbour, Wareham Forest.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 107 SWIFT Apus apus A declining breeding species and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Broadstone Several pairs present. Portland 23 – 25 pairs. Present at Easton, Fortuneswell, Southwell and Weston. Several fledged juveniles seen. Swanage Screaming parties noted during the breeding season. Wareham Screaming parties noted during the breeding season.

Migration:Present in the breeding season from most urban areas but the population continues to fall.

th Brands Bay 72+ on 4thrd Aug. Durlston 30+ on 4 May. Ham Common 27c100 on 3 Aug. st th Hengistbury Head In spring,th 590st bird-days, max of 69e on 30 Mayth and 100n onst . Jun. In autumn recorded from 31 Jul to 24 Aug with 680 on 31th Jul. 223 bird-days inth Aug with 86 birds on the 1 Lodmoor 250+rd on 7 May and 600+th on 13 May. Portland An early singleth on 18 Apr, then 630n on 20 dates betweenth 3 May and 28 Jun, with a peak count of 150+ on 13 May.th Duringth autumn,st a poor total of 93 bird-days between 26 Jul and 19 Aug. Weymouth c70 on 31 Aug. 2002 . These numbers are lower than normal and the Hengistbury Head totals are the lowest since Extreme dates:

th th 10 Apr at Portland and 13 Sep at Weymouth. ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba A rare passage migrant.

There was one record this year: A Neilson th Lodmoor 1 flew east on 13 May ( ). KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis A fairly common breeding resident along the rivers, some moving to the estuaries in winter. [Amber list]

Breeding: rd

Bestwall 1 juvenile on 23 thMay. Merley A nesting pair, 10 May. th Norden SF Pair entering nest hole on 29 Mar.

108 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Also recorded in the breeding season from Bride Valley FF, Bryanston, Canford School, Child Okeford, Cowgrove, Eyebridge (pair), Moreton, Netherbury, Sherford Bridge, Spetisbury, Stour Valley LNR, White Mill, and Wimborne. The majority of these records relate to the OutsideRiver Stour. the breeding season:

Recorded from 55 sites. BEE-EATER Merops apiaster A rare, but regular, passage migrant. Has attempted to breed on one occasion (2006).

There were two accepted records this year: KE Lane thCE Richards Broadstone 3 birds flying south eastth on 24 May ( ). Langton Herring A party of 6 birds on 20 May ( rd ).D Yelland

In addition, a Bee-eater sp flew west at 16:10 at Durlston on 23 Jun ( ). This bird was not seen well enough to clinch which speciesst of Bee-eater was involved and there remains the tantalising possibility of it being the Blue-cheekedth Bee-eater which crossed from Hampshire to Devon at some point between 21 and 30 Jun. Sadly we’ll never know. HOOPOE Upupa epops A scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring.

A very poor year with just one record: Apr . th Central Portland 1 at Church Ope Cove on 19 WRYNECK Jynx torquilla A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn. [Red list]

AutumnThere were passage: no spring records this year, whilst at lead 11 birds were recorded during autumn. Sep . th st st Avon Heath CP 1 on 8 th Sep . th Durlston 1 on 29 thSep and . 31 Aug and 1 from 27 Sep to 1 Oct. Hengistbury Head 1 on 11th Sep . Little Sea, Studland 1 on 8th th Sep . Middlebere 1 on 4 thand Sep 5 . th th Portland Bill 1 on 17nd Sepand .18 Sep and 1 on 20 Upton 1 on 22th rd Verne Common 1 on 17 th ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 1 present between 27 Sep and 3 Oct. 29 rd th Aug at Durlston and 3 Oct at West Bexington. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 109 GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis A common breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Breeding occurred at the following sites (number of juveniles in brackets, where known): Chard Junction GPs (1), Cogden, Durlston (6), Hartland Moor (1), Hengistbury Head (2), Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Merley Park (5), Morden Bog, Stanpit (2), Stoborough Heath Other(several) records and Tennantry of interest: Down (1).

nd Central Portland A juv was present at the Avalanche Road Hump on 22 Aug. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Confirmed at Cogden, Delph Woods, Poole, Hengistbury Head (5), Higher Hyde Heath (1), Horselynch Plantation (2 broods), Langton Herring (3 – 4), Merley Park (3 pairs fledged 9 juveniles), Moors Valley, Norden Woods (2 nests), St Catherine’s Hill, Stoborough Heath (2 Post-breedingpairs), Stour Valley dispersal LNR (1) or and migration: Turnworth NR (1). Sep st rd th Durlston Visible migration watches recorded 74 birds between 18 and 21 th Nov, with a peak count of 6 on 23 Oct. East Bexington 1 on 26 Oct.st th Novth . Glebelands 3 singles between 17 andth 25 Oct. Lodmoor Singles on 31 Oct and 5 th North Portland 1 at Portlandth Castle on 20th Sep. 4 recorded at Verne Common between 27 Septh and 12 Oct.th th Portland Bill/Central 47 bird-daysth Sep 13. Sep to 17 Nov, withth a peak ofth 3 on 29 Oct. South Haven, Studland 1 on 9 thSep and 3 singles between 18 and 30 Oct. Stanpit Marsh 6 on 25 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor A scarce and declining breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

th OtherOakers records: Wood A pair bred, with 1 fledged juvenile being seen on 12 Jun.

th th Arne Singles thon 24 Jan and 15 Feb. Brownsea Island 1 on 16th Dec. Creekmoor Ponds 1 on 14th AprJan. . th th East Holme 2 on 11th and 13 Apr and 12 Dec. Drumming heard in spring. Eccliffe 1 on 12th Fifehead Wood 1 on 30 Mar. 110 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Sep . thst Greenlands Farm 1 on 19 Lawson Clump 1 on 31th Dec.Apr . Maiden Newton 1 on 20th AprMar. . Sherford Bridge 1 on 15thrd Sugar Hill 1 on 14 Thorncombe Wood 2 on 23 Feb. Wigbeth 2 birds fed on nuts all spring. WOODLARK Lullula arborea A scarce breeding species and passage migrant, flocking in winter. [Amber list]

Breeding:

A total of 21 territories were reported as follows (number of pairs or singing males in brackets): Arne (1), Avon Heath CP (5), Blacknoll Hill (1), Chamberlayne’s Heathth (2 pairs, both seen feeding young), Cranborne Common (pair with 1 juvenile on 10 May), Gore Heath (2), Great Ovens Heath (1), Higher Hyde Heath (1), Morden Bog (3 singing males, with a family party seen on 8th Jul), Sandford Heath (1), Stoborough Heath (1) and Warmwell SpringQuarry passage:(2). Apr . Apr . nd Central Portland 1n overth Reap Lane on 2 Apr . Durlston 1 on 17 th th SummerWest Moors and Plantation post-breeding 2 flocks:present on both 15 and 17 rd th Soldier’s Road A post-breeding flock was recordedth between 25 Jul and 23 Autumn passage: Aug and peaked at 12 birds on 13 Aug. Nov . th st th Central Portland 251 at Barleycrates Lanest onth 11 Oct. 1n over Easton on 9 Durlston 48th recorded between 9 Aug and 1 Dec, with peaks of 11 Novon . Octth and 7 on 31 Oct.th nd th East Bexington 2 on 12th Oct, 2w on 26 Oct, 1w on 2 Nov and 1w on 9 Gad Cliff 1 on 7 thAug. Glebelands 2 on 17th Oct. rd th Novth . th Hengistbury Head 2nth on 8 Oct; 1 on 11 Oct; 1 onth 14 Oct; 7n on 15 Oct; 1n on 18 Oct; 3s on 23nd Oct; 1 on 8 rd st Hill Bottom, Renscombe 1 flew overth on 22 Aug.th st Portland Bill 1n on 12th Oct, 1n on th19 Oct, 4 on 23 Octth andth 1n on 31 Oct. Preston 1 on 10 Oct, 2 on 12 thOct. Nov Singles . thon 17 , 26 and 31 Oct. Radipole Lake 2 flew overth on both 28 th Sep and 12 Oct. West Bay 1 on 18th Oct and 4 on 6 West Bexington 1 on 12 Aug.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 111 Winter periods and cold weather movements:

th rd Butterstreet Cove 1 on 26 Jan. Corfe Mullen 17w overth Rushcombe Bottom on 3 Feb. Greenlands Farm 4 on 28 Mar. Higher Hyde Heath Recordedth during Jan. Hurn Forest 2 on 20 Feb. Morden Bog Birds werest recorded during Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and Dec. Sandford Heath Birds were recorded during Feb, Mar and Nov. Stoborough Heath 3 on 1 thOct. Tincleton 8 on 10 Jan. th Wareham Forest 4 in a stubble field at the east end on 17 Oct. SKYLARK Alauda arvensis A declining breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

Breeding was reported from the following locations (number of pairs or singing males in brackets): Bardolf Farm (6+), Bridport GC (several), Butterstreet Cove, Central Portland (22 – 23 territories), Cogden (up to 20), Durlston, East Holme (1), East Stoke (1), Eggardon Hill, Hemsworth (14), Hengistbury Head (up to 7, 3 of which were successful), Higher Hyde Heath, Lenthay Common (3), Lulworth Camp (5), Lytchett Bay (1), Maiden Castle (6), Martinstown, Portland Bill (31), Preston (1), Redcliffe Point (1 – 2), Stanpit Marsh (1), Stoborough Heath (1), Stour Valley LNR (1), Sturminster Marshall GP (1), Swineham Point (several), Tarrant Rushton Airfield, West Bexington (up to 12), Wick Fields (1) and in fields north of Wimborne (14).

Whilst the size of the Central Portland population remained stable, breeding success was Springthought passage: to be very poor due to unsettled weather, with very few fledged young being seen. st Apr . th Central Portland 3n on 30th Mar and 1n on 1 AutumnPortland passage:Bill 1n on 14 Jan. st

th Central Portland 590 bird-days on 16 datesst betweenth 25 Sep andth 31 Oct. Peak countsth included 100s on 28 Oct, 70ne on 29 Oct, 100+ on 30 Oct andth 150n on 31 rdOct. Chapman’s Pool 52 on 17 Oct. th Durlston 2Peak countsth of 114 on 23 Octth and 137 on 30 Oct.th Nov . East Bexington 225wnd on 12 Oct, 771wth on 26 Oct,th 348e on 29 Oct, 153wth on Nov, 104w on 5 Nov,th 74w on 7 Novth and 49w on 9 Glebelands 251 recordedth between 7 Oct and 25 Oct. rd Hartland Moor 60 on 28 Oct. Nov . Hengistbury Head 828 bird-daysth in Oct, with peaknd counts of 116s on 23 Oct and 116e on 29 Oct. 61w on 2 Lodmoor The highest autumnth numbersth on record were noted, with st c670 between 20 Sep and 7 thNov. Peakth counts during this 112 Dorset Bird Report 2009 period included 80 on both 12 and 26 Oct and 79 on 31 Oct. th Nov . Lytchett Bay 24 over on 10 Oct. th rd th North Portland 97 recorded between 4 Oct and Nov 9 . Portland Bill A maximumth of 100s on 23 Oct.th Nov . Ringstead Bay 40+ on 10 Octrd and 100+th on 7 th South Haven 67 recorded between 10 Oct and th5 WinterWest Bexington flocks (30 and over):150w on 23 Oct and 360w on 26 Oct.

th Bardolf Farm 72 on 25 Dec. th th Dean, Gussage All Saints 70 at Chapelrd th Down on 6 Nov, with 200+ there on 20 Dec. Gussage Down 100 on 26 Oct. Herbury Gore 46 on 3 th Jan. Higher Nyland 60 on 13st thDec. Minchington 100 on 13 Dec. nd Portland Bill 50 on 21 andth 22 Dec. Rodden Hive 350+ on 26th Oct. rd St Aldhelm’s Head 100+ on 6 Mar. ColdTarrant weather Rushton movements: Airfield The peak count was of 200+ on 3 Jan.

During early February, harsh weather caused an increase in records of birds moving around. The largest counts relating to this are givenrd below:

Bardolf Farm 100s onth 3 Feb. rd East Stour 50 on 9 Feb.ndrd th Hengistbury Head 26w on 2 Feb, 140 on 3 Feb and 15 on 7 thFeb. th Lodmoor 136w on 3th Feb, with a further 72 over on 6 and 7 Feb. Maiden Castle 250+ on 7 Feb. th th Purse Caundle 79s in 5 flocksth on 4 Feb, c50 on 8 Feb. Ridgeway Hill, Weymouth c65 on 8 thFeb. Rodden Hive 170+ on 5 th Feb. St Aldhelm’s Head c200 on 11nd Feb. Stalbridge 100 on th2rd Feb. Stanpit Marsh 33 on 4 Feb. Swineham 65s on 3 th Feb. Worth Matravers 85+ on 6 Feb.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 113 SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia A locally common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Colonies were reported as follows: Brands Bay (3 pairs), Chard Junction GPs (92 nest holes), East Holme (10 nest holes in a nearby quarry), Haymoor Bottom Quarry – Poole (14 active nest holes), Hengistbury Head (250+ birds around the colony on 29th Jun – productivity was considered good, with many pairs having second broods), and Warmwell Quarry (195 Springactive nest passage: holes).

th Hengistbury Head Peak count was of th60 on 30 Mar. Lodmoor First arrivalst on 13 Mar. Numbers built up to a peak of 90+ early Apr. Longham Lakes 70 on 31 Mar. th Portland Bill/Central An early single bird stflew along the West Cliffs on 16 Feb and there were a further 633 bird-days untilth mid-May, withth peak counts of 77nnd on 31 Mar, 75nnd on 13 Apr, 150n on 17 Apr, 75n on 22 Apr and 75nth on 2 May. th Radipole Lake First arrival was on 4 Mar andApr numbers. peaked at c40 on 26 Mar. th Stanpit Marsh Peak count was of 40 on 7 th AutumnSwineham passage: GP The peak count during spring was 80+ on 14 Mar.

Sep . th Durlston Peak movements of 300 thbirds per hour over on 15 Sep and 360 per hourrd over on 17 Hengistbury Head Autumn passage was considered toth be poor, with Sep peak . counts of 600 on 23 Aug and 230sth on 27 Aug. th Lodmoor Max counts of 100+ on 10th Sep and 50+ on 14 Middlebere 20125+ werend present on 30th Jul. Portland Bill/Central 5s thon Sep 22 . Jun,th 1s on 28 Jun. A further 282 bird-daysth between th Jul and 8 Oct, with rdpeak counts of 50 on both 7 Aug and 14rd Radipole Lake 50+ were present on 23 Jul. A notably lateSep .bird was seen on 23 Oct. th Stanpit Marsh The best autumn count was 200th on 12 ExtremeSwineham dates: GP c90 were over the pits on 26 Jul. rd

th 16 Feb at Portland (West Cliffs) and 23 Oct at Radipole Lake.

114 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Portland Bill - 9th May Nick Hopper Dorset has now recorded 27 Subalpine Warblers and, like the 2008 record, this year’s bird was considered to be of the eastern albistriata race. Both 2008’s and 2009’s records are currenly being assessed by BBRC.

Citrine Wagtail at Lodmoor Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler at Avalanche Road 6th May Steve Carey 1st May Martin Cade This fine male was a first for the county, but Although initially elusive, this Dorset and Portland unfortunately didn’t linger for more than a few first eventually gave itself up to a decent-sized minutes and could not be relocated. crowd of birders.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 115 Collared Flycatcher at Southwell - 28th April Pete Saunders This stunning first-summer male Collared Flycatcher was the first of three new birds for the county within the space of nine days during late April and early May. After initially being discovered in the afternoon of 28th April, it remained in the area for the following four days, and was well-watched by several hundred birders. Towards the end of its stay, a neighbouring field was made accessible for viewing the bird and as a result, over £500 was raised for the Dorset Air Ambulance from birder’s donations.

116 Dorset Bird Report 2009 SWALLOW Hirundo rustica A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Records were received as follows: Bridport Brewery (1 pair), Bridging Camp (5+ pairs), Canford School (2+ pairs), Gillingham (c10 pairs), Hengistbury Head (1 pair raised 3 young), Langton Herring (5+ pairs), Lytchett Bay, Merley Hall Farm (2 pairs), Moors Valley CP, North Portland (10+ pairs bred successfully), Portland Bill/Central (23-25 pairs), St Aldhelm’s SpringHead (1 passage: pair) and Upton CP (1 pair).

th Christchurch Harbour 965 bird-days 19 Mar to ththe end of May, with peak countsth of 200 at Hengistbury on 20th Apr and 250 at Wick on 13 May. Lodmoor Max count of 300+ on 13st May.th th Portland Bill/Central 19,500 bird-days between 13 Mar and 24 Aprnd May, . with peak nd counts of 7,500nth on 21 Apr, 1,500n on 22th Apr, 1,500n on 2 Autumn passage: Apr, 5,000n on 4 Apr and 1,000n on 13 Sep . th Sep . Abbotsbury Beach ‘Many thousands’ were moving east on 12 th Burton Bradstock ‘Uncountable numbers’ during therd afternoonth of 10 Christchurch Harbour 62,540 bird-days between mid-Aug and 11 Nov, with peaks of 1,000th over Hengistbury on 23 Aug, 10,000th over Stanpit on 12 Sep, 8,000eth at Hengistbury on 13 Sep, 9,600e atth Hengistbury on 19 Sep and 4,300e at Hengistburyth on 9 Oct. Durlston Peak counts were of 2,700th birds per hourst on 15 Sep and Sep 1,500 perrd hour on 17 Sep. Furtherth day countsth th exceedingth 1,000 birds were threcorded on 19 , 21 , 24 , 27 and 29 and on 3 and 11 Oct.th Glebelands A timed count on 11 Sep found that 300 passedth over in just under 4 minutes. 1,161n duringth 4 hours on 7 Oct. Lodmoor c1,000 birds roosted on 7 Aug. The strongest autumn passage Sep on . record at this site, withth peak counts including th 7,000th through the reserve on 10 Sep and 15,000 Sep . through 12 – 13 rd th Sep . Lyme Bay ‘Untold thousands’ wereth flying south Sep on .12 th North Portland 129,680s, 23 Jun – 27 Oct, peak thcount of 40,000 on 11 Osmington Mills c1,000th per hour passed east on 13 Rodden Hive On 10 Sep, there was a large easterly movement around midday, sampled atth well in excess of 1,000 birds per hour. South Haven Timed counts on Sep 9 . Sep recorded up to 250 birds passing north every 5 th Sepminutes. . Studland Bay 1,000+ on 20th West Bexington 1,000+ on 9 th ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 650+ across the bay on 7 Oct.

th th 12 Mar at Stalbridgeth and 5 Dec at Mill Lane,th Wareham. Other late birds were seennd at Durlston on 27 Nov, the Bridging Camp on 30 Nov and Studland Middle Beach on 2 Dec. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 117 HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Records were received of breeding birds from: Ballard Down (several pairs on the cliffs south of Old Harry), Blandford Forum (Damory Down Estate), Bridport, Canford School (34 pairs), Central Portland (19 occupied nests at 3 sites – Southwell, Haylands Estate and Blacknor), Fordington (9 nests at the Old Mill), Frampton (several pairs), Martinstown, Netherbury, Okeford Fitzpaine, Poole (Old Town), Ridge, Sturminster Marshall (11 pairs at SpringBarford passage: Farm), Sutton Waldron (1 pair), Turlin Moor and Upton (15 nests on Watery Lane) rd st

Christchurch Harbour 109 between 3 Aprth and 1 Jun, with a peak count of 40 over Wick Fields on 13 May. th rd Lodmoor Peak count was 400+ on 13 th May. Portland Bill/Central 1,015 bird-days betweenth 29 Mar and 3 Jun, with a peak Autumn passage: count of 500+ on 13 May.

