Bird Report 2011

Published August 2013

© 2013 Dorset Bird Club

2011 Dorset Bird Report 1

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 1 27/08/2013 12:51 Taylor Andrews Ltd CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS

Worried about Self-Assessment? Need help with your Tax Returns or Accounts?

With over 30 years’ experience of Accounts and Tax for small businesses and individuals, why not let us ease your worries?

We will deal with HM Revenue & Customs on your behalf and ensure that all forms are completed correctly and on time, thus avoiding fines and penalties. We will also advise you how to keep your tax bill as low as possible.

For a free initial consultation, please call Mark Andrews on 01202 398923 email: [email protected]

2 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 2 27/08/2013 12:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2011

CONTENTS

...... 5 ...... 5 Report Production Team ...... 6-7 Current Committee of the Dorset Bird Club ...... 8-11 Notes for Contributors ...... 12-16 Review and Highlights of 2011 ...... 17 The Dorset List NotesSystematic to Systematic List for List2011...... 18-172 ...... 174-175 Escapes 173 ...... 176-177 Pending and Requested Records ...... 178-184 Dorset Bird Ringing – Summary for 2011 ...... 185-191 Dorset Bird Ringing – Selected Recoveries in 2011 M Cade and I Dodd...... Dorset Bird Ringing – County Totals up to end of 2011 J Phillips...... 194 Paddyfield Warbler 192-193 Mike Morse...... 195 Cory’s Shearwater ...... 196-198 Great Reed Warbler in 1961 ...... County Map ...... 204-206 Gazetteer 199-203 ...... List of Contributors ...... Photographic Credits Inside Back Cover Acknowledgments Inside Back Cover

2011 Dorset Bird Report 3

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 3 27/08/2013 12:51 We offer

Tailor-made birding & wildlife tours Specialists in out-of-print Themed birding and wildlife walks NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS Local guides for groups Books bought & sold Illustrated wildlife talks UK & overseas wildlife tours and guides Log on to our website for a full stock list or contact us for a copy Check out our website or contact us of our latest catalogue for further details

www.callunabooks.co.uk www.dorsetbirdingandwildlife.co.uk [email protected] [email protected]

Neil Gartshore, Moor Edge, 2 Bere Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4DD 01929 552560

4 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 4 27/08/2013 12:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2011

PRODUCTION TEAM

Editor:

Species Accounts: Kevin Lane

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

Map: Kevin Sayer

Gazetteer: Nick Hull

Dorset Records Panel: Nick Hull

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

Neil Gartshore (Chairman), Moor Edge, 2 Bere Road, Wareham BH20 4DD Jol Mitchell (Conservation), 4 Gover Close, Ridge, Wareham BH20 3BU Kevin Lane (County Recorder & Report Editor), 42 Twin Oaks Close, Broadstone BH18 8JF Ian Lewis (Indoor Meetings), 20 Heights Road, Upton, Poole BH16 5QL Diana Dyer (Membership), 3 Osmay Road, 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

2011 Dorset Bird Report 5

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 5 27/08/2013 12:51 NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

Please refer to ‘The Dorset List’, on pages 12 - 16, 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 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 6 27/08/2013 12:51 WHEN SHOULD I SUBMIT MY RECORDS? as soon after the sighting as possible Recordswww.bbrc.org.uk of birds requiring full written descriptions should be submitted . National raritywww.dorsetbirds.org.uk forms can be downloaded from the BBRC website ( ). DRP forms are downloadable from either the ‘Dorset List’ or ‘Dorset Decisions’ pages of the DBC website ( ). Both forms are also available from the County Recorder.

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

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

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

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

Excel

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

2011 Dorset Bird Report 7

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 7 27/08/2013 12:51 REVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS OF 2011 Kevin Lane (records marked * are subject to acceptance by the relevant committee)

An excellent year with 278 species recorded, the same as 2008, and one of the best years on record.2002 The table below2004 shows2005 the annual2006 totals2007 for the last2008 10 years.2009 2010 2011 267 276 269 270 268 258 278 261 258 278 2003 Siberian Stonechat Two species were added to the Dorset list in 2011. The first was courtesy of being elevated to a full species from itsPaddyfield former treatment Warbler as a race of Stonechat. The most recent record of this species was in 2008 and the relevent totals in the table above have been updated. The419 second addition was , with Dorset’s long- awaited first record being trapped and ringed along The Fleet shoreline at Cuttcleaves. The Dorset list now stands at species. Red- flanked Bluetail Stilt Sandpiper Red-breasted Goose Spotted Sandpiper ThereBlyth’s was an Reed excellent Warbler supporting cast of DorsetPallid rarities Swifts this year, consistingBlue-winged of the 2ndTeal Hume’s Warbler and Whiskered , Tern4th Black Stork, 5th Black-winged andStilt Gull-billed, the Tern 5th andSquacco 6th Heron , the 6th and Savi’s Warbler , the 7th , theGlossy 9th Ibis ,Long-billed the 10th Dowitcher and the 12th and . In addition to these came the first since 1996, 2 more records of and the , which first arrived in 2010. January to March

Barnacle Geese Pale-bellied BrentsThe year startedBlack with Brants the usual assortment of overwintering wildfowlLong-tailed from 2010, Ducks including were up to 84 on The Fleet and a Black-neckedfurther 42 at Lytchett Grebes Bay. Up to 7 and 3 also remained on The Fleet. Up to 3 in Poole Harbour. The wintering flock of in Studland Bay hit an impressive 80 birds late in the month. Bewick’s Swans White-fronted Geese Smew Goosander . 2 Cattle Egrets Other wildfowl that appeared during this period included a scattering of records of Great White , Egret , & Long-billed Dowitcher were near Alderholt on the Dorset/Hampshire border for a couple of weeks from mid-FebruaryStone Curlews and a was at Corfe Mullen on 3rd Jan. A Ring-billed Gulls remained from 2010 and was seen at Lodmoor, Radipole Lake and Poole Park. Single flew over Christchurch (22nd Mar)Glaucous and Hengistbury Gull (28th Mar). were present in Poole Park from 5th Feb to 28th Mar, Stanpit 12th to 19th Mar and Radipole Lake 4th to 11th Feb. The year’sWaxwings first turned up at Stanpit on 3rd andSiberian 4th. Chiffchaffs Great Grey GoodShrikes numbers of were spreadRaven across the county and up to 4 were present on Portland. It was a good couple of months to catchStarlings up with , with several birds present. A roost in westMealy Dorset Redpoll produced a record total for the county of 181 birds on 3rd Feb, whilst an impressive roost of in Poole town centre was estimated at anything up to 100,000 birds. A was trapped in a Ferndown garden on 19th Mar.

8 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 8 27/08/2013 12:51 April Garganey Cattle Egrets Black Stork A reasonable spring for saw birds turningLong-billed up at many Dowitcher locations across the county. were at (from 24th) and Lodmoor (30th). A flew over Morden Bog on 29th.Pale-bellied The overwintering Brents remained all month. Night Herons A Dorset record 235 were in and later Bar-tailed past West GodwitsBexington on 16th. were at (15th), West Bexington (16th to 18th) and Stour Valley LNR (from 17th). There was a spectacular passage of along the coast,Whiskered with 6,000 Tern birds passing on 28thGlaucous Apr alone. Gulls Bee-eater Poole Harbour’s first was at Swineham on 10th. were at APortland Short-toed (5th) Lark and Abbotsbury Beach (12th). A was at VerneRed-flanked Common (30th).Bluetail Woodchat Shrike was at Portland Bill (3rd to 11th). Dorset’s 2nd was at Durlston 2nd to 6th.Red-rumped A Swallows was at Lytchett Bay on 10th. Blue-headed Wagtail It was a good month for Ortolan with birds recorded at Stanpit, Southwell, Portland Bill, Wareham and West Bexington. A was at Longham Lakes on 5th, with a male there on 17th. May A Cattle Egret Great White Egret Black Stork Goshawk was at on 1stBlack-winged and 2nd, whilst Stilt a was at Lodmoor on 7th. LastTemminck’s month’s Stint flew over Lytchett Bay (1st). A Night Heronflew over Portland Bill (10th). The first Dorset for 21 years was at Radipole Lake on 20th. A was at Christchurch Harbour on 4th. A Yellow-leggedwas at Radipole Gulls Lake (8th). Gull-billed Tern Bee-eaters again bred on BrownseaRed-rumped Lagoon, hatching Swallow 2 chicks, 1 of which went on to fledge. A was at Stanpit on 17th. were at Portland Bill/ Blue-headedWakeham (6th/7th) Wagtails and Durlston (9th). A was at WickGrey-headed on 12th. Wagtail Savi’s Warbler Golden Orioles were at Barleycrates Lane on 8th and 21st, with a there on 20th.Red-backed A Shrike held territory at Lodmoor fromCommon 11th until Rosefinch 1st June. were recorded on Portland (9th, 11th and 25th) and Hengistbury Head (13th to 16th). A was on Porland (7th & 8th). A was at Verne Common (25th). June A Purple Heron Marsh Harriers Montagu’s Harrier was in the Dorset portion of SuttonBee-eater Bingham Reservoir on 8th. Short-toedbred Lark successfully at both LodmoorCommon and Radipole Rosefinch Lake. The year’s only was in a traditional breeding area on 5th. A was at Weston on 3rd. A was at Wick (16th) & a was at Verne Common (3rd). July A Cory’s Shearwater Great White Egret Goshawk Stone Curlew was just off (29th). A colour-ringedStilt Sandpiper was at Sturminster Marshall 18th to 21st. A was at the Bridging Camp on 11th. A was at Lodmoor (1st). Dorset’s second was at Lodmoor from 24th. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 9

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 9 27/08/2013 12:51 Long-tailed Skuas Paddyfield Warbler Unseasonable Melodious were Warblers at Christchurch Harbour (4th) and Abbotsbury Beach/Cogden Beach on 7th. Dorset’s first was trapped at Cuttcleaves Cove, The Fleet on 21st. were on Portland (28th and 31st). August Cattle Egret Purple Heron A breeding-plumagedStilt Sandpiper was in the Lower AvonRed-necked Valley between Phalarope 20th and 23rd and a flew overCory’s both Shearwater Christchurch Harbour and Avon Causeway on 21st. The remained at Lodmoor until 7th. A was on Ring-billedBrownsea Lagoon Gulls (26th). A passed St Aldhelm’sAquatic HeadWarbler on 31st. Melodious Warblers were at Stanpit on 3rd and from 28th. An was trapped and ringed at Lytchett Bay on 20th. were on Portland (10th, 22nd and 30th) and at Hengistbury (12th). September Leach’s Petrel Squacco Heron Great White Egrets The year’s onlyGlossy Ibis passed (20th).Spoonbill A was photographed at Little Sea, Studland onCrane 21st. 2 were at Radipole on 28th and the first Buff-breasted of the Sandpipersyear turned up at Stanpit (30th). numbers peaked at 28 birds in Poole Harbour and a Pectoralwas Sandpipers over the Lower Avon Valley/Christchurch area on 16th. were on Brownsea Lagoon (12th) and Chaldon Down (up to 4 birds - 13th to 20th). were at Arne Moors (11th) and Abbotsbury Swannery (27th).Grey Phalarope Sabine’s GalesGulls produced a flurry of records, including one found Ring-billeddead in a garden Gull well inland at Ltychett Matravers. Also affected by the adverse weather were , with some very obliging individuals turning up mid-month. The Aremained Richard’s at StanpitPipit until 9th. Blyth’s Reed Warbler Melodious Warbler Red- backed Shrikes was over Abbotsbury on 27th and a was trapped at PortlandOrtolan BillBunting on 27th. Another Bee-eater was on Portland (5th to 8th). were at Stour Valley (1st), Avon Heath (19th) and Lodmoor (from 24th). An was at Wick on 1st. A was at Colehill on 25th. October 2 Black Brants Red-breasted Goose Night Heron Great Whitereturned Egrets to winter on The Fleet and Dorset’s 4th was Glossyat Stanpit Ibis (18th - 28th) and then The Fleet (30th/31st). A was at Blandford Goshawks(4th). were at Brands Bay (27th) and OsmingtonPectoral Bay Sandpiper (28th). Up to 3 remained at Stanpit until 17th, with a different individual turning up on 28th. were at Stanpit (20th) and Hengistbury (26th). A was at AAbbotsbury Caspian Gull Swannery on 15th. Siberian Chiffchaff was at Radipole on 16th, withYellow-browed a different bird Warblers turning up there on 29th. This bird then visited Portland Pallas’sBill on 30th Warblers and Radipole again on 31st. A was at Wakeham between 15th andRed-backed 20th. Shrike were in many locations duringRose-coloured the month, whilst Starling showed up at Verne Common,Twite Pennsylvania Castle and Hengistbury Head. The was still on Lodmoor (1st). CHOG’s first was at Hengistbury Head on 19th and a flew over there on 28th. 10 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 10 27/08/2013 12:51 November Whooper Swan Cattle Egret Glossy Ibis Black TheKite year’s only was at StanpitCrane on 6th. A was at Hengistbury 24th - 27th and aSpotted Sandpiper remained across the harbour at Stanpit all month. A was over north Portland on 6th. A was in the Weymouth/Fleet area between 6th and 14th. A was discovered at on 18th and remained there all month.Mediterranean Gull Ring-billed Gull Little Auk The county record was smashed again this month when 600 were present in the Ferrybridge area. A was at Radipole on 30th. A Pallidflew east Swifts off Hengistbury on 9th. Shore Lark Hume’s Warbler were at Durlston (4th) and Ferrybridge/Langton Herring (11th - 12th).Dusky A Warbler was at Mudeford Quay/StanpitPallas’s Marsh onWarblers 22nd and 23rd. A was found near Littlesea Holiday Park on 23rd and remained present into 2012. A was trapped at PBO on 7th. were at Hengistbury Head, Pennsylvania Castle and . Great Grey Shrike Rose-coloured Starling The second winter period’s only regular Ortolan was at Wyke Down from 20th andTwite another was at Coombe Heath, Arne on 15th. A was at Lodmoor from 13th (until 3rd Dec) and Portland’s latest ever was at the Bill on 1st. Another flew over Hengistbury on 7th. December Long-tailed Duck Pale-bellied Brent Geese Blue-winged Teal Just 1 Ring-necked returned Ducks to winter in Poole Harbour and up to 23 were on The Fleet. A Smew was located at Longham Lakes on 3rd and 2 Cattlewere Egret at Chard Junction GPs/Forde Abbey from 24th - Glossyboth species Ibis remained into 2012. The only Goshawk during the latter end of the year was at LonghamSpotted Lakes Sandpiper from 24th. A was near East Holme on 20th and 23rd and the remained at Stanpit until 6th. A was in the Lower Avon Valley on 7th. Ring-billedThe Gulls was present all month, remaining into 2012. A Black Guillemot Little Auk were at Littlesea (21st) and at Radipole from 18th. Awas Richard’s off Portland Pipit from 10th into 2012 and a passed west off Durlston on 19th. Hume’s Warbler was found at Littlesea on 2nd and remained into 2012, whilst nearby, the remained present throughout the month.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 11

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 11 27/08/2013 12:51 THE DORSET LIST

NBLetters - Species in brackets recorded indenote 2011 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) (A) Quail (B C) (D) Pheasant (A) White-frontedBean Goose (D) Goose Golden (A) Pheasant Pink-footedGreylag Goose Goose (D) Red-throated (U) Diver (A) Black-throated Diver (A) Canada Goose (A) Great Northern Diver (A) BarnacleSnow Goose Goose (D) (A) Brent Goose (B C) (A) Red-breasted Goose (A) LittleWhite-billed Grebe Diver (D) Egyptian Goose (C F&L I) GreatPied-billed Crested Grebe Grebe (*) (*) Red-necked (BGrebe C) Shelduck (A) Slavonian Grebe (B C) MandarinRuddy Shelduck (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) (B I M) (B C) Sooty Shearwater (D) Mallard (B C M) ManxGreat ShearwaterShearwater (D) PintailGreen-winged Teal (D) Balearic Shearwater (A) Garganey (B C M) (A) Blue-winged (C M S) Teal Storm Petrel (A) Shoveler (A) Leach’sMacaronesian Petrel Shearwater (*) Red-crested Pochard (*) Gannet (A) Pochard (C M S) Cormorant (D) Ring-necked Duck (A) Shag (I M) (B C M) Bittern (B C I) Tufted Duck (D) (B C I) ScaupFerruginous Duck (D) (A) (B C M) NightAmerican Heron Bittern (*) Eider (A) SquaccoLittle Bittern Heron (*) Lesser Scaup (*) Cattle Egret (D) Long-tailed (A) Duck Little Egret (*) CommonKing Eider Scoter (*) Great White (D)Egret (A) Grey Heron (A) Velvet Scoter (C M) Purple Heron (D) Surf Scoter (D) Black Stork (B C) Goldeneye (A) (D) SmewBufflehead (*) Glossy Ibis (*) Red-breasted (C MMerganser S) SpoonbillWhite Stork (D) Goosander (A) Honey Buzzard (*) Ruddy Duck (C I M S) Black Kite (A) (A) (D) (A) (D) 12 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 12 27/08/2013 12:51 Red Kite

Marsh Harrier (A) PectoralWhite-rumped Sandpiper Sandpiper (D) HenWhite-tailed Harrier Eagle (*) Baird’s Sandpiper (*) (A) Curlew Sandpiper (D) Montagu’s Harrier (A) StiltSharp-tailed Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) GoshawkPallid Harrier (*) Purple Sandpiper (A) Sparrowhawk (D) Dunlin (*) Buzzard (D) (A) (B M) Buff-breasted (C M) Sandpiper Osprey (B C M) RuffBroad-billed Sandpiper (*) KestrelRough-legged Buzzard (D) Jack Snipe (D) (A) Snipe (A) Merlin (B M) (A) HobbyRed-footed Falcon (D) Long-billed (B C M) Dowitcher (A) WoodcockGreat Snipe (*) Peregrine (A) Black-tailed Godwit (*) WaterGyr Falcon Rail (*) Bar-tailed Godwit(A) (B I) Whimbrel (C M) (B C M) Curlew (C M) Spotted Crake (D) (C F&L M) Little Crake (*) (B C M) MoorhenBaillon’s Crake (*) CommonUpland Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) Corncrake (D) SpottedTerek Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) Coot (B C M) Green Sandpiper (C M W) CraneAllen’s Gallinule (*) Spotted Redshank (*) (B C M) Greenshank (C M) (D) (C M) OystercatcherLittle Bustard (*) (C M) Black-wingedGreat Bustard (*) Stilt WoodLesser SandpiperYellowlegs (*) Avocet (B C M) RedshankMarsh Sandpiper (*) Stone Curlew (*) Turnstone (A) (A) (B C M) (A) Red-necked (C Phalarope M) LittleCream-coloured Ringed Plover Courser (*) GreyWilson’s Phalarope Phalarope (*) RingedCollared Plover Pratincole (*) Pomarine Skua (D) (A) Arctic Skua (A) (B C M) Long-tailed Skua (A) Kentish Plover (D) Great Skua (A) Dotterel (D) (D) GoldenAmerican Plover Golden Plover (D) Sabine’s Gull (A) GreyPacific Plover Golden Plover (*) KittiwakeIvory Gull (*) (C M) (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 Semipalmated Sandpiper (*) CommonFranklin’s GullGull (*) LittleWestern Stint Sandpiper (*) Ring-billed Gull (A) Temminck’sRed-necked Stint Stint (*) Lesser Black-backed (C M S) Gull (A) (D) (D) (B C M) 2011 Dorset Bird Report 13

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 13 27/08/2013 12:51 Herring Gull Hoopoe Yellow-legged Gull Wryneck Caspian Gull (B C M) Green Woodpecker (A) (A) Great Spotted (A) Woodpecker (D) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (B) GlaucousAmerican HerringGull Gull (*) (B M) IcelandGreat Black-backed Gull (A) Gull Short-toed Lark (A) (A) Calandra Lark (*) (B C M) Woodlark (D) LittleSooty Tern (*) SkylarkLesser Short-toed Lark (*) Gull-billedBridled Tern Tern (*) Shore Lark (A) (B C F&L M) Sand Martin (B C M) Whiskered Tern (*) Swallow (D) BlackCaspian Tern Tern (*) House Martin (B C F&L M) (*) Red-rumped (B C F&LSwallow M) Sandwich Tern (A) (B C F&L M) White-winged Black Tern (D) Richard’s Pipit (D) (B C F&L M) Cliff Swallow (*) CommonLesser Crested Tern Tern (*) (D) RoseateForster’s TernTern (*) Blyth’s Pipit (*) Arctic Tern (B F&L I M) TreeTawny Pipit Pipit (D) Guillemot (A) Olive-backed Pipit (*) Razorbill (A) Meadow Pipit (A) Black Guillemot (B I M) Pechora Pipit (*) Little Auk (B I M) Rock Pipit (B C M) Puffin (D) WaterRed-throated Pipit Pipit (D) (A) Yellow Wagtail (B C M) Feral Pigeon (A) (A) StockPallas’s Dove Sandgrouse (*) Grey Wagtail (A) Woodpigeon (C U) White/PiedCitrine Wagtail Wagtail (*) Collared Dove (C M) Waxwing (B C M) Turtle Dove (C M) Dipper (B C M) Ring-necked Parakeet (C M) Wren (A) (A) (A) Cuckoo (A) Dunnock (U) Great Spotted Cuckoo (*) Brown Thrasher (*) Barn Owl (B F&L M) Robin (U) Yellow-billed Cuckoo (*) Alpine Accentor (*) Little Owl (A) Nightingale (M U) TawnyScops Owl Owl (*) Thrush Nightingale (*) Long-eared (A) Owl (A) Short-eared (B Owl C) Red-flankedSiberian Rubythroat Bluetail (*) Nightjar (A) BlackBluethroat Redstart (D) (A) Redstart (*) (A) Whinchat (A) SwiftEgyptian Nightjar (*) Stonechat (B F&L M) PallidCommon Swift Nighthawk (*) (B F&L M) (B C F&L M) Wheatear (B C M) (*) Siberian Stonechat (*) KingfisherAlpine Swift (D) (B F&L M) Bee-eaterLittle Swift (*) Pied Wheatear (*) (A) Black-eared Wheatear (*) (D) Desert Wheatear (*) Roller (*) Rock Thrush (*) 14 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 14 27/08/2013 12:51 Ring Ouzel BlackbirdGrey-cheeked Thrush (*) PiedRed-breasted Flycatcher Flycatcher (D) (A) BeardedCollared Flycatcher Tit (*) Fieldfare (M U) Long-tailed Tit (A) SongBlack-throated Thrush Thrush (*) Blue Tit (A) Redwing (C F&L M) Great Tit (B C) Mistle Thrush (B M) Coal Tit (U) (C F&L M) (U) Cetti’s Warbler (B M) Marsh Tit (B C) American Robin (*) WillowNuthatch Tit (D) (A) (B C) GrasshopperFan-tailed Warbler Warbler (*) Treecreeper (B C) Savi’sPallas’s Warbler Grasshopper Warbler (*) Wallcreeper (*) Aquatic Warbler (A) (B C) Sedge Warbler (*) GoldenShort-toed Oriole Treecreeper (*) Paddyfield Warbler (D) Penduline Tit (*) Blyth’s Reed Warbler (B F&L M) Red-backed Shrike (D) (*) Isabelline Shrike (*) Reed Warbler (*) Great Grey Shrike (A) Marsh Warbler (D) Lesser Grey Shrike (*) (B F&L M) Woodchat Shrike (A) Great Reed Warbler (*) JaySouthern Grey Shrike (*) Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (*) Magpie (D) Booted Warbler (*) (B M) MelodiousSykes’s Warbler Warbler (*) (C) BlackcapIcterine Warbler (D) JackdawNutcracker (*) Garden Warbler (D) RookChough (D) (B M W) Carrion Crow (C M) Lesser Whitethroat (B F&L M) (C) Barred Warbler (D) Raven (C) (B F&L M) StarlingHooded Crow (A) WhitethroatOrphean Warbler (*) Rose-coloured (A) Starling DartfordAsian Desert Warbler Warbler (*) House Sparrow (C M) Subalpine Warbler (B F&L M) Tree Sparrow (D) (B M) (C M) (D) Chaffinch (A) Sardinian Warbler (*) BramblingRed-eyed Vireo (*) Pallas’sGreenish Warbler Warbler (D) Serin (C M) Yellow-browedArctic Warbler (*) Warbler Greenfinch (A) Hume’s Warbler (D) Goldfinch (A) (A) Siskin (C M) Dusky Warbler (*) Linnet (C M) Radde’s Warbler (D) Twite (B C M) (D) Lesser (BRedpoll C M) WoodWestern Warbler Bonelli’s Warbler (*) Mealy (D)Redpoll ChiffchaffEastern Bonelli’s Warbler (*) (B C M) (A) (D) Willow Warbler (B M W) CrossbillArctic Redpoll (D) IberianGoldcrest Chiffchaff (*) CommonTwo-barred Rosefinch Crossbill (*) Firecrest (B F&L M) Bullfinch (A) Spotted Flycatcher(B M) Hawfinch (D) (A) (B C M) (B F&L M) (A) 2011 Dorset Bird Report 15

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 15 27/08/2013 12:51 Ortolan Bunting

Northern Parula (*) (A) Northern Waterthrush (*) Rustic Bunting (D) LaplandSavannah Bunting Sparrow (*) ReedLittle Bunting (D) SnowDark-eyed Bunting Junco (*) Yellow-breasted Bunting (*) (A) Corn Bunting (B C M) Yellowhammer (A) Black-headed Bunting (*) Pine Bunting (*) (A) (B C) TotalBobolink – 419 (*) (2011 – 278) Cirl Bunting (D)

Selected Identifiable Subspecies

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

16 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 16 27/08/2013 12:51 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2011

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, Bird-days:a site is of international importance if it holds more than 20,000 birds in winter.

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.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 17

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 17 27/08/2013 12:51 MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Common breeding resident and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Widespread and conspicuous breeding species present on water bodies throughout the county. Breeding records were received from; Abbotsbury Swannery (120 pairs), Bardolf Farm (pair with 5 cygnets), Bere Regis CBs (2 pairs), Canford Bridge (pair with 5 cygnets in Jun), Christchurch Harbour (4 nests but only 1 bird fledged), Crichel Lake (pair with 1 cygnet on 13th Jun), Dorchester water meadows (8 cygnets on 22nd May), Hatch Pond (pair with 3 fledged cygnets), Holes Bay (5 cygnets 25th May), Lodmoor (3 pairs and 12 cygnets on 23rd Jun), Poole Park (pair present), Radipole Lake (2 pairs and 8 cygnets), Swineham (5 cygnets on 28th May), Warmwell Quarry (pair with 1 cygnet fledged) and West Bexington (pair with 5 cygnets on 30th May).

120 pairs at the Swannery is the lowest breeding total since 106 pairs in 1997 (recent maximum 173 pairs in 2005). At Christchurch 7 cygnets from a brood of 8 were reported Sitelost aftermaxima: a night of heavy rain in June. Apr Sep Nov 1 11 47 82 178 287 89 160 Jan Feb46 Mar May77 Jun81 Jul Aug41 60 Oct25 65 122Dec Christchurch Harbour 448 742 626 774 640135 706 502133 *CoordinatedPoole Harbour harbour count261* taken on 8th34 Jan. 83 The Fleet 563 563 783 732 530 Other significant counts:

127 were in Holes Bay on 8th Jan, 58 at Longham Lakes on 18th Sep and 56 on Crichel Lake 20th Dec. BEWICK’S SWAN Cygnus columbianus Scarce winter visitor - has become less regular.

First Winter Period:

Longham Lakes 8 birds were on floods near Hampreston 18th – 21st Jan with 6 remaining on 22nd and at least 4 on 23rd. Lower Avon Valley A single bird flew north up the valley on 26th Jan. Lower Frome Valley 8 were seen from Worgret on 17th Jan and were then at Bestwall/Arne moors on 18th Jan. Mid Frome Valley 2 birds were near Lewell Mill on 1st Jan and 9 were reported at nearby Norris Mill on 8th Jan with 7 birds (3 ads and 4 juvs) present between there and Tincleton until 12th Jan. 2 birds remained near Tincleton on 17th Jan. Rodden 8 flew north on 17th Jan. West Bexington 8 flew west on 17th Jan.

18 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 18 27/08/2013 12:51 A single flock of 8 birds crossing the county probably accounts for the records from 17th to 23rd Jan, whilst another group was settled in the Tincleton area in the first part of the year.

The Frome valley between West Stafford and Woodsford was a traditional wintering site for this species with often 100+ birds present, but numbers collapsed to virtually nil after 1997. WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus Scarce winter visitor.

There was only one record this year. P Morrison et al

Stanpit Marsh An adult on the Bight on 6th Nov ( , photo). WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons albifrons Uncommon winter visitor.

First winter period:

Bardolf Farm A single bird was in the water meadows 25th Jan – 15th Feb. Christchurch Harbour 6 (3 ads and 3 juvs) were at Wick on 1st Jan. Lodmoor 1 bird was present 26th Feb – 2nd Mar and 5th – 10th Mar. Lower Avon Valley 8 were briefly off Tinyard Lane, Winkton on 1st Jan, whilst 10 were on the Dorset bank on 6th and 11 on the 14th Jan. Poole 5 flew low west at Penn Hill on 30th Jan. Wareham A flock of 19 were on the fields at Bestwall 2nd – 11th Jan and 10 reported from Swineham on 18th Jan may well have been part of the same group. SecondWoodsford winter period: 1 on 17th Apr.

Abbotsbury Swannery 2 adults and 3 juvs were on the meadow 25th Nov. Durlston 25w on 14th Oct. GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Locally common feral breeding resident.

Breeding:

Despite the presence of feral populations in Poole Park and the Avon Valley the only breeding Selectedrecord received other records:was of a pair with 4 juveniles on Brownsea Lagoon.

Avon Causeway 283 on 24th Aug. Winkton Dairy Fields 155 on 4th Jan. Poole Park 119 on 24th Jun.

The above maxima relate to the established feral population.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 19

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 19 27/08/2013 12:51 First winter period:

Christchurch Harbour 32 east over Wick on 9th Jan. Durlston 2 on 13th Mar, 1 on 17th Mar and 4 on 21st Apr Lodmoor 2 birds present briefly on 9th Jan before flying off north west at least 1 of which was wearing a neck collar. Longham Lakes 2 birds were on Hampreston fields 10th – 15th Jan, one of which was wearing a Swedish blue neck collar. SecondPoole Harbour winter period: 51 recorded during the coordinated count made on 8th Jan.

(Autumn 2011 was notable for an influx of wild Grey Geese into Britain some of which are likely to be included in the following sightings.)

Abbotsbury Swannery 14 flew north on 15th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 39 on 4 dates from 31st Oct to 22nd Nov. Durlston 1e on 11th Oct and 5 on 15th Oct. Lodmoor 23 flew north on 16th Nov. Lytchett Bay 36 east and 32 west between 3rd Oct and 23rd Nov. Old Harry 7 south east on 14th Oct. Portland 14 east on 3 dates from 9th – 14th Nov. West Bexington 4 north east on 14th Nov.

GREY GOOSE Sp

Durlston 2 distantly offshore on 2nd Feb - probably White-fronted. Lytchett Bay 15w 16th Oct & 25w 14th Nov. The October flock were heard calling & thought not to be either Greylags or White-fronts. West Bexington 2 in flight on 2nd Mar were probably Pink-footed. Weymouth Bay 46w on 30th Jan were probably White-fronted. CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeding records were received from Bardolf Farm (pair with 6 goslings), Chard Junction GPs (pair with 4 goslings), Compton Vallence (pair with 6 goslings on 28th Apr), Crichel Lake (pair with 2 goslings on 13th Jun), Dorchester water meadows (18 goslings on 22nd May), Holes Bay (pair with 6 goslings on 6th May), Lodmoor (5 pairs, with a total of 17 goslings), Longham (pair with 6 goslings on 10th May), Portland Harbour (pair with 2 goslings on the breakwater), Sturminster Marshall GP (2 broods), Toller Whelme (pair with 6 goslings) and SiteWoodsford maxima: (pair with 3 goslings on 15th May).

Lodmoor 749 on 22nd Aug. Poole Harbour A total of 750 birds were recorded in the whole harbour area during the coordinated count taken on 8th Jan.

20 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 20 27/08/2013 12:51 BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis Rare winter visitor & passage migrant in a wild state & scarce feral resident.

First winter period:

Abbotsbury Swannery A flock was present throughout January until 8th Feb. Peak count was 84 on 1st Jan and 57 remained on 31st Jan. 2 feral birds were present intermittently 15th May - 8th Jun. Lodmoor 2 feral birds on 15th May. Longham Lakes A single bird was on flooded fields 12th and 13th Jan. Lytchett Bay 42 birds remained from 2010 until 14th Jan. Swineham 53 birds were seen circling over on 19th Feb before heading towards Poole. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 flew east on 19th Apr. West Bexington 2 east on 6th Feb, 50 east on 8th Feb, 1 east on 2nd Mar. SecondWinkton winter Dairy period: 1 present 2nd to 4th Jan.

Lytchett Bay 12 birds circled but did not settle on 17th Dec. Middlebere 13 present on 18th Dec with 4 there 28th – 31st Dec. Stanpit Marsh 4 birds on 26th Dec. Swineham 4 birds seen here on 27th Dec. Rodden Flock of 37 on 31st Dec.

Significant numbers of wintering birds for the 2nd year running (3rd winter).

The 4 birds at Christchurch and Poole Harbour after Christmas are thought to be the same and the group of 12 or 13 in Poole are likely to be so too. DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla bernicla Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 120 148 150 9 1 1 1 14 207 Jan Feb Mar404 May4 Jun Jul Aug Oct84 758 701Dec Christchurch Harbour 312 332 12822413* 712 200 1025 2240 *CoordinatedPoole Harbour harbour count taken300 on 8th Jan.3 3 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 1937 Coastal passage: Bird-days Apr Sep Nov 128 121 Jan Feb49 Mar22 May1 Jun Jul Aug 20 Oct18 59 Dec5 Hengistbury Head 63 283 Portland Bill 131 123

2011 Dorset Bird Report 21

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 21 27/08/2013 12:51 Branta bernicla hrota Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant. PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE First winter period:

Durlston 7 past on 24th Feb and 2 past on 20th Mar. Poole Harbour Max of 4 at Middlebere 11th Jan. Final bird reported at Arne on 11th Mar. 3 birds were also seen at Baiter on 6th Jan. SpringThe Fleet passage: At least 7 were at Butterstreet on 1st Feb.

Lodmoor/Weymouth 4w plus 12 on the sea on 2nd Apr. 7 in Newtons Cove on 7th Apr. 235 Weymouth Bay then west on 16th Apr were also seen at West Bexington, 67 birds still Weymouth Bay on 17th. Portland Bill 2 west on 13th Apr. SecondThe huge winter flock in period: Wemouth Bay appears to be the largest ever recorded in Dorset.

Christchurch Harbour 1 at Stanpit 5th - 7th Nov. Poole Harbour 6 in Parkstone Bay 30th Nov & 5 Studland Bay 10th - 31st Dec. The Fleet 2 at Littlesea on 13th Oct and a maximum count of 23 at Autumn passage: Butterstreet on 3rd Dec.

Durlston 6 on 19th Nov. Lodmoor 7 on 31st Oct. Portland Bill 2 flew east on 6th Nov. Branta bernicla nigricans Scarce winter visitor - first recorded in 1991, annual since 2004. BLACK BRANT First winter period: MO

TheSecond Fleet winter period: 3 adults present from 2010 to at least 4th Mar ( , photo). CE Richards et al The Fleet At least 2 birds present from 16th Oct into 2012 ( , photo). RED-BREASTED GOOSE Branta ruficollis Accidental - 3 previous records.

EC Brett DH Taylor et al Stanpit Marsh A first winter bird was with Brent Geese 18th – 28th Oct ( , B Spencer, photo) beforeet al moving to the Exe estuary via Ferrybridge on 30th Oct and Abbotsbury Swannery on 31st ( , photo).

This was the 4th Dorset record following birds in 1983/4 (Avon Valley), 2003 (Studland) and 2006/7 (Ferrybridge/The Fleet/Poole Harbour). 22 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 22 27/08/2013 12:51 EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca Uncommon resident.

Breeding:

Lower Avon Valley A pair with 3 goslings on 11th Jun confirms breeding for the Other records: first time within Dorset, although it was suspected in 2010.

Arne 2 on 22nd Dec. Chard Junction GPs 1 on 10th Apr. Christchurch Harbour 2 on 10th and 3 on 22nd Dec. Longham Lakes 2 on 17th Jan and 30th Apr. Lower Avon Valley The population in the valley continues to increase. Maximum of 18 birds between the causeway and Winkton dairy fields. Lytchett Bay 3 in flight on 5th May and 2nd Nov. Stour Valley LNR 2 on 21st Apr and 4 on 13th Sep. SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna Locally common breeding resident & fairly common winter visitor.

Breeding:

Records were received from Avon Causeway (5 young 11th Jun), Brownsea (3 broods), Christchurch Harbour (pair & 3 surviving juvs in mid Jul), Lodmoor (2 pairs, up to 17 young Site29th maxima: Jul), Middlebere (22 young 18th Jul), The Fleet at Langton (2 pairs with up to 13 young). Apr Sep Nov 17 21 29 16 1 10 10 Jan Feb Mar 108 May Jun Jul Aug Oct19 Dec Christchurch Harbour 31 34 2198* 8 68 65 15 7 27 *CoordinatedPoole Harbour harbour count taken on334 8th Jan. 381 973 The Fleet 23 31 33 3

MANDARIN Aix galericulata Uncommon breeding resident, mainly along the Stour valley.

Breeding:

Breeding records were received from Canford Park, Eyebridge (6 juvs on 13th Jun) and AllMerley other Park, records: where 3 pairs bred in nest boxes.

Abbotsbury Swannery 2 on 7th Nov. Bardolf Farm Pair on 8th May. Chard Junction GPs Maximum count of 14 in Sep. 1 on 3 dates Jan- Mar. Forde Abbey Maximum of 6 on 26th Dec. Longham Lakes 1 bird reported on 11 dates between 13th Apr and 5th Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 23

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 23 27/08/2013 12:51 Lytchett Bay A drake 17th – 19th Mar. Mangerton Mill A drake on 27th Sep. Morden Park Lake A drake on 2nd and 4th Jan. Moreton 2 drakes and a duck on the Frome just east of the ford Rushcombe Bottom 3 on 7th Jan. Tadnoll 1 on 22nd and 30th May. Warmwell 2 on 23rd Apr. West Bexington 1 on 28th May. WIGEON Anas penelope Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 669 171 1 6 186 488 Jan 268Feb Mar 80 May Jun Jul Aug6 78 Oct 792 765Dec Bardolf Farm 839 208 2 1 16 1162 Christchurch Harbour 238 382 3 323 3437* 2000 60 4 2 1 5 1999 *CoordinatedPoole Harbour harbour count taken239 on 8th Jan, (inc 1,9943 birds counted3 in Holes300 Bay1203 alone). The Fleet 2635 2333 2833 Coastal passage: Bird-days Apr Sep Nov 20 4 5 16 1 7 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct48 Dec Durlston 11 5 6 16 Hengistbury Head 33 193 Portland Bill 3 GADWALL Anas strepera Uncommon breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Records were received from Brownsea (3 well grown young on 5th Jun) and Lodmoor (4 ducklings on 13th Jun and 5 full grown young on 25th Aug). 5 fledged young at Hatch Pond Siteon 19th maxima: Jul are thought to have hatched nearby. Apr Sep Nov 6 2 2 6 6 7 7 2 17 1 Jan75 Feb69 Mar 6 May4 Jun2 Jul Aug 22 Oct 84 140Dec Christchurch Harbour 26 10 10 2 2 2 10 1 15 14 14 Crichel Lake 24 38 10 20 32 40 117 Hatch Pond 11 16 9 13 102 Lodmoor 25 10 16 30 90 Poole Harbour 408* 2035 10 7 27 38 *CoordinatedRadipole Lake harbour count35 taken on 8th31 Jan. The Fleet 130 3

As the table above suggests, this species is particularly susceptible to incomplete or inconsistent counting.

24 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 24 27/08/2013 12:51 Coastal passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 24 4 4 5 12 Jan1 Feb6 Mar1 8 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Hengistbury Head 3 3 Portland TEAL Anas crecca Scarce breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteNo records maxima: received. Apr Sep Nov 154 107 24 196Jan Feb66 Mar102 12 May Jun Jul7 Aug17 25 Oct 109 Dec Bardolf Farm 77 12 1 1 1 2 10 2 4 1237 103 Christchurch Harbour 100 2 34 250 316 Hatch Pond 1046 44613 170 464 944 274538 Lodmoor 330 3 2604*106 74 55 10 62 200 200 Poole Harbour 540 400 195 47 13080 104360 461 479 1000 Radipole Lake 21 356 8 1131 46 *CoordinatedThe Fleet harbour count taken on 8th Jan. West Bexington 73 35 300 Coastal passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 44 166 Jan6 Feb Mar17 May Jun Jul Aug1 7 Oct18 4 Dec Christchurch Harbour Portland 53 MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Very common breeding resident & winter visitor.

Breeding:

SiteA widespread maxima: breeding species, at least 53 broods were reported throughout the county. Apr Sep Nov 21 9 85 77 82 64 102 Jan71 Feb26 Mar28 18 May15 Jun27 Jul82 Aug56 66 Oct72 145 Dec Christchurch Harbour 40 2835 21 26 45 80 51 54 63 Crichel Lake 56 50 70 50 87 100 73 Hatch Pond 5834 8531 12037 19843 Lodmoor 250 250 250 100 200 110 250 250 100 Poole Harbour 481*62 72 49 47 56 57 76 8131 72 107 82 Radipole Lake 257 148 92 188 269 570 562 496 Sherborne Lake 71 40 26 8 10 10 1 2 17 16 51 59 The Fleet 36248 28 10 11 12 188384 613 72 37998 52 *CoordinatedWest Bexington harbour count taken on 8th Jan. Wimborne St Giles 36 130

2011 Dorset Bird Report 25

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 25 27/08/2013 12:51 PINTAIL Anas acuta Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 6 14 14 7 9 16 Jan2 Feb10 Mar12 May Jun Jul Aug Oct 8 Dec14 Christchurch Harbour 216 95 6 2 5 3 87 95 Lower Avon Valley 116 75 28 8 72 170 200 Poole Harbour The Fleet

A high count of 216 reported at Arne Bay on the 8th Jan. Also reported at Christchurch CoastalHarbour, passage: Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lytchett Bay, Radipole Lake and West Bexington. Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 1 9 10 15 10 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 26 Dec Christchurch Harbour Portland GARGANEY Anas querquedula Uncommon passage migrant - has occasionally bred.

Spring passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery Drake on 14th Apr. 2 drakes, 1 female on 4 dates between 16th & 19th Apr. Drake on 7 dates between 22nd & 28th Apr. Creekmoor Ponds 2 drakes and 1 female on 13th Apr. Christchurch Harbour 1 flew over on 15th May. Delph Woods 1 on 19th Apr. Hatch Pond 1 drake on 24th Apr. Hengistbury Head Single drakes on 4th and 22nd Apr. Holes Bay NW 1 drake on 24th Apr. Langton Hive Point 1 on 12th Apr. Longham Lakes Pair on 13th Apr. 2 pairs 14th - 17th Apr. 2 pairs on 19th Apr. Lodmoor 2 drakes on 12th May. 2 drakes, 1 female on 13th May. 2 drakes on 15th May. Radipole Lake A pair 3rd - 5th Apr at North Hide. 1 on 20th Apr. AutumnRodden Hive passage: 1 drake on 11th Apr.

Christchurch Harbour 1 on 8th Aug. 1 on 18th Aug - flew north up river. 1 on 14th Oct. ExtremeLodmoor dates: 2 on 13th Aug. 1 on 22nd Aug.

Radipole Lake on 3rd Apr and Christchurch Harbour on 14th Oct.

26 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 26 27/08/2013 12:51 BLUE-WINGED TEAL Anas discors Very rare visitor - 5 previous records.

GP Green et al

Longham Lakes A fem/1w from 3rd Dec into 2012 ( , photo).

The 6th record for Dorset following birds in 1982 (Sutton Bingham Reservoir), 1989 (Stanpit Marsh), 1991 & 1999 (Abbotsbury Swannery) and 2001 (Stanpit Marsh). SHOVELER Anas clypeata Scarce breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteNo direct maxima: evidence of breeding this year. Apr Sep Nov 6 14 14 7 9 16 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct40 40 Dec Christchurch Harbour 6 5 3 1 1 Lodmoor 9613 12 47 4 167 Lower Avon Valley 26 2 Poole Harbour 3 2 Radipole Lake 71 42 57 4 15 26 40 120 Swineham GP 32 2733 2 1 20 The Fleet West Bexington 30 37

Also recorded at Bardolf Water Meadows, Critchel Lake, Hatch Pond, Longham Lakes, Moors CoastalValley CP, passage: Stalbridge, Sturminster Marshall GP and Wimborne St Giles.

Christchurch Harbour 6 in Feb, 2 in May, 5 in Jul, 16 in Aug, 1 in Sep and 3 in Nov. Portland 13 in Apr, 1 in Jul and 2 in Aug. St Aldhelm’s Head 2 flew past in Apr. RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Scarce visitor - esp. winter, from feral populations on the continent or inland Britain.

First winter period:

Little Sea, Studland 1 drake on 15 dates between 1st Jan and 23rd Apr. OtherLodmoor records: 1 on 20th Feb.

Binnegar GP 1 on 1st Aug. River Stour, Wimborne Up to 2 birds present throughout, considered local escapes. Swineham GP 1 drake on 10 dates between 24th Apr and 19th Jul.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 27

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 27 27/08/2013 12:51 POCHARD Aythya ferina Scarce breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteOnly maxima: firm breeding evidence - 2 chicks on 23rd Jun at Lodmoor. Apr Sep Nov 125 12 2 50 40 108Jan 150Feb Mar2 May4 Jun Jul2 Aug 2 Oct5 12 100Dec Lodmoor 225 5 1 1 1 2 1357 21 Longham Lakes 40 8 Poole Harbour 560 15 12 8 4 17 194 510 550 Radipole Lake 3 The Fleet 530 230

Birds were also recorded during the year at Bardolf Water Meadows, Canford Bridge, Christchurch Harbour, Crichel Lake (a max of 140 birds in Feb, which included 90 drakes). Durlston (15 past on 8th Jan), Hatch Pond, Moors Valley CP, Portland, Sherborne Lake, Sturminster Marshall GP and West Bexington. RING-NECKED DUCK Aythya collaris Very rare winter visitor & passage migrant - c20 previous records.

All records:

Chard Junction GPs AA drake Grinter on 24thK Harris Dec, thenD Helliar 2 drakes et al 25th Dec into 2012 either here or on the Great Pond at nearby Forde Abbey ( , , , photo).

These two birds were also seen at Chard Reservoir, just over the border in Somerset, for a few days in mid December 2011. TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Locally common breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reports of breeding were received from: Bride Valley Fish Farm (1 female with 4 chicks 20th Jun), Brownsea (3 broods in Jul), Lodmoor (at least 4 pairs bred - 3 chicks on 12th Jun, with another brood of 5 on 22nd Jun. 2 more broods in Jul), Longham Lakes (17 broods totalling 122 chicks on 13th Aug), Morden Park Lake (1 female with 6 chicks on 12th Jun) Siteand Swinehammaxima: GP (1 female with 3 chicks on 4th Sep). Apr Sep Nov 92 1 1 2 1 6 2 1 9 2 Jan40 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec40 Christchurch Harbour 65 57 3 10 11 Lodmoor 150 150 150 80 50 Poole Harbour 269 94 15 51 24 215 21023 260 Radipole Lake The Fleet 573 350 13 237

28 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 28 27/08/2013 12:51 Also recorded at Bardolf Farm, Bride Valley Fish Farm, Chard Junction GPs, Crichel Lake, Hatch Pond, Lower Avon Valley, Lytchett Bay, Merley Hall Farm, Moors Valley CP, Morden Bog, Morden Park Lake, St Aldhelm’s Head, Sturminster Marshall GP, Swineham GP, Watton, CoastalWest Bexington passage: and Wimborne St Giles.

Christchurch Harbour Movements recorded as follows: 2w off Hengistbury on 16th Mar, 10w off Hengistbury on 13th Jul, 1 over Hengistbury on 10th Sep, 1 past Hengistbury on 13th Oct and 23 over Whitepits on 12th Nov. Portland 2 past on 2nd May. SCAUP Aythya marila Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 19 6 1 1 4 Jan5 Feb1 Mar1 May Jun Jul Aug Oct1 Dec1 Abbotsbury Swannery 33 341 1 Lodmoor OtherSwineham records: GP

Bardolf Farm 1 (1st winter bird) on 18th Jan. Butterstreet Cove 7 on 8th Jan. Canford Bridge 1 on 15th Feb. Christchurch Harbour 1 on 3 dates 1st - 8th Jan, 2 on 15th - 16th Jan, 2 on 15th Mar. Longham Lakes 1 (1st winter bird) on 4th – 5th Dec. Poole Harbour 1 North Central Area on 2nd, 12 South Deeps on 8th, 9 on 22nd Jan, 2 on 6th Feb. Radipole Lake 1 (1st winter female) on 20th Mar. Aythya sp

AllAYTHYA records: HYBRID

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 23rd Mar (Pochard drake x Tufted duck). 1 on 9 dates between 22nd Mar - 17th Apr (possible female Scaup x Tufted Duck drake). Longham Lakes 1 on 3 dates between 3rd Dec - 5th Dec very closely resembled a drake Ferruginous Duck, although the head profile suggested some Pochard influence. Radipole Lake 1 on 23rd Mar (Lesser Scaup lookalike).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 29

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 29 27/08/2013 12:51 EIDER Somateria mollissima Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

Monthly totals: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 Jan1 Feb1 Mar 1 May1 Jun Jul Aug Oct1 1 Dec1 Hengistbury Head FirstPortland winter (all sites) period:

Durlston 2 past on 28th Jan. Poole Harbour At least 1 bird present within the harbour 1st Jan to 10th Feb, with 2 seen together on both 16th & 22nd Jan. Studland Bay 1 on 10th Jan, 4 on 11th Jan, 5 on 14th Jan, 3 on 16th Jan, 4 on 19th Jan, 6 on 22nd Jan, and 2 on 10th Feb. Passage:Weymouth Bay 1 on 9th Jan.

Durlston 2 past on 1st May. Portland West Cliffs 25 on 20th Apr. St Aldhelm’s Head 7 on 17th Apr. Weymouth Bay 8 on 20th May. SecondWest Bexington winter period: 1 on 10th May - Imm male flying east.