Sep . Burton Bradstock “Uncountableth numbers’ Sep . passed over during the afternoon of 10 th Chapman’s Pool c5,000 past on 11 Christchurch Harbour A remarkableth 101,142th bird-days were logged between 18 Aug and 30 Oct. Theth peak count of 25,000ne over Hengistbury Head on 10 Sep is quite possibly a record day th count for the UK. Otherth large counts includedth 11,000e on 13 Sep, 15,000w on 26 Sep and 2,000e on 9 Oct (all from Hengistbury Head). Sep . Durlston Peakth counts included 2,000 birds per hourth passing over on 14 Sep and 4,900 per hour over on 15 Lodmoor An outstanding Sep . autumn passage thincluded peak counts of 3,000th through the reserve on 10 Sep and 10,000 through on 14 th Sep . nd North Portland 22,520s were recorded between 9th Sep and 22 Oct. Osmington Mills 1,000+ per hour passed eastth on 9 th Portland Bill/Central 18,156 Sep bird-days . betweenth 7 Aug and 29 th Oct, with peak countsth of 5,000n on 10 Sep, Sep 3,500e . on 11 Sep and 5,000+ on 14 th Sep . Rodden Hive 5,000+ passed east on 10 th St Aldhelm’s Head 1,000+ feeding off the head on 10th Sep . West Bexington c3,000 around the village on 10 Sep, with c1,000 stillth present Extreme dates: on the following day. 1,000+ birds flew over on 15 7 th th Mar at Radipole Lake and 15 Nov at Stoborough Heath.

118 Dorset Bird Report 2009 RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis daurica A rare spring migrant, exceptional in autumn.

Despite several reports this year, only one Drecord Croxson was et submitted al to the Panel. th Lodmoor 1 on 5 May ( , photo). RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi A rare autumn migrant.

There were 3 records this year: DN Smith DJ Chown th Hengistbury Head 1 brieflyth at theMS old Andrews Pitch and et Putt al site on 15 Nov ( ). Langton Herring, The Fleet 1 on 4 thNov ( ). Wick 1 on 19 Sep ( , photo) TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris A rare autumn migrant.

Just two submitted records this year – presumed to relate to the same bird: PA Coe G Walbridge et al th Portland Bill 1 at various sites between theG Bill Walbridge and the windmills on 19 Sep ( , ), with perhaps the same bird near Culverwell on 21st Sep ( ). TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis A localised breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

At least 55 – 57 territories were located at the following sites: Alderholt Common (3+), Arne (1+), Avon Heath CP (1+), Badbury Rings (1), Corfe Hills (1), Cranborne Common (2-3), Culpeppers Dish (3), Great Ovens Heath (5), Hambledon Hill (1), Higher Hyde Heath (1+), Holt Heath (1), Holton Lee (1), Lower Hyde Heath (7+), Morden Bog (4), Ringstead Bay (3), St Catherine’s Hill (1-2 pairs), Soldier’s Road (1), Sugar Hill (5+), Tadnoll Heath (3), Throop Heath (4), Turnerspuddle Heath (2), West Moors Plantation (2), Winfrith Heath (1+) and SpringWoolsbarrow passage: Hillfort (1). Apr . th Brands Bay 1 on 11 th Apr . nd Christchurch Harbour Just 17 bird-days Apr . were logged thbetween 8 Aprth and 2 May. Durlston 10 werend recorded betweenst 16 Mar and 26 Greenlands Farm 1 on 22 rd Apr . nd Portland Bill/Central 40 recordedth between 31 Mar and 22 May, Apr with . peak counts of 4 on 18 Apr and 6 on 23 th th Redcliffe Point Singlesnd were Apr recorded. on 18 Mar and 17 St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 2 th May. Apr . Thorncombe Woods 1 on 28 th th Winspit Singles on 16 Mar and 8 2009 Dorset Bird Report 119 Autumn passage (sites recording 10 or more birds):

th th Sep . Christchurch Harbour 158 bird-days between 5 Aug and 9th Oct, withth peak counts of 21 at Hengistbury Head on bothth 5 and 9th Durlston 113 were recordednd between 6 Aug and 25 Oct, with a peak of 9 birdsth on 22 Aug. th th Glebelands 12 on 30 Aug, 8 on 11 Sep thand 1 on 9 Oct.th Lodmoor 17 were recorded betweenth 4 Sep andth 10 Oct. Portland Bill/Central 171 recordedth betweenrd 26 Jul and 10 Oct, Sep with . peak countsth of 17 onth 14 Aug and 10 onth each of the thfollowing dates: 18 Aug, 19 Aug, 23 Aug, th10 Sep andth 11 ExtremeSouth Haven dates: 13 recorded between 9 Sep and 8 Oct.

th th 16 Mar at Durlston and Winspit and 25 Oct at Durlston. MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Records of breeding birds were received from: Bridport GC, Hartland st Moor (5 singing males), Hengistbury Head (10 – 12 pairs), Little Sea – Studland, Lytchett Bay (3 singing males), Redcliffe Point (2 pairs bred, with fledged young being seen on 31 Jul) and Stanpit WinterMarsh (2 flocks: – 3 pairs).

th rd Badbury Rings c250 on 20th Jan. th th Bridging Camp, The Fleet 50+ on 13 th Jan, 70 on both 23 Feb and 6 Mar, 50 on 16 Dec. Chickerell Hive Point c200 on 10th Jan. Cogden 60+ on 16 Feb. Lodmoor 30+ birds rdwere present in the first winter period and 20+ were present at the latter end of the year. Middlebere c350 on 3 Feb. Portland Bill/Central Up to 100th stbirds were present in both winter periods. Rodden Hive 80+ on 5 Feb. Waddock Cross CBs 30+ on 21th Jan. SpringWest Bexington passage (all counts 100+of 100 on or 5 more Mar. birds):

th st rd Durlston Apr100n on 18th .Mar. th Hengistbury Head 470 on 18 Mar, 385 on 21 rdMar, Apr 320 . on 26 Mar, 708 on 3 th rd North Portland 215 between 14 Mar and 3th Portland Bill/Central 3,055 bird-days betweenth 18 Feb and 23th Apr, with peak th counts of 224n on 13 Mar, 438n onth 17 Mar, 444n on 18 Mar and 640nth (in just 1 hour) on 19 Mar. Stanpit Marsh 150+ on 4 Feb.

120 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Autumn passage:

Christchurch Harbour Anth excellent totalth of 21,072 bird-days were logged between 30 Aug and 17 Nov. Peak countsth (all from Hengistburyth Head)th included 1,200eth on 17 Sep, 1,400 onth 18 Sep, 1,100 on 19 Sep, 3,800e on 7 Oct and 1,400e on 9 Oct. Durlston 7,900 were recorded duringst visible migration watches betweenth mid-Sep and mid-Dec, with peak day counts of 1,420 on 19 Sep and 960 on 21 Sep. A large off-passage flock,th numberingth around 200 birds, was present between 19 and 2224 Oct. East Bexington 852wnd and 123eth during visible migration watchesth between Sep and 9 Nov. Peak movement was on 29 Oct with 428w and 18e. th th Glebelands 1,236 recorded between 19th Sepst and 18th Oct. Lodmoor 1,710 recorded betweenth 10 Sep and 17 Oct. North Portland 1,600 between 9 Sep and 31th Oct. th Portland Bill/Central 815,040 bird-days betweenth 5 Sep and 14 th Oct, with peak countsth of 1,500 on 24 Sep, 2,500+ on 27st Sep and 1,500 on Oct. th Sep . South Haven 1,280 recordedth Sep between . 9 Sep and 31th Oct. West Bexington 80e on 18 thSep; 200+ flew over on 28 White Nothe 400+ on 20 ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus A locally common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

st Breeding activity was recorded from the following locations: Durlston (5 – 8 pairs), Hengistbury Head (3 – 5 pairs), Lyme Regis (pair feedingnd 1 fledged young on 1 Jun), PortlandAutumn passage:Bill, St Aldhelm’s Head (fledged young seen on 22 May) and Winspit (1 pair).

Durlston Visible migration watches produced totalsNov . of 33 overflying birds in Sep, 134 in Oct, th53 in Nov andth 3 in Dec. East Bexington 16w andth 2e between 12 Octth and 9 Glebelands 2e on 19 nd Sep and 1ne on 7 Oct. HengistburyWinter counts: Head 14w on 2 Oct was the only passage movement noted.

Hengistbury Head Up to 2 birds were present in the early winterst period, with up to 3 there at the thlatter end stof the year. Lytchett Bay Present up to 14 Mar and again from 21 Oct. Max count was 40 at Lytchettth Heath on 21 Dec. Ringstead Bay 5 on 4 Jan. Stanpit Marsh Up to 3 stwereth recorded during the first winter period, with 10+ there on Nov 15 . Mar. Swanage 3 on 31th Mar. Nov . Swineham Point 6 on 6 th Winspit 10 on 19 2009 Dorset Bird Report 121 Anthus petrosus littoralis A scarce winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ ROCK PIPIT All records:

th Portland Bill 1 in summerstth plumage on the East Cliffsth on 18 Mar, 2 at the Bill on 29 Mar and st1 Apratth the . Bill on 30 Mar. th Stanpit Marsh 10 on 21th Jan; 3 on 29 Jan; 1 on most dates between 28 Feb and 24 Mar; 1 on 1 WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

First winter period:

th Bere Regis CBs 1 on 8 thMar.st Bestwall 2 on 25 Jan. nd Bride Valley FF Singles on 1 Jan and 22 Feb. Cowards Marsh There were occasional records during theth early part ofth the year, withrdth exceptional counts of 8 on 17 Jan, 9 on 18 Jan and 6 on 25 Jan. Apr . Dodding’s Farm CBs 1 on 3 Jan. th th Lodmoor Records spanned the period between 6 Jan and 13 Generally 1 – Apr2 birds . were reported, but thereth were peakth counts (all fromth Overcombe) of 6+ on 16 Mar, 8 on 19 Mar and 5+ on 5 st th Portland 1 at Churchth Ope Cove on 27 Jan. Tincleton CBs 2 on 10 Jan and 1 on 1 Feb.th rd st Turners Puddle 1 at Cecily Bridgerd CBs on 17 Jan.st Waddock Cross CBs Birds were recorded between 3 Jan and 1 Feb, withth peak counts of 4+ on 3 Jan, 4 on 21th Jan and 5+ on 29 Jan. West Bexington 2 remained from 2008 untilth 11 Feb.th Passage:Wytch Causeway 1 was present on both 10 and 11 Jan.

th th SecondStanpit Marsh winter period: 1 at Priory Marsh between 15 and 19 Mar.

st th Canford School 1 in the fields between here and Wimborne on 20 Dec. Holes Bay 1 on 31 Oct. th Lodmoor 1 – 2 birdsth Nov present . from 25 Oct until the end of the year. Middlebere 4 on 11th Dec. Radipole Lake 2 on 26 th Swineham Point 5 were present on 15 thNov, with 3 there the following day. Waddock Cross CBs 3 were recorded on 28 Dec.th West Bexington 1 flew over the Mere on 4 Dec.

122 Dorset Bird Report 2009 YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava A common passage migrant and former breeder. [Red list]

Passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 6 5 Jan Feb Mar 66 May Jun Jul 220Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 30 138 348 PeakPortland counts Bill/Central from the above sites: 39 355 17 1

th Sep . Christchurch Harbour 7 on 15 Apr was the largest countth duringst spring, whilstth autumn peaks included 58 on 5 Sep and 64 on 10 Sep . th Portland Bill/Central Peak spring counts included 11 on 21 Apr and 15+th on 13 Other passage records (allMay. site totals The peak of 20 count or more during birds): autumn was 50 on 10 Sep . th Abbotsbury 40 in a sheep field on 11 th th Abbotsbury Swannery Regularly present between 12 Aug and 11 Sep, with a peak count of 30 on the latter date. th th Durlston Small numbers recordedth betweenth 5 Apr and 25 May, with peaksth of 6 birds on 25 Apr and 4rd May. A late bird was noted on 10 Jun. Duringth the autumn period there were isolated records of 3 on 14 Jul and 1 on 3 Aug, beforeth the main passage occurred between mid-Aug Sep . and 17th Oct. Peakth counts during this periodth included 20th on both 25Sep .and 29 Oct. Glebelands 25 between 30 Aug andth 11st th Greenlands Farm 64 recorded between 19 Aug and 20 Lodmoor Just 1 spring record (on 1 Jun)th was followedst nd by a poor autumn total Sepof 25+ . betweenth 9 Aug and 2 Oct. Lytchett Bay 148 bird-daysth between 17 Aug and 1 Oct, Sep with . a peak count of 44 on 10 th th Middlebere 108 recorded betweenth 28 Aug and 14 Powerstock Common 21 with cattle Sep on . 28 Aug. th Radipole Lake The maximumth roost count received Sep . was of 21 on 26 Aug. St Aldhelm’s Head c30 on 10 th th Swineham GP 32 between 29 Aug and 13 ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 49 bird-days during Aug and Sep. rd

nd 3 Apr at Christchurch Harbour and 2 Nov at Perryfields, Portland. Motacilla flava flava An occasional passage migrant. BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL st Apr . Apr . th Central Portland Single males wereth at Barleycratesth Lane on 18 and 21 Portland Bill A male on 18 And 19

2009 Dorset Bird Report 123 CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola Vagrant. No previous records.

A long-awaited addition to the Dorset list, which unfortunately didn’t linger long enough to be seen by anybody but the lucky finder. S Carey th Lodmoor A male at the west end of the reserve on 6 May (, photo). th In addition, there is a record of 2 Citrine Wagtails at Christchurch Harbour on 15 Oct 1966, when the area was part of Hampshire. GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea A local breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

There th were reports of breeding from the following locations: Bridport (1 juvenileth seen on 18 Jun), Canford School (1 pair), Cerne Abbas (adult and 2 juveniles on 10 May), Christchurch (2 pairs at Knapp Mill and 1 pair at Waterloo Bridge), Fiddleford Mill (1 pair), Lyme Regis (2 pairs), Maiden Newton (1 pair), Merley House (first breeding record here – 1 pair fledgedth two broods totalling 7 young) and Morden Park Lake (family party first seen Autumnon 17 Aug). passage:

Christchurch Harbour The main passage concentration occurred between mid-Aug and mid-Oct. There were 17 bird-daysth Nov in Aug,. 136 bird-days in Sep (with a peak of 17th on 10 ) andth 37 bird-days in Oct. East Bexington 38w and 2e between 29 Aug and 5 th Lodmoor Theth best autumn passage on record Nov . – c48 between 9 Aug and 30 Oct. th th Nov . North Portland 31 between 13 Sep andth 17 th Portland Bill 161 recorded between 5 Julth and 10 th Winter:South Haven 33 were recorded between 9 Sep and 18 Oct.

Recorded from Arne, Bere Regis CBs, Central Portland, Dodding’s Farm CBs, Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head, Holes Bay, Lodmoor, Lyme Regis, Moors Valley CP, Norden SF, Osmington Mills, PC World Poole, Rodden Hive, Stanpit Marsh, Stour Valley LNR, Tincleton CBs, Waddock Cross CBs, Weymouth, Wick and Wool.

124 Dorset Bird Report 2009 PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba yarrellii A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Records were received from the following sites: Bridging Camp (2 pairs), Bridport (2 pairs), Bridport GC (several), Hengistbury Headth (2 pairs bred successfully), Langton Herring (2 pairs), Lodmoor (3 juveniles from 11 Jun), Lytchett Bay, Merley Park (2 pairs fledged 7 Springyoung), passage:North Portland (at least 10 pairs), Radipole Lake (1 pair) and West Bexington. st

th Christchurch Harbour 222 bird-days between 1 andth 17 Mar, with a peak count of c60 at Stanpit Marshth on 16 Mar.th alba Portland Bill/Central 148n betweenth 25 Feb and 29rd Mar, with a peak Apr count. of 33 on 13 Mar. In addition, a further 92 unidentifiedth Autumn passage: wagtails flew north between 3 Mar and 12 yarellii or alba .

Most of the records below were not subspecifically identified to either

Christchurch Harbour 6,922 bird-days were logged betweenth mid-Sep and earlyth Nov, with peak counts of 1,100e on 7 Oct and 890e on 9 Oct (both at Hengistbury Head). th st Durlston Theth main overhead passage occurred betweenth 19 Sep and 18 Oct, with peak counts of 382 on 28 Sep and 388 on 1 Oct.th East Bexington 186w and th363e during visible migration watches between 29 Aug albaand 9 Nov.th In addition,th a further 525 birds passing over between 12 and 29 Oct were not subspecificallyth identified.th Glebelands 478 wagtails were recorded betweennd 11 Sep and 18 Oct.th Lodmoor Peak counts included 85 over on 2 Oct and th125+ over on 12 Oct. An estimated 500+ birds roosted on 14rd Oct. th Lytchett Bay An autumn roost in the reedbedsth peaked at 330 on 10 Oct. North Portland 165 were recorded betweenth 11 Sep andth 23 Oct. Portland Bill/Central 2,315 bird-days betweennd 25 Sep thand 18 Oct, with peakth counts of 250 on 2th Oct, 250 on 8 Oct and 350 on 11 Oct. Portland, Castletown 150+ roostednd on 7 Oct. th WinterWest Bexington flocks and roosts: 81w on 2 Oct and 70w on 8 Oct were the largest counts.

th Maiden Castle 100 were presentth on 14 Jan. South Haven 38 roosted on 27 Feb. Nov . th Wareham c80 roosted at the railwayth station on 4 Mar. West Knighton Heath 105+ roosted on 14 th Weymouth The peak countsth from the town centreth roost were 200+ on 7 Jan, 500 on 20 Nov andst 300 on 13 Dec. Wimborne A small roost of around 25 occurred in the town centre Christmas tree on 21 Dec.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 125 Motacilla alba alba A frequent passage migrant. WHITE WAGTAIL Spring passage:

st th th Abbotsbury Swannery 4 recorded between 25 Apr and 11 May. Cogden 1 on 1th May. Durlston 1 on Apr 8 Mar.. th th th th Hengistbury Head Singlesth on 18 and 26 Mar and 4 Apr, Apr 5 on . 15 Apr and 6 on 18 th th Lodmoor c7 recorded betweenth 18 Marnd and 27 Portland Bill/Central 56th between 7 Mar and 22 May, with a peak count of 5 on 18 Mar.th Redcliff Point 2 on 18 Aprth Mar. . th th th Stanpit Marsh 3 on 16th Mar, 1 on 17 Mar, 2 on 30 Mar, 3 on 7 Apr and 1 on 11 th AutumnStudland passage: 2 on 13 Mar. Sep . th th Abbotsbury Swannery 30 recordedth between 10 Jul and 26 Sep . Greenlands Farm 1 on 30 Aug.th th th Nov . Portland Bill/Central 46 between 4 and 27 Sep,th with a peak count of 9 on 9th ExtremeStudland dates: 1 at Middle Beach on 15 Sep and 1 at Knoll Beach on 4 7 th th Mar at Portland Bill and 4 Nov at Knoll Beach, Studland. WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus A rare winter visitor, but can irrupt in large numbers.

Three records this year, all of which were fairly brief encounters: th Central Portland 1 at Eastonth on 11 Jan. Hengistbury Head 12e on 8 Feb. th Holes Bay 10+ landed in a tree briefly on 4 Feb. DIPPER Cinclus cinclus A scarce and local breeding resident, restricted to the west of the county.

Breeding: Sep . th Lyme Regis (r. Lim) Pair present throughout the year. A 1stW bird seenth on 27 Maiden Newton (r. Hooke) Pair present, with a fledged juvenile seen on 30 May. OtherNetherbury records: (r. Brit) An adult with fledged young seen on several dates.

th Beaminster (r. Brit) 1 on 17 Dec. th th Parnham (r. Brit) Singles on both 5 Septh and 6 Dec.th 126West MiltonDorset Bird (r. Report Mangerton) 2009 A singing male on 17 Jan; 1 on 26 Apr, WREN Troglodytes troglodytes A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

No change in status noted. The highest counts of breeding pairs came from the following Winter:sites: Durlston (20+ pairs), Merley Park (8 active nests) and North Portland (18+ pairs).