Durlston 2 past on 13th Nov and 1 on 1st Dec. Mudeford Quay 6e on 1st Dec. Poole Harbour 1 - 2 present 21st Nov into 2012 Studland Bay 1 on 12th Nov. LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

First winter period:

Poole Harbour 1 present from 2010 until 20th Feb, with 3 on 8th Jan and 2 on Coastal passage: both 22nd and 24th Jan.

Portland Bill 1w on 16th Dec. SecondChesil Beach winter period: 2 on 2nd May.

Poole Harbour 1 present 25th Nov until at least 19th Dec.

30 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 30 27/08/2013 12:51 COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra Locally common non-breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Coastal passage: Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 1 28 9 9 8 16 11 5 Jan85 Feb42 Mar60 May17 Jun Jul18 188Aug 112 Oct97 61 Dec77 2 434 336 83 2 6 11 28 5 Durlston 145 56 592 1459135 25232 459 278 507 170 174 Hengistbury Head 21 17 6 1213 2430 203 14 15 5 4 Portland Bill 384 306 West Bexington 23 VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

All records:

Abbotsbury Beach 2 on 2nd Jan. Christchurch Harbour 3w off Hengistbury 14th Mar, 6e off Hengistbury 15th Apr, 3e off Mudeford Quay 27th Oct, 1 past Hengistbury 7th Nov, 2w off Mudeford Quay 29th Nov, 2w off Mudeford Quay 2nd Dec. 3e off Hengistbury 4th Dec. Durlston Singles passed offshore on 17th Jan and 23rd Dec. Poole Harbour 3 on 20th Feb, 2 on 4 dates between 2nd - 3rd Mar, 2 on 5th Mar, 2 on 19th Mar, 3 on 5 dates between 17th - 22nd Nov, 1 on 3 dates between 25th - 27th Nov, 2 on 29th Nov, 1 on 3 dates between 30th Nov - 4th Dec. Portland Bill 7 settled off Portland Bill 2nd Jan. A spring passage total past Portland Bill of 30 between 2nd Mar - 22nd Apr. Southbourne Up to 7 offshore between 3rd Jan and 12th Feb. Studland Bay 2 on 4th Jan, 5 on 19th Jan, 2 on 13th Mar. West Bexington 3 on 4th Jan, 5 on 11th Jan, 5 on 17th Jan, 8 on 18th Jan, 8 on 30th Jan, 6 on 31st Jan, 2 on 2nd Feb. GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 2 1 2 Jan Feb50 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec85 Christchurch Harbour 54 503 1 2 8 Poole Harbour 133 36 OtherThe Fleet records:

Durlston 2 past on 14th Dec. Ferrybridge Max of 5 in both Jan and Feb. Longham Lakes 1 on 4 dates between 1st - 9th Jan, 3 on 13th Jan, 1 on 4 dates between 15th - 25th Jan, 1 on 8th Feb, 1 on 12th Feb. Swineham GP 2 on 18th Dec.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 31

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 31 27/08/2013 12:51 SMEW Mergellus albellus Scarce winter visitor, subject to cold weather influxes.

First winter period:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 23rd Jan, 1 on 31st Jan. Bramble Bush Bay 1 on 3rd Jan. Cowards Marsh 1 on 2nd & 3rd Jan. Hamworthy 1 on 1st Jan. Longham Lakes 2 on 1st - 2nd Jan, 1 on 3rd Jan, 4 on 8th Jan, up to 5 on 14 dates between 9th & 22nd Jan, up to 4 on 10 dates between 23rd Jan & 12th Feb. 1 on 8 dates between 20th Feb - 12th Mar. Swineham GP 2 on 1st Jan, 2 on 3rd Jan, 3 on 3 dates between 4th - 8th Jan, 1 on 31st Jan, 1 on 1st Feb. SecondWest Bexington winter period: 1 between 11th Jan & 4th Mar.

Longham Lakes 1 between 24th & 31st Dec. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator Fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 50 14 22 166 400Jan Feb Mar260 100 May4 Jun2 Jul1 Aug Oct40 250Dec Poole Harbour 130 123 OtherPortland records: Harbour/Fleet 350 223

Lodmoor 1 on 27th Oct. Longham Lakes 1 on 20th Nov. St Aldhelm’s Head 3 on dates between 30th Mar – 17th Apr. 3 on 24th Oct. Studland Bay First winter period peak of 42 on 19th Feb and a second Coastal passage: winter period peak of 75 on 7th Dec. Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 9 7 6 2 4 9 9 Jan19 Feb5 Mar May2 Jun Jul Aug Oct 16 Dec5 Durlston 4 2 4 8 Christchurch Harbour 3 3 3 Portland Bill 3

32 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 32 27/08/2013 12:51 GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Lower Avon Valley A water bailiff reported seeing a female with ducklings on a Summer reports: private sector of the river south of Avon Causeway in early May.

Christchurch Harbour An eclipse male and 2 juvs visited Christchurch Harbour on 2nd Jul, 7w over Whitepits on 17th Aug, 8 through the harbour First winter period: 20th Aug, 3n on 2nd Sep. 1n on 7th Sep, 1 on 25th Sep.

Christchurch Harbour 1 on 1st Jan, 2 on 2nd Jan, 3 on 3rd Jan, 1 on 9th Jan, 5 on 31st Jan. 1 flew down river on 22nd Feb. 1 flew up river on 12th Mar. Durlston 1w on 15th Jan. Longham Lakes Up to 6 were regularly present between 2nd Jan and 1st Apr. Lower Avon Valley 1 on 2nd Jan, 4 on 29th Jan, 2 on 30th Jan, 2 on 2nd Feb, 4 on 14th Feb, 3 on 24th Mar. Radipole Lake 1 on 9 dates between 1st – 28th Jan. 1 on 8th Mar. Shapwick 6 on 16th Jan, 11 on 30th Jan, 4 on 14th Feb, 5 on 20th Feb, 6 on 17th Feb, 9 on 14th Mar. SecondThe Fleet winter period: 2 on 4th Jan, 1 on 7th Feb, 1 on 8th Mar.

Christchurch Harbour 2 on 31st Oct, 1w off Mudeford Quay 21st Nov, 1 on 2nd Dec, 1s on 11th Dec. Longham Lakes 4 on 27th Nov. 1 on 6 dates between 9th – 31st Dec. Lower Avon Valley 3 on 23rd Dec, 2 on 24th Dec, 3on 27th Dec. Shapwick 9 on 12th Dec, 5 on 19th Dec.

Also recorded at Branksome Chine, Blandford, Lodmoor, Moors Valley CP, Newton’s Cove, Poole Harbour, , Spetisbury, Sturminster Marshall GP and West Bexington. RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis Uncommon breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

OtherNo breeding records: evidence recorded.

Abbotsbury Swannery 2, 19th – 21st Feb, 1 on 8th Mar, 1 on 2nd Apr. Lodmoor 1 on 8th Jan, 1 on 12th Jan, 3 on 8th Feb, 1 on 22nd Feb, 1 on 28th Feb. Up to 3 erratically present until 29th Apr. Poole Harbour 1 on 17th Nov. Radipole Lake 2 on 2nd & 3rd Jan. Swineham GP 2 on 15th Sep.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 33

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 33 27/08/2013 12:51 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Common, but declining, resident - augmented by releases.

Breeding:An under-reported species, with its status further confused by releases for shooting.

Bride Valley A pair with a well-grown chick on 16th May. Frampton Two adults and three young on 20th Aug. NotableWest Bexington records: A family group on 31st Jul; five juveniles together on 1st Aug.

SignificantArne counts (30 or more1 on 18thbirds): May is unusual for the area.

Langton Herring 70 on 20th Oct. Sutton Waldron 60 on 19th Oct, noted as released for shooting. Wimborne St Giles 30 on 19th Feb. GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Uncommon, declining resident.

This species is significantly better reported than Red-legged Partridge, despite the disparity Breeding:in numbers.

Wyke Down A family party including two juveniles on 25th Jun. AllGussage non-breeding St Andrew records: An adult with juveniles (number not reported) on 10th Aug.

Ackling Dyke 1 on 5th Jun. Chettle 5 on 28th Nov. Cranborne 8+, in pairs, on 27th Feb; 3 on 5th Mar. Gussage St Andrew 12 on 19th Oct. Handley Cross 2 on 27th Apr. Herbury Gore 1 on 31st Jan and again on 3rd Feb. Maiden Castle 4 on 20th Jan, 7+ on 23rd Jan; 6 on 26th Mar; 3 on 17th Apr; 2 (pair) on 6th May; 3 on 1st Sep; 4 on 28th Nov. Martinstown 2 on 1st Jan, 1 on 11th Jan, 9 on 19th Jan; 8 on 17th Feb; 2 on 6th & 16th Apr; 2 on 1st Sep; 2 on 1st Nov; 1 on 21st Dec. Minchington 2 on 6th Mar; 5 on 4th Dec, 1 on 20th Dec. Monkey Jump 4 on 19th Jan, 2 on 17th Feb, 2 on 6th Mar. Oakley Down 10 on 20th Dec. Sherford Bridge 2 on 12th May are unusual for the site. Winterborne Stickland 3 on 25th Dec. Winterbourne Came 1 on 14th Apr. Wyke Down 8 on 1st Jan; 2 - 6 on 6 dates from 31st Jan to 6th Mar; 1 - 2 on 6 dates from 22nd May to 9th Jun; 1 on 26th Nov; 5 on 11th Dec.

34 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 34 27/08/2013 12:51 QUAIL Coturnix coturnix Uncommon breeding visitor & passage migrant.

RecordsA good year, of singing with 11 birds locations in potential reporting breeding calling males. habitat:

Almer 1 on 29th Jun. Bardolf Farm 1 on 29th Jul. Bere Regis (Roke Farm) 5 on 3rd Jul. Frampton 2 on 20th Aug. Gussage Down 1 on 26th Apr. Gussage St Andrew 1 on 6th Aug, 1 on 23rd Aug. Maiden Castle 1 on 1st Jul. Martinstown 1 on five dates from 19th Jun to 4th Jul. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 1 - 2 birds on six dates from 15th Jun to 20th Jul, then 4 on 30th Jul and again on 2nd Aug. Throop 1 on 16th Jun. Passage:Wyke Down 1 - 3 on 12 dates from 22nd May to 23rd Jul.

Durlston 1 on 2nd Sep. 2 on 16th May. Portland, Barleycrates Ln 1 on 29th Jun. Portland Bill 1 on 3rd Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 16th Oct. 1 on 14th Sep. PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus Very common breeding resident - large numbers are released annually.

Breeding:An under-reported species; the picture is confused by releases for shooting.

Cogden Noted as breeding. Coombe Valley Apparently bred. Hengistbury Head Several pairs attempted to nest but success seems to have been poor as there were few reports of chicks. Lodmoor 4+ pairs attempted to nest. Redcliff Apparently bred. Stanpit Marsh 1 pair raised seven young. West Bexington Noted as breeding. OtherWick records: 1 - 2 pairs attempted to breed.

Langton Herring 150+ on 20th Oct. Sutton Waldron 200 on 19th Oct and 100 on 7th Nov are birds released for shooting.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 35

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 35 27/08/2013 12:51 GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophus pictus Uncommon introduced breeding resident on Brownsea & Furzey Islands, Poole Harbour.

The Poole Harbour population appears to be reasonably stable, with a confirmed population of at least ten birds. This is the highest confirmed number for some years. Records from Breeding:elsewhere relate to confirmed or presumed releases or escapes.

No confirmed records. Calling males were noted as follows: BrownseaAll other records: Island 3+ on 14th Apr; 2 on 28th Apr; 1 on 9th May; 5 on 18th May.

Abbotsbury Gardens 3 - 4 males released in the spring were seen irregularly for some time but numbers dwindled. Brownsea Island 9 (inc 4 males) on 8th Jan; 3 on 17th Feb; 4 males on 15th Dec. Furzey Island One male on 8th Jan; one male on 10th Apr. Godmanstone A “fairly tame” male on 13th May is presumed to be a release or escape. RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

The upward trend of recent years seems to continue, with (for example) one experienced patch-watcher recording his best ever year . The first winter period had the majority of the Settledrecords. birds: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 74 5 11 2 2 18 Jan4 Feb1 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec4 Cogden/West Bexington CoastalStudland passage:Bay Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 66 14 9 2 11 21 241Jan 108Feb Mar2 7 May11 Jun1 Jul Aug Oct 49 Dec Durlston 423 92 82 62 9 2 1 170131 Hengistbury Head 2 4 3 23 Portland Bill 319 13 UnusualSt Aldhelm’s records: Head 23

Abbotsbury Swannery A bird entangled in fishing line was present on five dates from 22nd Mar to 17th Apr, evading capture on at least three occasions. Lytchett Bay 1 on 5th - 6th Nov is only the third site record. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay A summer-plumaged bird on 20th Oct.

1st Jun at Christchurch Harbour and 11th Sep at Hengistbury Head.

36 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 36 27/08/2013 12:51 BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Settled birds: Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 4 4 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec CoastalPortland passage:Harbour Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 10 2 2 2 Jan9 Feb Mar1 1 May8 Jun Jul Aug Oct 1 Dec2 Durlston 1 2 10 7 1 13 Hengistbury Head 3 OtherPortland records: Bill 3

Branksome Chine 2 on 7th May. Hengistbury Head 1 on 12th Jan; 1 on 9th Oct. Poole Harbour Entrance 1 on 12th Jan. Single birds on 3 dates from 10th to 28th Dec. Southbourne 1 on 2nd Feb. St Aldhelm’s Head Single birds on 30th Mar, 13th and 17th Apr. West Bexington 1 on 22nd Dec. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 1 on 12 dates, 2nd Jan - 12th Apr & 6 dates, 18th Oct - 11th Dec.

20th May and 26th Sep, both at Portland. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

The picture for 2011 is rather uneven, with opinions varying from site to site. It was felt to be a fairly typical year by Portland observers. At Cogden reports were low; Weymouth Bay had a good year. Christchurch Harbour observers reported an above-average year. Differences in the reporting of detail make a consistent picture hard to come by. Other reports come Settledfrom sites birds: along the full length of the Dorset coast and Poole Harbour as far inland as Arne. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 4 1 8 Jan1 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 1 Dec4 Portland Harbour 38 4 7 9 1 10 Studland Bay CoastalWeymouth passage: Bay 3 Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 19 5 5 2 4 Jan5 Feb6 Mar 2 May10 Jun Jul Aug Oct2 8 Dec5 Durlston 2 23 83 1 63 6 Hengistbury Head ExtremePortland Bill dates: 33 3

6th Jun, West Bexington; 9th Oct, Hengistbury Head.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 37

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 37 27/08/2013 12:51 LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

This species seems to have had a mixed year. There were site records from Longham Lakes and Lytchett Bay; but the species did not breed on Hengistbury despite good winter numbers, winter numbers were low in the Avon Valley, and it was not recorded at all from Sturminster Marshall Gravel Pit, once a stronghold.

Breeding:The recent growth in recording of this species is heartening, and hopefully will continue.

Bardolf Farm Two pairs bred; at least three young were seen. Chard Junction GPs Three pairs with 7 young were seen in July. Cogden At least 3 territories were held. Higher Hyde Heath An adult with two young on 23rd Apr. Lodmoor At least 5 territories were held, and perhaps as many as nine; two different adults, each with a single chick, were seen in the late summer. Morden Park Lake A pair with a fledged juvenile on 10th Aug. Swineham GPs Two juveniles being fed by an adult on 20th Aug. Warmwell Quarry Three pairs held territory and two bred. SiteWest maxima: Bexington At least 2 territories were held. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 21 26 21 2 7 Jan2 Feb2 Mar9 1 May Jun Jul8 Aug10 Oct16 4 Dec20 Christchurch Harbour 21 8 1 25 1613 Longham Lakes 19 11 1 3 4 1537 16 25 Poole Harbour 5 7 4 2 5 4 7 4 2 The Fleet 13 36 OtherWimborne counts: St Giles 3

Bardolf Water Meadows Early winter peak of 2; late winter peak of 6 on 18th Dec. Crichel Lake 4 on 18th Sep. Ferrybridge/Portland Hbr Early winter peak of 14 (3rd Feb); late-winter peak of 6 (12th Nov). Hatch Pond Peak of 3 on 4th Mar. Holes Bay 13 on 29th Dec. Lodmoor Peak count of 13 in Dec (not dated). Longham Lakes 37 on 18th Sep is a site record. Lytchett Bay 12 on 9th Jan is a site record. Lower Avon Valley Early-winter peak of 16 (13th Feb); late-winter peak of 16 (18th Dec). Morden Park Lake 12 on 12th Mar; 14 on 3rd Apr. Sherford Bridge 6 on 14th Mar; 6 on 10th Apr. West Bexington Peak count of 5 on 21st Mar.

Also reported from Bridport, Brownsea Island, Canford Bridge, Furzey Island, Middlebere, Sherborne Lake, Swineham and along the River Stour.

38 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 38 27/08/2013 12:51 GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus Uncommon breeding resident & locally common winter visitor.

The harsh weather of the first winter period produced absences from several places (e.g. Hatch Pond) where this species could normally be expected in January. This may also be the cause of the huge flock off Southbourne, which provided a new Dorset record with 430 birds present on 30th Jan. West Bexington observers noted that reports were dependent on sea state, but felt the year-on-year trend was upward. By contrast, winter numbers in Breeding:Weymouth Bay were very poor, especially after the peaks of 2009 and 2010.

Hatch Pond Nesting by at least one pair produced two broods, in May and July (this of at least two chicks). However, it is thought that only one chick actually fledged. Lodmoor Three pairs nested. An adult carrying two juveniles was seen on 13th and 14th Jun. Two pairs, each with a single well-grown juvenile, were seen in August. Lower Avon Valley A maximum of three pairs is thought to have bred. Morden Park Lake At least one pair nested. An adult and well-grown juvenile were seen on 9th Jul. Radipole Lake At least eight pairs were present and at least two pairs nested. Sherborne A pair with two eggs in the nest on 25th Apr. Sturminster Marshall GP One pair nested but the single chick was not seen after 5th May. Swineham GPs One pair with a juvenile was seen on 25th May. SiteWarmwell maxima: Quarry One pair bred and fledged two young. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 14 4 2 2 2 6 1 1 Jan Feb7 Mar18 May16 Jun19 Jul Aug51 Oct 12 Dec20 Lodmoor 184 2 1 1 3 2 5 6 6 Longham Lakes 1063 30 36 1643 30 80 76 Poole Bay/Hengistbury 43040 40 5 4 12 28 Poole Harbour 1 8 7 9 13 6 9 6 Portland Harbour 11 44 33 2 14 12 Sherborne Lake 93 11 483 18 2 143 12 Studland Bay 6 21 54 46 19 20 10 18 Swineham GP 12 6 16 1 The Fleet 13 16 19 7 38 33 36 12 West Bexington 3 3 Elsewhere:Weymouth Bay 35

Reported from suitable locations throughout Dorset and along the coast. The Poole Bay feeding flock was noted at 150+ on 1st Jan, 180+ on 3rd Jan, 403 on 30th Jan, Roost430 on counts: 31st Jan, and by 8th Feb was down to184.

Fitzworth 76 on 8th Dec. Studland Bay 11 on 30th Dec.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 39

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 39 27/08/2013 12:51 RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant.

Settled birds: Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 1 1 1 Jan2 Feb1 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec2 Poole Bay/Studland 2 Portland Harbour Weymouth Bay

Brownsea Island 2 on 8th Jan. Chesil Cove 1 on 28th – 29th Jan Hengistbury Head 1 on 31st Jan. The Fleet 1 on 16th Jan. OtherWeymouth records: Bay 1 on 6th Jan.

Hengistbury Head 1w on 8th Oct, 1w on 4th Dec. ExtremePortland Billdates: 1w on 2nd Jan.

Portland Harbour 17th Feb; Shell Bay 13th Dec. SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

SettledNoted as birds: a good year by Christchurch Harbour observers. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 12 11 1 Jan Feb Mar1 May Jun Jul Aug Oct1 1 Dec6 Poole & Studland Bays 7 8 23 1 13 Poole Harbour 53 2 1 Portland Harbour OtherWeymouth locations: Bay

Abbotsbury Beach 8 on 2nd Jan. Abbotsbury Swannery 1-2 irregularly from 7th Feb to 1st Mar. Chesil Cove 1 on 29th Jan. Durlston 2 off Durlston Head on 9th Feb. Hengistbury Head 1 on 14th Nov, 1 on 20th Nov, 1 on 23rd Nov. Mudeford Quay 1 on 22nd Oct. 1 on 9th Nov, 2 on 18th Nov, 1 on 25th Nov. Osmington Bay 4 on 30th Jan. Portland Bill 2 on 21st Mar. 4 on 1st – 3rd Jan. 3 on 6th Mar. 1 on 4th Dec. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 2 on 2nd Jan, 1 on 19th Feb.

4th Apr, Portland Harbour. 22nd Oct, Mudeford Quay.

40 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 40 27/08/2013 12:51 BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Locally common winter visitor & passsage migrant.

Nationally-important numbers of this grebe are now gathering in Studland Bay in the winter, with the peak count of 80 birds on 25th Jan easily a Dorset record. Weymouth Bay numbers were greatly reduced after last year’s peak. Settled birds (including WeBS counts as appropriate): Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 80 77 15 18 42 49 Jan4 Feb6 Mar4 May Jun Jul Aug Oct 14 Dec11 Poole & Studland Bays 18 15 2 5 11 Poole Harbour FirstPortland winter Harbour period:

Abbotsbury Swannery 2 irregularly from 23rd Feb to 2nd Mar; 1 from 10th -12th May. Mudeford Quay 1 on 4th, 5th and 7th Jan. Hengistbury Head 1 on 24th Feb. Studland Bay The flock here peaked at 80 birds on 25th Jan, falling off after that date; compare the (much larger) Great Crested Grebe flock in Poole Bay. 1 in breeding plumage noted on 14th Mar. Weymouth Bay 2 on 1st-2nd Feb. 1, in partial summer plumage, 25th Feb – Second winter period: 1st Mar.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 4th Sep. Studland Bay Again considerable numbers built up quickly in the late Extreme dates: autumn, with the October peak doubling well before 14th Nov.

12th May and 4th Sep, Abbotsbury Swannery. FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis Locally common breeding resident & passage migrant.

An under-reported species. Reports are much reduced from 2009, but given the under- Breeding:reporting it is hard to tell the true state of affairs.

Burton Bradstock Noted as a breeding site, but no records submitted. Portland, Blacknor cliffs 10 chicks seen on 7th Aug. Portland, Grove cliffs 3 chicks seen on 9th Aug. Purbeck Seabird Survey 29 nests noted, no report of chicks, undated, at six sites from to White Nothe. This includes report of 8 nests at St Aldhelm’s Head, which presumably includes the two nests noted below. St Aldhelm’s Head 2 nests each with a chick on 26th Jul.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 41

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 41 27/08/2013 12:51 Birds were also reported on cliffs at West Bay on 14th Jul, but no evidence of nesting was seen.Coastal maxima: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1 70 Jan Feb6 Mar 17 May Jun6 Jul Aug9 6 Oct Dec Hengistbury Head 13 13 35 13 3 3 CoastalWest Bexington/Cogden movements: 30 3

Noted as an average year by Hengistbury recorders. It is worth noting that despite the doubling of Hengistbury records from April to May, the daily maxima rose from 10 birds to only 13.

Reports from other sites were of a maximum of five birds, apart from one notable record: OtherChesil Covenotable records: 70+ on 12th Jun.

proper . Several records over Lodmoor, one venturing as far inland as the bank behind Lodmoor

CORY’S SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea Rare passage migrant.

Two records this year: S Morrison J Phillips et al St Aldhelm’s Head 1 west on 31st Aug ( ). Weymouth Bay 1 just outside Portland Harbour on 29th Jul ( , photo). See also the article by the finder on page 194. SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus Uncommon autumn passage migrant.

An interesting year, with Portland submitting its first records for June, and its second set of records for January – probably relating to a bird seen in December 2010.

Chesil Cove 1 on 11th Sep, 2 on 20th Sep. Hengistbury Head 1 on 23rd Oct Mudeford Quay 1 on 29th Nov. Portland Bill 1 on 17th Jan and 26th Jan. 2 on 8th Jun, 3 on 17th Jun. In autumn 21, 5th Sep to 29th Nov. ExtremeSt Aldhelm’s dates: Head 1 on 3rd Sep, 4 on 6th Sep, 2 on 10th Sep.

January records aside, 8th Jun (Portland Bill) and 29th Nov (Mudeford Quay/Portland Bill).

42 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 42 27/08/2013 12:51 Blue-winged Teal at Longham Lakes - 5th December Kevin Lane

Red-breasted Goose at Stanpit Marsh - 25th October Kevin Lane

2011 Dorset Bird Report 43

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 43 27/08/2013 12:51 Night Heron at Stour Valley LNR - 20th April Kevin Lane

Glossy Ibis at Stanpit Marsh - 3rd November Kevin Lane

44 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 44 27/08/2013 12:51 MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus Fairly common passage migrant & non-breeding summer visitor.

The flock offshore at Portland Bill on 30th - 31st Aug, estimated at more than 10,000 birds, is unprecedented in the autumn - previous events of this magnitude have been in the spring. Records from St Aldhelm’s Head and Chesil Cove, while smaller, reflect this peak - the complete absence of a similar peak in Hengistbury records presumably indicating movement Coastalalong the passage: Channel rather than along the coast. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 40 102 109 8 561 254 2 Jan Feb Mar May40 Jun7 Jul Aug2 1 Oct2 Dec Durlston 1 5 1226 21288 2007 1 2 Hengistbury Head 45 123 4279 264 Portland Bill 95 8313176 3131 3597 9 66 1 St Aldhelm’s Head 43 Elsewhere:West Bexington 31 43

Abbotsbury Beach 18 on 23rd Jul, 30 on 30th Jul Chesil Cove 315 on 23rd May, c1000 on 31st Aug, 350 on 11th Sep. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 10 on 23rd May

17th Feb and 29th Nov, both at Portland Bill. BALEARIC SHEARWATER Puffinus mauretanicus Locally common non-breeding summer visitor, autumn passage migrant & occasional winter visitor, mainly off Portland.