Merley Park 24 birds were found roosting in a nestbox during Dec. DUNNOCK Prunella modularis A common breeding resident and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Breeds commonly throughout the county – no change in status noted. The largest site counts Passage:of breeding birds received were from Durlston (40+ pairs) and North Portland (35+ pairs). st Sep . st Sep . th Durlston 25+ noted on both 21 and 24 St Aldhelm’s Head 20+ were present on 21 ROBIN Erithacus rubecula A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

No change in status noted. The largest site counts of breeding birds were from Durlston Passage:(25+ pairs), Merley Park (16 pairs, all fledged young) and North Portland (12+ pairs).

There were no notable passage records this year.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 127 NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos A scarce and local breeding species and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

A total of 29 territorial males were recorded from the following sites: Alners Gorse (6 singing on the reserve, with a further 3 audible more distantly), Burning Cliff (4 singing males), Challow Hill (1 singing male), Deadmoor Common (8 singing males), Lydlinch Common (5 singing males), Osmington Mills (1 singing male) and Redcliffe Point (1 singing male – first here since 2006). No information was received from the Lulworth MOD Ranges, Springwhere several passage: pairs also breed.

th st Apr . Blackwater, Hurn 1 singing Apron 4 . May, but not heard subsequently. th Central Portland 1 at Reapth Lane on 21 Apr; 1 at Pennsylvania Castle on 29 Hengistbury Head 1 on 13 th th AutumnSturminster passage: Marshall GP’s 1 singing between 9 & 12 May. The first record for this site. Sep . th ExtremeGreenlands dates: Farm 1 on 12

th th 13 Apr at Hengistbury Head and 12 Sep at Greenlands Farm. BLUETHROAT Luscinia svecica A very rare passage migrant.

There was one record: th West Bexington 1 trapped and ringed on 15 Aug. S After Webber release et al it promptly flew towards private land and was only glimpsed briefly in the field on one occasion afterwards ( , photo). BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochuros A frequent passage migrant and winter visitor, occasionally breeding. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th Portland, Blacknor A recently fledged juvenile was seen on 26 th Jun, whilst a worn adult male was at nearby Poundth thPiece on 8 Jul. Portland, Southwell 1 juvenile was present on 6 & 7 Jul and may relate to the First winter period and springBlacknor passage: record above. st rd

Records were received from 34 locations between 1 Jan and 23 Apr. The highest site counts came from the following locations: st st

Newton’s Cove c6 different individuals were seen between 1 Jan and 31 Mar. North Portland 6 – 8 birds wintered during Jan and Feb. 11+ birds were seen during the passage period of Mar. 128 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Portland Bill/Central At least 8 individuals wintered in central areas during Janst and Feb. 55 bird-days were recorded betweenth late Feb and May, Autumn passage and secondwith winter peak countsperiod: including 9+ on 17 Mar and 6 on 31 Mar. st

th Recorded from 60 different locations between 5 Sep and 31 Dec. The highest site counts came from the following locations: rd st Nov . Hengistbury Head 5 birdsth were present on 23 Oct, with 4 there on both 31 Oct and 6 North Portland 17+ birds were seen during the passage period in Oct and Nov, whilst 6+ birds were wintering during Dec. st Nov . Portland Bill/Central There were 253 bird-daysth between Sep and Nov, with peaknd counts of c25 on 29 Oct and 20 on both 31 Oct and 2 At least 7 birds remained tost overwinter in central areas during Dec. Upwey 4 birds were present on 31 Oct. REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus A scarce breeding summer visitor and fairly common migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

th Morden Bog 1 – 2 singing males wereth present from 6 Apr and a fledged juvenile was seen on 7 Jul. th Slepe Copse A singing male wasth first located on 18 Apr and was joined by a female on 28 Apr. Despite the birds continuing to be Passage: seen into summer, no proof of breeding was obtained. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 26 Jan Feb Mar 9 May2 Jun Jul Aug70 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 2 43 1 167 Durlston 42 3 1 Portland Bill/Central 145 10 1 1 38 3 1 22 Thend total of 70 bird-days at Durlston in August included an excellent count of 35+ birds on Significant Aug. passage at other sites: Sep . th th Greenlands Farm 14 recorded between 19 Augth and 14 th Hill Bottom, Renscombe 15 were recordednd between 9 Aug and 6 Sep Sep, . with a peak count of 6 on 22 Aug. nd st th Sep . Martinstown 26 bird-days between 22 Aug and 12 th Sep . Middlebere 9 were recordedth betweenth 31 Aug andrd 19 th th Sep . North Portland 6 between 18 Apr and 4 May; 5 between 16 and 19th ExtremeSeacombe dates: Peak counts were received of 8 on 23 Aug and 7 on 5

th th 30 Mar at Lodmoor and 9 Nov at Wallsend, Portland Bill. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 129 WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra A fairly common passage migrant, breeding occasionally. [Amber list]

Passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov

Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 7 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 5515 12 108 47 5 Durlston 3 11 1 11 58 1 Portland Bill/Central 39 1 1 147 SpringWest Bexington passage: 10 4 Apr . th Lodmoor 1 at Horselynchth on 20 Aprth . North Portland 10 betweenst Apr 20 . th Apr andnd 4 May. Old Harry, Studland Singlesst on 17 and 22 Radipole Lake 1 on 21 Apr . Winspit 1 on 1 ndMay. AutumnWorth Matravers passage: 1 on 22 Sep . Sep . th th Abbotsbury 8 at theth beach Sep . on 12 Sep and 1 at the Swannery on 24 Bridging Camp, The Fleet 1 on 5 th Sep . Godlingston Heath 2 on 12th th Sep . Greenlands Farm 1 on 19th Aug and 2th on 20 Sep . th Gussage Down 1 on 30th Jul, 3 on 4 Sep andth Sep 2 on . 19 Hartland Moor 3+ on 9 Sep Sep th. andth 11 on 11th Hill Bottom, Renscombe Singlesth on 6 , 12 and 27 Sep . Kimmeridge 5 on 6 th th Sep . Lytchett Bay 5 recorded between 14 SepAug . and 24 th Martinstown The maximum Sepnd . countth inth autumn was 4 on 5 Middlebere Singles thon 2 , 4 and 9 Sep . Morden Bog 2 on 10 th Septh . North Portland 5 between Sep 10th . and 27th Osmington Mills 3 on bothth Sep 9 and. 13 Radipole Lake 1 on 17th Sep . Redcliff Point 2 on 14th Sep . th Ringstead 3 on 9 thSep and 4 on 20 Rodden Hive 1 on 10th Sep . St Aldhelm’s Head 3 on 18th Aug. Sep . Seacombe 2 on 19 Sep . th th Sixpenny Handley 1 at Downth Farmst on 26 Sep, Sep 1 at . Wyke Down on 27 Stoborough Heath 3 on 12 Sep . th Sturminster Marshall GP Singlesth on Sep 31 . Aug and 25 Sunnyside Farm, Ridge 2 on 4 th Sep . Swineham Point 1 on 19th Sep . Tarrant Rushton Airfield 2 on 24th th th Weymouth (Wyke Oliver) 1 on 8 Sep, 2th on 14 Septh and 3 on 19 WinspitExtreme dates: 9 between 29 Aug and 4 Oct.

th th 13014 AprDorset and Bird 26 Report Oct, 2009 both at Portland Bill. STONECHAT Saxicola torquatus A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Around 55 breeding pairs were recorded, however proof of successful breeding was only received formst the following sites: Bridport GCth (2 family parties seen), Durlston (1 pair produced 2 broods. 20+ juveniles noted on 17 Aug),th Little Sea – Studland (family party seen on 31 May), Middlebere (2 juveniles seen on 15 Aug), Portland (4 pairs, 2 of which produced 1 young each, whilst the success of the other 2 pairs was unknown), Purbeck (2 familyth parties between Seacombe and Winspit),th Rempstone Forest (family party seen on 24 May and newly-fledgedth young seen on 18 Jul),th Soldier’s Road (recently fledged juvenile seenth on 17 May andrd 2 family parties seen on 15 Aug), Tadnollth Heath (pairst feeding young on 14 Jul), West Moors Plantation (fledged young seen on 8 May) and Winspit (pair and 2+ fledged young on 3 May). In addition, an immature bird at Preston on 1 Jul was presumably locally bred. At Corfe Hills, a known territory was destroyed due to a deliberate Springheath fire. passage: st

th Lodmoor Single birds were present on both 25 Febst and 21 Apr and were considered to be birds on passage.st Lytchett Bay Recorded on just 2 dates, includingth 6 on 1 Mar.st Portland Bill/Central 190 bird-daysst th between 25 thFeb and 21 Mar, with peak counts of 40+ on 25 Feb, 26 on 28 Feb and 29+ on 1 Mar. AutumnVerne Common passage: 12 on 1 Mar. Sep . th Cogden 10 on 7 st th Durlston Passage peaked at the end of Sep, with 18 recordedth on 26 Sep, followed byth 20 birds daily between 27 Sep and 1 Oct. Glebelands 10 present on 8 Oct. th Hengistbury Head Possibleth influxes wereth noted as follows:th 20 on 29 Aug;th 19 on 16 Sep; 25+ on 20 Sep; 45 on 24 Sep; 70+ onth 12 Oct. Lodmoor Up to 4 birds per day wereth recorded between 10 Sep until Nov. Lytchett Bay Up to 4 present from 13 Augth until thend end of the year. Portland Bill/Central 366 bird-daysth between 11 Sep andth 2 Nov, with peak counts of 25+ onth 12 Oct and 30+ on 29 Sep Oct. . Ringstead Bay 15 on 10 Oct. th Seacombe The peakth count was of 9 onth 19 WinterWinspit records: 10 on 29 Aug and 12 on 4 Oct.

Birds were recorded during the winter from the following locations: Bridport, East Holme, Gillingham, Higher Hyde Heath, Lodmoor, Lyme Regis, Lytchett Bay, Maiden Castle, Morden Bog, Portland, Redcliff Point, Rodden Hive, Sandford Heath, Stonehill Down, Sturminster OtherMarshall records: GPs, Swineham Point, Tadnoll Heath and Winfrith Heath. S. t. rubicola st A male showing characters of the continental race was at Barleycrates Lane, Portland on 21 Mar. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 131 WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe A rare breeding species and common passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Passage:There were no records of breeding birds this year. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 75 Jan Feb Mar67 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 552274 413 272 1 527178 350 34 Durlston 89 30 34 1 13459 16376 14 Portland Bill 581 4 1032 123 4 PeakWest Bexington counts from the above sites: 35 38 4

th nd th Christchurch Harbour 88 on 18 Mar, 115 on 2 Apr and 100 on Sep 29 . Aug (all from Hengistburythst Head).th th th Sep Durlston 20 on 16 Mar, 8 Aug,nd 29 Aug Sep and. 14th th Portland Bill 60 on 31 Mar,th 80 thon 2 Apr,th 60 on 18 Apr, 90 on 14 and 70 on 16 , 17 and 18 SignificantWest Bexington passage at otherPeak sites: counts of 22 in Mar and 12 in Aug.

th nd th th Greenlands Farm 32, 15th Mar – 22th Apr; 50, 16th Aug – 5 th Oct. Lodmoor 29, 17 Mar – 8 May; c60, 25 Aug – 24 Oct. ExtremeNorth Portland dates: 237, 14th Mar – 23rd May; 155, 12th Aug – 16th Oct. st

th 1 Mar at Acton and Portland Bill and 9 Nov at Portland Bill. Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa A scarce passage migrant. ‘GREENLAND’ WHEATEAR Spring passage:

rd th Apr . th Portland 58 bird-days on 10 dates between 16 Apr thand 10 May, with peak countsth of 10 on 23 Apr and 22 on 25 Sunnyside Farm, Ridge 3 on 10 May. th AutumnWest Bexington passage: Recorded (number unknown) on 20 May. Sep . Sep th. th Portland 36 bird-days, with peaks of 10 on bothth 17 Sep and 24 West Bexington Recorded (number unknown) on 19 RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus A scarce passage migrant. [Red list]

A slight increase on the numbers seen in 2008 but still below par. Analysis of bird-days at British and Irish Bird Observatories in spring during 1970-98 found that numbers passing 132 Dorset Bird Report 2009 through western observatories (assumed to be mainly British breeding birds) declined significantly, whereas the numbers passing through the east-coast observatories (assumed to be mainly Fennoscandian breeders) did not (British Birds Vol 103, page 235). This reflects the very significant declines in the British breeding population, which began at the Springbeginning passage: of the twentieth century. Apr . st th th Christchurch Harbour 6 between Apr 11 . and 24 Durlston 1 on 31nd Mar. st st Apr . Greenlands Farm 4 on 22 Apr . North Portland 3 recorded between 31 Mar andth 21 nd Portland Bill/Central Up to 15th bird-days between 19 Mar and 22 AutumnOsmington passage: 1 on 8 May.

th th Ballard Down 14 betweenth 7 rdOct and 9 Nov. Max 2 on several dates. Chapmans Pool 3 on 17 Oct. th th Christchurch Harbour 24 betweenth 23 Sep and 5 Nov. Max 8 on 28 Oct. Creekmoor 1 on 11 Oct. th th Durlston 21 between thNov .15 Sep and 10 Nov. All singles. Hartland Moor 1 on 18th Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 9 th Middlebere 1 on 11th Oct. th Novth . Nine Barrow Down 4 on 8 Oct, 1 on 14Sep Octtoth 7 and 2 on th16 Oct. North Portland 9 recorded betweenth 14 Octth and 7 th Portland Bill/Central 58 bird-daysth 10 th Nov. Max 14 on 15 Oct. Studland, South Haven 2 on 4 thOct, 1 on 8 Oct. ExtremeWest Bay dates: 1 on 18 Oct.

th th 19 Mar at Blacknor, Portland and 9 Nov at Lodmoor and Ballard Down. BLACKBIRD Turdus merula A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

No change in status for this very common and under reported species. 75 pairs were Autumnreported passageat 10 sites, and including winter: Durlston (15) and Merley Park (28). Nov . th Durlston 100 on 10 th th th th Hengistbury Head 229n between 28 Sep and 12 Nov. Max 60n on 26 and 28 Oct. Lodmoor Strong autumn passage. 50 to 80 grounded birds on many 9dates. . th Portland 635+th bird-days (all movingst north)th on seven dates 15 Oct to Nov, with a peak of 120+ on 15 Winspit 40 in the valley on 31 Oct. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 133 FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris A common winter visitor. [Red list]

Beginning of the year and spring passage:

th Badbury Rings 100 on 20th Jan. Child Okeford 100 on 25th Mar. Coryates 150 on 8 thFeb. Farrington 200 on 13rdnd Feb. Gussage St Andrew 160 on 22 Feb. th Hengistbury Head 450 on 3nd Feb, 350 on 7 Feb. Horton Inn 250 on 2nd Jan. Langton Herring 100 on 2 Mar. th Lodmoor 180nw in hardst th weather movement on 7 Feb. Longham Lakes 500sw on 9 Feb. Martinstown 300 on 31rdth Jan . Merley Park 100 on 20 Jan. Middlebere 300 on 3th Feb. th AutumnPurse Caundle passage and end of110 year: on 8 Feb, 120 on 15 Feb. Nov . th Nov . Arne 150 on 11 th Nov . Christchurch Harbour Max of 220n thNov on . 6 th Gussage St Andrew 150 on 29th Oct and 6 rd Poole, Constitution Hill 150 on 4 th Portland Bill/Central 380 on 15 dates Nov . between 15th Oct and 23 Dec, with peak counts of 180+th north on 28 Oct. ExtremeWytch, Poole dates: Harbour 100 on 15

th th 18 Apr at Portland and 5 Oct also at Portland. SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos A declining breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

The Dorset database received records 74 from 15 sites. This limited data set suggests that the Dorset population is stable. Sites with 5 or more pairs: Christchurch Harbour (10), BeginningDurlston (12), of year Lodmoor and springarea (15), passage: Merley Park (6) and North Portland (10). rd

Lodmoor 102 in theth area on 3 Jan. AutumnTadnoll Heath passage and end of50 year: on 25 Jan.

st Nov . th Christchurch Harbour 679 bird-days mid-Sep toth mid-Nov. Max 65n on 26 st Oct. Durlston 80 on 31 Oct. 120 on 10 th Portland 450 bird-days on 33 datesth between 19th Sep and 21 Nov, with 134 Dorset Bird Report 2009 peak counts of 60 on 15 Oct and 16 Oct. REDWING Turdus iliacus A common winter visitor. [Red list]

Beginning of year and spring passage:

th Child Okeford 100 on 25thrd Mar. Corfe River Valley 100 on 8 Feb. th Christchurch Harbour 250 on 3th Feb and 150 on 7 Feb. Longham Lakes 150 on 9 thFeb. Lower Bockhampton 115 on 12th Feb. Purse Caundle 300 on 8 thFeb. Sherford Bridge 100 on 15th Feb. Sturminster Marshall GP’s 100 on 14th Feb. Verne Common 200 on 6th Jan. AutumnWinterborne passage Herringston and end of120 year: on 7 Feb.

The count at Upton Heath is notable as it lies on an identified flyway, which follows a northbound line across the western part of Poole Harbour. Nov . nd Christchurch Harbour 29665 bird-days in Oct and Nov. Max 111nw on 2 Durlston 1,339th bird-days Nov between. mid-Sep and mid-Dec. Max 229 on Oct. th East Bexington 55nw on 5 th North Portland 650nth on 14 Oct, with 262 subsequently Nov . recorded there until 4 Dec. th st Poole 139 over Constitution Hillst on Nov 7 . th Portland Bill/Central 1,462 bird-daysst on 29 dates between 1 Oct and 26 Nov, with peak count of 247n on 21 Nov . Sturminster Marshall GP’s 100+ on 31 Dec. th ExtremeUpton Heath dates: 1,674n in the first hour after dawn on 27

th th 15 Apr at Sherford Bridge & Durlston and 28 Sep at Durlston. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus A fairly common breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

17 pairs recorded at 10 sites during the breeding season. Significantly under recorded in Flocksthe county? of over Hopefully 10 birds: the forthcoming BTO Atlas will confirm these suspicions.

th Child Okeford 26 on 7th Aug. AutumnCorfe River passage: Valley 12 on 8 Feb.

Recorded in small numbers from most coastal sites.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 135 CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti A locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

The status of this species is best judged in a national survey year. The last being 13 years ago when the Dorset population was only 89 - 97 pairs. In 2009 there were 58 - 60 pairs at 15 sites, giving some indication of the improving status of this species. An indication of the improving fortunes of this species is demonstrated at Hatch Pond, where Cetti’s Warblers Postfirst bredbreeding in 2005 dispersal: and have increased to between 3 and 5 males in 2009.

th rd Kerry Foods Marsh, Poole 1 on 16 Dec th st th Nov . Portland 1 at PBO on 11 thSep, 1 present between 23 Oct and 9th Dec, 1 at Culverwell 29 – 31 Oct and 1 at Cheyne Weare 17 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia A fairly common passage migrant and irregular breeding species. [Red list]

Breeding:

SpringNo records passage: were submitted this year. The last confirmed breeding was in 2005.

A strong spring passage – well above average: Apr - 2 . th nd th Christchurch Harbour 25 bird-days 10 May. Maxst Apr 8 . on 11 Durlston Recorded during April andth May. st Apr . North Portland 6 bird-days between 14 and 21 Portland Bill/Central 113 bird-days in Apr and May. Max of 20 on 21

Also recorded at Abbotsbury, Alners Gorse, Ballard Down, Brownsea Island, Cogden Beach, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gussage St Andrew, Lodmoor, Portesham, Radipole Lake, Studland, AutumnSunnyside passage: Farm, Swineham and West Bexington. Sep . th th Sep . Christchurch Harbour 6 between 5 Aug andst 17th rd nd Durlston 39 bird-days between 25 Jul and 22 Lytchett Bay 7 birds betweenst 31 Jul and 23 Aug (all of which were trapped). th th Portland Bill/Central 60 bird-days 31 Jul – 10 Oct, with a peak count of 4+ on 27 Aug.

Also recorded at Ballard Down, Kimmeridge, North Portland, Radipole Lake, Studland, West ExtremeBexington dates: and West Moors. 6 th th Apr at Durlston and 10 Oct at Portland and West Bexington.

136 Dorset Bird Report 2009 SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus A summer visitor, breeding in river valleys and coastal wetlands.