A good year, though not up to the standards of 2007-8. A peak on 11th Sep produced a site Coastalrecord for passage: Chesil Cove and single records elsewhere on the coast. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 11 29 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun22 Jul4 Aug 5 Oct 1 Dec Durlston 7 93 84 409 25 2 Hengistbury Head 1 26 62 23 Portland Bill 83 3 AllSt Aldhelm’s other records: Head

Abbotsbury Beach 1 on 24th Apr. 2 on 3rd Sep. Branksome Chine 1 on 11th Sep. Chesil Cove 143 on 11th Sep is a site record. West Bexington 5 on 2nd Sep, 1 on 11th Sep, 3 on 17th Sep. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 1 on 18th Jul.

24th Apr Abbotsbury Beach and 26th Dec Portland Bill.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 45

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 45 27/08/2013 12:51 STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus Uncommon non-breeding summer visitor & autumn passage migrant.

AllA very records: poor year, with barely a handful of records.

Chesil Cove 2 on 12th Jun. Durlston 12 on 28th May, 1 on 29th May, 1 on 15th Jun. Hengistbury Head 5 on 28th May, 15 on 29th May, 2 on 30th May; 5 on 13th Jun, 2 on 22nd Jun. Portland Bill 6 trapped and ringed overnight 24th-25th May; 10 on 2nd Jun, 3 trapped and ringed overnight 13th-14th Jun; 3 on 6th Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 4th May ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 2 on 6th Sep, 1 on 12th Sep.

4th May (St Aldhelm’s Head) and 12th Sep (West Bexington). LEACH’S PETREL Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce autumn & winter visitor, subject to ‘wrecks’ in adverse weather.

AllOnly records: one record was submitted this year. CE Richards

Chesil Cove 1 on 20th Sep ( ). GANNET Morus bassanus Fairly common offshore all year.

It was generally considered to be a good year for this species. West Bexington observers note that birds were seen in every month, which is unusual. Hengistbury and St Aldhelm’s Head noted unusually large movements. Site maxima: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 800 6 20 50 154 200 40 185 600 70 Jan20 Feb20 Mar10 8 May40 142Jun Jul10 120Aug 62 250Oct 66 Dec11 Hengistbury Head 370 30 OtherWest Bexington sites:

Branksome Chine 369 on 5th Feb. Chesil Cove Peak count of 1,400 on 23rd Oct. Durlston Peak counts included 860 on 1st Jun, 1210 on 6th Jun and 729 on 23rd Oct. Portland Bill Maximum movement count of 2,000 on 4th Feb. St Aldhelm’s Head 2,004 on 23rd Oct was a site record.

46 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 46 27/08/2013 12:51 CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Locally common breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

The large Poole Bay flock of late 2010 persisted into early February, with an estimated peak of 800 birds and contributed to large counts in Christchurch Harbour and along the coast (e.g. at Branksome Chine on 5th Feb, Brownsea Island on 8th Jan); representative records only are presented. In the autumn and into winter the coastal flocks were notably smaller. Portland observers noted an unusually small spring movement, but autumn movements were more typical. West Bexington observers noted unusually large movements on two Breeding:occasions.

Ballard Down 44 pairs. 31 pairs. SiteWhite maxima: Nothe At least 39 pairs. Maxima Apr Sep Nov 454 425 44 81 75 62 56 409Jan Feb Mar12 May Jun 129Jul Aug60 Oct 274 119Dec Christchurch Harbour 15 9 4 9 9 379 4 7 2453 42 Poole Harbour 7 5 6 17 34 37350 55 Portland Harbour 14 12 5 25 10 17 13 19 30 26 Radipole Lake 32 The Fleet 30 32 35 43

Note that maxima may be statistical or reporting artefacts; for example, the Oct-Nov maxima at Radipole Lake come from counts on successive days (31st Oct and 1st Nov), and as such are not necessarily representative of a resident population.

Arne 60 on 17th Aug. Brands Bay 274 on 5th Nov. Branksome Chine 461 past in 2 hours on 8th Jan, up to 1000 past on 5th Feb, 540 past on 8th Feb. Brownsea Island 409 on 8th Jan; 129 on 20th Jul. Hengistbury Head 500 offshore on 31st Jan. 43 offshore on 8th Jul. Lyme Regis 24 on 27th Sep; cf. reports from West Bexington below. Lytchett Bay Peak count of 120 on 28th Oct. Portland Bill Passage: 12 north on 3 dates from 20th Apr to 4th May; 67 south on 12 dates from 25th Jul to 29th Sep. Southbourne 500+ offshore on 31st Jan. Stanpit 400+ on 15th, 25th and 30th Jan. Wareham Channel 297 on 22nd Oct. West Bexington A flock of c50 birds eastward on 29th Jul was unprecedented and noted as probably a good count for . InlandWeymouth records: Bay Daily movement across the bay of up to 25 birds.

Widely noted across the county on suitable rivers and bodies of water, in relatively small numbers.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 47

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 47 27/08/2013 12:51 Site maxima (inland): Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 26 10 12 12 4 1 2 22 18 18 26 50 Jan Feb5 Mar May1 Jun Jul4 Aug4 2 Oct1 10 Dec17 Longham Lakes 6 4 1 2 1 6 1 4 5 66 Sherborne Lake 13 Sturminster Marshall GP

Spetisbury 15 flew over northwest on 10th Dec. West Bexington 23 over, heading inland, on 4th Oct, noted as probably a good count for Lyme Bay.

Also reported inland from Bardolf Farm, Canford Bridge, Crichel Lake, Hatch Pond, Moors Valley CP, R. Avon, R. Stour, Woodsford water meadows (R. Frome). SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

The species remains under-recorded, but the Purbeck Seabird Survey makes a welcome Breeding:contribution.

Portland Bill At least one pair tried to breed, outcome unknown. OtherPurbeck records (all counts of55 10 active or more): nests were identified during a boat-based survey.

Chesil Cove Maxima of 40 on 25th Oct and 30th Nov. Hengistbury Head 62 on 8th Jan. 35 on 2nd Dec. Poole Harbour The Big Bird Day on 8th Jan counted 69 birds in and around the Harbour. 95 entered the harbour at dawn on 19th Nov. 79 entered the harbour in early morning on 20th Dec. Portland Harbour Maximum count of 70 on 14th Dec. Studland Bay 25 on 30th Nov. BITTERN Botaurus stellaris Uncommon winter visitor.

Hatch Pond, Lodmoor and Radipole Lake remain the best sites to see Bittern in Dorset. However, reports came from sites across the county in the first part of the year. It seems likely that birds were forced to move around during the hard weather in the early winter period, thus being easily seen. There were two late-summer records, both from Lodmoor and late enough to suggest passage. The second winter period produced records from only Firstfive sites. winter period:

Arne Moors 1 on 31st Jan. Briantspuddle 1 on 29th Jan. Chafey’s Lake 1 on 8th Mar.

48 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 48 27/08/2013 12:51 Cowards Marsh 1 on 2nd Jan. Hampreston 1 on 12th Jan. Hatch Pond 1-3 regularly from 1st Jan to 13th Mar, with 4 on 21st Feb, 1st Mar & 4th Mar. Birds were seen to depart on 12th & 13th Mar. Hyde 2 on 10th Feb. Lodmoor 1-2 regularly from 1st Jan to 30th Mar, with 3 on 28th Feb. Two departed east at dusk on 30th Mar. Longham Bridge 1 on 21st Jan. Middlebere 1 on 9th Jan. Radipole Lake 1-2 regularly from 1st Jan to 22nd Mar, with 3 on 9th and 15th Jan and 4 on 6th Jan. Sherborne Lake 1 on 16th Jan. Stanbridge 1 on 15th Jan – also reported from High Hall. Swineham Point 1 on 5th Mar. Trigon 1 on 10th Feb. Tuckton 1 on 23rd Jan. SpringWick and summer records:2 on 1st Jan, 1 on 2nd Jan, 1 on 6th Jan.

SecondLodmoor winter period: 1 on 30th Aug. 1 on 13th Sep.

Arne Moors 1 on 10th Dec. Hatch Pond 1 on 30th Sep; 2 on 20th Oct, then 1-3 regularly into 2012. Lodmoor 1 on 15 dates 9th Oct - 21st Dec. Radipole Lake 1 on 13th Nov. West Stour 1 from 7th – 9th Dec. NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax Very rare passage migrant - 21 previous records.

An excellent year with at least three birds in the spring and another in the autumn, and West AllBexington records: recording its first ever occurrence of the species.

S Griffith Abbotsbury Village An adult on 15th Apr - possiblyN Butt the same bird later seen at West Bexington ( ). L Phillips et al Blandford 1 on the Stour on 4th Oct ( ). Radipole Lake A first-summer bird on 8th May (L Bissell et al , photo). Stour Valley LNR An adult on 17th Apr, then from 19thN Avis - 24th et al Apr and on three dates from 29th Apr to 3rd May ( , photo). West Bexington An adult from 16th to 18th Apr ( , photo) - probably same at Abbotsbury.

The 22nd to 25th Dorset records and the first since 2006.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 49

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 49 27/08/2013 12:51 SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides Very rare passage migrant - c11 previous records.

The first record for Poole Harbour unfortunately didn’t linger long enough to be seen by anybody other than the lucky finder. G Yeomans

Little Sea, Studland A juvenile on 21st Sep ( , photo). CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis Very rare passage migrant but annual since 2005, with an influx of birds in 2007.

Quite a good year with 6 or 7 records. The distribution of records across the county and through the year provides some hope of more regular visits in the future.

The West Bexington bird provided the first record of this species for the site, and it seems likely that the same bird was also seen at Abbotsbury. The single Lodmoor record means a run of five records in the last seven years from that site. The year provided the seventh and Alleighth records: Christchurch Harbour records. SA Groves per info Abbotsbury Swannery services1 on 1st & 2nd May, probably the Bride Valley bird ( ). Alderholt 1-2 birds present regularly from 16th Feb to 2nd Mar ( , photo). KE Lane et al Avon Causeway A breeding plumaged birdIM between Lewis et 20th al and 23rd Aug, also visiting Stanpit Marsh on 22nd Aug ( D, Masserphoto). S East Holme 1Simmonds on 20th and et al23rd Dec ( , photo). Hengistbury Head 1 on the Salt Hurns on 24th, D26th Croxson and 27th Nov ( , , photo). Lodmoor 1 on 30th Apr flew off east ( , photo). West Bexington/Bride Val 1 regularlyAJ Barrett from M24th Morse Apr to 5th May, flying to and from the Bride Valley where it could often be found foraging during the day ( , , photo). LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeding success was noted as having been hit by the hard weather early in the year. Reports received were as follows:

Canford School 1-2 nests. Clifton Wood 2 nests. Mid-Dorset (confidential) c15 nests. Purbeck (confidential) 19 nests. Hengistbury Head 5 nests successfully reared young. Lower Avon Valley Reported to breed in “small numbers”.

50 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 50 27/08/2013 12:51 Site maxima: Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 9 2 2 4 5 5 8 4 Jan6 Feb5 Mar12 May8 Jun Jul Aug Oct17 Dec14 Bardolf Farm 13 23 4 5 5 14 29 24 1713 6 Christchurch Harbour 4 3 13 5638 33 4539 4733 Lytchett Bay 10 15 283 14 15 12 17 20 16 12 Poole Harbou 34 34 30 31 The Fleet 23 31

Arne At least 45 flew in to roost on 30th Sep. InlandLytchett records Bay of 10 or more29 onbirds: 29th Aug equals the site record set in 2010.

Bride Valley Fish Farm 10 on 6th Feb. Longham Lakes 13 on 17th Nov, 13 on 18th Dec. Shillingstone 20 on 3rd Mar. CoastalWimborne Movements: St Giles Lake 15 on 20th Nov, 21 on 18th Dec. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 6 1 1 4 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Portland Bill 3

Chesil Cove 1ne on 2nd May. Durlston 17 records during the year, including 5 on 28th Apr. Hengistbury Head 1 on 20th Apr, 1 on 21st Apr, 1w on 24th Apr. 3e on 2nd May. Lodmoor 8 in off 2nd Apr, 3 in off 18th Apr, 1 in off 24th Apr. Portland Harbour 20N on 27th Jun. Ringstead Bay 1E on 2nd May; 1W on 29th Aug. St Aldhelm’s Head 3E on 2nd May; 1W on 8th Sep, 1W on 10th Sep; 1E on 25th Oct. GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor - annual since 2002.

It is tempting to see the recent surge in records as a possible precursor to a Little Egret-style colonisation. However, it should be noted that several of these records seem to refer to a single individual. Sturminster Marshall Gravel Pits remains the best site in Dorset for this Allspecies, records: with records from eight of the last ten years. B Hunt I Lakin K Rylands et al Brands Bay 1 on 27th Oct (N Gibson). Lodmoor 1 on 7th May ( IM Stanley, et al , photo). Osmington Bay 1 on 28th Oct ( GP Green). et al Radipole Lake 2 on 28th Sep ( , photo). 2010Sturminster Addition: Marshall GPs 1 18th-21st Jul ( , photo).

Corfe Mullen 1 photographed 26th Dec, was also present on 3rd Jan 2011 (per J Adams, photo).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 51

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 51 27/08/2013 12:51 GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Fairly common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

This species was reported from many sites across Dorset. The hard weather in the early part of the year seems to have concentrated birds at Bride Valley Fish Farm, in numbers easily passing all other Dorset counts. Breeding performance is hard to monitor but the Breeding:overall number of nests remains roughly the same.

Canford School 19 nests. Clifton Wood 23 nests. Hengistbury Head Two nests failed early in the year; one pair raised four young from a second brood. Lower Avon Valley Reported to breed “in small numbers”. Mid-Dorset (confidential) 26 nests. SitePurbeck maxima: (confidential) 9 nests. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 4 2 2 2 4 2 4 4 Jan1 Feb1 Mar1 May Jun Jul2 Aug1 2 Oct2 Dec1 Christchurch Harbour 2 1 5 23 1 6 4 23 5 Crichel Lake 7 1 153 28 Longham Lakes 4 3 1 2 3 5 4 2 13 Poole Harbour 334 1 2 5 4 23 1 Sherborne Lake 1 1 2 2 5 63 2 4 2 13 The Fleet 3 3 Elsewhere:West Bexington 3

Bride Valley Fish Farm 44 on 2nd Jan; 70 on 23rd Jan; 35 on 6th Feb; 21 on 25th Feb; 19 on 17th Apr; 20 on 25th Apr; 12 on 20th Jul; 8 on 19th Nov. Lodmoor Maximum of 11. Radipole Lake Peak count of 7 on 13th Mar. West Bexington Peak count of 6, a return to more typical numbers after 2010. Coastal passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 5 6 4 10 5 6 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Portland Bill 3 3

East Bexington 4w on 19th Sep. Hengistbury Head 3 in off 30th Mar; 1e on 22nd Apr. 6w on 28th Sep; 5w on 13th Oct. 1e on 7th Nov. Lodmoor 12 over east on 2nd Apr. St Aldhelm’s Head 3w on 15th Oct, 1w on 27th Oct. Winspit 1s on 25th Oct.

52 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 52 27/08/2013 12:51 PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea Rare passage migrant.

There were two records this year. C Thomas

Avon Causeway A juvenile was seen on 21st Aug ( , photo) - same at Christchurch Harbour. MS Andrews Christchurch Harbour A juvenile was seen over the harbour on 21st Aug, the 21st since the first record in 1970 ( ). Same at Avon Causeway.N Smith T Farr et al Sutton Bingham Reservoir One at the south end of the reservoir on 8th Jun flew east at dusk ( , , photo). BLACK STORK Ciconia ciconia Very rare passage migrant - 8 previous records.

Both of the records below relate to the same individual.S Robson This was the 9th Dorset record.

Lytchett Bay 1 soaring on 1st May ( ) R Hastings Morden Bog 1 over on 29th Apr, and later that day an unidentified Stork sp in the same area may have been the same bird ( ). GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus Very rare passage migrant.

The general increase in records of exotic herons is reflected by the Christchuch birds, this being the third consecutive year this species has been recorded in Christchurch Harbour (the only previous record being in 1970). J Main P Morrison et al T Adamcik et al Stanpit 1 - 3 from 30th Sep to 17th Oct ( , , photo). 1 from 28th Oct to 6th Dec ( , photo). SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

For the last few years Poole Harbour has hosted up to 30 birds, thought to be Dutch in origin. Elsewhere in the county, the species is still an infrequent visitor. Thus, as in previous years, it is helpful to distinguish between birds in Poole Harbour and those elsewhere in the county. However, this year an attempt has also been made to distinguish settled birds from those on the move.

Christchurch Harbour observers reported only 14 birds this year, compared to 20 in 2009 and 25 in 2010.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 53

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 53 27/08/2013 12:51 Sadly, there is no hint of nesting here. There are no records from May this year and only single-bird reports from June and July. Clearly the Poole Harbour birds are still going elsewhere (presumably back to the Netherlands) to breed. The coherence of the flock is remarkable; there are very few reports of stragglers within the Harbour (though this may Poolebe a reporting Harbour artefact). records:

A flock of 8-9 birds moved around in the first quarter of the year, departing in the spring. The few summer records probably refer to just a single bird. From late August the flock grew rapidly from 4 birds on 23rd Aug (Arne) to a maximum of 28 birds on three dates from 30th Sep (Brownsea) to 7th Oct (Middlebere), after which the flock shrunk to about 15 birds in the second winter period. Brownsea Island, Arne and Middlebere were overwhelmingly the Sitefavoured maxima: areas for the flock. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 8 9 9 1 4 12 Jan8 Feb8 Mar May Jun1 Jul1 Aug4 28 Oct28 14 Dec15 Arne 8 8 7 2 1 203 28 16 14 Brownsea Lagoon Middlebere

Brands Bay 1 on 4th Sep. East Holme 1 on 31st Jul. Holes Bay 8 from 27th – 30th Jan. 3 on 15th Mar; 6 on 17th Dec. OtherWytch records:Channel 16 on 18th Sep.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 14th Mar. 1 on 25th – 26th Sep. 1 on 12th Oct. East Fleet 1 on 14th Nov. Lodmoor 1 on 8th Mar, then 2 from 9th -20th Mar, 1 on 23rd Mar, and a different bird (ringed) on 2nd Apr. 1 on 10th – 11th Sep. Radipole Lake 2 on 10th Mar. Rodden Hive 1 on 25th Sep; 1 on 10th Oct. Movements:Stanpit 1 on 6th Aug, 1 on 29th Aug.

Hengistbury Head 3w on 3rd Apr, 1w on 15th Apr, 1e on 9th Apr. 1w on 27th Jun. 1 in off on 30th Jun. 1w on 31st Aug. Portland Harbour 1 over on 9th Mar. Stanpit 2e on 21st Aug. 2 over on 12th Nov. West Bexington 1e on 14th Mar. Weymouth Bay 1e on 12th Mar.

54 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 54 27/08/2013 12:51 HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor - attempts to breed annually.

Breeding:

A pair bred successfully at one location, raising one juvenile. Birds were present from mid- SummerMay and displaying records: was observed in early June.

P Hadrill Undisclosed location 1 was seen some distance from any known currently active Spring passage: breeding sites on 22nd Jun ( ).

AutumnNone were passage: observed away from the regular breeding area in spring S Robson et al Lytchett Bay A pale adult male was present on Gthe Walbridge 14th & 15th Aug ( ). Portland 1 juvenile at Easton on 10th Oct ( ). BLACK KITE Milvus migrans Rare passage migrant - mainly spring.

There was one record: CE Richards Portland An adult over Fortuneswell and Verne Common on 6th Nov ( ).

This was the 28th record for Dorset and the first since 2008. RED KITE Milvus milvus Uncommon migrant/visitor, present throughout the year.

The year-on-year increase in records continues, with 222 in 2011 compared with 159 in 2010, 91 in 2009 and 74 in 2008. As in other years, sightings were scattered widely across the county with a marked peak in spring. Pairs were seen together in spring in several potential breeding areas and at one site a pair built a nest, however a couple of weeks later it had been abandoned.

As the species now appears to be on the verge of breeding, or at least attempting to breed, regularly in the county, we have chosen not to publish a list of sites where the species was seen during the year. We would urge all observers to continue sending records in, especially if displaying or other breeding activity is noted, so that the population can continue to be monitored.Records by month Apr Sep Nov 5 24 42 75 26 6 4 1 7 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec All sites 31 3

2011 Dorset Bird Report 55

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 55 27/08/2013 12:51 MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus Scarce breeding resident, uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding and Weymouth reserves records:

Weymouth RSPB Radipole Lake/Lodmoor: 2 each on 1st Jan; single birds seen at both sites until 25th Feb when a female and her immature male mate were observed nest building, near to the previous year’s site. The pair was seen displaying at Lodmoor throughout March while at Radipole Lake a single bird was present from 17th Mar and on 1st Apr a pair was skydancing with a single bird also present. The third bird remained at Radipole until 5th Apr. Food passes between birds were noted at both sites in June, confirming the presence of young. The first chick fledged at Radipole on 7th Jul and at Lodmoor on 10th Jul. By late Jul 4 juveniles were on the wing at Radipole and 2 at Lodmoor. However the families did not linger; the last sighting of the summer was of a juvenile at Lodmoor on 1st Aug. FirstWareham winter Channel period: 1 present on 5 dates in late May and 21 dates in Jun.

The Fleet 1 at Butterstreet Cove on 2nd Jan, 1 at Abbotsbury Swannery on 7th Jan and 16th Feb. Morden Bog 1 on 16th Mar. Poole Harbour 5 or 6 birds were present in Jan with up to 4 in Feb but only 1 or 2 in Mar. Peaks of 6 on 2nd and 8th Jan. Mainly seen at Arne, Coombe Heath, Middlebere, and Swineham Point but also noted at Bestwall, Brands Bay, Fitzworth, Holton Heath, Holton Lee, Lytchett Bay and Rempstone Ower Point. SpringWest Bexington passage: 1 on 4th Jan.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 1st May. Christchurch Harbour 1 flew north on 14th May. Durlston 1 on 11th Mar. Poole Harbour 2 sub-adult males were present at Hartland Moor from 6th to 11th Apr. At Godlingston Heath a young male was displaying on 5th and 7th May; also seen at Arne Moors and Little Sea. In the Wareham Channel 1 was present on 5 dates in late May and 21 dates in Jun. Also single birds on various dates at Lytchett Bay, Middlebere and Swineham Point. Portland 1 east on 30th Apr. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 flew in off the sea on 18th Apr. South Bockhampton 1 on 22nd Apr. West Bexington 1 on 22nd Apr.

56 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 56 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 22nd Aug and 1st Oct Christchurch Harbour Singles at Stanpit on 6th and 29th Jul, 23rd, 24th and 29th Aug, and 1st, 2nd, and 30th Sep. 1 at Wick Fields on 4th Oct and singles at Hengistbury on 14th and 17th Oct. Durlston During Sep, singles on 2nd, 18th, 21st and 24th. 1 on 10th Oct. Gussage Hill 1 on 14th Aug. Langton Herring 1 on 16th Sep. Lodmoor A female on 8th Sep was the first at the site for some weeks; 1 or 2 immatures were regular from mid-Sep until the end of the year. Longham Lakes Singles on 6th Aug and 14th Oct. Morden Bog Singles on 7th Aug, 28th Sep and 15th Oct. Poole Harbour A sub-adult male was seen regularly in the Wareham Channel from 13th Jul, with additional birds joining from 26th Jul. Numbers peaked in mid-Oct with at least 8 different birds recorded. Birds were seen most frequently at Arne (max 3 on 11th Sep), Lytchett Bay (max 3 on 20th Oct) and Wareham Channel (max 5 on 20th Oct), with 1 or 2 seen at Brownsea lagoon, Hartland Moor, Holton Heath, Holton Lee, Keysworth, Little Sea (Studland), Middlebere, Upton and Wytch Channel. SecondWest Bexington winter period: 1 on 29th Jul.

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 1st and 11th Nov. Christchurch Harbour A young bird was seen regularly around Wick and Stanpit during Dec. This is the first time an individual has appeared to over-winter in the area. Cowards Marsh 1 on 30th Nov. Holton Lee Singles on 1st and 16th Dec. Lodmoor 1-2 immatures regular from start of Oct until end of year. Poole Harbour Up to at least 7 birds were present in west Poole Harbour throughout Nov and Dec. Mainly seen in Lytchett Bay (max 6 on 19th Dec), Middlebere (max 5 on 27th Nov), Wareham Channel (max 7 on 13th Dec) with birds also occasionally observed at Arne and Brands Bay. Radipole Lake 1 on 18th Dec. West Bexington A sub-adult male on 11th Nov and a female on 20th Dec.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 57

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 57 27/08/2013 12:51 HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Another disappointing year overall, with the lightest spring passage for some years, and a Firstdearth winter of winter period: records in the west.

Abbotsbury Swannery Several sightings in early Jan (roosting). Cranborne Singles on 16th and 27th Feb and 5th Mar. Durlston 1 on 29th Jan. Gussage Down Singles on 1st, 20th and 29th Jan and 4th Mar. Holt Heath 2 on 28th Jan, singles on 8th and 24th Feb. Morden Bog Singles on 16th Feb and 11th and 20th Mar. Poole Harbour At least 5 different birds in Wareham Channel and Hartland Moor during Jan and at least 4 there in Feb; 1 or 2 occasionally reported from Arne, Holton Lee, Keysworth, Lytchett Bay, Middlebere and Soldier’s Road. Wyke Down 1 on 1st Jan, then 1 or 2 birds (a male and a ringtail) on 20 bird-days between 9th Jan and 14th Mar.

Also recorded on 1 or 2 dates from Daggers Gate (9th Jan), Kingston Lacy (21st Mar), Minchington (5th Feb), Rodden Hive (1st Jan); Rollington (10th Mar), Tarrant Ruston Roosts:Airfield (9th Jan and 30th Mar), Wick (8th Jan), Winterborne Stickland (21st Jan).

Abbotsbury Swannery At least three (1+ male and 2 ringtails) between 1st and 7th Jan. East Dorset (confidential) 4 on 4th & 14th Jan & up to 4 in Mar (5 different birds involved). SpringWest Poole passage: Harbour Up to 4 roosting in Jan.

Hartland Moor A ringtail on four dates between 9th and 19th Apr. AutumnWyke Down passage: A ringtail on 29th Apr.

Abbotsbury Swannery A ringtail on 29th Oct. Chaldon Down A juvenile on 14th Sep. Durlston Singles on 17th Oct, 9th Nov, 13th Nov and 16th Nov. Gussage Down 1 on 11th Oct. Hartland Moor A male on 26th and 27th Sep. Hengistbury Head 2 on 27th Oct. In Nov, 1 on 2nd, 2 on 9th & 1 on 23rd and 28th. Middlebere A male on 27th Aug. Portland Bill 2 ringtails on 5th Nov, single ringtails on 6th and 7th Nov and a male from 22nd to 25th Nov. South Haven 1 on 6th Nov. Southwell, Portland 1 on 6th Nov. Stanpit Marsh Singles on 6th, 7th and 9th Nov, when one also at Wick. Tarrant Rushton Airfield A male on 25th Aug. West Bexington A female on 16th Oct.

58 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 58 27/08/2013 12:51 Second winter period:

Askerswell 1 ringtail on 17th Dec. Avon Causeway 1 on 11th Nov. Clapgate 1 on 21st Nov. Compton Valence 1 ringtail on 16th Dec. Gussage Down Singles on 25th Nov and 22nd Dec. Martinstown 1 on 21st Nov. Morden Bog Single ringtails on 9th Nov and 26th Dec. Poole Harbour 2 males were present in west Poole Harbour to year-end, one first appearing on 6th Nov and joined by a second male from 14th. Ringtail were also seen on 2nd, 6th and 29th Nov and a juvenile male from 9th to 25th Dec. Mainly seen at Middlebere and the Wareham Channel but also at Arne, Keysworth and Lytchett Bay. Radipole Lake 1 on 7th Nov. Wyke Down 1 adult female on 23rd, 27th and 28th Nov rising to 2 on 2nd Roosts: and 4th Dec, with singles on 27th and 31st Dec.

East Dorset (confidential) 2 males on 19th Nov, 3 males and a ringtail on 3rd , 10th and 17th Dec, and 3 males and 2 ringtails on 28th Dec. MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus Scarce passage migrant - no breeding records since 2004.

Breeding:

KE Lane Undisclosed location A ringtail was recorded in a former breeding area on 5th Jun, however there were no subsequent sightings ( , photo). GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor - has bred.

A good year for the county with five records; however the species remains rare and has yet to establish a population. Most sightings in Dorset are thought to relate to the population in Allthe records:New Forest, where at least 10 pairs bred in 2008. J Main KE Lane Lower Avon Valley 1 on 7th Dec ( DH Taylor, photo). Portland Bill 1DN on Smith10th May ( , photo). Stanpit Marsh 1 on 20th Oct ( ), 1 at Hengistbury Head on CE26th Oct Richards( ). The Fleet An immature male at the Bridging Camp on 11th Jul ( ).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 59

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 59 27/08/2013 12:51 SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Although very few records were submitted, the species remains widespread. Breeding was confirmed or presumed at Hengistbury Head (1 pair raised 2 young), Merley Park (1 pair Migrants:fledged 3 young), Portland (2 pairs, but not proven to have bred).

Hengistbury Head 3 on 7th Oct, 4 on 16th Oct. Portland 1 female came in off the sea on 27th Mar; up to 4 daily from mid-Aug to Nov with counts of 5 or more on 29th Aug, 3rd Sep, 29th Sep and 13th Oct. BUZZARD Buteo buteo Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Widely reported throughout the county, and remains the commonest raptor in most parts. Breeding was confirmed at Abbotsbury, Canford Park, Cogden, Gussage St Andrew, Hartland Moor (2 pairs), Hilton, Langton Herring (2 pairs), Lodmoor, Merley Park (1 pr raised 1 Largeyoung), counts Moonfleet (all counts(1 pr), Portland of 10 or (2more pairs), are Rushcombe given): Bottom and Stoborough Heath.

Beaminster 32 on 18th Mar; 36 on 26th Mar. Hartland Moor 12 on 12 on 5th and 15th May. Langton Herring 10+ on 20th Oct. Rushcombe Bottom 10 on 14th May. Migrants:Stoborough Heath 17 on 13th Mar.

Durlston 15 on 16th Sep and 16 on 15th Oct. Langton Matravers 27 east on 15th Oct. NotablePortland records:Bill 1 north on 17th May; 1 north on 19th Oct.

1 was harried and drowned by gulls off Mudeford Quay on 23rd Nov. OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Uncommon passage migrant.

A slight reduction in numbers compared to recent years, but the pattern of multiple sightings in Poole Harbour in autumn continues. The graph below shows the trend in bird- days since 2000.

60 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 60 27/08/2013 12:51 Spring passage:

A reasonable spring passage, with at least 27 birds recorded (37 bird-days), slightly lower than the 30+ recorded in 2010.

Christchurch Harbour Singles north on 13th, 14th and 15th Apr. Poole Harbour Arne singles on 31st Mar and 1st Apr, 1 from 24th to 27th Apr; Brownsea Island on 1st May; Lytchett Bay - 1 on 24th Apr and 2 on 1st May; Middlebere singles on 30th Mar, 2nd Apr, 2 on 3rd Apr; Wareham Channel 1 on 3rd May. Portland Singles on 27th Mar, 7th and 9th Apr, and 3rd May.

Recorded on one or two dates from Abbotsbury Swannery (19th May), (10th Apr), Cowards Marsh (15th Apr), Frampton (28th Apr), Morden Bog (10th Apr and 1st May), Morden Park Lake (2nd May), Organford (1st and 4th May), Upton Heath (25th May), West Bexington (14th May), West Moors (12th Apr), Weymouth (27th Mar – also seen over AutumnPortland passage:– and 18th May), Wyke Regis (1st Apr).

Several birds lingered in Poole Harbour from mid-Aug to mid-Sep, with three birds recorded on several dates, making it difficult to estimate how many birds moved through. A minimum of 37 different birds were seen in the county (90 bird-days).

Bardolf Farm 1 south on 21st Jun. Christchurch Harbour Singles on 27th, 28th & 30th Jun, with 2 (poss 3) on 29th Jun; 1st & 2nd Jul; 20th, 21st & 28th Aug; & 2nd, 27th & 30th Sep. Durlston 1 on 14th Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 24th Aug. Longham Lakes Single birds on 27th Aug and 10th Sep. Lytchett Bay Singles recorded on 10 dates between 18th Aug and 8th Sep, followed by a late bird on 29th Oct. Poole Harbour Arne 1 on 10th Jul, 2 on 20th and 22nd Aug, 3on 24th Aug, 3 on 11th and 16th Sep; singles at Brand’s Bay 3rd, 4th, 13th and 30th Sep; Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 12th Sep; Keysworth 1 on 9th Aug; Middlebere 1 on 23rd Aug, 2 on 26th Aug, 1 on 27th Aug, 3 on 1st Sep, singles on 7th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 17th, 19th and 26th Sep; Swineham/Wareham Channel singles on 11th , 22nd Aug , 2 on 31st Aug, singles on 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th Sep and 1 on 29th Oct. Portland Singles on 20th and 21st Aug. Radipole Lake 1 on 30th Oct (also seen over Weymouth). The Fleet 1 at the Bridging Camp on 29th Aug. Wareham Forest Singles seen at Morden Bog, Morden Park Lake or Sherford Bridge on 5th, 20th and 22nd Aug, 2 on 24th Aug, singles on 27th, 28th and 29th Aug, 8th, 10th, 23rd and 27th Sep. ExtremeWarmwell dates: Quarry 1 on 22nd Jul.

27th Mar at Portland and 30th Oct at Radipole Lake (also seen from Weymouth).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 61

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 61 27/08/2013 12:51 KESTREL Falco tinnunculus Fairly common breeding resident & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Widely reported throughout the year, with scattered records of breeding. Successful breeding was recorded at Arne (1 pair raised 4 young), Durlston (1 pair fledged 3 young), Portland (single pairs at Blacknor, Church Ope, Grove Cliffs, Southwell, Verne Moat, West Migration:Cliffs and Wallsend), Wareham (1 pair raised 2 young) and West Bexington/Cogden.

Hengistbury Head Single birds moving south or west on 1st and 9th Oct appeared to be migrants. Portland Influxes in numbers with up to 20 daily between 30th Aug and 3rd Sep and up to 20 again daily between 22nd Sep and 3rd Oct, suggesting migrants were involved. Stanpit 1 west on 30th Sep. MERLIN Falco columbarius Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period:

Arne (3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 26th and 29th Jan, 8th Feb), Broadstone (20th Feb), Brownsea Lagoon (22nd Jan), Durlston (1 in Jan), Godlingston Heath (2 on 8th Jan), Gussage Down (6th and 9th Jan, 5th Feb), Hilfield (20th Feb), Holt Heath (3 on 4th Jan, 2 on 28th Jan, singles on 3rd and 12th Feb), Hurn (2nd Jan), Lower Avon Valley (14th Feb), Lytchett Bay (6th Jan), Martinstown (11th Jan), Middlebere (2 on 9th Jan, singles on 22nd and 24th Jan), Moonfleet (22nd Jan), Portland (2 bird-days in Jan and 2 bird-days in Feb), Rempstone – Ower Wood (8th Jan), Stanpit Marsh (2nd and 16th Feb), Warmwell Quarry (2 on 24th Jan), SpringWest Bexington passage: (5th Feb), Wyke Down (19th and 27th Jan).

Brownsea Lagoon (5th Mar), Chamberlayne’s Heath (6th Mar), Durlston (7 bird-days in Mar and 4 bird-days in Apr), Hartland Moor (2nd Apr), Hengistbury Head (21st Mar and 2nd May), Holdenhurst (2nd Mar), Holt Heath (18th and 21st Mar), Lytchett Bay (6th Apr), Middlebere (2nd Apr), Morden Bog (8th and 11th Mar), Portland (12 bird-days in Mar, 5 in AutumnApr, and 3passage in May), and Wick second Fields winter(14th Apr), period: Winterborne Kingston (5th Mar).

Durlston Bird-days as follows: 4 in Sep, 30 in Oct, 15 in Nov and 2 in Dec. Hartland Moor Observed on 5 bird-days in Oct, 4 bird-days in Nov and 4 bird- days in Dec. Hengistbury Head Singles on 17th Sep and 5th, 11th, 14th, 19th and 20th Oct, with 2 on 8th and 26th Oct and 3 on 13th. Singles on 2nd, 10th, 23rd and 29th Nov with 3 on 12th Nov. Longham Lakes Singles on 5th, 7th and 17th Sep. Lytchett Bay Singles on 22nd & 30th Oct, 6th & 19th Nov, 18th & 31st Dec. Middlebere Singles on 7th Oct and on 2nd and 27th Nov.

62 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 62 27/08/2013 12:51 Portland 2 bird-days in Aug, 31 in Sep, 10 in Oct and 7 in Nov. Records include singles on 27th Aug, 3rd, 8th, 25th and 30th Sep with 2 on 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 28th Sep and singles on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head Singles on 14th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, 24th, and 25th Oct. Stanpit Marsh Singles on 9th, 14th and 21st Oct, 14th Nov and 15th Dec. West Bexington Singles on 10th and 24th Oct, 3rd and 15th Nov and 14th Dec. Wick Fields Singles on 5th Sep, 23rd Oct and 13th Nov. Winspit Singles on 13th and 16th Oct and on 22nd Nov. Wyke Down Singles on 16th and 27th Nov and on 9th Dec.

Also reported on one or two dates from Abbotsbury Swannery (22nd Oct and 11th Nov), Arne (18th Oct), Arne Moors (1 on 10th Sep, 2 on 8th Oct), Avon Causeway (29th Dec), Bardolf Farm (1st and 2nd Nov), Brand’s Bay (13th Dec), Brownsea Lagoon (31st Dec), Chaldon Down (14th Sep), Clouds Hill (18th Nov), Cogden Beach (30th Oct) East Bexington (19th Oct), East Fleet (21st Oct), (10th Nov), Hatch Pond (27th Nov), Herbury Gore (7th Sep), Hilfield (30th Mar), Holes Bay (14th Dec), Langton Matravers (6th Nov), Little Sea, Studland (13th Sep), Lodmoor (29th Oct), Maiden Castle (8th Oct), Morden Bog (2 on 2nd Nov), Mudeford Quay (11th Oct), , Swanage (19th Dec), Radipole Lake (15th Dec), Ridge (28th Dec), Ridgeway Hill, Weymouth (28th Oct), Ringstead Bay (23rd Oct), Shaftesbury (13th Sep), Sherford Bridge (26th Nov), Sovell Down (15th Dec), South Haven (1 on 6th Nov), Sturminster Marshall GPs (8th and 12th Dec), Swineham GPs (22nd Oct)Total Tarrant records by Rushton month Airfield (22nd Sep) andApr Wytch Causeway (29th Dec).Sep Nov 12 28 4 2 46 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec ExtremeAll sites dates: 32 13 83 53 23

7th May and 27th Aug, both at Portland. HOBBY Falco subbuteo Locally common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Fewer records at most sites than in recent years, although 12 sightings at Lytchett Bay was a record for the site. The largest feeding flocks were of 4 at Wareham Moors on 29th Apr and Breeding:5 at Arne Moors on 1st May.

Breeding season records (Jun and Jul) were received from 30 sites, compared to 34 sites in Notable2010. Successful records: breeding was confirmed from two sites.

ExtremeOne off Hengistbury dates: Head on 29th May was chasing a storm petrel.

2nd Apr and 21st Oct, both at Portland.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 63

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 63 27/08/2013 12:51 PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

30 sites were occupied, of which 22 were coastal and 8 were on inland pylons. Regular observers of traditional sites consider that the number of coastal sites occupied was the highest in recent years, with two traditional sites reoccupied, and the best success rate for some years: 16 coastal pairs bred successfully, raising 30 young. Inland pylon sites were less successful, with2000 8 pairs2001 raising2002 only 2 young.2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 22 24 25 27 28 28 28 Year 28 22 27 2003 29 25 28 Pairs 23 23 32 30 30 Juveniles 23 32 30 37+ 26+ 32 WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Notoriously difficult to estimate breeding populations. Breeding was confirmed or probable at Hengistbury Head, Lodmoor (2 juvs seen), Lytchett Bay, Stanpit Marsh, At Lytchett Bay the breeding population is considered likely to be unchanged from 2004, when a survey Migration:established an estimated population of more than 60 pairs.

Durlston 1 in the Saxon Field on 28th Sep. Portland At the start of the year 3 birds were present at the Bill from early Jan to 1st Apr, and 5 were in North Portland from 2nd Feb to 20th Mar. In autumn 2 were present at the Bill from 4th Oct into Dec, and there were 9 records in North Portland between 24th Sep and 2nd Dec. MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Common breeding resident.

Breeds commonly throughout the county, although often inconspicuous. The few reports of Siteconfirmed maxima: breeding do not give an accurate reflection of the breeding status. Apr Sep Nov 10 10 10 6 6 6 8 15 9 10 Jan11 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug7 Oct Dec Hatch Pond 77 13 21 11 139 24 Lodmoor 8 12 Poole Harbour 18 7 8 4 7 7 1 2 6 1 2 Radipole Lake 273 27 27 The Fleet 5 11 6 4 2 2 6 11 6 9 139 River Stour 23 38 39 35 Sherborne Lake

64 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 64 27/08/2013 12:51 COOT Fulica atra Common breeding resident & winter visitor.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 262 279 151 22 202 268 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 85 40 45 27 63 85 326 120 202330 304 Lodmoor 440 19 100+ 1 100+ 18 Longham Lakes 250 30+ 53 34 238 200+ Poole Harbour 210053+ 475 87 106 265 1452 155235 1520 Radipole Lake 100+ 50+ 100+ 100+ The Fleet 3494 83 371 938 COMMON CRANE Grus grus Rare passage migrant & winter visitor.

There were two records this year:

Christchurch Harbour 1n over the harbour on 16th Sep. It had been tracked by the information services movingD Hughes alongP Morrisonthe south coastet al from Portsmouth, Southampton and Keyhaven, and then over Burton and Roeshot Hill ( RA Ford, et al , photo). Radipole Lake/The Fleet 1 over Radipole Lake on 6th Nov, then at Herbury Gore/ Rodden Hive 7th - 14th Nov. ( , photo). OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Uncommon breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

A disappointing total of about 15 pairs nested countywide - 9 of them on Brownsea Island where productivity was described as low. Elsewhere a pair nested successfully at Portland Bill, 2 more probably bred inside Portland Marina and at least 1 other pair raised 2 young on Portland Harbour breakwater. Nearby at Lodmoor a pair raised an impressive 4 chicks to fledging but a second pair failed. In addition a pair were on territory at Stanpit in the spring Wintering/passage:but didn’t follow through.

The decline in wintering numbers means that the biggest counts are now more likely to come from autumn flocks feeding up in Poole Harbour before many of them move further south. Numbers on Brownsea peaked at 1,365 on 30th Sep.

The mobility of flocks makes it hard to gauge exactly how many birds there at times in an area the size of Poole Harbour. But on the “big count” day on 8th Jan as many as 1,300 may have been logged. In Christchurch Harbour too highest numbers were registered in the autumn, with 81 in Oct. In up to 60 wintered on The Fleet/Ferrybridge. Away from the regular haunts 9 were at Lyme Regis on 9th Jan.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 65

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 65 27/08/2013 12:51 BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus bimanous Very rare passage migrant - 9 previous records.

IM Stanley et al

Radipole Lake 1 on 20th May ( , photo).

The 10th Dorset record and the first for 21 years. AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta Locally common winter visitor & uncommon passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 5 1 25 60 200 680 1006 950 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Harbour 1930 333

The huge figure in Jan relates to the high tide total during the “big count” on 8th and may have involved some double counting. However, 1,300 were noted at Middlebere alone on 12th so the total is not so fanciful for one of the few wintering waders that has increased in recent years.

Small numbers are now also regular in Christchurch Harbour in winter. Up to 13 were around early in the year, with up to 7 in Dec. A single bird was also irregularly present on SpringLodmoor passage: in Jan.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 1st - 8th May. Arne 2 on 30th Apr, 1 on 4th May. Christchurch Harbour Singles Stanpit on 1st Apr, 2nd May, 1w Hengistbury 15th Apr. Middlebere Singles 13th - 14th, 29th May, 6th Jun. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 5e on 8th Apr.

The Durlston & Portland flock is an exceptional total for anywhere west of Poole Harbour. Brownsea 1 on 29th Jun and 25 back by 30th Jul. Durlston 39e on 14th Nov (see also Portland Bill). Hengistbury Head 1 over 21st Oct, 9 10th and 2 14th Nov. Lodmoor 1 on 24th Jul. Portland Bill 40e on 14th Nov (see also Durlston). Radipole 2 on 27th Sep. Stanpit 4 between 23rd - 29th Jul, then 6 records of 11 birds in Aug, 4 records of 11 birds in Sep. STONE CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus Scarce passage migrant.

Christchurch 1 calling over the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre on 22nd Mar. Hengistbury Head 1 flying over and then south 28th Mar. Lodmoor 1 1st Jul. 66 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 66 27/08/2013 12:51 Spotted Sandpiper at Lyme Regis - 18th November Kevin Lane

Whiskered Tern at Swineham Gravel Pit - 10th April Kevin Lane

2011 Dorset Bird Report 67

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 67 27/08/2013 12:51 Sabine’s Gull at Avon Beach - 13th September Kevin Lane

Caspian Gull at Radipole Lake - 31st October Kevin Lane

68 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 68 27/08/2013 12:51 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius Scarce breeding visitor & uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding:

Two nesting pairs is a major result for this rarest of Dorset’s breeding waders. One pair once again nested at Warmwell Quarry, where they raised 2 young. Meanwhile a second pair were sitting on 4 eggs at Arne.

Frustratingly two more pairs were courting in spring at Chard Junction GP and Longham SpringLakes but passage: both eventually moved on.

The usual pattern of March records was followed by a less predictable flurry late Apr/early May.

Abbotsbury Beach 1 on 24th Apr. Chard Junction GP 1 on 24th Mar, 2 11th-27th Apr. Chesil Beach 1 on 2nd May. Christchurch Harbour 7 between 11th - 29th Mar, 5 14th Apr - 25th May. East Holme Quarry 1 21st Apr. Lodmoor About 11 between 15th Mar - 18th May. Longham Lakes 1-2 8th Apr into Jun. Lytchett Bay 1 22nd Mar was a rarity here. Portland 1n Barleycrates 19th Apr. Rodden Hive 1 27th Apr. AutumnWest Knighton passage: Heath 2 on 18th Apr…probably the Warmwell pair.

Christchurch Harbour remains the most reliable place in Dorset to see LRP in autumn. The two Jun records are especially early for this species.

Abbotsbury Swannery 3 on 29th Jun, 1 15th, 18th Aug. Brownsea Lagoon Singles 13th, 20th-21st, 30th-31st Jul, 26th-29th Aug. East Holme Quarry 2 on 19th Jul. Ferrybridge 1 on 25th Jul. Holes Bay 1 on 26th Aug (see Brownsea). Lodmoor 1 on 24th Jul. Longham Lakes Singles 19th Jul, 6th Aug. Portland Bill 1 on 12th Jul. Radipole 1 30th Aug - 4th Sep. Stanpit First 29th Jun, then 16 bird-days Jul, incl. 4 3rd, then 3 singles in Aug, 1 23rd Sep.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 69

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 69 27/08/2013 12:51 RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula Scarce breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Sadly no sign of any recovery in numbers for a species that remains as vulnerable as ever to the increasing amount of human, and canine, disturbance on Dorset’s beaches.

At least two pairs bred successfully on Chesil beach and 2 chicks were seen with 5 adults at SiteRodden maxima: Hive in Jun. Apr Sep Nov 48 49 41 8 45 7 118 45 51 56 Jan51 Feb40 Mar 15 May29 Jun10 Jul26 150Aug 140 Oct50 44 Dec50 Christchurch Harbour 14 21 32 62 103 29 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 30 Poole Harbour

As with Oystercatcher the biggest flocks in Poole & Christchurch Harbours occur in autumn. SpringIn winter passage: the only other record was of up to 11 erratically on Preston Beach Nov/Dec.

Brownsea Lagoon Up to 4 30th Apr - 2nd May. Durlston Singles on 15th Mar and 24th Apr. Hengistbury Head Incl. 12e 2nd May. Lodmoor 22 on 13 dates 1st Apr - 9th Jun. Lytchett Bay 3 on 2nd, 6 19th, and 1 20th May. StudlandAutumn passage: 4 on 19th May (see Lytchett Bay).

Brand’s Bay 3 16th, 10 18th and 18 21st Aug. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 30th Jul, 3 16th Aug (see Brand’s Bay). Chard Junction GP 1 1st - 11th Sep…an excellent inland record. Durlston 16 between 3rd Aug and 12th Sep. Hengistbury Head Incl. 17e 11th Jul, and an impressive 118 over 15th Aug. Mudeford 16e 23rd Aug. Preston Beach Up to 20 8th Aug - 21st Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head Singles past 6th, 12th Sep. West Bexington Max. 20 Sep. GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period:

Small numbers were noted at a wide scatter of locations but there were no major hard weather movements this year.

The Maiden Castle flock peaked at 500 in Jan, with 230 still through March. North Dorset’s downlands appear to be an important staging post for migrants in late winter/early spring. At Tarrant Rushton numbers rose from 70 in February to 300 by late March, wit another 150 noted at Gussage St. Andrew, and 25 still on Pentridge Hill 8th Apr. 70 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 70 27/08/2013 12:51 Spring passage:

Christchurch Harbour 1 on 10th and 1e Hengistbury Head 11th May. AutumnWinterborne passage: Came 1 on 14th Apr.

Included a pronounced movement through the county in November.

Arne Moors Singles 15th, 26th Sep, 3 7th, 2 8th Oct. Christchurch Harbour 7 records of 9 birds 13th Jul - 3rd Sep. Then 4 records of 25 birds in Oct, followed by 13 records of 81 birds in Nov and 4 of 23 in Dec. Durlston 18 bird-days in Oct and 9 bird-days in Nov. East Bexington 2 on 28th Sep. Lodmoor Singles 8th Oct and 5th Nov. Rodden Hive 74 on 6th Nov. St Aldhelm’s Head 3 on 14th Oct. Sydling St Nicholas 8 over 16th Nov. West Bexington 5 6th Nov. SecondWhite Nothe winter period: 1 on 15th Sep.