Breeding:

Very few breeding records – 18 were submitted from 4 sites. In Dorset the strongholds of this species are the river valleys. Unless these are surveyed then submitted records will Springalways remainpassage: low and changes in status will remain unknown. st th Apr . Christchurch Harbour 34 bird-days 10th Apr - endth of May. Max 20 on 1 May. th AutumnPortland passage:Bill 89 bird-days 17 Apr - 15 May, with a peak of 30 on 18

nd Ballard Down 15 on 2 Aug. th Sep . th Christchurch Harbour 833 bird-days between Julth and 24 Sep.th Max of 150 on 5 Aug. Durlston 35 bird-days between 26 thJul and 24nd th Lytchett Bay 308 bird-days between 30 Jul to 22 Sep. Max nd68 on 8 Aug. Portland Bill 192 bird-daysnd between Jul and Oct. Max 35 on 2 Aug. Swineham GP 20 on 22 Aug. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 140 in Aug and Sep (trapped).

th th 4 Apr at Lodmoor and 8 Oct at Portland. MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris A rare spring and autumn migrant. [Red list]

One record this year, although a second individual is currently under consideration by the Panel: ES Brodie et al th Hatch Pond Singing male on 25 May ( , sound-recorded). REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus A locally common summer visitor, breeding in most reedbeds.

Breeding:

Relatively few records submitted. 102 – 105 singing males at 17 sites. Main sites: Cogden beach (15), Stanpit Marsh (31) and West Bexington (8). Excellent year at Lodmoor but no Springspecific passage:details submitted. rd

th AutumnPortland passage: 68 bird-days during Apr to Jun. Max 10 on 18 Apr and 3 Jun.

ExtremePortland dates: 21 between Jul and Oct. 5 th th Apr and 14 Oct, both at Lodmoor. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 137 ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina A rare migrant, mainly in autumn.

There was one record – CHOG’s first since 2000. MS Andrews th Hengistbury Head 1 was at Wick Ditch on 15 May ( ). MELODIOUS WARBLER Hippolais polyglotta A rare migrant, mainly in autumn.

There were four records this year: A Thompson toth 6 R Hewitt et al Hengistbury Head 71 was onI WickDodd Fields et al on 18nd Augth ( st AJ Bull). et al Portland Bill Singlesth were at PBO on 2 Aug ( , photo), Aug ( , photo) and 31 Aug ( , photo). Hippolais sp

HIPPOLAIS SP Sep C Chapleo th Hengistbury Head A Melodious or Icterine Warbler was present on 4 ( ). BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla A common breeding summer visitor, migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

A total of 84 territories at 20 sites. Sites with 5 or more pairs: Christchurch Harbour (14+), Langton Herring (12), Lodmoor (7) and Wimborne (13). Regularly monitored sites suggest Springthat this passage: species is increasing its breeding presence in the county. Apr . th th nd Christchurch Harbour 232 bird-days, 15 Mar and 6 May. Maxst 53 on 22 Durlston 51 between mid-Mar and thend end of May. Apr . North Portland 143 bird-days between 22 Mar and 31 May. th AutumnPortland passage: 550 bird-days between Mar and Jun. Max of 200 on 18 Sep . th th Ballard Down 20 on 30 Aug, 15 on 19 th th st Sep . Chapman’s Pool 115 bird-days on 13 dates, 8 Aug and 17 Oct. Max 30. Sep . Christchurch Harbour 678 bird-days between Aug and Nov. Max Nov 95 . on 21 th Durlston 946 bird-days between Augth and end ofth Oct. Max 65 on 24 North Portland 372 bird-days Sep between. 8 Aug and 11 th Portland 310 bird-daysth between Jul and Nov. Maxst 75 on 8 st Oct. Seacombe 35 on 19 Winspit 132 bird-days on 17 dates between 1 Aug and 31 Oct. Max 30.

138 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Winter:

57 birds reported during the first winter period and 31 during the second. Wintering birds remain hugely under reported. This is a widespread winter visitor with favoured gardens attracting up to 6 different birds. GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin A localised breeding summer visitor and fairly common migrant.

Breeding:

A poor set of records. A total of 20 territories at 7 sites including Lydlinch Common (10). Another species whose true status will hopefully be revealed by the current BTO Atlas Springsurvey. passage: Apr . st nd th th Christchurch Harbour 19 bird-days between 22 Apr and 9 May. Max 5 on 29 Durlston 20 bird-days between 1 May and early Jun. th AutumnPortland passage: 203 bird-days between Apr and Jun. Max of 75 on 13 May. st

th st th Christchurch Harbour 55 bird-days between 31 Jul and 20 Sep. Max 5 on 7 Aug.th Durlston 106 bird-days between end of Jul and 1 Oct. Max 12 on 6 Aug. Portland Bill 35 bird-days between Aug and Oct.

Also recorded at Abbotsbury, Ballard Down, Chapman’s Pool, Cogden Beach, Kimmeridge, ExtremeLodmoor, dates: Lytchett Bay, North Portland, Ringstead, Seacombe and West Bexington.

th th 14 Apr and 5 Oct, both at Portland. LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca A scarce breeding summer visitor and fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:

A total of 39 – 40 territories at 12 sites. Main sites: Christchurch Harbour (4+), Cogden Beach (6), Lodmoor (3), North Portland (4 – 5) and West Bexington (14). Also described as Springbreeding passage: widely at Durlston but no survey conducted. Apr . th th th Christchurch Harbour 32 bird-days between 13th Apr and 10 st May. Max 6 on 20 Durlston 43 bird-days between 11th Apr and end of May. North Portland 67 bird-days between 13 Apr and 31 May. AutumnPortland passage: 5 bird-days during Apr and Jun. rd

th Christchurch Harbour 58 bird-days between 23 Jul and 4 Oct. Max 5 on several dates. nd Durlston 116 bird-days between Aug and 2 Oct.2009 Dorset Bird Report 139 st Sep . th North Portland 63 bird-days between 1 Aug and 26 RecordsPortland of ‘Eastern’ Lesser49 Whitethroat: bird-days during Jul to Oct.

28 th Portland Bill Singlesth first-winters were trappedth at PBO on 28 Sep and on Extreme dates: Oct (still present on 29 ).

th th 11 Apr at Durlston and 29 Oct at Portland Bill. WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

A total of 206 territories at 9 sites including: Christchurch Harbour (35+), Cogden Beach (6), Hemsworth (20), Martinstown (20), North Portland (40), Central Portland (45), St SpringAldhelm’s passage: Head (14), West Bexington (14) and Wimborne (20). Apr th th th Christchurch Harbour 133 bird-days between 4 Apr and 6 May.st Max 42 on 20 at Hengistbury Head. th North Portland 286 bird-days between 13 Apr and 31th May. th Portland 360 bird-days on 23 datesth between 12 Apr and 19 May, with Autumn passage: a peak count of 75+ on 13 May.

th th Christchurch Harbour 662 bird-days between Aug and 4 thOct. MaxSep . 121 on 12th Aug. Durlston 510 bird-days between Augnd and 10 Oct.th Max 55 on 13 Aug. North Portland 128 bird-days Sep between. 2 Aug and 19th th Portland 241 bird-daysth on 40 dates between 25 Jul and 15 Oct. Max Extreme dates: 15 on 11

th th 4 Apr at Christchurch and 10 Oct at Cogden Beach. DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata A locally common breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:

2009 was not a national survey year and the few records submitted did not suggest any significant change in status. 43 pairs were reported at 11 sites. The last survey in 2006 Firstfound winter a population period: of 754 pairs.

Portland Bill Singlesth remainedrd from 2008 in theth Crown Estate Fields (to 13 Mar) and Helen’s Fields (to 7 Mar). 1 was trapped at 140 Dorset Bird Report 2009 PBO on 23 Mar. Autumn passage and end of year:

Dispersing birds were recorded at many coastal sites from October until the year end.

Durlston Max 7 in Oct. Hengistbury Head Max 5 in Sep and Oct.th Portland Bill 1 at Culverwell on 8 Oct. SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans Vagrant – 25 previous records. [Amber list]

th albistriata . This was the 27 record of Subalpine Warbler in Dorset and, at the time of going to publication, is awaiting acceptance by BBRC as being of the eastern race th Portland Bill A male on 9 May (subject to BBRC). th th In addition, the 26 county record (at Duncecroft Quarry on 26 Jun 2008) is also awaiting acceptance by BBRC as being of the eastern race. Further updates on these 2 birds will hopefully be published in the 2010 Dorset Bird Report. YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus A scarce autumn passage migrant; has overwintered.

All records:

th th Bridport 71 near Nov the. fire station between 16 and 24 Mar. Christchurch 1th in the Novvicinity . of the NatWest car park in the town centre on th st Nov . Durlston 1 on 7 st th th Hengistbury Head Singles on 10 Oct, 27 Oct and 1 Osmington Mills 1 on 31th Oct. th Portland, Avalanche Road 2 on 15 Oct,st with 1 remaining until 17 Oct. What may have been the same individualth was then frequently recorded betweenth 21 andth 27 Oct. Nov . Portland Bill 1 from 9th to 14 Oct.th th th Portland, Easton 1 on 15th Oct, 2 on 29 Oct and 1 on 5 and 6 Portland, Lankridge 1 onst 9 Oct. th th Portland, Southwell 2 at the school on 10 Oct, with 1 still present on 11 . 1 on 31 Oct.th Nov . Portland, Wakeham 1 on 8nd Oct. Portland, Weston 1 on 2 th th The Fleet, Abbotsbury 1 at Abbotsbury Swanneryst rd thonNov 13 . andth 15 Oct. The Fleet, Littlesea 1 in a private garden on 13 and 14 Oct. Wick 1 at Wick Fields on 1 – 3

2009 Dorset Bird Report 141 RADDE’S WARBLER Phylloscopus schwarzi A rare passage migrant. 12 previous records.

st S Hales L Phillips et al Abbotsbury Swannery One was trapped and ringed during the morning of 31 Oct ( , , photo). th This individual constituted the 13 record in Dorset of this species. The previous records occurred in 1976, 1989 (2), 1995, 1997, 1999 (2), 2000, 2001, 2003 (2) and 2005. EASTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER Phylloscopus orientalis Vagrant – no previous records.

There was one record: st PA Coe G Walbridge et al Central Portland 1 at the Avalanche Road Hump on 1 May (, st , photo). th P bonelli This individual constitutes the 5 British and 1 Dorset record of this species. Dorset has hosted 5 individuals of the closely related Western Bonelli’s Warbler ( ), with the most recent being in 1984. In addition, there are 3 Dorset records of ‘Bonelli’s Warbler’, which have not been assigned to either species.

The previous British records of Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler occurred in 1987 (Isles of Scilly), 1995 (Northumberland), 1998 (Shetland) and 2004 (Devon). WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix A scarce passage migrant and sporadic breeder. [Red list]

Breeding:

th Delph Woods A singingth male was present at this traditional site between 8 and 10 May, but there was no proof of successful breeding. Wareham Forest Singingth malesth were recordedth from a traditional breeding area Spring passage: on 5 May, 8 May and 4 Jun.

nd rd Avon Heath CP 1 on 2 rd May. st th Durlston Singles rdon 3 May and 18 May. th th Hengistbury Head 1 on 23 Apr,rd 1 on 1thst May, 2 on 5 thMay, 1 on 18 May. Portland Bill 1 on 23 Apr, 2 on 6 May, 3 onth 13 May.th th Portland Castle Singles on 23 Apr, 1 May,th 4 May, 5 May and 9 th May. Portland (other sites) 1 at Verne Commonth on 20 Apr; 1 at Easton onnd 24 Apr; 1 at Old Hill on 29 Apr; 1 at Avalancheth Road on 2 May;th 1 at Suckthumb Quarryth on 5 May; 2 at Easton on th6 May; 1 at Verne Commonth on 9 May; 2 at Southwell on 13 May; 1 at Easton onth 14 May. Throop Heath 2 on 25 May.

142 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Autumn passage:

th Butterstreet Cove 1 on 8 Aug. th Hengistbury Head 1 in the Nursery on 24 Aug.th ExtremeStanpit Marsh dates: 1 at Ashtree Meadow on 10 Aug. 20 th th Apr at Verne Common and 24 Aug at Hengistbury Head. CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita A common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant; scarce in winter.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from the following locations (numbers of pairs or singing males in brackets): Arne, Ballard Down (7), Bridging Camp (1), Butterstreet Cove (1), Cogden (5+), Durlston, East Elsworth (2), Hartland Moor, Hatch Pond (3 – 4), Hengistbury Head (5 – 8), Higher Hyde Heath, Holton Lee (4+), Horselynch Plantation (2), Kilwood Coppice, Langton Herring (10+), Lodmoor (1), Lytchett Bay (11), Merley Park (1), North Portland (5+), Portland Bill (1+), Redcliff (2), Sandford Heath, Sherford Bridge (20 – 30), Sopley Common, Stanpit Marsh (3+), St Catherine’s Hill, Sunnyside Farm, Tadnoll Heath (1), TwoPassage: Mile Copse (4+), West Bexington (3+), Wick Fields (7) and Winspit (3). Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 265 9 525 Jan Feb Mar79 58 May Jun Jul Aug 680 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 167 3 1408 5542 Durlston 19 817 48 Portland Bill 184 721 st172 st 1062 Nov519 . th th PeakNorth counts Portland during passage239, (over 13 50 Mar birds): to 31 May; 393, 31 Jul to 30 rd Sep . Sep . th Hengistbury Head 125 on 3st th Apr; 225 on 24 Lodmoor 50+ on 27 th th th Portland Bill 60 on 31 Mar, 100th on 12 Apr, th75 on 20 Sep, th100 on 24 Sep, 120+th on 26 Sep, 75 on 29 Sep, 125 on 8 Oct Sep and . 75+ on 10 Oct. th Ringstead 77+ betweenth Osmington Mills & Ringstead on 9 WinteringWinspit records: 50+ on 8 Oct.

Recorded during winter from the following locations: Bowerswain, Briantspuddle, Brockington, Brownsea Island, Burton Freshwater, Castle Cove, Central Portland, Christchurch, Dodding’s Farm CBs, Durlston, Ferrybridge, Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head, Holes Bay, Lodmoor, Maiden Castle, Martinstown, Moors Valley CP, North Portland, PC World Poole, Radipole Lake, Ringstead Bay, South Haven, Stanpit Marsh, Stour Valley LNR, Studland, Swineham GP, Waddock Cross CBs, West Bexington, Weston, Weymouth and Wick Fields.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 143 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 1D – Croxson2 betweenD&G 5 Dec Walbridge and 5 Jan etnd al2010 ( th , photo). Lodmoor 1 – 2 at Overcombe between 2 Jan and 11 Mar (N Hopper, D&G Walbridge et, photo). al th th PC World, Poole 3 (including a singing male) present between 20 Feb and 10 Apr ( , , photo). Portland In the early part of the year there were recordsG Walbridgeofth an et aloverwintering bird at Weston, first locatednd on 26 Nov 2008, whichG wasWalbridge seen on 10 dates up until 2 Apr ( th th ) and 1 seen at Easton on 3 dates between 19 Jan and 7 Feb ( ). DuringG Walbridge the latter part of the year an unspecifiedth number of birds were recorded as follows: 1 atG EastonMaddison on 4 D&G Nov Walbridge( th th et al); 2 at Pennsylvania th Castle/WakehamPA Coe onG 7Walbridge & 8 Nov, et with al 1 remaining until Nov9th (G Walbridgeth , ), 1 at SouthwellG Walbridge onth 8 & 9 Nov ( , ), 1th at Easton on 9rd (G Walbridge), 1 at Eastth Weares on 15 Nov ( ) and 1 at Blacknor on 28 Dec,N which Hopper remained until 3 Jan 2010 ( th ). th BirdsUpton showingCP characters of1 betweentristis but 12 not and heard 16 Marto vocalise: ( , photo). st RA Ford et al th st G Walbridge et al Castle Cove 1 on 19 & 21 Feb ( , photo).S Robson Portland 1 at Avalanche Road on 1 Mayth ( ). Upton 1 at Sandy Close Pond on 15 Nov ( , photo). WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus A fairly common summer visitor and common passage migrant. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Records of breeding birds were received as follows (number of pairs or singing males in brackets): Chard Junction GP (2), Duncliffe Wood (1+), Greenlands Farm (2), Higher Hyde Heath (1+), Holt Heath (1), Holworth, Lytchett Bay (1), Sherford Bridge (1), Sopley Common Passage:(1), St Catherine’s Hill, Stephen’s Castle – Verwood (3) and Tadnoll Heath. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 27 82 Jan Feb Mar 60 May29 Jun6 Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 270 1692 23 8 23 577353 21 Durlston 17 45 193 63 1 PeakPortland counts Bill from the above locations:2480 466 19 230 rd Apr . Christchurch Harbour All countsth were from Hengistburynd Head:st 360 on 3 Apr, 330 on 20 Apr and 300 on 22 144Durlston Dorset Bird Report 2009 The peak day total was 12 birds on 1 May. st st Apr . th Portland Bill 250+ on 31 Mar, 300 on 18 Apr and 400+th on 21 Highest autumn count was of 70+ on 11 Aug. In ndaddition, 75 Other sites: were present on the southern half of the Isle on 2 Aug.

th Apr . th Ballard Down 25 on 4th Apr and 26 on 16 Aug. Sep . Lyme Regis 20 on 5 th th th th UnusualNorth Portland records: 418 between 30 Mar & 8 Jun; 120 between 25 Jul & 26

Lydlinch Common 2 mixed singers (birds with elements of both Willowth Warbler Extreme dates: and Chiffchaff in their songs) were present on 10 May.

th th 14 Mar at Southwell, Portland and 28 Oct at Portland Bill. GOLDCREST Regulus regulus A common breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

A very poor year for this species, with passage numbers in particular dipping well below average at several sites in both spring and autumn. For example, Christchurch Harbour logged a total of 72 bird-days during 2009, whereas the average annual bird-day count for the last 20 years was over 1,000. Portland also reported its worst year since 1963, when Breeding:just 4 birds were recorded.

Records indicating breeding were received from the following sites (number of pairs or singing males in brackets): Alderholt CP, Canford School, Durlston (2 - 3), Hatch Pond, Horselynch Plantation (1 pair), Merley Park (3), Morden Bog (4+), Poole Park, Sandford Heath, Stanpit Marsh (1 pair), Stoborough Heath (1), Two Mile Copse (1+), West Bexington Passage:(1), West Moors Plantation (1) and Wytch Heath. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 5 27 22 6 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 9 Oct 2 Dec Christchurch Harbour 11 OtherPortland passage Bill/Central counts: 105 45 14

Durlston Passage numbers at this site are difficult to extract from local breeding birds,th but the poor year was emphasised by a peak of 14 birds on 10 Oct, compared to peaks of 70 in 2008 and 120 in 2006. The total number of bird-days in 2009 was 226, compared with 1,194 inth 2008. th North Portland 5 were recorded between 15st Mar and 4 Apr, whilst none at all were recorded in autumn. Portland Bill/Central Peak count was 35+ on 31 Mar.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 145 Elsewhere, small numbers were recorded during passage periods from the following sites: WinterGlebelands, records: Lodmoor, Osmington Mills, Ringstead, Swineham GP, The Nothe and Winspit.