Generally disappointing - or just under recorded. A flock of 200 were on Beaminster Down in late Nov but just 60 were logged at Maiden Castle in Dec. GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 19 9 10 8 1 2 1 49 19 Jan Feb Mar60 29 May Jun Jul Aug Oct7 65 Dec Christchurch Harbour 35 25 136 6 6 371 Poole Harbour 434 203 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 31

The Jan and Dec maxima for Poole Harbour are a welcome improvement on recent years. Elsewhere 1 on Longham Lakes 11th Jan was a new site record and one on Preston Beach Spring17th Dec passage: was a rare winter record there.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 30th Apr. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 7th Jun. Durlston 1 on 24th Feb, 2 on 24th Apr, 1 on 29th Apr, 2 on 1st May and 1 on 11th May. Hengistbury Head 2e 2nd, 4 4th, 19e 11th May. Lodmoor 1 6th - 8th, 1 28th - 30th Mar, with 2 to 1st Apr. 2 1st - 3rd May Lytchett Bay 1 on 3rd May. Rodden Hive 3 on 30th May. St Aldhelm’s Head 11e 2nd, 3e 4th, 1 5th May. West Bexington Singles 23rd Feb, 21st Mar, 5th May. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 71

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 71 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage:

Brand’s Bay 9 birds on 12 dates 6th Aug - 25th Sep. Durlston Singles on 19th Sep, 12th Oct and 13th Oct. Hengistbury Head Incl. 9e 8th and 2e 9th Oct. Lodmoor 1 25th Sep - 13th Oct. Middlebere Singles 9th, 15th and 2 20th, 1 30th Aug. Mudeford 3e 27th Oct. West Bexington 1 17th Nov. LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Uncommon breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Only patchily reported. At Gussage St Andrew 10-15 pairs were on territory and several bred successfully. Another 7 pairs were on Wyke Down where several chicks were seen in May and at least 4 pairs were on eggs near Lewell Mill. Further south 2 pairs nested successfully at Sunnyside Farm in Poole Harbour.

Elsewhere pairs were also on territory near Rempstone Forest and on Winfrith Heath. In SiteChristchurch maxima: Harbour a pair were displaying but didn’t nest. Apr Sep Nov 545 400 1 7 51 87 40 44 49 850 2000 1000Jan 140Feb Mar26 May Jun Jul Aug Oct55 1204Dec Christchurch Harbour 28 1 10 40 400 Poole Harbour 332 Winter:The Fleet/Ferrybridge 3 3 134

There was evidence of a small arrival in Jan: the Lodmoor flock climbed to 400 and more than 300 gathered at Bardolf Farm. But there was no repeat of the spectacular movements that marked recent winters.

Lapwings make a sharp exit from Dorset in early spring. At the main wintering sites you could count hundreds in Feb but struggle to get double figures a few weeks later. Gatherings of 150 each at Tarrant Rushton and Wyke Down in Mar were probably birds beginning their northward journeys.

Nov and Dec witnesses significant arrivals as demonstrated by the impressive counts in both Christchurch and Poole Harbours. Elsewhere there were also notable gatherings of 500 at Hurn, 600 at Coryates and 400 nearby at Rodden Hive, 580 at West Knighton and 150 Passage:on Dorchester Water Meadows.

The most unwanted record of the year came from Sturminster Marshall GP. For the first time, at a well watched site, there wasn’t a single record all year.

Lodmoor Better than average: 18 on 13 dates 19th Mar - 28th May. The first returning/non breeding birds turned up 5th Jun.

72 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 72 27/08/2013 12:51 Longham Lakes Singles 1st Apr and then 11th, 15th Oct. Stanpit Incl. 60 sw 8th Sep. West Bexington 1 19th Apr. KNOT Calidris canutus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 7 1 1 2 18 55 4 6 100Jan 100Feb Mar18 59 May Jun Jul Aug28 40 Oct27 11 Dec Christchurch Harbour 13 2 293 15 1 13 1 Poole Harbour 63 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 13

The Sep max was the highest monthly total there since 1994. Numbers in Poole Harbour early in the year were also impressive. Equally striking, in context, was an arrival of 14 at SpringAbbotsbury passage: Swannery 30th, 31st Dec.

Brownsea Lagoon 3 2nd, single 19th - 22nd May, 1 7th Jun. Durlston 12 on 12th May - the first record here since 2007. Ferrybridge 29 on 1st May. Hengistbury Head 9e on 4th May…also nearby 2e Mudeford on 15th May. Herbury Gore 2 on 3rd May. Preston Beach 10w on 11th May. St Aldhelm’s Head 5e on 2nd May. AutumnWest Bexington passage: 1 on 16th Mar.

Abbotsbury Swannery Single 18th - 19th, 22nd - 23rd Aug, 3 1st, 2 6th Sep, 2 18th Oct. Christchurch Harbour The Sep arrivals incl. 41w on 5th. Durlston 1 on 28th Oct. Herbury Gore 7 on 19th, 8 22nd, 3 29th Aug. Lodmoor Singles 4th, 8th - 10th Sep, in off with Wigeon 6th, 24th Nov. Poole Harbour 2 in Holes Bay on 12th Jul, then near daily around harbour from 13th Aug. Highest counts from Middlebere, incl. 28 Aug 24th, building to 40 by 12th Sep. SANDERLING Calidris alba Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 2 47 50 9 79 59 2 7 1 Jan26 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 7 Oct7 14 Dec25 Christchurch Harbour 131 2 4 8 27 10 6 1 Poole Harbour 34 3 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 32

One at Radipole 5th - 6th Jan was a site rarity.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 73

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 73 27/08/2013 12:51 Spring passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 15th May. Brownsea Lagoon Singles on 19th May, 5th Jun. Charmouth Beach 1 on 17th Mar. Christchurch Harbour The May influx incl. 30e on 2nd and 25 20th. Durlston 4 on 6th May, singles on 16th and 26th May, 2 on 31st May. Lodmoor 3 on 17th, 4 on 18th May. Rodden Hive 12 on 30th May. St Aldhelm’s Head 38e 18th Apr - 7th May, incl. 18 on 2nd May. Studland (Pilot’s Point) 15 on 15th, 34 on 19th May. AutumnWest Bexington/Cogden passage: Max 12 in May.

An excellent autumn in Christchurch Harbour…but relatively slim pickings elsewhere

Abbotsbury Swannery 2 on 11th Jul. Christchurch Harbour Incl. max of 79 in Aug and 59 in Sep. Durlston Singles on 19th Aug and 2nd Sep. One winter record on 1st Dec. Herbury/Rodden 5 on 25th Jul, max of 10 in Aug. Poole Harbour About 17 at various sites 30th Jul - 11th Sep. 1 at Middlebere 10th - 11th Oct was a surprisingly unusual record for there. Portland 3 over 13th Aug. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 30th Jul. West Bexington/Cogden Max of 5 in Jul, 8 in Aug. LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn & rare winter visitor.

Winter records:

Christchurch Harbour 1 28th Feb, 2nd - 14th, 25th Mar.

SpringThe 5th passage: year in the last 7 that there’s been a winter record in the county.

Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 8th May. Christchurch Harbour Singles 4th, 14th Apr, 11th May. AutumnFerrybridge passage: 1 on 18th May.

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 29th Aug, 17th Sep. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 15th Oct. Christchurch Harbour A summer plumage ad on 10th Jun, but thereafter pretty poor: just 8 birds on 15 dates 1st Aug - 13th Nov. Ferrybridge 1 on 11th Jul, 1 - 4 daily 23rd Aug - 17th Sep. Lodmoor 2 on 3rd Sep, with 1 to 11th, singles 24th, 27th Sep, 3rd Oct. Radipole Singles 6th, and 17th - 19th Sep, 6th Oct (same as Lodmoor).

74 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 74 27/08/2013 12:51 TEMMINCK’S STINT Calidris temminckii Rare passage migrant, mainly in spring.

L Chappell Christchurch Harbour 1 on 4th May in the wonderfully named Mother Siller’s Channel ( ).

Remains a hard bird to catch up with in Dorset. This was the county’s first record for 7 years and the first CHOG record for 8 years. PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos Scarce autumn passage migrant.

Three records, all fitting the classic Sep/Oct pattern. SA Groves SA Groves P Morton et al Abbotsbury Swannery 1 flew west on 27th Sep ( ), 1 on 15th Oct ( ). Arne Moors 1 on 11th Sep ( , photo). CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Spring passage:

Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 24th Apr. Ferrybridge Single(s) on 12th, 14th May. AutumnStanpit passage: Singles on 21st May, 11th Jun.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 16th Sep. Brand’s Bay 1 on 3rd Sep (see Brownsea). Brownsea Lagoon 4 on 26th, 2 29th, 4 30th Aug, 1 3rd, 17th, 2 20th, 1 21st Sep, 1 7th - 8th Oct. Ferrybridge 1 on 12th Aug, 8 on 3rd Sep. Lodmoor Singles 6th Aug, 31st Aug - 4th Sep, 9th Oct. Lytchett Bay 1 on 16th Oct. Middlebere Undoubtedly some interchange with Brownsea: 4 27th Aug, singles 24th, 30th Sep, 23rd Oct. Radipole 1 on 1st Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head 2w 12th Sep were a new site record. Stanpit 1 on 31st Jul, 25th and 27th Aug. In Sep 7 3rd, 15 4th , 1 -2 7th - 12th and 20th - 24th. In Oct 16 bird-days incl. 2 15th and 3 16th. Single(s) 2nd, 6th, 8th Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 75

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 75 27/08/2013 12:51 STILT SANDPIPER Calidris bimanous Accidental - one previous record.

D Croxson R Morris et al

Lodmoor/Overcombe Moulting adult 24th Jul - 7th Aug ( , , photo).

The county’s 2nd record turned up just 6 years after the first, which was also an adult. PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 14 12 7 20 17 Jan7 Feb17 Mar12 5 May Jun Jul Aug Oct 18 Dec16 Hengistbury/Mudeford 11 6 23 1 Lyme Regis (The Cobb) 10 7 7 135 1 5 5 4 Poole Harbour Portland Bill 3

There was also an isolated count of 16 at Highcliffe on 3rd Apr…either from the Mudeford area or possibly further afield. As the tables show The Cobb at Lyme Regis now regularly plays host to Dorset’s biggest flock.

Records of what look very much like passage birds came from West Bay where there were Extreme6w 4th Mar dates: and singles 7th Sep and 22nd Oct.

14th May and 30th Sep, both at Portland Bill. DUNLIN Calidris alpina Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 170 125 400 48 70 90 185 2015Jan 1000Feb Mar70 May Jun Jul Aug 157Oct 1984Dec Christchurch Harbour 200355 100340 100 20 474 38015 70 10063 50 50 32085 Poole Harbour 943 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 35

Generally unremarkable numbers in both winters although single site counts of 1500 on the Arne peninsula and 1462 on Brownsea in Jan are worth noting. The tables also seem to show that in Poole Harbour wintering birds continue arriving well into Dec. Having increased six fold from Oct to Nov they then doubled again from Nov to Dec.

Surprisingly few birds occur away from the favoured haunts. Up to 36 frequented Lodmoor early on and 25 later in the year. Otherwise 4 were at West Bay on 30th Jan and 1 at Longham Lakes on 2nd Mar.

Spring passage was a tad better than average as the May maxima above show. Peak

76 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 76 27/08/2013 12:51 movement through Dorset is usually in the first half of May so counts of 300 at Rodden Hive and 40 past Charmouth on 30th May are particularly high for that late on.

During an otherwise pretty routine autumn the stand out bird was arguably a rare inland record at Chard Junction GP on 3rd Sep. Otherwise usual numbers turned up in the usual places. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Tryngites subruficollis Very rare autumn passage migrant - 10 previous records.

Basically 2 records of probably 5 birds (but Npossibly Hopper just et al4) birds.

Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 12th Sep ( , photo). Chaldon Down 2 on 13th , 4 DJ14th, Chown 2 18th, et al1 20th Sep. These birds were very mobile and at least some were almost certainly present throughout ( , photo).

The 11th and 12th Dorset records and the 3rd in the White Nothe area in Sep. RUFF Philomachus pugnax Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Wintering:

By 21st century standards good numbers turned up in January. The small influx may have been at least partly provoked by a cold snap, although if it was that doesn’t seem to have been the case for other waders.

Whatever the reason numbers in the Avon Valley had swelled to 13 by 2nd. They quickly dispersed, possibly to nearby Stanpit where 12 turned up mid month and/or Longham Lakes where 4 flew over 11th.

At Durlston, 1 flew east on 3rd Jan and in Poole Harbour a bird was at Swineham on 8th and Middlebere on 9th Jan.

Further west 1 appeared on Lodmoor on 1st, with 4 there 9th. Another was at Bride Valley FF and Abbotsbury 23rd, with another at the Swannery 16th - 20th Feb.

These figures weren’t repeated later in the year. Apart from 1-2 in Christchurch Harbour in Passage:late Dec the only other record was 2 at Rodden Hive on Christmas Eve.

Avon Causeway 1 on 20th Aug. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 4th Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 22nd Aug. Longham Lakes 1 on 14th, 2 15th Sep. Lytchett Bay 2 on 17th Sep.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 77

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 77 27/08/2013 12:51 Middlebere Singles on 9th, 15th, 18th Sep. Portland Bill Singles on 3rd, 8th Sep. Radipole 1 30th Aug - 4th Sep. Stanpit The only place to record spring migrants had 1 on 23rd Mar, and 11 singles 13th - 26th Apr. In the autumn 1 on 29th, 30th Jul, then 11 on 8 dates in Aug, followed by 1-2 on 13 dates in Sep. Finally: 5 singles 13th Oct - 21st Nov, with 2 over Hengistbury 23rd Nov. Swineham 8 on 15th , 6 19th Sep, with 3 there and 5 Bestwall 2nd Oct. JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant, usually flushed.

First winter period (Jan-Feb):

As ever under recorded but probably genuinely scarce in Dorset. 1-2 were recorded from Abbotsbury, Bardolf Farm, Herbury Gore, Holes Bay, Lytchett Bay, Sunnyside Farm and Passage:Swineham.

A flurry of March records. Some may well relate to over wintering birds but this is a species that moves early and birds first recorded in March at Chard Junction GP, Longham Lakes, and West Bexington could well have been on passage. 1 recorded flying over Durlston on 29th Apr was certainly a migrant.

There was also a sprinkling of October records, but these looked more like returning Secondwintering winter birds periodand included (Nov-Dec): one trapped at Lytchett Bay.

One at Hengistbury 9th Nov may have been a migrant, although 2-3 wintered on Stanpit. Elsewhere there were singles at Abbotsbury, Arne Moors, Boyshill, Hatch Pond, Lytchett Bay, Sunnyside Farm and West Bexington. COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Scarce breeding resident, fairly common but declining winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Potential breeding birds were reported from just 4 sites. Birds were drumming at Hartland Moor, Morden Bog and Stoborough Heath, with another 2 birds noted at Avon Heath CP in Wintering/Passage:spring.

Another set of dismal figures. Even allowing for under recording the best counts early in the year were paltry. 62 were on Lodmoor in Jan, with a maximum of 52 in Christchurch Harbour Feb and 60 at Radipole Mar. Smaller numbers were logged elsewhere, but worryingly the number of sites seems to be slowly declining along with total numbers.

78 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 78 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn migrants began turning up from 17th Jul. But unless birders are getting too blasé to report them only small numbers turned up. The top count all autumn was 43 arriving in Christchurch Harbour 7th Nov.

In late Nov, 85 were logged at Christchurch, rising to 150 in Dec. Nowhere else, however, came close. Lodmoor managed a maximum of just 44, and West Bexington 25. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER Limnodromus scolopaceus Very rare passage migrant & winter visitor - 6 previous records.

Lodmoor The 2010 bird remained - off and on - at Lodmoor until 30th Apr by whenT Tapley it had moulted et al into first summer plumage. It also visited Poole Park 31st Jan - 14th Feb and Radipole 8th - 11th Mar ( , photo). WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola Uncommon breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Roding birds were watched at Holt Heath (3), Whitesheet Plantation (2), Higher Hyde Heath and Moreton Forest. There were also birds in the right habitat at the right time at Cranborne First(2), Chilcombe, winter period: Stoborough Heath, Godlingston Heath and Oakers Wood.

A real flavour of just how many of these largely nocturnal and undoubtedly under recorded birds actually winter in Dorset was provided by the big count day around Poole Harbour on 8th Jan. A total of 26 birds were logged through the day. There may have been some double counting but at least 16 different birds were counted from the Rempstone Forest watch point alone.

Elsewhere reports of 1-2 came from 23 other scattered localities, mainly from the well Migrants:watched south of the county.

A rash of sightings in Nov/early Dec strongly suggest a wave of arrivals. Birds were reported Secondfrom 15 wintersites with period: a total of 14 from Portland alone in Nov.

Less assiduously reported than earlier in the year. But there were some sizeable gatherings in Dec - notably 12 in Merley Park and 5 in Minterne Seat Coppice.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 79

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 79 27/08/2013 12:51 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant. Some birds oversummer.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 200 170 92 19 18 17 27 70 154 1670Jan 1500Feb Mar726 1180 May Jun 151Jul 600Aug 295 1172Oct 1464Dec Christchurch Harbour 235 133 33 Poole Harbour 693

This can be a difficult species to get a precise handle on. Birds are often very mobile, moving up and down the Avon Valley and around Poole Harbour as they feed. And to muddy the waters even more there is evidence of interchange between Avon Valley and Poole Harbour.

To add to the confusion it is difficult to tell how many of the birds in some of the sizeable April flocks are newly arrived passage birds and how many are lingering wintering individuals.

What is for clear from the tables above is that, as ever, the two main sites in east Dorset provide a vital haven for this striking and charismatic wader.

The rest of the county usually has to make do with relatively modest numbers. So the arrival of 85 on Lodmoor on 16th Dec was exceptional for west Dorset. They were all gone by the next day and both Lodmoor and Radipole generally played host to a maximum of no more than 15 birds in both winters.

It’s the same story on passage. Outside Christchurch and Poole this species is only reliably present at Lodmoor, but only in relatively small numbers. And records of singles at West Bexington 9th Mar and 27th Jul, Abbotsbury Beach 30th Jul and 16 over Radipole 16th Oct are all worth a mention. BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Rarities notwithstanding this species provided one of the most exciting events of the year for wader watchers. On 28th Apr an astonishing 6,000 birds were clocked moving up Channel off Portland Bill. This was a classic time and place to connect with migrating Bar- tailed Godwits. But nothing could have prepared the lucky few who witnessed it for the sheer scale of the spectacle. To put this in context, Dorset’s previous highest day total - also at the Bill - in 1975 was just 1,500.

In total 6,751 birds were counted off Portland in Apr. There were lots of records from elsewhere (see below). But, perhaps surprisingly, none of the nearby sites, including Chesil SpringBeach came passage: anywhere close to the Bill bonanza.

Abbotsbury Swannery 100e 29th and 30th Apr. Ferrybridge 132 1st , 100 2nd May. Hengistbury Head Incl. 41e 29th Apr, 28e 1st, 149e 2nd, 47e 4th May. Lodmoor About 120 18th Mar - 4th Jun, max 65 27th Apr. St Aldhelm’s Head 236e 2nd, 47e 4th May.

80 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 80 27/08/2013 12:51 The Fleet Incl. 85e off Camp Road 1st May. AutumnWeymouth passage: Bay 100e 28th, 400e 30th Apr.

Brand’s Bay Singles 20th Aug, 3rd Sep. Christchurch Harbour Incl. 14 over 29th Aug, 29 over 8th Oct. Lodmoor 1-2 3rd Sep - 8th Oct. Middlebere Up to 9 birds here and on Brownsea in Sep may have been arriving for the winter. Winter:The Fleet 1 21st. Jul, 1 19th , 5 26th Sep.

A count of 212 at Sandbanks on 26th Jan seems to rank as Dorset’s biggest wintering flock this century and followed good numbers in 2010. In Dec 70 had returned. In Christchurch Harbour up to 34 were around in Jan and 21 in Dec.

On The Fleet 6 were present early in the year but just 3 in Dec. There was also a rare winter record for Lodmoor of 1 in off on 17th Dec. WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Locally common passage migrant & rare winter visitor.

Winter:

SpringA WeBS passage: count found 2 in the Wareham Channel on 18th Dec.

Seawatchers on Chesil Beach and at St Aldhelm’s Head did best.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 23rd Mar, 5 on the beach 24th Apr. Charmouth 4 5th May. Chesil Beach Total of 363 in Apr, 189 May. Brand’s Bay 19 23rd Apr - 20th May. Brownsea 3 17th Apr, 1 8th May. Christchurch Harbour First 8th Apr, max 30 29th Apr, 63e 2nd and 4th May. Durlston 38 bird-days in Apr, 25 bird-days in May. Ferrybridge 22 1st May. Holes Bay 1 19th May. Langton/Rodden 1 12th, 2 24th Apr. Lodmoor About 70 11th Apr - 22nd May. Longham Lakes 2 30th Apr, 1 10th May. Lytchett Bay 59 bird-days 19th. Apr - 20th , max, max 9. Newton’s Cove 2 13th Apr. Portland Bill Total of 227 in Apr, 128 May. Ringstead Bay 1 8th May. St Aldhelm’s Head 189 17th Apr - 6th May, incl. 53e 2nd May. Studland (Pilot’s Point) 5 15th May. West Bexington/Cogden Max 29 in May. Winspit 14 4th May. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 81

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 81 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage:

Abbotsbury Beach 1 30th Jul. Brand’s Bay Up to 5 6th Aug - 13th Sep. Brownsea Lagoon 4 singles 3rd Jul - 13th Sep. Christchurch Harbour 153 bird-days in Jul, 107 bird-days Aug(max 20), few Sep, Oct and late birds 3rd, 4th and 14th Nov. Holes Bay 6 19th Jul - 19th Aug, 1 6th Oct. Lodmoor Singles 24th, 30th Jul. Lytchett Bay 20 bird-days 16th Jul - 28th Aug. Portland Bill/Ferrybridge Total of 13 in Aug. Last 8th Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 31st Aug. TheCURLEW Fleet Numenius arquata12 11th Jul - 22 Aug. Scarce breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteTwo maxima:pairs were again in territory on Holt Heath. Apr Sep Nov 16 9 22 41 6 29 19 28 18 12 800Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul12 146Aug 244 Oct65 825 Dec Christchurch Harbour 1 1 12 14 1230 24 4 329 Poole Harbour 136 434 730 Wintering:The Fleet/Ferrybridge 3

The counts in Poole Harbour were up on the previous two years but still well below the Spring1,500 or passage: so routinely logged in the 1990s.

Chesil Beach 1 on 1st May. Durlston Singles on 28th Feb, 8th and 10th Mar and on 2nd Apr. Lodmoor About 31 24th Feb - 7th May…mainly late Feb, Mar. Longham Lakes 1 on 16th Apr. Lyme Regis 3 on 8th Feb. St Aldhelm’s Head 1e on 6th May. Stour Valley NR 2 on 2nd May. AutumnWest Bexington passage: 5 23rd Feb -24th Mar.

Chesil Beach 1 on 22nd Jun. Christchurch Harbour Incl. 56w 27th Jun, 38s 14th Jul. Durlston Singles on 22nd Sep, 17th Oct and 19th Nov. East Bexington 1 on 6th Nov. Ferrybridge Up to 14 in Aug. Lodmoor 6 23rd Jul - 9th Nov. Poole Harbour Up to 12 were at Middlebere in Jul and 35 in Holes Bay in Aug. But the most impressive gatherings were in Brand’s Bay, with 146 16th Aug, rising to 244 by 13th Sep. 82 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 82 27/08/2013 12:51 Stalbridge 1 on 3rd Jul. West Bexington 1 on 10th Nov. COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Fairly common passage migrant & scarce winter visitor.

Winter:

1 - 2 remained in Holes Bay from 2010 until at least 14th Mar. 1-2 were back again from 10th SpringNov. Despite passage: its proximity Lytchett Bay notched only its 2nd ever winter record on 12th Nov.

3 at Bride Valley FF and 1 at Radipole on 23rd Mar were, by recent standards, exceptionally early. These were followed by a more predictable mid Apr surge incl. 6 at Ferrybridge. This is one of Dorset’s few passage waders that doesn’t just hug the coast as records from Chard Junction GP, Hatch Pond, Longham Lakes, Shapwick, Stour Valley NR, and Sturminster AutumnMarshall passage:GP demonstrated.

The first returning bird went over Broadstone GC on 20th Jun. Subsequently birds were spread far and wide, although the biggest concentrations were in the south east. Numbers in Christchurch Harbour peaked at 28 in Jul, with up to 14 in Aug and a max of 14 at Longham Lakes. Nov . Further west the biggest day count was 10 at Lodmoor, where one bird lingered until 5th

SPOTTED SANDPIPER Actitis macularius Accidental - four previous records.

H Vaughan et al

Lyme Regis 1 from 18th Nov into 2012 ( , photo).

The fifth Dorset record. The only records in the previous 35 years - both at Stanpit - were one day jobs, so many a Dorset lister made the pilgrimage to The Cobb for a much appreciated long stayer.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 83

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 83 27/08/2013 12:51 GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Locally common passage migrant & winter visitor.

First winter period:

Biggest numbers, as usual, took advantage of the artificially mild climates at Bere Regis/ Dodding’s Farm cress beds, with peak counts of 12. Another 3 were at Tincleton CB. This species, however, seems to be gradually expanding its wintering range in Dorset. There Springwere 3 onpassage: the River Stour at Hammoon and 1- 2 were noted at 10 widespread locations.

Singles at Abbotsbury, Lodmoor and Longham Lakes all on 30th Apr looked excellent Autumncandidates passage: for genuine migrants, as was 1 at Arne Moors on 2nd May.

Chard Junction GP 4 on 29th Jul, 1 16th, 5 22nd Aug, 1 3rd Sep. Christchurch Harbour A terrific run of records. After 1 on 27th Jun there were 21 bird-days Jul, 75 bird-days Aug(max 7), with 5 on 7 dates Sep and singles in Oct and Nov. Durlston 1 on 21st Aug. Lodmoor Up to 6 daily 24th Jul - early Aug, up to 3 into Sep. Lytchett Bay First back 13th Jun, max 8 in Aug. Puddletown 5 along the River Piddle on 27th Jul. Radipole Up to 3 Aug, 6 Sep. Sturminster Marshall GP About 18 15th Aug - 18th Oct. Sunnyside Farm Up to 7 from 21st Jul, rising to 14 early Aug, with up to 6 to late Aug and 3 early Sep.

Second1-3 were winter seen at period: a number of other places, incl. a rare site record of 1 at Winspit 2nd Aug.

Only very patchily reported but incl. 1-3 Lodmoor/Radipole, 2 at Middlebere. One at Sturminster Marshall GP on 22nd Dec was only the 3rd winter record, following the 2nd winter record in Jan! SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Winter:

This species decline in Dorset is reflected nationally. Lytchett Bay suffered its worst year on record. What was once a reliable haunt managed a paltry 18 bird-days all year. Elsewhere in Poole Harbour up to 7 were noted on Brownsea in Jan, with 9 birds there still mid Apr.

Passage:Later in the year up to 8 were on Brownsea in Oct, with a max. of 7 in Dec.

Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 18th , 2 29th Jun, then up to 7 Jul and 4 Aug. Holes Bay 1 on 27th Jun, odd singles Jul, and 2 late Aug.

84 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 84 27/08/2013 12:51 Lodmoor 2 on 8th Aug. Stanpit 1 on 3rd May. GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Locally common passage migrant & uncommon winter visitor.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 1 2 12 2 7 14 9 4 1 Jan6 Feb5 Mar6 9 May8 Jun4 Jul16 Aug21 19 Oct19 6 Dec15 Christchurch Harbour Wintering:Poole Harbour

A small flock continues to frequent Poole Harbour but records elsewhere are now few and far between. There was an isolated record from Christchurch Harbour in Jan. Later in the year the last bird had departed by early Nov. One at Rodden Hive on 12th Nov was the sole Springwinter recordpassage: west of Poole Harbour.

The best spring since the 1990s.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 18th , 2 on 29th , 5 30th Apr, with 3 to 2nd, 2 3rd May. Christchurch Harbour First 13th Apr, subsequently max. of 12 in May. Lodmoor 6 singles 2nd Apr - 8th May. Poole Harbour Some of the Apr records clearly involved over wintering birds. But 9 on Brownsea 30th Apr, and 8 2nd May may very well have been on the move. This was mirrored at Lytchett Bay which enjoyed its best spring for 16 years. Elsewhere there were also 2 on Wareham Water Meadows on 29th Apr, Arne 2nd May and Middlebere 6th Jun. Rodden Hive 1 on 27th Apr. AutumnSt Aldhelm’s passage: Head 1e 18th Apr.

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 17th and on beach 21st Aug. Christchurch Harbour A max of 14 in Aug. Durlston Singles on 30th Jun, 31st Aug and 5th Sep. Lodmoor Singles 28th Jun, odd dates Jul, then 1-3 daily Aug - 10th Oct. Longham Lakes Singles 13th-14th Aug, 6th Sep. Poole Harbour The epicentre of Greenshank passage in Dorset. The first was noted on Brownsea on 25th Jun, with 4 at Middlebere 28th Jun. Numbers rapidly increased from mid Jul, with 16 at Lytchett Bay. Numbers at Middlebere peaked at 21 in Aug, with 19 on Brownsea 12th Sep. Many of the latter birds may have been returning for the winter rather than moving on. Portland Total of 12 in Aug. Rodden Hive 1 on 8th, 10th Aug. West Bexington Singles 2nd, 19th Aug.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 85

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 85 27/08/2013 12:51 WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Spring passage:

There were no spring records in east Dorset for 10 years. Now there have been 6 in 3 years.

Lytchett Bay 1 on 8th May Stanpit Singles on 30th Apr, 7th May. AutumnStoborough passage: Heath 1 overhead calling at night 13th May.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 14th, 2 17th, 1 to 20th Aug. Arne Moors Singles 6th-7th, 19th Aug. Christchurch Harbour 1 on 27th Jun, followed by singles at Stanpit 29th, 30th, 31st Jul, 10th, 19th Aug and 1 Royalty Fishery 4th Sep. Lodmoor 2 on 8th Aug. Lytchett Bay Singles on 3rd, 10th, 17th Aug. REDSHANK Tringa totanus Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Once again small numbers nested in the salt marshes in Lytchett Bay. They picked a good spot - it is so inaccessible no one was able to accurately count them. 3 to 4 pairs held territory Sitein the maxima: Lower Avon Valley, however there was no proof of successful breeding. Apr Sep Nov 80 88 125 4 20 95 116 110 122 171 259Jan 274Feb Mar 64 May Jun10 171Jul Aug 292Oct 456 554Dec Christchurch Harbour 60 50 13050 6 2 1 16 26 13040 Poole Harbour 350 OtherThe Fleet/Ferrybridge records and passage: 35

Very few records from elsewhere. One at Dodding’s Farm CB on 4th Feb was a good patch tick.

In spring 3 passed through West Bexington in Mar, with about 15 through Lodmoor Mar - May.

This species is a much more obvious passage bird in Dorset in autumn and there were some impressive gatherings, incl. 171 on Brownsea 30th Jul, and 116 in Christchurch Harbour in Aug. In Sep 216 had arrived in Holes Bay by 22nd.

86 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 86 27/08/2013 12:51 TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant - a few non-breeders over-summer.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 29 27 19 9 7 6 18 6 18 50 41 Jan60 Feb Mar79 8 May5 Jun2 Jul6 Aug44 41 Oct40 62 Dec12 Christchurch Harbour 36 Passage/recordsPortland Hrbr/F’bridge from elsewhere30 include:

Arne 9 16th Aug. Brownsea Lagoon 5 24th Apr - 19th May. Durlston Singles on 14th Jan, 21st Feb, 1st and 11th Mar and 29th Apr. Hengistbury Head 11e 11th May. Lytchett Bay 1 on 19th May was only the 2nd site record. Preston/ Up to 25 Jan-Mar, 22 Oct-Dec. Singles 15th May, 7th, 21st Jun. West Bay 1 4th May. West Bexington 1 29th Aug. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

ES Brodie et al

Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 26th Aug ( ).

Amazingly only the 2nd record for Brownsea and the 3rd for Poole Harbour. GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon autumn passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

All records:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 8th-14th Sep. Avon Beach 1 13th-14th Sep. Chesil Cove 1-10 daily 7th-24th Sep, singles 6th, 29th Oct, 30th Nov, 1-2 daily 3rd-14th Dec. Durlston 1 on 12th Sep. Ferrybridge 2 12th Sep. Hengistbury Head Singles 11th Sep, 30th Nov. Lytchett Matravers 1 found dead in a garden 19th Sep. Mudeford Quay 1 29th Nov. Portland Bill 1 19th Sep. In addition 1 was logged on a pelagic on the West Shambles off Portland 23rd Sep. Shell Bay 1 29th Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 87

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 87 27/08/2013 12:51 POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant, mainly spring.

MonthlyAn average totals year, from with maina flock coastal of 15 in sites: Christchurch Bay the highlight: Apr Sep Nov 2 6 2 1 1 Jan Feb Mar May19 Jun Jul Aug Oct1 2 Dec Chesil Cove 1 2 1 6 1 4 12 Hengistbury Head 3 OtherPortland spring Bill migrants were noted as follows: 37 3 3

Avon Beach A flock of 15 on sea 1st May before flying off east. Durlston 5e on 1st May Portland Harbour 1 east 8th May. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 5th May. West Bexington 1 east on 3rd May, 2 east on 6th May. OtherWeymouth autumn Bay migrants were3 on noted 2nd May. as follows:

Durlston Singles west on 10th Sep and 23rd Oct. Mudeford Quay Singles on 3 dates 10th Sep – 31st Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 10th Sep. ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus Locally common passage migrant.

Away from the typical coastal passage, four separate records within Poole Harbour were Monthlynoteworthy: totals from main coastal sites: Apr Sep Nov 29 12 15 4 8 Jan Feb Mar 4 May7 Jun4 Jul2 Aug18 18 Oct9 Dec1 Chesil Cove 1 9 9 4 42 11 4 Durlston 2 55 18 16 5 61 5 Hengistbury Head 1 14 3 11 Portland Bill 73 31 OtherSt Aldhelm’s noteworthy Head autumn migrants were noted13 as follows: 3

Arne 1 on 4th Aug and 24th Oct. Branksome Chine 5 on 12th Sep. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 2nd Jul. Lytchett Bay 1 on 25th Oct flew inland towards Upton Heath and was the first for the site.

88 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 88 27/08/2013 12:51 LONG-TAILED SKUA Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant.

After a blank in 2010, this year reports involved two untypical early July records: C Rogers Abbotsbury Beach PA Mortonslightly oiled et al adult was by the Coastguard Cottages on 7th Jul before moving to nearby Cogden DNlater Smith that day ( , , photo). Christchurch Harbour An adult moved through on 4th Jul ( ). GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua Uncommon passage migrant & scarce winter visitor.

Monthly totals from main coastal sites: Apr Sep Nov 2 11 7 4 11 10 2 Jan8 Feb8 Mar May Jun Jul Aug4 8 Oct6 Dec2 Chesil Cove 4 2 1 1 1 1 2 5 13 Durlston 2 4 3 20 10 20 114 15 7 Hengistbury Head 1 10 1 1 8 8 3 Portland Bill 35 23 36 OtherSt Aldhelm’s spring Head migrants were noted as follows:

AtOther sea autumn migrants were1 10km noted south as follows: of Portland Bill on 23rd Mar.

Abbotsbury Beach 2 on 30th Jul, 1 on 3rd Sep. Branksome Chine 1 on 6th Sep. Studland Bay 1 on 22nd Oct. OtherWest Bexington winter records were2 noted east on as 11th follows: Aug, 1 on 23rd Oct.

Branksome Chine 1 on 5th Feb. SABINE’S GULL Xema sabini Scarce offshore migrant, usually storm driven.

An excellent series of records, with first-summer birds noted in Jun and Aug. More typical was an influx in Sep after storms including 3 together in Chesil Cove and one well inside Poole Harbour. Several more undoubtedly good records languish in the Pending and Requested Records section on p174. SA Groves DN Smith DH Taylor et al Abbotsbury Swannery Juv on 6th Sep ( ). KE Lane et al, Avon Beach Juv on 12th Sep ( , , photo), joinedCE by Richardsa second juv et alon 13th – 14th Sep ( photo). Chesil Cove 3 (1 ads, 2 juv) on 6th Sep, 1 juv remained to 7th Sep ( ).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 89

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 89 27/08/2013 12:51 Christchurch Harbour 1st-sum seenP heading Morrison inland et al on 18th Aug was also present on 20th & 21st, andB at Spencer nearby Sopleyet al and Avon Causeway on 19th & 20th Aug ( N Hopper SW, photo). Smith Ferrybridge Juv on 6th Sep ( P Robinson, photo). Middlebere Juv on 10th Sep A( Barrett M, Morse (photo). Portland Bill 1st-sum on 10th & 11th Jun ( ). West Bexington Juv on 6th Sep ( , , photo). KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Blackers Hole 31 pairs on 24th Jun. Portland Bill No full count of the colony was made, although 32 were Coastal passage maxima: present on the ledges on 16th Apr.

Branksome Chine 269 west on 2nd Feb. Durlston 720e on 21st Jan, 490e on 24th Jan, 335w on 6th Feb, 330w on 7th Feb, 400w on 23rd Dec. Hengistbury Head 425 west on 6th Jan, with 850 west on 27th Jan. Portland Bill 1000 west on 21st Oct. UnusualSt Aldhelm’s records: Head 120 east on 30th Mar.

Lytchett Bay 1 on 2nd Nov, only 4th here since 1992. BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus Very common breeding resident, fairly common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Poole Harbour No counts were received for the colonies in the Wareham Channel or from Brownsea Lagoon. CoastalLodmoor passage: 1 or 2 pairs again attempted to nest on the terns islands.

OtherPortland large Bill counts received:Total of 326 past during the year, max of 86 in Apr.

Christchurch Bay 6000 roosting on 26th Nov. Poole Harbour 2320 on 8th Jan, 2500 on 26th Nov at Whitley Lake. Poole Park 1000 on 17th Feb. Radipole Lake 1000 on 6th Feb. Rodden/Herbury 1300 on 10th Aug. Weymouth Bay 2000 on 28th Oct.

90 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 90 27/08/2013 12:51 Notable records:

Poole Park A Danish-ringed individual on 14th & 23rd Feb was known to be at least 26 years old. LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Monthly totals at the main coastal sites: Apr Sep Nov 7 2 6 6 1 Jan Feb Mar1 May7 Jun1 Jul Aug1 9 Oct12 5 Dec1 Chesil Cove 4 2 2 5 2 1 Christchurch Harbour 493 8 1 2 1 1 Durlston 26 2 Portland Bill Winter:St Aldhelm’s Head

Avon Valley 1 on 20th Mar. Stour Valley LNR Ad on 22nd Jan. Summer:Poole Harbour Mouth 4 on 29th Nov.

Coward’s Marsh 1stSum on 11th – 14th Jun. AutumnLongham passage: Lakes 1stSum on 13th Apr – 6th Jun.

Longham Lakes Ad on 23rd Oct.

1 or 2 were also noted from many coastal sites from Avon Beach to Lyme Regis. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus Locally common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Weymouth:Poole Harbour No information received from the Wareham Channel colony.

The wintering population here peaked in Nov, with groups of birds ranging widely to MonthlyPortland Bill,maxima: along The Fleet, around Weymouth and inland. Apr Sep Nov 400 200 150 2 4 20 50 100 500 600 Jan Feb80 Mar9 May Jun Jul Aug 240Oct 160Dec Ferrybridge Area 300 Radipole Lake 230 318

Ferrybridge Area County record max of 600 in Nov. Lodmoor Max 19 on 12th Jul. Preston Beach Max 86 on 27th Oct was a site record. Radipole Lake Max of 318 on 1st Nov was a site record. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 91

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 91 27/08/2013 12:51 Poole Harbour:

Notable counts in early spring of pre-breeders and late summer of post-breeders, some of the Autumn population fed offshore from the Purbeck headlands (see other coastal sites):

Brands Bay 104 on 16th Aug. Brownsea Lagoon 86 on 20th Feb was a site record. 75 on 12th Sep. Lytchett Bay Max of 37 on 16th May. Highest counts here achieved in Mar – Jul when birds present in nearby breeding colony. Salterns Marina 50 on 2nd Jul, 127 on 29th Aug, 267 on 13th Sep. Shore Road 107 on 4th Mar. Studland Bay 17 on 3rd May, 230 on 3rd Sep, 120 on 7th Oct. MonthlySwineham maxima: GP 40 on 13th Apr. Apr Sep Nov 86 1 2 75 Jan1 Feb1 Mar12 20 May Jun Jul10 Aug Oct1 1 Dec2 Brownsea Lagoon 40 16 1134 1033 17 1 120 Lytchett Bay 107 37 13 50 127 267 Studland Bay 230 30 ChristchurchShore Road/Salterns Harbour: 23

Max of 178 on 26th Jul included 42 juvs, was the highest ever day total for the site, coinciding Monthlywith a large maxima: number of gulls using the nearby Avon valley pig fields to feed. Apr Sep Nov 12 15 28 10 27 178 25 15 26 5 10 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 32

OtherHengistbury coastal Head sites: 49 east on 24th Feb and 200 west on 30th Nov.

Durlston A record 398 bird-days, with a peak count of 21 on 11th Sep. 14 on 27th Jan. Portland Bill Recorded offshore throughout the year, max of 75 on 1st Jan. St Aldhelm’s Head 96 offshore on 25th Sep. Swanage 45 on 9th Oct. InlandWest Bexington maxima: Max 5 in Feb, 7 in Nov.

Avon Causeway 76 on 17th Jun, 85 on 16th Jul. Buckland Ripers 40 on 9th Oct. Cowards Marsh 114 on 21st Jul. Longham Lakes 12 on 11th Feb. Sturminster Marshall GP Max 4 on 24th Apr, 20th May, 14th Jul. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 10 on 18th Jul.

92 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 92 27/08/2013 12:51 Top: Ring-billed Gull at Poole Park - 7th February Kevin Lane. Middle Left: Stilt Sandpiper at Lodmoor - 26th July Martin Cade. Middle Right: Rose-coloured Starling at Lodmoor - 17th November Kevin Lane. Bottom Left: Long-billed Dowitcher at Poole Park - 3rd February Steve Morrison. Bottom Right: Red Kite (undisclosed location) - 8th April Kevin Lane

2011 Dorset Bird Report 93

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 93 27/08/2013 12:51 Savi’s Warbler at Lodmoor - 28th May Kevin Lane

Wood Warbler at Oakers Wood - 1st May Kevin Lane

94 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 94 27/08/2013 12:51 COMMON GULL Larus canus Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period max:

Arne 1300 on 2nd Jan. Lytchett Bay 3000 on 3rd Jan. Radipole Lake 1500 on 6th Feb. Studland Bay 1050 on 10th Feb. SecondWeymouth winter Bay period max:1000 on 18th Jan.

Hengistbury Head 1500 west on 30th Nov. CoastalWarmwell passage: Quarry 420 on 1st Dec.

Chesil Cove 880 past 10th Mar – 29 May. RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant - first recorded 1976.

After just one in 2010, an excellent series of records including a well-watched bird in Poole Park, and 4 in the Weymouth area during the year:HG Wood Homer L Fuller et al Littlesea, The Fleet 1stW on 21st Dec ( DJ Chown) et al Poole Park 1stW on 5th Feb – 28thDJ Chown Mar ( , photo) Radipole Lake Ad on 4th-6th & 11th Feb ( B Spencer et, photo).al, 2ndW on 30th Nov ( P Morrison, photo). et al Ad from 18thA Dec Hayden into 2012J Main ( L Pyke photo). Stanpit Marsh Ad 12th – 19th Mar ( , photo). Ad 3rd Aug ( , , J Main, photo). et al Ad 28th Aug – 9th Sep was presumably the returning summering individual from 2010 ( , photo). LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus graellsii Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Dorchester 1 pair raised 2 young on County Hospital roof. Portland 6 - 7 pairs present on buildings but no evidence of breeding. CoastalPortland passage: Harbour 2 – 3 pairs on breakwaters.

Hengistbury Head 65 east on 24th Feb. Portland In spring 346 bird-days 11th Mar – 25th May, max 37 north on 30th Apr. In autumn 303 bird-days 13th Jul – 20th Oct, max 47 south 16th Oct.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 95

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 95 27/08/2013 12:51 Other maxima:

Christchurch Harbour 252 in Jan. Crichel Lake 50 on 20th Dec. Lytchett Bay 500 on 18th Oct. Radipole Lake 46 on 31st Mar. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 420 on 27th Sep. Weymouth Bay 81 on 16th Dec. Larus fuscus intermedius Uncommon passage migrant. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL intermedius

All records of types or intergrades received below:

Abbotsbury 1 on 10th Mar. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 11th Sep. Holton Lee 1 on 24th Nov. Lodmoor 5 on 4 dates 4th Mar – 6th May, max 2 18th Mar. Portland Nov14 on 4 dates. 13th – 29th Aug, max of 6 on 18th Aug. Radipole Lake 8 on 4 dates 3rd Feb – 5th Apr, max 4 on 29th Mar. 1 on 24th

St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 9th & 17th Apr, 6th & 8th Sep. Swineham Point 2 on 15th Sep. West Bexington 1 on 3rd Feb. HERRING GULL Larus argentatus argenteus Common breeding resident, very common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Ballard Down 27 nests. Durlston – St Aldhelm’s 48 nests. Mupe – White Nothe 28 nests. Portland 230 pairs on buildings fledged at least 550 young. Portland Harbour Min of 5 pairs on breakwaters. West Bexington 15 nests in small rooftop colony. WinterWeymouth roosts: 220 juvs on 8th Aug.

Studland Bay 1550 on 10th Feb. OtherPortland counts: Harbour 3700 on 18th Nov.

Durlston 500e on 24th Jan. Lytchett Bay 2500 over on 18th Oct in 30 min. Poole Harbour 1274 on 8th Jan. Radipole Lake 600 on 16th Jan. Ringstead 1000 on 14th Sep.

96 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 96 27/08/2013 12:51 St Aldhelm’s Head 450 offshore on 18th Apr. Tarrant Rushton 550 on 27th Sep. West Bexington 1000 on 27th Jun. Larus argentatus argentatus Rare winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ HERRING GULL argentatus

All reports of types or intergrades below:

Radipole Lake Single adults noted on 8th Jan, 10th Nov and 18th Dec, with a 1stW on 24th Dec. YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis Scarce breeding resident, locally common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Brownsea Lagoon The usual pair hatched 2 young in late May, of which 1 Poole Harbour: successfully fledged.

Holes Bay Just one large count received from this traditional site, 48 on 29th Jul on the roof of the Kerry Foods factory. Lytchett Bay Recorded in 7 months, max of 14 in August. Middlebere 1 – 2 present throughout year, max of 11 on 15th Aug. OtherSwineham coastal sites: Just two counts received, 64 on 15th Sep, 23 on 19th Sep.

Christchurch Harbour Recorded on 9 dates throughout year, max 2 on 31st Jul. Durlston Singles on 7th and 13th Aug. Lodmoor Occasional singles recorded throughout the year including juvs on 9 dates from 6th Aug – 6th Sep. Portland 16 bird-days in Jul, 34 in Aug, and 8 in Sep. Max of 3 juvs on 13th Aug. Radipole Lake Juvs noted from 19th Jul, max of 6 on 20th Aug. Inland:West Bexington Juv on 25th Jul.

Puddletown 2 on 2nd Oct. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 1 on 22nd Sep.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 97

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 97 27/08/2013 12:51 CASPIAN GULL Larus cachinnans Very rare passage migrant & winter visitor - five previous records.

The 6th and 7th county records: D Lindo JP Martin et al Portland Bill 1stW on 30th Oct wasB Spencer the first for Portland ( , , photo). Same at Radipole Lake. Radipole Lake 1stW on 16th Oct ( ). A different 1stW here on 29thB Oct Spencer was briefly et al on Portland the following day, then Radipole on 31st Oct before moving west to the Axe Estuary in ( , photo). GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant.

Three reports of this northern gull:

Abbotsbury Beach 3rd-cal yr on 12th Apr. Portland Bill 1stW on 5th Apr. Stanpit Ad on 3rd & 4th Mar. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Ballard Down 4 pairs. Brownsea Lagoon 9 pairs. Durlston 2 pairs. Portland 3 pairs bred on buildings. Portland Harbour No count made. St Aldhelm’s Head 2 pairs. SiteWyke maxima: Regis 1 pair at Bridging Camp.

Chesil Cove 150 on 7th Sep. Christchurch Harbour 40 in Jan. Portland Harbour 650 in Oct. West Bexington 50 on 27th Jun. LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons Uncommon breeding visitor and passage migrant.

Breeding:

Ferrybridge A slight increase in productivity from 2010, with 17 breeding pairs fledging 12 young successfully.

98 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 98 27/08/2013 12:51 Coastal passage:

Christchurch Harbour Max of 10 east on 2nd May, 11 west 12th Aug. Durlston Singles on 21st Apr and 1st May. Portland Bill 3 east 1st – 2nd May. OtherSt Aldhelm’s records: Head 1 east on 2nd May.

Brands Bay 1 on 3rd Sep. Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 1st May, 1 on 24th & 27th May, 3 on 15th Jun, 2 on 27th Jul. Cogden 1 on 5th May. Lodmoor 2 on 8th May, 1 on 31st May and 15th Jun. West Bexington 2 on 3rd May. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 15 on 2nd May, 13 on 4th May.

10th Apr (Ferrybridge) – 20th Sep (Christchurch Harbour). GULL-BILLED TERN Gelochelidon nilotica Very rare passage migrant - 11 previous records.

The 12th for Dorset quickly follows last year’s popular bird. Just two were recorded in the previous 30 years. L Chappell Christchurch Harbour Adult on 17th May was present for just 20 minutes on South Marsh before moving off on the rising tide ( ). WHISKERED TERN Childonias hybrida Very rare passage migrant - 6 previous records.

The 7th county record and part of a mini-influx of 4 birds into the UK: T Warrick et al Swineham GP Adult on 10th Apr was also a first for Poole Harbour ( , photo). BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger Uncommon passage migrant.