Recorded from Arne, Central Portland, Christchurch, Hengistbury Head, Higher Hyde Heath, Kilwood Coppice, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, North Portland, Sandford Heath, Steepleton Pond, Stonehill Down, Studland Heath, Sturminster Marshall GPs, Two Mile Copse and West Moors Plantation. FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla An increasing migrant and winter visitor, breeding occasionally. [Amber list]

Breeding & summer records:

Passage:There were no records indicating breeding this year.

stth th Nov . Christchurch Harbour Recorded up to 15 Apr and fromth 20 Sep. Peak countsth included 10 on 21nd Oct,st 15 on 25 Oct thNov and . 9 on 9 Durlston Recorded up to 2 Apr and from 17th Sep. PeakNov . counts included 10 on both 21 Oct andth 9 th st North Portland 7 were recorded between 27 Oct andth 10 Portland Bill/Central In spring, 33 bird days between 13 Marth and 21 Apr, with a further late bird at Avalanche Road thon 9 May. Duringth autumn, 224 bird-days between 17 Sep and 24 Nov Nov. . Peak countsth fromth the southern halfth of the Isle includedth 13 on both Other passage records were10 received and 25 from: Oct, 14+ on 7 Nov and 14 on 9

Abbotsbury Swannery, Brenscombe Hill, Canford School, Challow Hill, Cogden, Corfe Castle, Creekmoor Ponds, Glebelands, Little Sea – Studland, Littlesea – The Fleet, Lodmoor, Lulworth Cove, Osmington Mills, Peveril Point, Radipole Lake, Sandsfoot Castle, Studland, WinterWest Bexington, records Winspit(may include and Weymouth. some late autumn passage migrants):

Recorded during January, February and December at the following sites: Arne, Brownsea Island, Christchurch, Corfe Castle, Durlston, Hengistbury Head, Kilwood Coppice, Little Sea – Studland, Littlesea – The Fleet, Lodmoor, Lulworth Cove, Morden Bog, PC World (Poole), Portland (Bill, Church Ope Cove, Easton, East Weares, Weston), Radipole Lake, Ridge, South Haven, Stanpit Marsh, Studland, Tincleton CBs, Upton CP and West Bexington.

146 Dorset Bird Report 2009 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata A declining breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

Records of breedingth were received from the followingst locations: Ashley Chase – Abbotsburyth (familyth party on 9 Aug), Bardolf Farm (1 pair), Canford School (feeding young on 7 Jul and 11 Aug), Compton Valence (3 fledgedth young on 31 Aug), Corfe Mullen (1 pair), Fifeheadth Wood (adult and 2 juveniles on 28 May), Frome Whitfield (pair with 3 juveniles on 24 Jul), Gussage St Andrew (1 pair), Gussage St Michael (1 pair), Hammoon (1 pair), Harley Wood – Monkton Up Wimborneth (1 singing male), Higher Hyde Heath (2 pairs), Maidenth Newton (nest building on 30 May), Mappertonth House (adults and 3 juveniles on 20 Jul),th Morden Bog (2 family parties seenst on 4 Aug), Osmington (pair feeding 3 juveniles on 19 Jul), Ridge (1 pair), Sherford Bridge (1 pair), Shillingstone (1 pair), Sturminster Marshall GPs (pair with 2 juveniles on th21 Jul),th Turnworth NR (2 pairs), West Knighton Heath (pairth with 2 juveniles on both 18 and 25 Jul),th White Horse Hill (pair feeding 3 juveniles on 15 Jul) and PassageWytch Heath records: (family party on 30 Aug).

Christchurch Harbour reported the worst year for passage records since 2000, with numbersBird-days: well below average. Apr Sep Nov 20 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug7 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 1 3 19 1 OtherPortland significant Bill/Central passage records: 1 216 21 81 1 Sep th rd st Sep . Greenlands Farm 20+ on nd12 Cogden 3 on 22 May. During autumn,th 5 betweenth 3 and 21 Durlston 14 bird-daysth Sep between . th 9 May & 15 Jun; 47 bird-days nd between 7th SepAug . & 26 Sep, with peak counts of 7 on both 22 Aug and 4th Sep . Lambert’s Castle 20+ on th10 Sep . th th Lytchett Bay 2 on 14 May. Duringth autumn, Sep . th 6 between 30 Aug and 17 Markham & Little Francis 10+ betweenth 11 Augth and 19 to 25 Sep . Middlebere 9 between 6 andth 14 th th th North Portland 80 recorded, 4 May to 12 Jun; 26 recorded 9 th Sep . Portland Bill/Central Peak springnd counts were received Sep .of 100+th on 13 May andth 25+ on 22 thMay. During autumn,th 10 on 10 Sep and 14 on 11 Sherford Bridge 20 on 9 Sep and 22+ on 12th Sep . St Catherine’s Hill Numbers peakednd at 8 on 28 th Aug. Studland Village 18 between th22 thAug and th 13Sep . West Bexington Singles on 4 nd, 13 and 14th May. Sep .During autumn, 8 were recorded, 22 th Aug to 17 th ExtremeWinspit dates: 8 between 14 Aug and 25 st

th 21 Apr at the Higher Light, Portland and 29 Oct at Suckthumb Quarry, Portland.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 147 COLLARED FLYCATCHER Ficedula albicollis Vagrant – no previous records.

There was one record:

Portland, Southwell AD&P first-summer Saunders male etth al was presentnd in a garden on Sweethill Lane between 28 Apr and 2 May st ( , photo, sound-recorded). th This individual was the 1 to be recorded in Dorset and the 29 British record. It was also, by two days, the earliest British record of this species. PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca A fairly common passage migrant, formerly a sporadic breeder. [Amber list]

Breeding:

PassageNo records records: were received that gave any indication of breeding in the county during 2009.

th Sep . Brownsea Island 2 on 4 Aug. th thSep . Cogden Singles on 17th Aug and 7th Sep . Creekmoor Ponds Singles on 7 th Aug andth 5 th th Durlston 5 between 5th Apr & 5th May; 19 between 9 Augth & 24 Ferndown Common Singles on 9 and 27 Aug, with 2 thereth on 28 Aug.th st Hengistbury Head 2In spring, 8 were recorded between 4 Apr thand 4 May. Duringnd autumn, singles were recorded on 9 Sep, 21 Sep and Oct. th th th Hill Bottom, Renscombe SepSingles on 8 ., 9 th and 13 Aug.th th th North Portland 14 recorded, 18 Apr to 13 May; 4 recorded, 9 Aug to 19 st Sep . th th th Portland Bill/Central 31 bird-days, 18 Apr to 13Sep .May; 48 bird-days, 7 Aug to 21 th nd Sep . Sherford Bridge 2 on 8 Aug thand 1 onth 2 Sep . th Stanpit Marsh Singles on 6th Aug, 8 Augth and 5 Wick Singles on 8 Sep and 13 rd Additionally, singleth birds were recorded during passageth periods from the following sites: Abbotsburyth (14 Sep), Ashley Chaseth – Abbotsbury (9 Aug), Goreth Heath (3 Sep), Greenlandsth Farm (30 Aug), Holtonth Lee (20 Sep), Kimmeridgeth Bay (6 Sep), Langtonth Matravers (4 Sep),th Lodmoorrd (10 Aug), Mordenth Bog (8 Aug), Mordenth Park Lake (17 Aug),st Puncknowleth (6 Sep), Slepe Copse (15 Aug), Studland Villageth (28 Aug), Sunnyside Farm (4 Sep), Swanageth (3 May), The Fleet –th Bridging Camp (5 Sep), Townsend NRth (31 Aug), Tyneham (7 Aug), White Horse Hill (9th Aug) and Woolsbarrow Hillfort (16 Aug). In Weymouth, 1 Extremewas brought dates: in by a cat on 20 Aug, but happily was released unharmed.

th nd 4 Apr and 2 Oct, both at Hengistbury Head.

148 Dorset Bird Report 2009 BEARDED TIT Panurus biarmicus A scarce and local breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Lodmoor At least 3 pairs were present. Many juveniles seen during the year, suggesting a good breeding season. Lytchett Bay 2 pairs were present, at least 1 of which were successful, with fledged young seenst Apr during . July. Radipole Lake No official data was received, however at least 2 juveniles were seen on 21 Stanpit Marsh There was no evidence of breeding this year. Swineham Point 27There were frequent records of 1 or 2 birds here during the breedingth season, along with a report of several birds calling on Jul, therefore it’s possible that at least 1 pair bred in the Passage and other records:area.

th Abbotsbury Swannery Several heard in the reedbedth on 8 Oct. th Central Portland 5 at Reap Lane on 12th Oct; 1 at Bumpers Lane on 14 Oct; 7 at the Windmillsth on 29 Oct. Cogden 261 malend on 16 Feb. th th th Hengistbury Head 1 onth 2 Feb; 2 on 19 Mar; 3 on 14 Oct; 5 on 17 Oct; 3 on Oct. th Lytchett Bay 4 high-flying birds (probablyth migrants) flew over on 10 Oct. Osmington Mills 4 near theth campsite on 14th Oct. Portland Bill 3 on 12 Oct and 1 on 15 Oct. th th Radipole Lake High counts includedth 40+ on 25 Sep, 42 on 8 Dec and up to 50 in mid-Dec. On 12 Oct 3 birds were observed attempting to erupt from the reedbed. th th Stanpit Marsh A pair were present betweenth 5 & 17 Jan, with a further th single bird recordedth on 24 Jan. th Later in the year,th 1+ on 19 th Sep; 3 on 26 thSep; several on 12 Oct; 5s on 26 Oct; 3 on 9 28Nov; 2+ onth 17 Dec. th th th Swineham Point 2+th on 19 Sep; 5+ on 12 Oct; 10 on 20 Dec; 1 on both 27 & Dec. West Bexington Up to 5 birdsth were present from the beginning of the year until 30 Mar. Towards theth end of the year, a pair were trappedst and ringedth on 26 Sep, 5 – 6 birds dropped into the reedbedth on 10 Oct and up to 3 birds were present between 1 & 14th Dec. Wick Hams 5 on 16 Oct.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 149 LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received asth follows: Butterstreet Cove, Canford School, Chard Junction GPs (family party seen on 14 May), Dean – Gussage St Andrewth (1 pair), Durlston (3+ pairs), East Fleet (1 thpair), Eyebridge (family party seen on 14 May), Fifehead Wood (family party seen on 28 May), Hengistbury Head (4 - 6 pairs),th Langton Herring (1 pair), Lodmoor (2 pairs), Lyme Regis (1 pair nest-building on 5 Apr), Merley Park (8 active nests located), Portland (1 pair at Tilleycombe, 3 pairs at Verne Common), Sandford Heath, Stanpit Marsh (2 pairs), St Catherine’sth Hill, West Bexington, Wick Fields (2 pairs) and Post-breeding/winterWinspit (fledged juveniles flocks seen of on 20+ 26 birds: Jun).

th Child Okeford 20 on 16thrd May. Durlston 40 on 8 Dec. Holton Lee 20 on 23 Oct. Lodmoor 40+ in the Novgeneral . areath during Feb. Hengistbury Head 80 in theth wood on 9 Dec Portland Bill/Central 40+ on 5th Sherford Bridge 40 on 28 Dec. BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

No change in status noted. The largest site counts of breeding pairs were received from: Canford School (42 occupied nest boxes resulted in 234 fledged young), Langton Herring (at least 11 pairs bred), Lodmoor (at least 10 pairs bred), Merley Park (12 pairs bred successfully; 9 in nest boxes and 3 in natural sites), North Portland (at least 52 pairs bred) Significantand Radipole counts: Lake (8 to 12 pairs bred).

th th Arne 20+ on 27th Nov Feb . and 40+ on 13 Mar. Ballard Down 20 on 30th Aug. Poole Park 20 on 20 th Steamer Point NR 20+ on 13th Jan. Upton CP 20+ on 9 Jan. GREAT TIT Parus major A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

No change in status noted. The most significant counts of breeding pairs were received from: Canford School (9 pairs fledged a total of 62 young), Langton Herring (12+ pairs), SignificantMerley Park counts: (10 pairs) and North Portland (62+ pairs). Sep . th 150Durlston Dorset Bird Report 2009 35 were recorded on 30 COAL TIT Periparus ater A common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records indicating breeding were received from the following sites: Canford School (1 pair fledged 11 young), Durlston, Hatch Pond, Langton Herring (1 pair), Merley Park (4 successful pairs), Sandford Heath, St Catherine’sth Hill, Stoborough Heath (several pairs) and Woolsbarrow Hillfort (family party seen on 20 Jun). MARSH TIT Poecile palustris A fairly common breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

The only confirmed breedingth record received was from Sandford Heath, where a family party were seen on 16 Aug.

Birds were recorded during the breeding season from the following sites: Arne, Ballard Down, Briantspuddle, Cerne Abbas, Chase Woods – Woodcutts, Garston Wood, Glebelands, Harley Wood – Monkton Up Wimborne, Hengistbury Head, Kilwood Coppice, Lydlinch Common, Netherbury, Powerstock Common, Puddletown Forest, Rempstone Forest, Sandford Heath, WinterStonehill records: Down, Tadnoll Heath, Thorncombe Woods, Winfrith Heath and Wytch Heath.

Recorded from Arne, Hartland Moor, Kilwood Coppice, Kingcombe Meadows, Lillington, Little Sea (Studland), Maiden Newton, Middlebere, Nine Barrow Down, Oakers Wood, Okeford Hill, Ringmoor (Turnworth), South Haven, Stonehill Down and Studland. NUTHATCH Sitta europaea A fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records indicatingst breeding were received from: Canford School (3 pairs fledged 21 young), Merley Park (5 successful pairs), Moors Valley CP (1 pair), Powerstock Common (3+ Otherjuveniles records on 31 of May), interest: Sandford Heath and Stoborough Heath (1 pair).

th th Portland Bill 1 at Culverwell on 9 Mar and at Southwell on 13 Mar. TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris A fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Poorly reported – records indicating breeding were received as follows:th Merley Park (3 successful pairs), Powerstock Common (adult and 2 juveniles on 13 Jun), St Catherine’s OtherHill (1 recordssinging male), of interest: Swineham GP (1 singing male) and Two Mile Copse (1 pair).

th Hengistbury Head A juvenile was trapped on 30nd Jul and remained into 2010.th Portland 1 at Barleycrates Lane on 2 Aug and Southwell2009 Dorset onBird 11 Report Aug. 151 GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus A rare migrant, mainly in spring. [Red list]

There were 5 records: D Croxson th I Dodd et al Lodmoor 1R on Dyde 14th MayJ Pitman ( J Vickerman). et al th Portland Bill 1 on 13 May ( , photo);G Walbridge 1 in Top Fields on 20 May (, , G Walbridge, photo). Portland, Southwell 1 “green” bird on 22nd May ( ). Portland, Wakeham 1 male singing on 19th May ( ). RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio A rare passage migrant. [Red list]

Just two records this year, as follows: Sep . th th Durlston 1 on 19 and 20 th Ulwell 1 at Nine Barrow Down on 8 Oct. GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor A scarce and irregular winter visitor.

First winter period:

th th Chamberlayne’s Heath 1 was seen frequently between 12 Feb and 29 Mar. Thisth individualth was also seen on nearby Throop Heath on 15 Mar. SecondGreat Ovens winter Heath period: 1 on 15 Jan. Nov . th Ferndown Common 1 on 25 WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator A rare spring and autumn migrant.

There were 4 records, all in spring: GJ Armstrong et al th A Gale Middlebere 1 onst 28th May ( , photo).MO st Over Compton 1 on 29 Apr ( , photo).th rd th G Walbridge et al Portland Bill A 1 summer femalend on 7 and 8 May ( , photo) and a 1 summer male on 22 and 23 May ( , photo). JAY Garrulus glandarius A fairly common breeding species and scarce autumn migrant.

Breeding:

Records of breeding activity were received from: Hengistbury Head (2 pairs were present, 1 of which fledged 2 young), Merley Park (7 successful pairs), Stanpit Marsh (2 pairs were present, but there was no proof of successful breeding), Stoborough Heath (1 pair), Two 152Mile CopseDorset Bird(3 newlyReport 2009fledged birds seen in July) and Warmwell Heath. Other records of interest:

. th Hengistbury Head Signs of passageth were noted in thOctober, with 3n on 10 , 2 arriving on 12 and 16w on 26 nd Radipole Lake 1 was present at the unusual location of North Hide on 2 May. MAGPIE Pica pica A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from: Butterstreet Cove, Durlston, Lodmoor and Merley CountsPark (10 of active 40+ birds:nests). Poorly reported as a breeding bird.

th th Hatch Pond The winter roost held th91 birds on 10 Dec and 144 on 12 Dec. Lodmoor 93 flying thto roost on 6 Jan. Portland, Wakeham 67 on 12rd thJan. Radipole Lake 70+ on 10 Feb. Two Mile Copse 95+ on 3 Jan. JACKDAW Corvus monedula A common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Breeding:

rd Records of breeding were received from: Butterstreet Cove, Chard Junctionth GPs (1 juvenile on 3 May), Durlston, Langton Herring (adult feeding young on 29 May), Lodmoor (pair bred in chimney of nearby houses), Merley Park (12 pairs fledged 28 young), Sandford CountsHeath and of flocksWest Bexington. of 200+ birds:

th Bere Regis 200 on 15 Feb. th Corfe Mullen Tip 25550 feeding on the tip on 15 Feb. Goathorn A mixedth flock of 900 Jackdaw/Rookrd left a roost at dawn on Jan. Lodmoor 1,500+ corvidsth roostingst on 3 Feb (majority being Jackdaws); 300+ on 12 Feb. Sep . Portland, Grove Stadium 200+ at the roostth on 21 Feb. th Two Mile Copse 1,000+ on 11th Jan and 250+ on 24 Passage:West Bexington c200 on 14 Oct. Nov . nd th rdth Constitution Hill, Poole 178 on 2 th Nov, 674 on 5 Novth and Nov202 .on 6 th Durlston 150 on 28 Sep,th 120 on 18 Oct, 140th on 23 Oct, Nov200 .on 29 Oct, 250 on 30th Oct and 150th on 4 th East Bexington 150w on 26 Oct, 11w on 4 Nov and 58w on 5 Hengistbury Head Passage movementsrd were noted duringth late September andth October, with peak counts of 40e on 30th Sep, 105w on 17 Oct, 120wth on 23 Oct and 266w on 26 Oct. Sturminster Marshall GPs 70n on 18 Oct. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 153 ROOK Corvus frugilegus A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Very few records were received of rookery counts, however the species remains very Countscommon of throughout 200+ birds: the county.

th Cogden c200 on 26th Jul. Corfe Mullen Tip 25210 on 15 Feb. Goathorn A mixedth flock of 900 Rook/Jackdaw left a roost at dawn on Jan. th Langton Herring 300+ on 17 Aug. th Lodmoor 300+ flew rdoverth to roost on 12 Feb. Maiden Castle 300+st on 14 Jan. th nd Tarrant Rushton Airfield 600+ on 3 Jan; 400+th on 14 Jan; 300+stth on 22 Jan; c1,000 on 21 Jun; 800 on 14 Oct; 1,200+th on 26Sep Dec.. The Fleet 200+ at East Fleetth on both 11 andth 31 Dec. Two Mile Copse 1,000+ onth 11 Jan and 300+ on 24 West Bexington c200 on 7 Jul. CARRION CROW Corvus corone A very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from the following sites: Butterstreet Cove, Cogden, Durlston, Higher Hyde Heath, Lodmoor (2 pairs), Merley Park (1 pair fledged 2 young), Sandford Heath and West Bexington.

CountsAt Lodmoor, of 40+ one birds: of the breeding adults was seen taking a Coot chick during May. st Nov . Chettle c50 on 31nd Oct. Constitution Hill, Poole 154 on 2 th st Corfe Mullen Tip 323 feeding Aprth on . the tip on 15 Feb. East Fleet 100+ onth 10 Jan and 150 on 31 Dec. Hengistbury Head 53 on 7 th Apr . Langton Herring 50+ on 9 Jan. th Lytchett Bay 68 in a stubbleth st field on 16 North Portland 100 on 7 Mar. nd th Portland Bill 117+ on 21 Mar, 110th on Apr 22 . Mar, 158+ on 14 Oct. Portland, Grove Stadium 60 at thend roost Nov on . 6 Jan.th Stanpit Marsh 40 on 2 Jan,th 78 on 10 Upton Heath 340 on th27 Nov . West Bexington 74 on 4 thOct. West Knighton Heath 46 on 14th Apr . Weymouth Beach 75 on 26th Feb. 154Wick DorsetHams Bird Report 2009 60 on 29 Other records: Apr . th th Portland Harbour 64 recorded flying over between 4 Mar & 14 HOODED CROW Corvus cornix A rare passage migrant.

There was one record: G Walbridge th Portland Bill 1 in off the sea and then north on 30 May ( ). RAVEN Corvus corax A locally common and increasing breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of confirmed breeding were received from: Portland (a pair at Grove Cliff fledged 4 young and a pair near Blacknor fledged 2 young), St Aldhelm’s Head, Town Common – Christchurch, Upton Heath and Warmwell Quarry (3 juveniles fledged). Recordsth suggesting breeding in the vicinity wereth received from: Redcliff (pair with a juvenile on 15 May) and Upwey (2 immatures on 27 Sep).

Pairs were present during the breeding season, but with no indication of breeding, at the following sites: Alderholt Common, Arne, Ballard Down, Beaminster, Blacker’s Hole, Bottlebush Down, Brownsea Island, Cain’s Folly, Chalmington, Chard Junction GPs, Child Okeford, Corfe Castle, Cranborne Common, Culpeppers Dish, Eccliffe, Golden Cap, Higher Hyde Heath, Long Critchel, Morden Bog, North Poorton (2 pairs), Ringstead Bay, Tyneham Significantand West Bay. counts: st

Chettle 10 on 31 Oct. th Durlston The largestth count was of 9w on 14 Oct. Gussage Down 8 on 7 thstJan. st Hardy’s Monument 7 on 24 Jun. th nd Hengistbury Head 7 on 31 Jan,th 8e on 14 Feb,th 7 on 1 Apr, 5wth and 7n on 22 Aug, 7+ on 5 Sep, 10 on 8 Oct and 8 on 5 Dec. Lodmoor Up to 5 regularly in Janth and Feb. Later in the year, thpeaks th includedstth 7 over on 7 Oct and up to 8 between 10 & 12 Oct. Long Critchel 7 on 24 May. Portland Bill 7e on 1thrd Mar. South Haven 8 on 4 Oct. Nov . th nd Tarrant Rushton Airfield 28 on 3 Jan, 20+th on 14 Jan and 25+ on 22 Jan. West Bexington 7 together on 7

2009 Dorset Bird Report 155 STARLING Sturnus vulgaris A common breeding resident and winter visitor. [Red list]

Breeding:

Heavily under recorded – very few records of breeding pairs were received: Merley Park (2 Passagepairs fledged records: 5 young), North Portland (under 10 pairs) and West Bexington. Nov . th Nov . Broadstone 50n on 8 th Creekmoor 400n on 8 th Durlston 230 over onth 26 Nov Oct. . th th East Bexington 656w on 15 th Oct, 164w on 26 Oct, 799w on 29 Oct and 1,027w onth 9 th Novth . th Hengistbury Head 27e on 18 Oct; 180w on 29 Oct; 146wth on 5 Nov; 95w on 6 Nov; 30w andth 1,100n in off the sea on 8 Lodmoor 80+sw on 29 Oct. th Nov . Lytchett Bay Max of 103w on 29 Oct. thNov . th North Portland 510 mainlyst north betweenth 11th Sep & 11 Portland Bill 1,090n between 17 Oct & 9 WinterStanpit Marshroosts and other significant300w on 1 counts: Dec.

nd Abbotsbury Swannery c500 flew thover on 2 Jan. East Holme 300+ on 5 thDec. Greenlands Farm 300+ on 13 Mar. th Sep . Little Sea, Studland c3,000 roosted on 14 Dec. th th Lodmoor c4,000 roostedth in the reedbed on 5 Jan, nd600+ on 24 Maiden Castle 300 over on 8 Jan and 1,000 overst on 22 Dec. Poole Park A roost duringnd the early part of the year was estimated at 750+ on 2 th Feb and 500 on 21 Feb. Seacombe Novc200 on 16 Aug.. th Swineham Point A roost of rdaround 2,000 birds formed in the reedbeds on 8 th Tarrant Rushton Airfield 300+ on 3 Jan and 170 on 14 Oct. West Bexington No roosts were noted in the area this year. West Knighton Heath A roostnd early in the year was estimated at over 60,000 birds Nov . (on 2 Jan), whilst Nov . later in the year a much smaller roostth formed andth was estimated at around 5,000 birds on 14 Weymouth 200+ on 20 ROSE-COLOURED STARLING Pastor roseus A very rare passage migrant.

There were two records: B Spencer thst Sep Bridging Camp, The Fleet 1D was Walbridge at Bridge et Farm al on 5 Sep ( th , photo). Portland, Weston 1 juv/1stW bird between 1 and 6 156 Dorset Bird Report 2009 ( , photo). Radde’s Warbler at Abbotsbury Swannery - 31st October Steve Hales This was Dorset’s 13th record of this warbler (9 of which have been trapped) and the first since 2005. It was also only the 4th record away from Portland.

Bluethroat at West Bexington - 15th August Mike Morse This has become a difficult species to catch up with in Dorset over recent years and is now only just about annual in occurrence. This year’s bird was one of the earliest autumn records in the county.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 157 Firecrest at Studland - 12th November Nick Hopper

Despite good numbers of Firecrests breeding in neighbouring Hampshire, this species is more or less restricted to being a passage migrant and winter visitor in Dorset, although there have been sporadic hints of breeding activity in recent years. Sadly, this year, no territorial males were located and, save for a presumably late migrant at Portland on 9th May, there were no records of any birds in the county between 21st April and 6th September. The previous two years had produced records of two singing males in central Dorset (2007) and a territorial pair in east Dorset (2008).

This species is best looked for in coastal scrub during the main migration periods and can also be found in these locations during winter. Inland winterers seem to choose mixed woodlands, usually with a good understory of Holly trees and bushes.

158 Dorset Bird Report 2009 HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus A common but declining breeding resident. [Red list]

Breeding:

Few reports received and certainly under recorded. Christchurch Harbour observers commented that ‘they continue to do well and are increasing in number.’ Portland reported a similar breeding status to 2008 with a population of around 200 pairs. At Spetisbury only Autumn1 juvenile passage: was seen, but it was noted that all first broods have failed in the last few years.

th LargeHengistbury counts: Head 85 on 17 Oct. Sep . th Central Portland 200+ at Weston on 6 Lodmoor 120+ in Aug. Verne Common 100+ regularly present between Aug and Nov. TREE SPARROW Passer montanus A rare and local breeding species and scarce migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:

6 pairs bred (4 in boxes and 2 at natural sites) in North Dorset. This is a welcome increase Winterof breeding records: birds there, from 3 pairs in 2008.

nd th SpringStalbridge passage: 6 on 2 Dec and 6 on 4 Dec. rd Apr . Central Portland 3 at Barleycratesth Lane on 3Apr Jun. . Hengistbury Head 1 on 15 th AutumnPortland passage:Bill 2 in the Hut Fields on 29

Over 20 reports from September and October were received from coastal sites. All are listed below: th th Central Portland 1 near Perryfieldsth rd on th9 Sep and 3 atth Reap Lane onth 14 Oct. Durlston 1 onth 19 Sep, 2 on 26 Sep, 4 on 28th Sep, 1 on 17 Oct, 8 on 18 Oct,th 3 on 23 Octst and 3 on 26 Oct. Glebelands 257 on 17th Oct. th th Hengistbury Head 2 onth 18 Sep, 2 on 21 Sep, 3 on 10 Oct, 2 on 17 Oct & 2 on Oct.th Sep . th th Portland Bill 1 on 9 thSep, Sep 2 . on 19 Sep and 8 on 9 Oct. Redcliff Point 1 on 13th Ringstead Bay 2 on 12th Sep . th South Haven, Studland 3 on 17th Oct and 2 on 26 SepOct. . Southdown Ridge, Lodmoor 1 on 27 th th West Bexington 6 together from 17 – 19 2009 Dorset Bird Report 159 CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

First winter period: st

Bardolf Farm 300 on 1th Feb. East Stour 150 on 9 Feb. Portland 100 winteredrd at North Portland Jan – Mar and 120+ wintered in the central and southern areas during the same period. SecondTarrant Rushtonwinter period: Airfield 200+ on 3 Jan.

st Portland Bill 120 – 150 in Nov/Dec. SpringSutton Waldronpassage: 120 on 31 Dec

th Apr . Hengistbury Head 32 on 16 Mar. th th AutumnPortland passage:Bill 36 bird-days on 14 dates between 15 Mar and 25

Very good numbers from early October until mid-November at coastal sites:

Durlston Approx Novth 17,700 . bird-days,th the highest dailyth counts were 828 on th11 Oct, 1,680 on 15 Oct, 963 on 25 Oct and 1,045+ on 17th East Bexington 723 on 26th Oct. Glebelands 502 on 8 Oct. Hengistbury Head 9,147th bird-days Sep toth Dec, the Nov highest . th daily counts wereth 560 on 9 Oct,nd 580 on 14 Oct, 626th on 26 Oct,Nov 870. on 29 Oct, 710 on 2 Nov and 760 onth 6 th Nov . North Portland 735 recorded between 8 Sep andth 12 th Portland Bill 3,965 bird-days, with 1,310 on 17 Oct, and 900 on 15 BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla A regular migrant, mainly in autumn and generally scarce winter visitor.

Spring passage:

Lower spring passage than 2008: th th AutumnPortland passage:Bill/Central 15 recorded 28 Feb to 13 May.

Nov . th th nd Durlston 808 bird-daysth from 10 Oct to 8 Dec, max 125 on 2 Nov and 230 on 17 th Nov . East Bexington 3 dates, max 7 on 29th Oct. Glebelands 4 dates, max 13 on 8 Nov . th Hengistbury Head 216 bird-days from mid-Octnd to Dec, maxth 71 on 29 Oct. North Portland 10 recorded between 22 thOct and 11th Portland Bill 129 bird-days between 13 Oct and 9 Dec. 160Small Dorsetnumbers Bird Report from 2009other coastal sites. Winter flocks:

Low numbers in both winter periods. Records of 5 or more as follows: rdnd Bardolf Farm 10 on 2 Jan. Blandford Forum 6 on 3 Feb. th th Kingston Maurward 5 on bothth 16 Dec and 28 Dec. ExtremeUpton Heath dates: 8+ on 24 Feb.

th th 12 May and 14 Oct, both from Portland. SERIN Serinus serinus A scarce migrant, mainly in autumn. Has occasionally attempted to breed. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Sep . th Possiblyth bred at West Bexington, where an thadult female was seen regularly from 29 May to Other16 Oct summer and a juvenile records: bird was seen on 12

th Durlston 1 on 10th Jul. WinterPortland records: Bill 1 on 4 Jul.

SpringLangton records: Herring, The Fleet 2 birds seen on 3 dates in Jan. st

th th Durlston Singlesth on 18 Mar, 5 Apr and 31 May. Hamworthy Park 1 on 7 Jun.th st th th Portland Bill 1n onth 28 Apr, 2e and 1st settled on 11 May, 1 between 14 & 16 May, 1 on 31 May, with possibly theth same atth Portland Bill andth Southwellth on 1 Jun, 1 between 18 & 20 Jun and 1 on 27 and 28 Jun. An unknown number of individuals, however it is very likely that lingering birds were present in the area. Apr . th th Central Portland 1 at Cheyneth on 4 May and 1 at Pennsylvania Castle on 24 May. AutumnWinspit Valley records: 1 on 18

th th Durlston 1 on 30th Sep .and 1 on 29 Oct. Hengistbury Head 1 on 26th Oct. Portland Bill 1 on 28

2009 Dorset Bird Report 161 GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

The only notable breeding season counts recorded were from Merley Park (9 pairs) and Northnd Portland (16+ pairs). A post breeding flock of 90+ was at Hill Bottom, Renscombe Autumnon 22 Aug. passage:

26 th th Durlston Approxth 530 bird-days from 13 Sep to 19 Dec, max 108 on Oct. th Hengistbury Head 1,570 bird-daysth from Sep to Nov. Max 660 on 9 Oct. WinterPortland flocks: Bill/Central 300+ on 28 Oct.

th Sherborne Lake c170 on 13 Mar. Portland Bill/Central 120 to 150 in Jan/Mar and 100+ in Nov/Dec. GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis A common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:

Breeding is widespread across the county thwith, for example, 30+ pairs on North Portland and 50 juveniles at Portland Castle on 14 Aug. Breeding numbers at Stanpit Marsh are reported to be increasing. Very high numbers recorded at several sites during autumn Springpassage. passage:

nd st Apr . Langton Herring 150 on 2 Mar. th th AutumnPortland passage: 358 bird-days, 30 Mar and 25 Apr. Max 217 on 21

stth th Durlston 34,940 Nov bird-days . from 14 Sep to 17 Nov.nd The highest daily countsth were 2,015 on 21 Oct, 2,160 on 22 Oct and 1,785 on 17 th th Hengistbury Head 19,820th bird-days with th2,200 on 7 Oct, 1,500th on 8 Oct, 1,800 on 9 Oct, 1,700 onth 14 Oct andth 1,700 on Nov 29 . Oct. th Portland Bill 6,776s betweenth 25 Oct and 10 Dec. Maxth counts – 700 on 6 Nov, 729 on 15 Nov and 1,000+ on 25 th Counts of 500+ birdsth were also noted at Glebelands (max 794 on 8 Oct) and South Haven, WinterStudland and (507 post on 17breeding Oct). (counts of 100 or more):

th Herston, Belle View Farm 500+ on nd14 Oct. Langton Herring 150 on 2 Mar. Sep . Portland 100 – 120 thin Jan – Mar. Sunnyside Farm, Ridge 100+ on 7 162 Dorset Bird Report 2009 SISKIN Carduelis spinus A local breeding species, fairly common migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Breeding confirmed at Higher Hyde Heath (4 young seen), and Morden Bog (several juvs Springseen). Young passage: birds also recorded at Northmoor, Wareham and Stoborough Heath. . nd th th AutumnHengistbury passage: Head 18 bird-days between 2 and 25 Mar. Max 7 on the 16

th th th Durlston 2,420 bird-daysth from 17 Aug to 17 Nov. Max 245 on 25 Oct. East Bexington Max 106 on 12th Oct. Glebelands Max 379 on 7 Oct. th Hengistbury Head 2,552 bird-daysth mid-Sep to Dec. Max 395Nov .on 14 Oct. Lodmoor 110 on 7 Oct. th th North Portland 35 recorded between 24th Sep and 9 th Portland Bill/Central 283 recorded between 9 th Sep and 14th Dec. th South Haven, Studland 753 bird-daysth between 4 Oct and 5 Nov. Max. 348 on 8 Oct. WinterWeymouth (all Bay counts of 50 or110+ more on birds): 7 Oct. Nov . th Nov . Brownsea Island 50+ on 28th th Sep . Moors Valley c70 on 6 Jan, and 150+ on 10th th Sherford Bridge 50+ feeding on Alders on 11 Mar and 12 LINNET Carduelis cannabina A scarce and declining breeding species, common passage migrant and winter visitor. [Red list]

Breeding:

Breeding pairs reported from Bridport GC (several), Cogden, Hemsworth, Hengistbury Head (8 to 12), Langton Herring (2), Lodmoor (12+), Morden Bog (6), North Portland (20+), Stoborough Heath (7), The Fleet – Bridging Camp (10), West Bexington, White Horse Hill (1) Springand north passage: of Wimborne (20+). rd Apr . st Apr . Hengistbury Head 593 bird-days in Mar/Apr.th Max.th 135 on 3 AutumnPortland passage: 1,018 bird-days 13 Mar to 14 May. Max 130+ on 21

th th th Durlston 17,130 bird-days fromth 13 Sep to 19 Dec. Max 3,075+ on 7 Oct and 3,400 onth 9 Oct. East Bexington Max 350 on 29 th Oct. Glebelands Max 1,004 on 7 Oct. th Hengistbury Head 17,596 bird-days from Sep to Dec.th Max 3,350 on 7 Oct,th the exceptional number of 4,300th on 9th Oct and 1,130 on 14 Oct. North Portland At least 500s between 8 and 29 Oct. th Portland Bill/Central Autumn numbers peaked at 1,000+ on 20098 Oct. Dorset Bird Report 163 th Southdown Ridge 700+ on 9 Oct.th th NotableSouth Haven, flocks Studland (counts of 100+,Max 305 excluding on 9 Oct obvious and 308 visible on 11 migration): Oct.

th st th th Bardolf Farm 250 on 5 Feb, 100 on 12 Feb and 130 on 6 Mar. Corfe River Meadows c120 on 31 thSep Mar. . Horton Common 250 on 12th Mar. st Lodmoor 450 on 9 th th Maiden Castle 300+ ndon 25 Sep, 500+ on 28 Sep, c400 on 21 Oct and 200 on 22 Oct.thst Sherford Bridge 100 on 29 Mar. Sturminster Marshall GPs 120+ on 31thst Dec. Sutton Waldron 140 on 24 Dec. th Tarrant Rushton Airfield 190 on 21th Oct and 350 on 26 Dec. Winspit c200 on 7 Oct. LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret A very scarce breeding species, reasonably common migrant and winter visitor. [Red list]

Breeding:

Breeding season (April to June) records at Canford Heath, Christchurch, Durlston, Morden SpringBog, Sherford passage: Bridge, Studland Heath and Turners Puddle Heath. rd

th th th th th Durlston Singlesth on 7 Feb, 11th , 16 , 18 , 23 and 2 on 28 Mar, 3 on 13 Aprth and 1 on 25 May. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 1 on 13 May.

th th th Durlston 1,040 bird-daysth from 13 Sep to 19 Dec. Max 171 on 25 Oct. East Bexington 245 on 12 Oct.th Glebelands 6Max Nov 66 . on 17 Oct. th Hengistbury Head 1,093th bird-days Oct to Dec. Max 112 on 14 Oct and 112 on th th th th Portland 55 bird-days 10 Sep – 19 Dec. Max 11 on both 12 and 14 Oct. th FirstSouth winter Haven, periodStudland (all recordsMax 34 of on 5 or 17 more Oct. birds): rd

Arne 5 on 3 Feb.th Avon Heath CP 6+ on nd18 Mar. th Canford Heath 7 on 2 Janth and 30+ on 13 Mar. Dodding’s Farm CBs 18 on 11th Jan. East Stoke 6 on 10th Jan. Goathorn, Poole Harbour 5 on 25th Jan. Higher Hyde Heath 8 on 8th Jan. Little Sea, Studland 7 on 5 thFeb. 164Lodmoor Dorset Bird Report 2009 27 on 7 Feb. th Thorncombe Wood 7 on 16 thJan. SecondTwo Mile winter Copse period (all records25+ on 7 of Feb.5 or more birds):

thNov . Briantspuddle Heath 32+ on 30th Dec. Higher Hyde Heath 26 on 11th Nov . Kilwood Coppice 6 on 29 Oct.th Nov . Kingcombe Meadows 40+ on 12th th Morden Bog c20 on 12 th Oct and 30 on 9 Throop Heath 40+ on 25 Dec. MEALY REDPOLL Carduelis flammea A very rare passage migrant and winter visitor.

:

There were five records submitted to and accepted by the PanelG Walbridge G Walbridgeth Central Portland 1 at Barleycratesth LaneM on Cade 29 et Apr al ( ) andM 1 Cade at GReap Walbridge Lane on et30 al May ( ). th Portland Bill SinglesR Cockram on 14thG WalbridgeApr ( nd, photo), 13 May ( , , photo) and 2 Jun 2008 Addition: ( , ). N Hopper th Greenlands Farm 1 on 5 Apr ( ). CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra A scarce breeding species, irruptive migrant and winter visitor.

Another good year both for breeding season records and for flocks at inland heathland sites. Breeding:Also significant autumn passage was noted.

Breeding confirmed at Morden Bog and West Moors Plantation. Birds were also present in the breeding season at Alderholt Common, Arne, Canford Heath, Chamberlayne’s Heath, Cranborne Common, Gore Heath, Higher Hyde Heath, Holt Heath, Oakers Wood, Rempstone AutumnForest and passage: Studland.

th st st Central Portland Nov25+ over Barleycrates. Lane on 13 Aug. Durlston 521 bird-days between end Sep to 21 Nov, max 215 on 21 th th th Glebelands Max counts of 234 on 8 Oct, 212 on 12 Oct and 232 on 17 Oct. th Hengistbury Head Max 83 on 26th Oct (highest ever count for here). Langton Matravers Max 46 on 14th Oct. Portland Bill Max 17 on 17th Oct. South Haven, Studland Max 82 on 17 Oct. 2009 Dorset Bird Report 165 Significant counts & site summaries: st

th Lawson Clump 40 on 9 thDec and 35 on 31 th Dec. Morden Bog 54 on 13 thOct and 35 on 20 Oct. Moreton Plantation 20+ on 12thrd Oct. Newton Heath 36 on 19 Oct. Tadnoll Heath 25 on 23thst Oct. Nov . Wareham Forest 48 on 10 Dec. West Moors Plantation 40+ on 21nd Wytch Causeway 26 on 22 Feb. COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus A rare passage migrant.

There was just a single record this year: H Murray th th Durlston A juvenile was seen on both 4 and 5 Sep ( ). BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula A fairly common but declining breeding resident. [Amber list]

Breeding:165 records submitted from 76 sites of between 1 to 5 birds.

Breeding season records from Durlston, Langton Herring (1 pair bred), Langton Matravers, Lodmoor, Martinstown, Portland (East Weares – 3 pairs and Verne Common – 5 pairs), AutumnStoborough passage: Heath and Two Mile Copse, Weymouth.

th th Durlston Max 28 on both th25 and 29 Oct. Glebelands Max of 12 on 25 Oct. HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. [Red list]

WinterAnother and quiet inland year for sites: records. Apr . st th th Leigh 1 present in the churchyardth fromth 27th Mar to th10 Purse Caundle 2 on 1 thJan and singles on 7 , 8 , 14 and 28 Feb. Shaftesbury 1 on 28th Feb. SpringSherborne passage: Lake 2 on 14 Feb. Apr . th th AutumnPortland passage: Singles at Easton on 17 and at Wakeham on 19

None recorded in 2009. 166 Dorset Bird Report 2009 LAPLAND BUNTING Calcarius lapponicus A scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn and rare winter visitor. [Amber list]

Autumn passage:

Another good autumn with 17 records in October and early November: th Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 14th Oct. rd Burton Bradstock 1 on 14 Oct. th Nov . Central Portland 1 at Reap Laneth on 16 Octnd and 1 at Southwell Nov on . 23 Oct. Durlston Singles on 7th Octth and th2 th nd Hengistbury Head Singles thon 5 , 16 , 17 andth 30 Oct and Nov2 . Portland Bill 2 on 15th Oct and 1 on 17 Oct.th th Stanpit Marsh 2 on 26th Oct, singles on 19 Oct and 6 Wick Hams 1 on 13 Oct. SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis A scarce autumn migrant and winter visitor. [Amber List]

There were 7 records in autumn and early winter: Nov . th th Durlston Singles ndon 25 Oct and 15 Hengistbury Head 1 on 22 Nov Dec. . Poole Port 1 in latethst Dec, remained in the area into 2010. Portland Bill 1 on 8 Stanpit Marsh 1 on 21th Oct. Studland Bay 1 on 24 Oct. YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella A declining breeding resident and migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:126 records were received from a total of 62 sites.

Records indicate probable breeding from 30 sites across the county, however at Portland Autumnthe breeding passage: population is reported to be at an all time low.

th Nov . Durlston Small numbers – maxth 5 on 11th Oct. WinterGlebelands and early spring: Max 5 on both 16 Oct and 8

Reports received from many sites acrossst the county, with the highest counts being: st th Bardolf Farm 200+ on 1 Feb and 210 on 27 Mar. Gussage Down 95 on 31 Dec.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 167 ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana A rare passage migrant, mainly in the autumn.

to 22 Sep: th nd There were 6 autumn records at 4 typical coastal sites, spanning Sep . the period 9 rd Sep . th Central Portland 1 at Barleycrates Lane on 9 Sep . Hengistbury Head 1 on 23 Septh . th nd Portland Bill Singles thon 9 , 20 and 22 White Nothe 1 on 12 LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla A rare passage migrant.

There were two autumn records: J Down G Walbridge et al 8 J Downth G Walbridge Portland Bill Singlesth on 25 Sep ( , , photo) and on Oct ( , ). REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus A declining breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. [Amber list]

Breeding:There were a total of 86 records from 44 sites.

Breeding season reports from Bestwall RSPB, Chard Junction GPs, Cogden, Fiddleford, Ham Common, Hammoon, Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Merley Hall Farm, Monkton up Wimborne, Stanpit Marsh, Sturminster Marshall GPs, Warmwell Quarry, WinterWest Bexington roosts: and Winfrith Heath.

AutumnCorfe Hills, passage: Broadstone 40 birds roosting during Dec.

Nov . Durlston Small numbers recorded thon most daysth in Oct. East Bexington 25 bird-days between 12th Oct andth 17 th rd Glebelands 44 bird-days between 8 Oct to 8 Nov. Max 17 on 8 Oct. Hengistbury Head 1,839 bird-days between Sep and Nov. Max 146 onth 23 Oct. Portland Bill 142 bird-days between Septh and Nov. Max 16 on 28 Oct. South Haven, Studland 40 bird-days. Max 11 on 8 Oct.

168 Dorset Bird Report 2009 CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra A scarce and local breeding species and rare passage migrant. [Red list]

Breeding:77 records were received from 25 sites.

A total of 61 singing males were reported from the following sites: Ackling Dyke (2), Bere Regis (4), Chapel Down and Dean, Gussage St Andrew (3), Charlton Down (6), Dorchester (3), Gussage Down (5), Maiden Castle (c20), Martinstown (4), Stanbridge (1), Tarrant Flocks:Crawford (1), Tarrant Rushton Airfield (10), West Compton (1) and Wyke Down (1).

th Bardolf Farm 30 on 5th Feb. Dean, Gussage St. Andrew 20 on 8 thJan. rdth st th Maiden Castle 75 on 26th Jan, 100 on 19 Feb and 50 on 29 Mar. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 34+ on th4 Mar, c50 on 3 Apr and 36 on 1 Dec. SpringWhite Lackington passage: 35 on 8 Mar.

Portland At least 3 individuals were recorded at various sitesth betweennd Portland Bill and Barleycrates Lane between 18 Mar and 2 Autumn passage: May.

th Central Portland 1 at Barleycratesth Laneth on 9 Oct. Durlston Singles on 12 and 27 Oct.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 169 SELECTED ESCAPES IN 2008

RHEA sp Rhea sp Native range: South America.

th Purse Caundle 1 on 14 Feb. BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus Native range: Australia.

rd th Frome Valley Up to 4 birds were Nov reported . between 23 Jan and 13 Mar. th The only recordsth at the latter end of the year were of 3 on 6 Nov andnd 2 on 25 Longham Lakes 1 on 22 Feb.nd nd Sep . th Poole Park 1 betweenth 2 Janth rd and 2 Mar;th 1 on 28 Dec. Rodden Hive 3 on 4 and 11 Jan; 1 on 13 West Bay 1 flew west on 3 Dec. RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea All British records are currently assumed to be escapes.

th th Radipole Lake 3 juveniles 26 Sep - 15 Oct. th th Lodmoor The 3 Radipole birds were reported on 16 and 19 Oct.

Interesting record of juveniles but, nevertheless presumed to originate from feral population in NW Europe. WOOD DUCK Aix sponsa Native range: North America.

th th Chard Junction GPs A drake was present between Apr . 10 thand 24 May. Maiden Newton A female on theth river Hooketh on 30 May. Swineham GP A drake on 13 and 14 WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL Anas bahamensis Native range: South America.

th th Lodmoor 1 was present from 24 Mar to 14 Jul. RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Scattered distribution across Europe, with feral populations in the UK. Only records clearly not originating from feral population are listed here.

st

th Stanpit Marsh One was present on 30 and 31 Aug, however a hybrid was not ruled out and the bird was also reported to head towards Christchurch Qauy at feeding time. 170 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Nov . Stour Valley 1 or 2 birds were regularly reported betweenth Canfordth School and Eyebridge, Wimborne between 18 Apr and 8 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 all year. REEVE’S PHEASANT Syrmaticus reevesii Native range: central China. Introduced self-sustaining populations present in France and the Czech Republic.

Poole Harbour Sporadicallyth reported this year; a female on thBrownsea Island on 20 Apr; a male on Furzeyth Island on 24 Apr; a male at Greenlands Farm on 20 Sep; a remarkableth 12 (2 males, 1 female and 9 immatures) near Claywell on 19 Oct. LARGE FALCON sp Falco sp

Portland A large immature falcon thought to be either a Saker or Gyr hybrid was present early Sep to mid-Oct. 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.

th Blandford 1 on 8 Mar. th th Chard Junction GPs A wing-tagged bird (Red 28) was present on 26 and 29 Jul. PATAGONIAN CONURE Cyanoliseus patagonus Native range: South America

th Portland 1 at Blacknor on 13 Jun. ZEBRA FINCH Taeniopygia guttata Native range: Australia.

Sep . th Central Portland 2 at Blacknor on 24 BISHOP SP. Euplectes sp Native range: Africa.

th Portland Bill 1 on 29 Oct.

2009 Dorset Bird Report 171 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

RequestedMarsh Warbler records: 23 May 2009 Abbotsbury Swannery

The following records from 2009 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.

Cattle Egret 6th Dec Arne Cattle Egret Date unknown Nottington Great White Egret 12th Apr Stoborough Great White Egret 1st Jun Middlebere Great White Egret 28th Sep Abbotsbury Swannery Great White Egret 20th Nov Canford Magna Great White Egret 5th Dec Sturminster Marshall Great White Egret 20th Dec Canford Bridge Honey Buzzard 3rd May Southwell Honey Buzzard 11th May Sherborne Honey Buzzard 23rd May Portland Bill Honey Buzzard 20th Jul Holt Honey Buzzard 2nd Aug Portland Bill Honey Buzzard 3rd Aug Ham Common Honey Buzzard 23rd Aug Southwell Honey Buzzard 27th Aug Southwell Honey Buzzard 3rd Sep Middlebere Honey Buzzard 10th Sep Ballard Down Honey Buzzard 14th Sep Durlston Honey Buzzard 17th Sep Portland Bill Honey Buzzard 26th Sep Swanage Honey Buzzard 1st Oct Weymouth Honey Buzzard 29th Oct Durlston Black Kite 8th Jul Stoborough Montagu’s Harrier 5th May Bere Regis Goshawk 19th Mar Corfe Castle Goshawk 20th Mar Durlston Goshawk 2nd May Portland Bill 172 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Goshawk 29th Sep Durlston Sabine’s Gull 14th Nov Chesil Cove Sabine’s Gull 29th Nov Abbotsbury Beach Black Guillemot 28th Feb Portland Bill Alpine Swift 14th Mar Portland Bill Alpine Swift 11th Apr Portland Harbour Bee-eater 23rd Jun Easton Red-rumped Swallow (2) 13th May Portland Bill Red-rumped Swallow 29th Oct Durlston Richard’s Pipit 8th Apr Redcliffe Point Tawny Pipit 23rd Sep Durlston Red-throated Pipit 27th Oct Southwell Red-throated Pipit 2nd Nov Durlston Marsh Warbler 24th Jun Wakeham Melodious Warbler 13th Jun Osmington Siberian Chiffchaff 7th Apr Lodmoor Siberian Chiffchaff 18th Mar to 22nd Apr Radipole Lake Siberian Chiffchaff 1st Dec Langton Herring Siberian Chiffchaff 1st to 8th Dec Radipole Lake Siberian Chiffchaff 17th Dec Abbotsbury Swannery Mealy Redpoll (2) 17th Nov Durlston Mealy Redpoll 10th Dec Durlston

2009 Dorset Bird Report 173 DORSET BIRD RINGING - SUMMARY AND TOTALS FOR 2009 Kevin Lane

A total of 18,661 birds of 110 species were ringed in Dorset during 2009. The top five species ringed by volume were Blue Tit (2,109), Chiffchaff (1,750), Willow Warbler (1,496), Sedge Warbler (1,194) and Great Tit (1,187). Notable species ringed included a Leach’s Petrel, a Wryneck, a Bluethroat, a Marsh Warbler, 3 Melodious Warblers, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Radde’s Warbler, a Golden Oriole, a Mealy Redpoll and a Little Bunting. The table below listsSpecies the numbers of each speciesPulli ringed in systematicJuv Adult order.Unaged Total 5

Mute Swan 15 49 1798 2 248 Canada Goose 1 11 Mallard 111 15 1267 Tufted Duck 4 3 Storm Petrel 12 12 Leach’s Petrel 1 1 Shag 1 1 Sparrowhawk 56 14 4 1858 Kestrel 2 1 1 2 Hobby Water Rail 2 12 15 Moorhen 1 Coot 3 10 1 14 Oystercatcher 1 12 Ringed Plover 1 1 2 2 Grey Plover 5 5 Lapwing 2 2 Knot 2 2 Sanderling Dunlin 3 40 432 Snipe 12 1 Bar-tailed Godwit 1 3 Common Sandpiper 15 15 Black-headed Gull 2 2 Herring Gull 25 38 2 4227 Stock Dove 25 5 Woodpigeon 14 2 448 Collared Dove 3 3 174 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Species Pulli Juv Adult Unaged Total 2

Barn Owl 38 4 445 Little Owl 3 1 1 9 Tawny Owl 4 1 4 25 Nightjar 2 11 146 8 Swift 5 22 Kingfisher 17 Wryneck 1 1 Green Woodpecker 4 8 274 Great Spotted Woodpecker 19 Skylark 7 1 18 Sand Martin 1 Swallow 127 25396 36 4 420 House Martin 17 2 24 137 Tree Pipit 1 3 Meadow Pipit 354 41 122 407 Rock Pipit 38 4 44 Yellow Wagtail 17 1 18 Grey Wagtail 6251 1 Pied/White Wagtail 38 118 781 Wren 15 242286 7189 5386 367 Dunnock 26 466 Robin 13 445 131 615 Bluethroat 12 12 Black Redstart 25 56 Redstart 10 21 5 Whinchat 4 18 6 Stonechat 33 47 Wheatear 2524 2994 36 56811 Blackbird 11 2 Fieldfare 5 1 8 3 Song Thrush 103 37 15387 Redwing 47 39 1 Mistle Thrush 15 561 Cetti’s Warbler 1725 2 34 Grasshopper Warbler 4 31

2009 Dorset Bird Report 175 Species Pulli Juv Adult Unaged Total

Sedge Warbler 1049 124 21 1194 Marsh Warbler 2 1 5801 Reed Warbler 433 135 10 Melodious Warbler 5253 3 Blackcap 1 17155 1405 837 Garden Warbler 43 7 2 103 Lesser Whitethroat 30 22 39 Whitethroat 179 73 27479 Dartford Warbler 45 33 1 Yellow-browed Warbler 1 1 Radde’s Warbler 1 12 Wood Warbler 2281 1 Chiffchaff 1064 458979 1750 Willow Warbler 330 187 1496 Goldcrest 1 3922 355 356 110 Firecrest 3366 Spotted Flycatcher 13 15 38 2 22 Pied Flycatcher 162 42 5 9 Bearded Tit Long-tailed Tit 38 4 251 293 Blue Tit 738 904522 467 6 2109 Great Tit 338 321 1187 Coal Tit 19 44 32 24 119 Marsh Tit 12 3 1 16 Nuthatch 325 9 1 18 51 Treecreeper 3 14 31 Golden Oriole 2 1 15 Jay 2 3 5 Magpie 35 20 Jackdaw 14 1 Rook 3 3 Carrion Crow 1 22 1 Starling 1 1457 3 40 House Sparrow 19 160 2 162 398 Tree Sparrow 38 1 41

176 Dorset Bird Report 2009 Species Pulli Juv Adult Unaged Total

Chaffinch 140 176 11 3272 Brambling 2 1 1 760 Greenfinch 467 261 30 26 658 Goldfinch 1 3108 321 7 Siskin 2 289 157 172 Linnet 109 212 42127 Lesser Redpoll 13 12 Mealy Redpoll 5 1 871 Bullfinch 37 458 26 Yellowhammer 18 Little Bunting 1 1 ReedTotals Bunting 1605 10069108 443321 25543 18661132

Data Source: BTO, Thetford (www.bto.org/ringing)

Mike Morse Bluethroat - trapped and ringed at West Bexington on 15th August

2009 Dorset Bird Report 177 DORSET BIRD RINGING - SELECTED RECOVERIES IN 2009 Kevin Lane

PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla hrota

th A colour-ringed bird was seen at Ferrybridge on 4 Dec 2009 and at Langton Herring on the followingth day. It was originally ringed as a second-year at Bakki, Grunnafjör∂ur, Iceland on 19 May 2009. TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula

th FP57054, ringed as an adult male at Radipole Laketh on 15 Dec 2002, was shot at Skalyap, Troitsko-Pecherskiy, Komi Republic, Russia on 15 May 2009. The distance between the ringing site and the place of recovery was 3,773km (map below).

th FP57963, ringed as an adult female at Radipole Laketh on 5 Jan 2008, wash shot at Ertom, Udorskiy, Komi Republic, Russia around the 15 May 2009. The distance between the ringing site and the place of recovery was 3,324km. STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus

th 2446091, ringed as annd adult at Portland Bill on 27 May 1996, was recaptured at Gwennap Head, Cornwall on 22 Jun 2009. BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus

th PLG FN56064, ringed as a nestlingth at Rz. Wisa, Maciejowice, Poland on 7 May 2008, was seen at Radipole Lake on 18 Jan 2009. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus

Nov 2009 . th HGB 382446, ringed asth a nestling at Retszila, Orspuszta, Hungary on 9 Jun 2007, was seen at Radipole Lake on 18

178 Dorset Bird Report 2009 th HGB 386773, ringedth as a nestling at Bugyi, Pest, Hungary on 10 Jun 2009, was seen at Radipole Lake on 4 Nov 2009 (map below).

st th PLG FN38665, ringed as a nestling at Zb. Poraj, Slaskie, Poland on 20 May 2009, was seen at Radipole Lake on 21 Oct 2009. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus

th DKC 4L1381, ringed as a nestlingth at Klaegbanke, Skjem, Denmark on 5 Jul 2008, was seen at Swanage harbour on 20 Jun 2009. SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos

th DKC 8A65239, ringed as a first-year at Christianso, Denmarkth on 25 Sep 2007, was found freshly dead at Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton on 16 Jan 2009. GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin

rd th X212021, ringed as a first-year at Portland Bill on 19 Sep 2008, was recaptured at Handol, Are, Sweden on 3 Jul 2009. SISKIN Carduelis spinus

th X087936, ringed as an adult male at Ferndownth on 11 Mar 2009, was found freshly dead at Alanteenlahdentie, Ilomantsi, Finland on 14 Jun 2009. The distance between the ringing site and the place of recover was 2,376km (map below).

2009 Dorset Bird Report 179 Collared Flycatcher at Southwell, Portland 28th April to 2nd May 2009 Pete Saunders

My wife Debby and I were sitting on our patio on Portland, Dorset watching visible migration. It had been relatively quiet with just a few birds passing through, when suddenly a male flycatcher flew across our view. I immediately suspected its identity, having seen this species last spring on Öland, Sweden. It flew straight into our large Sycamore and disappeared. I uttered to my wife: “I think that was a Collared Fly!”

Moving to a different position, I had a brief glimpse of the back of the bird, seeing a full collar. I then phoned Portland Bird Observatory warden Martin Cade, as the implications of a potential major twitch with ponds, shrubs and fruit trees, and an started to dawn on me - I was hoping that old goat-shed partially converted into a the bird was not an ‘odd’ Pied Flycatcher hide, where I went to try and photograph or hybrid. Martin arrived and, after 10 to the bird. There was an apple tree in blossom 15 minutes, he finally had a good view of 15 feet from the window, where the bird the collar. With this confirmation, we both appeared right in front of me. Amazed, I began phoning local birders to invite them raised the camera and fired off four frames over to see the bird. before the bird flew. A quick edit showed that I had one frame that was pin-sharp and We have quite a large, bird friendly garden which showed all of the features of a first- summer male, with a much smaller white patch at the base of the brown primaries. By this time Martin had left, so Debby phoned him to say that we now had an unequivocal photograph.

Birders started to arrive and everyone had good views from the garden, despite two deluges of rain and hail. The last sighting was at about 7.30pm, by which time 30 or so local birders had seen the bird. Martin put the news out on the website that evening.

The next day we were up early hoping that the bird had stayed. At 7am I heard “oh-oh” from Debby, and there it was in the back

180 Dorset Bird Report 2009 apple tree, which was in full blossom. We informed the ‘obs’ and arranged for other local birders who had missed it the day before to visit. The bird was very active now, feeding mostly in the tree-tops. It began singing regularly and Martin made sound recordings. We then saw the first report on the pager that the Collared Flycatcher could be seen from the road, resulting in up to 30 visiting birders watching from the street outside at any one time. By 1 May, the bird was ranging further afield, singing constantly, and being seen by all.

Curtis Gould has a hayfield adjacent to our garden and plans were made to open it to birders and provide parking. On its last day, Saturday 2 May, the bird sang continuously, often from our Sycamore, giving good views to the 300-400 birders watching from the hayfield. Curtis eventually collected £520 in donations for the Dorset Air Ambulance.

We were very pleased with this sighting – it was species number 128 on our garden list.

Previous British records

DorsetThis was . the 29th British record since the first in 1947, and the first for Portland and text and photographs by Pete Saunders

2009 Dorset Bird Report 181 182 Dorset Bird Report 2009 2009 Dorset Bird Report 183 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 18445 SwinehamDorset Bird Report GP &2009 Point SY937879 2009 Dorset Bird Report 185 GAZETTEER

Bridport Abbeycroft Down ST 9505 Bridging Camp, The Fleet SY 652773 Abbotsbury Beach SY559845 SY 4694 Abbotsbury Swannery SY 578839 Broadoak SY 4396 Ackling Dyke SU 015163 Broadcroft Quarry SY 698718 Acton SY 989784 Broadstone SZ 0095 Affpuddle SY 805936 Broadstone GC SZ 0097 Alderholt SU 1112 Brockington SU 019107 Alners Gorse ST 737103 Brownsea Island SZ 0288 Alweston ST 664143 Brownsea Lagoon SZ 029880 Arne Moors SY 947868 Bryanstone ST 8706 Arne RSPB SY 975878 Buckland Ripers SY 6482 Ashley Wood ST 9205 Bucknowle SY 949813 Ashmore ST 9117 Bugley ST 7824 Athelhampton SY 771941 Bulbarrow Hill ST 7705 Avalanche Rd (& Hump) SY 686705 Burleston SY 776942 Avon Causeway SZ 1497 Burning Cliff SY 761815 Avon Heath CP SU 1203 Burton (Avon Valley) SZ 1694/95 Avon River Valley SZ1692-SU1307 Burton Bradstock SY 48/4989 Babylon Hill ST 576155 Burton Mere SY 508879 Badbury Rings ST 9603 Bushey SY 979834 Baiter Park SZ 022904 Butterstreet Cove SY 6379 Ballard Down SZ 381 Canford SZ 0398 Bardolf Farm SY 763952 Canford Heath SZ 032983 Bardolf WM SY 7694 Canford Magna GC SZ 041986 Barleycrates Lane SY 685710 Cashmoor ST 9713 Batcombe Walk ST 6303 Castle Cove SY 676775 Beacon Hill Landfill SY 973950 Castlepoint, Bournemouth SZ 112947 Beaminster ST 4701 Cerne Abbas ST 685011 Beaminster Down ST 4903 Chafey’s Lake SY 6680 Bearwood SZ 0496 Chalbury SU 0206 Bembury Walk ST 6014 Chamberlayne’s Heath SY 838913 Bere Regis SY 8495 Chapman’s Pool SY 955771 Bestwall SY 9287 Charborough Park SY 922298 Bincombe SY 6884 Chard Junction GP ST 3404 Bindon Abbey SY 854867 Charlton Marshall ST 902039 Black Down SY 609876 Charminster SY 6892 Black Hill, Bere Regis SY 836941 Charmouth SY 3693 Black Hill, Holton Heath SY 946910 Chaston Farm ST 718057 Blackers Hole SZ 007767 Cheselbourne SY 7699 Blacknor SY 677714 Chesil Beach SY 57/68 Blandford Forum ST 88/8906 Chesil Cove, Portland SY 984734 Bloxworth SY 881948 Chettle ST 963134 Blue Lagoon, Lilliput SZ 035899 Cheyne Weare SY 693705 Boscombe SZ 11/1291 Chickerell SY 6481 Bourne Valley SZ 0693 Chickerell Hive Point SY 637791 Bournemouth Hospital SZ 126942 Chilcombe SY 527910 Bovington Camp SY 8388 Child Okeford ST 8312 Bowleaze Cove SY 703819 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 Bride Valley SY4789/SY5888 Compton Valence SY 593932 Bride Valley Fish Farm SY 521899 Coombe Heath SY 975867

186 Dorset Bird Report 2009 GAZETTEER (continued)

Coombe Hill ST 775025 Fontmell Down ST 884176 Coombe Valley SY 6983/84 Forde Abbey ST 359050 Corfe Castle SY 9682 Forston SY 6695 Corfe Common SY 9580/81 Fortuneswell SY 6873 Corfe Hills SY 9996 Foxholes, The Fleet SY 652778 Corfe Mullen SY 9798 Frampton SY 6295 Corfe River Meadows SY 9684 French’s Farm SY 968930 Corscombe Cross ST 5105 Frome Whitfield SY 6991 Coward’s Marsh SZ 1595 Furzehill SU 0102 Cranborne SU 0514 Furzey Island SZ 00/0187 Cranborne Common SU 104112 Gad Cliff SY 882795 Creech Heath SY 9283 Gallows Hill SY 844911 Creekmoor Ponds SY 999939 Garston Wood SU 002190 Critchel Down ST 961101 Gillingham ST 8026/27 Critchel Lake SY 9907 Goathill ST 675172 Crossways SY 76/7788 Godlingston Heath SZ 0182 Crouch Hill, Stanpit SZ 169918 Golden Cap SY 407923 Culverwell SY 982690 Golden Springs SY 8290 Dancing Ledge SY 997768 Gore Heath SY 9291 Deadmoor Common ST 7511 Gotham SU 083113 Dean ST 9715 Grange Heath SY 9083 Delph Woods SZ 0197 Grange Wood ST 665065 Dewlish SY 775985 Great Coll Wood SY 8899 Didlington SU 010075 Great Ovens Hill SY 925903 Dodding’s Farm CBs SY 852934 Greenlands Farm SZ 0184 Dorchester SY 68/69 Grimstone SY 6494 Dorey’s Farm Pond SY 911850 Grove Point SY 706722 Down Farm, Blandford ST 993148 Grove Stadium SY 698726 Dudmoor Farm SZ 150960 Gussage All Saints SU 0010 Dunyeat’s Heath SZ 0196 Gussage St Andrew ST 986145 Durlston Bay SZ 0377 /78 Gussage St Michael ST 9811 Durlston CP / Head SZ 0277 Hambledon Hill ST 8412 East Almer SY 924991 Ham Common SY 9790/9890 East Bexington SY 550858 Hammoon ST 8114 East Fleet SY 635800 Handfast Point/Old Harry SZ 055825 East Holme SY 8986 Handley Cross SU 011166 East Knighton SY 8084 Hardy’s Monument SY 613876 East Lulworth SY 8692 Harpitts Lake ST 784242 East Parley SZ 105975 Hartgrove ST 8318 East Stoke SY 8786 Hartland Moor SY 9585 East Stoke Fen SY 864866 Hatch Pond SZ 013938 East Stour ST 8023 Haven Hotel, Poole SZ 0387 East Weare SY 7073 Hazelebury Bryan ST 745085 Easton SY 6971 Hedbury Quarry SY 992768 Eccliffe ST 798254 Henbury Plantation SY 9697 Edmonsham SU 0611 Hengistbury Head SZ 1790 Eggardon Hill SY 5494 Herbury Gore SY 6180/81 Eight Kings Quarry SY 688699 Herston SZ 0178 Eyebridge ST 995000 Hethfelton SY 851883 Farrington ST 8415 High Hall nr. Wimborne SU 001027 Ferndown Common SZ 0799 Highcliffe SZ 2194 Ferrybridge SY 667762 Higher Bockhampton SY 7292 Fifehead Magdalen ST 779214 Higher Hyde SY 851902 Fifehead Wood ST 774215 Hillfield ST 634050 Fitzworth SY 992867 Hinton Parva ST 998044 Flaghead Chine SZ 053887 Hinton St Mary ST 7816 Fleetsbridge SZ 010933 Holcombe Bottom SY 6996/7185

2009 Dorset Bird Report 187 GAZETTEER (continued)

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 Lyme Bay SY 3391/6768 Pamphill ST 9900 Lyme Regis SY 3492 Parkstone Bay SZ 0290 Lynch Cove SY 648781 Parley Court Farm SZ 0997 Lyons Gate ST 660058 PC World, Poole SZ 066828

188 Dorset Bird Report 2009 GAZETTEER (continued)

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 Stourton Caundle ST 715154 Ringwood Forest SU 1205 Stourpaine ST 8609 River Allen SU1307-SZ1692 Stubhampton ST 9113 River Axe ST3202-ST4904 Studland Bay SZ 040840 River Frome SY9487-ST5704 Studland Beach SZ 040826 River Lim SY3492–SY3196 Studland Village SZ 0382 River Wey River Stour SZ1692-ST 7731 Sturminster Marshall ST 9400 SY 6780-6685 Sturminster Marshall GP SY 9599 Rodden SY 611842 Sturminster Newton ST 7814 Rodden Hive SY 604821 Suckthumb Quarry SY 686708 Rodwell SY 6778 Sugar Hill SY 883924 Ryewater ST 667108 Sutton Bingham Res ST 549110 Saltern’s Marsh SY 9686 Sutton Hill ST 882160 Sandbanks SZ 03/0487 Sutton Waldron ST 887160

2009 Dorset Bird Report 189 GAZETTEER (continued)

Swanage SZ 02/0378/79 Wareham Forest SY 9092 Swanage Bay SZ 0379 Wareham Moors SY 9287 Swanworth Quarry SY 969782 Warmwell Heath SY 7586 Swineham GP SY 932880 Warmwell Quarry SY 7588 Swineham Point SY 944878 West Bay SY 4690 Swyre Head SY 933784 West Bexington SY 525868 Sydling St Nicholas SY 6399 West Chaldon SY 777828 Symondsbury SY 4493 West Compton SY 5694 Tadnoll Heath NR SY 794872 Westfields SY 932889 Tarrant Crawford ST 921033 West Knighton Dump SY 7488 Tarrant Gunville ST 9212 West Knighton Heath SY 7488 Tarrant Hinton ST 9310 West Lulworth SY 8280 Tarrant Keyneston ST 926043 West Moors Plantation SU 0903 Tarrant Monkton ST 9408 West Parley SZ 0898 Tarrant Rushton Airfield ST 9405 West Morden SY 9095 The Fleet SY 5683-6675 Weston SY 6871 The Grove SY 700723 Weymouth SY 6880 The Nothe SY 6878 Whitcomb Hill SY 714885 Thorncombe SY375034 White Horse Hill SY 715843 Thorncombe Wood SY 726921 White Lackington SY 715985 Thornford ST 6013 White Mill ST 956006 Thornicombe ST 870032 White Nothe SY 7780 Three Legged Cross SU 0805 White Sheet Plantation SU 054032 Throop Heath SY 820918 Whitecliff SZ 0390 Tidmoor Point, The Fleet SY 643785 Wick SZ 160920 Tincleton CBs SY 766917 Wick Hams SZ 167912 Tolpuddle SY 7994 Wimborne SU 010000 Tout Quarry SY 686726 Wimborne St Giles SU 0312 Town Common SZ 140960 Winfrith Heath SY 805870 Townsend SZ 128948 Win Green ST 9417 Townsend Reserve SZ 0278 Winkton SZ 1696 Trickett’s Cross SF SU100005 Winspit SY 9776 Tripps Farm ST 687161 Winterborne Came SY 704884 Tuckton SZ 1492 Winterborne Herringston SY 6887 Turlin Moor SY 977917 Winterborne Houghton ST 8104 Turnerspuddle SY 8393 Winterborne St Martin SY 6488 Turnerspuddle Heath SY 830934 Winterborne Steepleton SY 6289 Turnworth ST 8207 Winterborne Whitchurch ST 8300 Two Mile Copse SY 674821 Winterbourne Abbas SY 6190 Ulwell SZ 0181 Witchamton ST 9806 Up Cerne ST 6502 Woodley Down ST 93179 Uplyme SY 325936 Wool SY 8486 Upton SY 9893 Woolbridge SY 844871 Upton CP SY 993930 Woolgarston SY 982814 Upton Heath SY 9894 Woolsbarrow Fort SY 895925 Upwey SY 6684 Worbarrow SY 872797 Verne Common SY 692740 Worgret SY 906870 Verwood SU 0808 Worth Matravers SY 9777 Waddock Cross SY 799910 Wyke Down SU 0015 Wakeham SY 6971 Wyke Regis SY 6677 Walditch SY 485925 Wytch Causeway SY 981852 Wareham SY 91/9288 Wytch Lake SY 9886 Wareham Common SY 9087

190 Dorset Bird Report 2009 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

Abbotsbury Swannery BTO Heronries Dadds J Goater G Acornley R BTO WeBS Darke M Gould M Adamcik T Buckle F Davies N Graham L Adams J Budden MD Davis S Green GP Adams M Bull AJ Dawson A GrevesGreen M D Alexander I Burrows D Day J Green R Always F Butler TJ Dennis R Groves R Ames D&A Cade M DoddDicker I DS GrovesGrinter SAA Andrews MS Capon C Dixon R Armstrong GJ Carey S Ashby SV & S Carley T Dorset Wildlife Trust Guest S Avanti C Carter R Dowling J Hadrill P Bailey B Chaney K Down J Hales S Baker P Chant J&E Dowty M Hall J Bale JV Chapleo C Dunk A Hammick J Ball D Chapman J DydeDunlavey R S Hansford G Ball K Chappell L DyerDurlston D Country Park Harding J Balmer T Chard B Dyer R Harris D Banfield D Chittenden H Harris J Barlow GF CHOG Harris P Barlow N Chown DJ Dymock A Harris PM Barrett AJ Churchill C Elborn K Harrop D Barrett G Clark J Elborn T Hayden A Barrett M Clarke P Elliot JM Haysom T Barrett P Claydon W Emmerson SD Helliar D Bartlett D Clements K England P Hewitt R Bell A Cockram J Evans LGR Hill A Bellamy JRW Cockram R Evans SA Hinton J Benham P Coe PA Farnell G Hinton P Bennett S Coleman M Fenning P Hoar N BirdGuides Colenutt S Floyd J Hobbs D Bissell L Constantine Ma Foot D Hooker T Blood V Constantine Mo Ford RA Hooper M Borough of Poole Conway T Forster L Hopkins GR Boswell R Cooke D Forster M Hopper N Boswell S Cordery R Fowler N Howard K Boult P Corfield P Francis J Howell R Bowman ER Cottrell C Fuller L Hughes D Boys JV Coupe D Gale A Hughes S Bradbury P Court C Gardner IC Hull J BrettBreach E N Courtaux C Gartshore N Hull N Brereton T Couzens D Gibbons M Humber A Crockard A Gidney N Hume R BrodieBright GES Cross M Gifford J Humphreys S Broad R Croton N Gifford R Hunt P Crowley P Giovannini P Ingram S Brown A Croxson D Gleason R Irons T BTO BirdTrack Curson S Goater B Jackson P

2009 Dorset Bird Report 191 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS (continued)

Jacques M Mitchell JR Rowling S Trundle R James M Montgomery S Sarson ET Tubb K James RMR Morris C Saunders D&P Tucker K Jarvis J Morris R Saville V Tunstall J Jeffrey M Morrison P Sayer K Upton G Johnson S Morrison S Senior J Urch N Jones J Morse M Seward I Vickerman J Jones M Morton P Shepherd M Walbridge D Jones S Moss K Shilham G Walbridge G Jones T Mould R Sibsey I Walls S Jordan T Murray H Simmonds S Wareham DC Kellaway T Mutton A Simpson S Warrick T Kennedy C Neilson A Smart C Waterfall K King H Neate-Clegg M Smith AD Waterman P Kingman D Oakley M Smith B Watts A Kirk I Orchard P Smith DN Watts B Kirton L Owen F Smith S Webber S Knibbs D Painter M Smith SW Whatley R Lacey M Parker K Smith T Whitby C&G Lambe G Parnell C Southworth I&J White B&H Lambert R Patrick D Spencer B White C Lane KE PBO Squire T White D Larkin Dr JA Peart RH Squirrell N White G Levesley J Phillips J Standfield P White J Levey P Phillips L Stanley IM White T Lewis IM Pictor G Stantiford N Whittle H Lidster JA Pillow I Starling S Wicks R Liley D Pitman J StoreySteedman A R Wilcox C Lilley H Plater K Stirling J Wilkinson R Loakes P Plowman R Williams M Lockwood J Pomiankowski N Sullivan J Williams P Lonsdale D Portugal S Summerfield F Wood JC Lowther J Powne JD Tabor R WoodsWood Homer N HG Maddison G Prophet I Taylor A Woodford L Main J Pyke L Taylor AM Mantripp K Quintrell N Taylor D Wraight B Marsh E Rabjohns I Taylor DH Wright JF Mason P Raper M Taylor R Wright M Masser D Rare Bird Alert Taylor S Yelland D Massey MJ Raymond C Thain C Masson C Reeve J Thomas A Matthews N Rendle P Thompson A Maxwell A Richards CE Tidy G Mayhead H Robson S Tilley J McCafferty A Rodwell J Tomlinson N McGibbon R Rogers C Tooth ND McMillan JD Rogers L Travers S Mear B Rosenthal A Trubridge M

192 Dorset Bird Report 2009 PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS

Spoonbill, Wareham Channel, 16th Jun 2010, Nick Hopper ...... Front Cover Balearic Shearwater, off Portland, 2nd Aug 2009, Nick Stantiford...... p37 Great Shearwater, at Sea, 19th Feb 2009, James Phillips...... p37 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), Sandbanks, 10th May 2009, Nick Hopper...... p38 th Aug 2009, Nick Hopper...... p38 th Sep 2009, Nick Hopper ...... p77 Yellow-legged Gull (first-winter), Ferrybridge, 15 Grey Phalarope, Dodding’s Farm Cressbeds, 27th Aug 2009, Kevin Lane...... p77 Greenshank, Brownsea Island, 25 Crane, Morden Bog, 18th Apr 2009, Nick Hopper...... p78 Turtle Dove, Portland, 24th May 2009, Nick Hopper...... p78 Eastern Subalpine Warbler, Portland Bill, 9th May 2009, Nick Hopper...... Cirtrine Wagtail, Lodmoor, 6th May 2009, Steve Carey...... p115 Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Avalanche Road, Portland, 1st May 2009, Martin Cade. . . p115 Collared Flycatcher, Southwell, 28th Apr 2009, Pete Saunders ...... p116 p115 Radde’s Warbler, Abbotsbury Swannery, 31st Oct 2009, Steve Hales...... th Aug 2009, Mike Morse ...... p157 Firecrest, Studland, 12th Nov 2009, Nick Hopper...... Bluethroat, West Bexington, 15 p157 th Aug 2009, Mike Morse ...... p177 p158 Collared Flycatcher/Crowd Photo, Southwell, Pete Saunders...... p180-181 Bluethroat, West Bexington, 15 Sanderling, Studland Beach, 8th Dec 2009, Nick Hopper...... Back Cover

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 heartening, as is the continued support of the other conservation organisations and clubs operating within the county in providing the DBC with copies of their records or annual reports for inclusion in the county report .

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 balanced account of the status of each species within each year . Thanks are also due to the contributors of articles, maps, gazetteers and photographs, whose inclusion greatly enhances the report . Kevin Lane 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, The club also operates a program of guided walks to local nature hotspots, which are free to members .

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