SpringA typical passage: year with a good spread of sightings, including a rare November record:

Chesil Cove 12 east 30th Apr - 2nd May. Durlston 2e on 1st May. Hengistbury Head 1 east 4th May. Longham Lakes 1 on 18th Apr Portland Bill 8 east on 10th Apr - 7th May. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 east on 3rd May.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 99

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 99 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage:

Brownsea Island 1 on lagoon 26th Aug, 1 off north shore 13th Sep. Durlston Singles on 27th Aug, 7th Sep and 11th Sep. Hengistbury Head 2 west 11th Sep, 1 on 29th Sep. Longham Lakes juv on 1st Nov. Mudeford Quay 1 on 30th Oct. Radipole Lake 1 on 25th Sep. Poole Harbour Entrance 1 on 27th – 28th Aug and 6th Oct. Portland Bill 3 west 24th – 26th Sep. Stanpit juv on 31st Jul. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 west 31st Aug. Swineham GP 2 on 30th Aug, 1 on 9th – 22nd Sep. SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis Fairly common breeding visitor, passage migrant and scarce winter visitor.

Breeding:

Brownsea Lagoon 116 nests, with 32 young believed to have fledged. Poor productivity here due to Grey Heron predation at night. Lodmoor A pair were displaying in the Common Tern colony in May but Coastal passage: no suggestion of breeding. Apr Sep Nov 6 27 4 4 27 Jan Feb Mar18 144 May25 Jun12 Jul15 Aug11 96 Oct6 Dec Chesil Cove 113 32 OtherPortland coastal Bill passage:

Hengistbury Head 380 west on 17th Sep. WinterSt Aldhelm’s records: Head 119 east on 2nd Apr, 51 west on 12th Sep.

Christchurch Harbour Up to 3 on several dates in Dec. Durlston Singles west on 24th and 25th Feb. Poole Harbour 1 at various sites in Jan & Feb. In the second winter period 6 on 26th Nov at Whitley Lake, with 5 at Arne on 18th Dec. Portland Harbour 1 on 8th & 16th Feb. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 1 on 22nd Dec.

Christchurch Harbour 14th Mar – 9th Oct. Portland Bill 24th Mar – 15th Oct.

100 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 100 27/08/2013 12:51 COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Locally common breeding visitor & common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury 5 – 10 pairs settled, but deserted by mid-Jul with no young hatched. Brownsea Lagoon 152 pairs were present but no information on productivity received. CoastalLodmoor passage: 75 pairs with at least 113 young reared.

Durlston 125 on 18th Sep. Hengistbury Head 153 east on 4th May, 428 west on 17th Sep. Inland:Mudeford Quay 550 west on 10th Aug.

Sherborne Lake 2 on 18th Sep. ExtremeSwineham dates: GP 8 flew west inland up the Frome Valley on 4th Sep.

30th Mar (St Aldhelm’s Head) – 21st Oct (Portland) ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii Uncommon passage migrant - occasionally breeds.

In keeping with recent years there were many reports, including in mid-summer up to 2 on SpringBrownsea passage: and up to 3 in Weymouth/Portland.

Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 22nd May, 3 on 23rd May. Chesil Cove 2 east on 2nd May. Durlston 1 off Durlston Head on 16th May was the first here since 2008. Hengistbury Head Singles east on 25th Apr, 7th May, 9th May. Mudeford Quay 1 on 15th & 16th May. Summer:Portland Bill 9 east from 4th – 23rd May.

Brownsea Lagoon 1 – 2 on several dates 15th Jun – 9th Jul. Chesil Cove Singles on 18th Jun, 7th & 8th Jul. Lodmoor 1 on several dates 9th Jun – 14th Jul with 2 on 7th Jul. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 3 on 19th Jun.

Hengistbury Head 1 on 15th & 31st Aug. Mudeford Quay 1 east on 21st Jul, 1 on 8th & 10th Aug, 2 west 16th Aug. Stanpit 2 west on 4th Aug, 1 on 14th Aug.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 101

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 101 27/08/2013 12:51 ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea Fairly common passage migrant.

NoteBreeding: the failed hybrid breeding attempt and a good coastal influx after September storms:

Lodmoor The male retuned to the Common Tern colony for the 4th consecutive year on 2nd May. It was noted mating with a Common Tern on 6th Jun and was incubating an egg from 17th Spring passage: – 23rd Jun, but this was unfortunately lost or abandoned.

Abbotsbury 1 on 26th Apr. Durlston Singles on 1st and 9th May, 2 on 25th May. AutumnHengistbury passage: Head 17 east 24th Apr - 18th May, max 6 on 4th May.

Abbotsbury 1 – 10 daily from 6th Sep – 10th Sep. 2 on 22nd Sep. 1 on 11th - 13th Oct. Bride Valley Fish Farm 1 on 9th Sep. Brownsea Island 1 on 25th Jun and 31st Jul. 18 roosted on 11th Sep, 24 on 12th Sep with 5 on 21st Sep. Durlston 30 between 10th Sep and 2nd Oct. Longham Lakes 5 on 6th Sep, 1-2 7th & 8th Sep. Lodmoor 4 on 6th Sep, 1 on 14th Sep. Hengistbury Head 53 bird-days in Sep, max of 17 west on 12th Sep. Middlebere 1 on 10th Sep. Mudeford Quay Max 4 west on 16th Aug. Radipole Lake Singles on 4 dates in Sep. Portland Bill Totals of 3 past in Aug, 89 in Sep, 7 in Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 6 west 12th Sep, 1 on 20th Sep. 16 east on 25th Sep. Swineham GP 2 – 4 from 10th Sep – 15th Sep, 1 on 25th Sep. Weymouth Bay 2 on 24th Aug, 4 on 4th Sep. WestExtreme Bexington dates: 1 on 6th Sep, 2 on 22nd Sep, 3 on 26th Sep.

Portland Bill 5th Apr – 17th Oct.

‘COMMIC TERN’ Sterna hirundo / paradisaea

MonthlyRecords of totals: Common or Arctic Terns not positively identified to species level are given below: Apr Sep Nov 187 778 1 Jan Feb Mar 1664May 117Jun Jul28 Aug29 85 Oct Dec Chesil Cove OtherPortland counts: Bill 634 3

Mudeford Quay 450 on 10th Sep. Hengistbury Head 150 west on 12th Sep. 102 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 102 27/08/2013 12:51 GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Locally common breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Portland Bill At least 600 birds at the breeding colony on 16th Apr. AwayPurbeck from Coast the breeding sites:654 adults on breeding ledges - Purbeck Seabird Survey.

Hengistbury Head Recorded in all months except Feb and Aug. A maximum of 23 on 8th Jan and 30w on 30th Nov. RAZORBILL Alca torda Uncommon breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Blacker’s Hole 26 pairs. Durlston 9 pairs. AwayPortland from Bill the breeding sites:At least 50 birds at the breeding colony on 16th Apr.

Hengistbury Head Recorded in all months except Apr and Aug with a maximum of several hundred birds on 29th Jan and 37w on 3rd Dec Uria/Alca sp

AUK spp

Significant records of unidentified Auks as follow:

Durlston Very large numbers were recorded passing throughout Jan and early Feb, the vast majority of these were Razorbills. All day counts over 5,000 birds are given: 5,000 on 19th Jan, 7,500 on 21st Jan, 9,400 on 24th Jan, 14,000 on 25th Jan, 23,000 on 27th Jan, 13,200 on 1st Feb, 5000 on 4th Feb, 10,000 on 6th Feb. Hengistbury Head Recorded from Jan to Jun with maxima of 5,000, mainly w, on 31st Jan and 3,000+ on 2nd, c5,000 on 5th and 2,300 on 6th Feb, all w. The majority of these were Razorbills. From Oct to Dec the maximum was 50w on 30th Nov. Portland Bill 50,000 birds on 2nd Jan. BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle Rare winter visitor & passage migrant.

R Newton et al

Portland Bill 1 from 10th Dec into 2012 ( , photo).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 103

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 103 27/08/2013 12:51 LITTLE AUK Alle alle Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor.

Durlston 1w on 19th Dec. Hengistbury Head 1e on 9th Nov. PUFFIN Fratercula arctica Uncommon breeding visitor & scarce passage migrant.

Breeding:

Dancing Ledge Recorded from 24th Apr with a maximum of 11 on 21st May and 12 birds on 29th Jun. 3-5 pairs thought to be breeding. Portland Bill At least 4 birds present in breeding season, but breeding not Other records: confirmed.

Durlston 1 on 17th Mar, 2 on 11th Apr, Singles on 29th Apr, 1st May and 29th May, 2 on 23rd Dec. Hengistbury Head 1w on 27th Apr. FERAL ROCK DOVE (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

OtherThe only records: estimate of breeding numbers came from Durlston, with 10 - 15 pairs present.

North Portland c250 all year. Weymouth 200+ on 10th Jan and 19th Mar. STOCK DOVE Columba oenas Common, but declining, breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Horselynch Plantation 3 pairs bred. Merley Hall Farm Pair with young in nest, 22nd May. Merley Park 15 breeding pairs. Rushcombe Bottom At least 1 pair bred. Stour Valley LNR 1 juvenile seen 27th May. West Bexington At least 1 pair bred.

These were the only breeding records received, however the species is present in low densities throughout the county.

104 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 104 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage:

Durlston 482 1st Oct - 16th Dec, inc 108 on 14th Nov and 89 on 17th Nov. East Bexington 46e and 2w on 6th Nov, 28w on 13th Nov. Lodmoor 45e between 1st and 15th Nov. WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus Very common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

East Fleet At least 5 pairs bred. Merley Park 24 pairs bred. North Portland At least 13 pairs bred. CoastalWest Bexington movements: Breeding confirmed.

Canford Heath c400se on 15th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 165ne on 28th Mar. During Oct, 270 flew west and during Nov, 3,350 flew west and 4,380 east. Durlston 70,659 between 1st Oct and 16th Dec, with the bulk passing on 17th Nov when 54,500 were counted passing overhead. East Bexington 626e and 601w on 6th Nov. Ferrybridge 6,850se 13th - 23rd Nov. Littlesea, The Fleet 13,000e on 15th Nov. Lodmoor 16,800 migrants between 5th and 23rd Nov. Lytchett Matravers c5000, mostly e, on 17th Nov. Portland Bill 530n 18th - 28th Mar. 2,660 migrants 19th Oct – 13th Nov. South Haven 813 birds 6th Nov, 2,500e on 13th Nov. Swanage Bay 500+s on 12th Nov. West Bexington 4,100e on 13th Nov, 11,000e on 15th Nov.

Numbers much reduced in comparison to the record breaking year of 2010. COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Merley Park 1 pair fledged 2 young. Swanage Pair built nest on traffic lights! West Bexington 1 pair bred.

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

Hampreston 30 on 7th Oct, 40 on 15th Dec. Langton Herring 40 on 20th Oct. Portland 28 on 21st Nov. West Bexington 30 on 14th Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 105

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 105 27/08/2013 12:51 TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Scarce breeding visitor & uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding season records:

Affpuddle Forest 3 on 24th Jul. Briantspuddle Heath Pair all summer. Pentridge 1 calling on 25th Jun. Turnerspuddle Heath 2 males calling 8th and 15th Jun.

CoastalNo confirmed migration: breeding this year.

Brownsea Island 1 on 1st May. Christchurch Harbour 3 birds in spring from 20th Apr into May. 8 birds in autumn. A fairly good year for this site. Durlston 4 during May, singles on 22nd Jun and 21st Aug. 6 during Sep. Lodmoor 1e on 3rd May, 1n on 25th May and 1w on 24th Aug. Portland 3 birds in Apr and 8 in May. 15 birds in autumn. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 1 on 24th Apr.

17th Apr and 2nd Nov, both Portland. RING-NECKED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri Uncommon breeding resident.

Studland Present all year with a maximum of 8 on 17th Nov. Breeding thought to have taken place. Swanage 3 on 13th Jan and 6 at the football club on 9th Sep. Wick 1 on 14th Mar. CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Fairly common, but declining, breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Arne Up to 3 birds in summer with a juvenile on 16th Aug. Higher Hyde Heath Pair in summer, juvenile on 11th Aug. Morden Bog Recorded from 6th Apr with up to 2 calling males. Juvenile on 13th Aug.

Recorded in the breeding season from the following sites: Alners Gorse, Arne, Arne Moors, , Ballard Down, Brockington, Brownsea Island, Canford (2), Cerne Abbas, Charlton Marshall, Chettle, Christchurch Harbour, Christchurch Town Common, Cogden, Colehill, Cranborne Common, Fiddleford, Godlingston Heath, Grange Heath, Gussage St Andrew, Hartland Moor, Higher Hyde Heath (pair), Holt, Holt Forest, Holt Heath (pair), Hurn, Kingston Lacy, Lodmoor (pair) Longham Lakes (2+), Lytchett Matravers Merley Park,

106 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 106 27/08/2013 12:51 Middlebere, Minchington, Minterne Magna, Monkton-up-Wimborne, Morden Bog (pair), Oakers Wood, Old Harry, Pamphill, Radipole Lake, Shaftesbury (2), Shapwick, Sherford Bridge, Spetisbury, Stoborough Heath, Stour Valley LNR (3), Stourpaine, Sturminster Marshall, Sugar Hill, Swineham GPs, Tarrant Rushton, Uploaders, Warren Heath, West Bexington, West Moors, Wimborne St Giles, Woodcutts, Woolsbarrow and Wyke Down.

Migration:A total of 59 sites this year.

Christchurch Harbour 3 singles in Apr, 14 sightings in May and 3 birds in Jun. 1 in Jul, 2 in Aug and 1 in Sep. Durlston 5 in Apr, singles in May, Jun, Jul and Aug. ExtremePortland dates: 16 birds in spring and just 1 in Aug.

6th Apr at Morden Bog and 18th Sep at Coombe Heath, Arne. BARN OWL Tyto alba Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Arne Pair with 3 chicks in nest on 4th Jun. West Bexington Pair reared 4 young. Wyke Down Pair with 2 fledged young on 23rd Jul. Second brood of 4 in barn on 5th Sep.

Also recorded from Gussage St Andrew, Langton Matravers, Littlemoor, Lorton Valley, Martinstown, Minchington, Morden Bog, Tarrant Rushton, Throop, West Bexington and WinterWimborne records: in the breeding season.

Reported from 30 locations throughout the county. LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

West Morden Young heard calling from regular nest site on 29th May.

Also recorded from Bridport, , Eyebridge nr Wimborne, Gussage St Andrew, Longham, Monkton-up-Wimborne, Portland (8 sites), Sturminster Marshall, WinterTarrant Rushton,records: West Bay and Wimborne St Giles in the breeding season.

Recorded from Abbotsbury, Avon Causeway, Bridport, Burton Bradstock, Coombe Valley (2), Eyebridge nr Wimborne, Hengistbury, Spetisbury, Todber, West Bexington, Wimborne St Giles, Winspit, Winterborne Herringston, and Wyke Down (2).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 107

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 107 27/08/2013 12:51 TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Common breeding resident.

Confirmed breeding:

Bardolf Farm Pair reared at least 2 young. Gussage St Andrew Pair breeding in same tree for fourth year running. Hengistbury Young seen in Jun, Jul. Martinstown Juvenile on 20th Jun. Merley Park 2 pairs fledged 5 young. Rushcombe Bottom Juvenile on 16th Jun. Whitesheet Plantation Juvenile on 4th Jul. UnconfirmedWyke Down breeding: 2 juveniles calling on 23rd May.

Breeding season records from Cranborne, Durlston (3 territories), Holt, Lodmoor and West Bexington. LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor.

All records:

Hengistbury 1 on 28th Oct. Lancridge 1 on 30th Apr. Puncknowle 1 on 6th Jan. SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Beginning of year / spring passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 16th Apr. Christchurch Harbour Singles on 17th Apr and 1st May. Coombe Heath 1 on 3rd Feb. Durlston 1w on 20th Apr. Lodmoor 1 on 30th Apr. Maiden Castle 1 on 19th Apr. Portland Monthly totals of 1 in Mar, 5 in Apr and 6 in May. Wyke Down Present between 2nd Jan and 13th May with 2 on 11th Feb, 3 on 26th Mar, 2 on 12th Apr and 3 on 4th and 12th May. AutumnWyke Regis passage and end of1 onyear 1st records May. .

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 27th Oct. Arne 1 on 18th Dec. Arne Moors 1 on 2nd Nov and 1 on 2nd Dec. Bestwall 1 on 6th Nov. Bournemouth East Cliff 1 on 28th Oct. 108 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 108 27/08/2013 12:51 Boyshill 1 on 28th Nov. Bridging Camp, The Fleet 1 on 22nd Nov. Bulbarrow Hill 1 on 22nd Nov. Canford Heath 1 on 29th Oct. Christchurch Harbour 2 birds in Sep, 1 on 29th Oct, 9 in Oct (7 on 28th), c3 in Nov. Durlston 1 in Sep, 9 in Oct, 9 in Nov (including 6 which were flushed from the Swanage landfill site and flew over Durlston). East Stoke 1 on 27th Nov. Grimstone 1 on 27th Nov. Gussage Down 1 on 17th and 31st Dec. Holton Lee 1 on 30th Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 6th Nov. Lytchett Bay 1 on 31st Oct. Lytchett Heath 1 on 28th and 29th Oct. Martleaves, The Fleet 1 on 28th Oct. Middlebere 1 on 26th Nov, 27th Dec and 29th-30th Dec. Morden Bog 1 on 15th Oct. Portland Monthly totals of 2 in Sep, 54 in Oct, and 52 in Nov. These are record numbers and include a Portland Bill day total of 18 on 16th Oct. Radipole Lake 1 on 12th Nov. South Haven 1 on 15th Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 20th Oct and 28th Oct. Stoborough Heath 1 on 21st Dec. West Bay 1 on 17th Oct. West Bexington Singles on 18th Oct and 30th Oct and 1 on 13th Nov. Winspit 2 on 28th Oct. Wyke Down Recorded between 30th Oct and 31st Dec with a maximum of 4 on several dates. NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus Fairly common breeding visitor & scarce passage migrant.

Breeding:

Recorded in the breeding season from Arne, Bere Regis - Black Hill (2), Broadstone GC (4+), Brownsea Island, Clouds Hill, Corfe Mullen – Barrow Hill (1 pair bred), Cranborne Common (4), Ferndown Common, Hardy’s Monument (10+), Hartland Moor (4 birds, juvenile seen), Hengistbury Head, Holt Heath (6), Lytchett Bay (2), Moreton Forest (4) Rushcombe Bottom, Stoborough Heath (5 pairs bred), Wareham Forest - Gore Heath (2), Great Ovens Heath (8), ExtremeMorden Bog dates: (4) and Woolsbarrow (5), Whitesheet Plantation (3), and Winfrith Heath (6).

20th Apr, Hillbourne Copse, Broadstone and 5th Sep West Morden.

This is the second-earliest Dorset spring record, bettered only by the 2nd April 1996 date for Studland.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 109

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 109 27/08/2013 12:51 SWIFT Apus apus Common (but declining) breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Blandford Forum 8 birds on 9th Jun. Broadstone “Screaming party” of 10, 14th Jun. 19 birds entering holes in cliffs. Langton Matravers Final chick fledged on 4th Sep. Poole “Screaming party” of 3, 28th Jul. Portland 18-20 pairs bred. Seacombe 1 bird entering cliff hole. Shapwick “Screaming party” of 10, 14th Jul. Sturminster Marshall Breeding at the church. Migration:Wareham “Screaming party” of 22, 25th Jul.

Christchurch Harbour In spring 250 bird-days. In autumn 1,187 bird-days with maximum of 400 on 24th Jul. Durlston 120 on both 3rd and 12th Aug. East Fleet 150+ 1st Aug. Lodmoor 60+n 30th Apr, c100 birds 8th May. Longham Lakes 100+ 2nd May, 200+ 22nd May, 600+ 26th May, 140+ 17th Jul. Poole Park c100 birds on 16th Aug. Portland In spring 268 bird-days on 16 dates from 30th Apr - 14th Jun. In autumn 156 bird-days on 17 dates from 25th Jul - 3rd Sep. Radipole 100+ 18th May. Swineham GP 100+ 28th May. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 250w on 28th Jun.

11th Apr Lodmoor and 10th Nov Hengistbury Head. PALLID SWIFT Apus pallidus Very rare passage migrant - 4 previous records.

The fifth and sixth Dorset records. N Hopper H Murray M Langman et al Durlston 1 on 4th Nov ( , , photo). Ferrybridge 1 on 11th Nov (M Cade Mrs Kerins, photo) et al - same at Langton Herring. Langton Herring 1 on 12th Nov ( , , photo) - same at Ferrybridge.

The Langton Herring bird had grounded itself and was picked up and taken to PBO, where it was ringed and released. Unfortunately, a few minutes later it was caught by a passing Sparrowhawk.

110 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 110 27/08/2013 12:51 KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Radipole Lake Pair feeding chicks near north hide on 3rd May. Eyebridge, Wimborne Bird flew into nest hole on 8th May.

Also recorded in the breeding season from Alder Hills, Bride Valley Fish Farm, Hammoon, Iford, Longham Lakes (5 birds ringed in Jun-Jul), Monkton-up-Wimborne, and Spetisbury Outside(4 birds). the breeding season:

Recorded from 40+ sites. BEE-EATER Merops apiaster Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring & summer. Attempted to breed in 2006.

F Owen C Cottrell Colehill 1 on 25th Sep ( , photo). CE Richards Durlston 1 on 9th May ( ). AH Davis et al Portland 1 at Verne Common/EastonG Walbridge on 30th Apr ( ), 1 at the Bill and Wakeham 6th - 7th May ( , photo), 1 at Weston on 3rd Jun ( ). HOOPOE Upupa epops Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in spring.

All records:

Abbotsbury Gardens 1 on 7th Apr. Arne 1 on 23rd Apr. Bardolf Farm 1 on 29th Apr. Bridport 2 on 14th Apr. Charmouth 1 from 30th Sep to 1st Oct. Coombe Heath 1 on 14th Apr. Duntish 1 on 3rd May. Holton Lee 1 on 31st Mar. Portland 1 at the Bill 12th - 17th Mar, 1 at Southwell on 26th Mar, 1 at Broadcroft Quarry and the Grove 28th Mar - 3rd Apr. Swineham GP 1 on 21st Mar. Toller Porcorum 1 from 3rd - 10th Jun.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 111

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 111 27/08/2013 12:51 WRYNECK Jynx torquilla Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Spring passage:

Todber 1 on 2nd May. AutumnWick passage: 1 on 2nd and 3rd May.

Abbotsbury Coastguards 1 on 3rd Oct. Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns 1 on 4th Sep. Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 1st Oct. Boscombe 1 on 1st Oct. Chickerell Rifle Range 1 on 25th Aug. Durlston Singles on 23rd Aug, 24th - 28th Aug, 1st Oct and 7th Oct. Harman’s Cross 1 on 19th Sep. Hengistbury Head 1 on 22nd Aug, At least 3, probably 4 birds in Sep on 1st, 3rd, 24th and 27th - 30th. In Oct 2 on 1st, 1 on 2nd and 1-2 on 3rd. 1 at Wick on 30th Oct. Melbury Bubb Down 1 on 31st Aug. Portland Bill 1 from 23rd - 31st Aug, 2 on 2nd and 1 on 14th Sep. Portland – Reap Lane 1 on 1st Oct. Ringstead Bay 1 on 15th Aug. Sherborne 1 on 14th Oct. Springbourne 1 on 9th Oct. Swanage Singles at California Quarry on 28th Aug and 7th Oct. West Bay 1 from 7th - 11th Sep. ExtremeWinspit autumn dates: 1 on 20th, 21st and 1 on 26th Aug. 1-2 birds involved.

Ringstead Bay on 15th Aug and Wick on 30th Oct. GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Confirmed at Badbury Rings (1), Broadstone (1), Chard Junction gps (1), Christchurch Hbr - bred at Hengistbury and Stanpit, Durlston (2 territories), Great Ovens Heath (juvs), Horselynch (pair bred) Langton Herring (1), Lytchett Bay (pair bred), Merley Park (2 pairs, 4 juvs), Rushcombe Bottom (2 pairs bred), Stoborough Heath (2 pairs bred) and Turnworth NR (1). Numbers of juveniles in brackets.

112 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 112 27/08/2013 12:51 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major Common breeding resident & rare passage migrant.

Breeding:

Confirmed at Abbotsbury (1 juv), Arne, Canford Park (3 juveniles in nest), Christchurch Hbr – bred at Hengistbury and Stanpit, Durlston (1 territory), Higher Hyde Heath, Merley Park (3pairs, 6 juvs), Rushcombe Bottom (2 pairs bred), Stoborough Heath (2 pairs bred), and Post-breedingWest Bexington. dispersal or migration:

Durlston 77 recorded on visible migration watches between mid Sep and 17th Dec, inc 7w on 11th Oct. Lodmoor Singles sw 14th and 19th Oct. Portland Singles on 21st Sep and 3rd Oct. South Haven, Studland 3 on 7th, 2 on 14th, 5 on 19th and 2 on 28th Oct and 4 on 6th Nov, all north. St Aldhelm’s Head Singles on 14th and 15th Oct. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor Uncommon, declining breeding resident.

Breeding:

OtherNo breeding records: records received.

Arne 1 on 8th Feb. Avon Heath CP Male on 5th Aug. Brownsea Island 1 on 14th Apr. Creekmoor Ponds 1 on 7th Mar, drumming. 1 on 6th Mar. Oaker’s Wood 1 on 26th Feb. Ower Bay A female on 6th and 14th Mar. Sherford Bridge A female on 12th Feb, 9th, 12th and 13th Mar. Wareham Forest 1 at Dawnee Swim on 1st Apr. SHORT–TOED LARK Calandrella brachydactyla Very rare passage migrant - 14 previous records.

There were two records: MS Andrews et al Christchurch Harbour 1 at Wick on 16th Jun was the 4th CHOG record R( Newton PJ Morgan). et al Portland Bill 1 from 3rd-11th Apr, in the Crown Estate Field ( , , photo).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 113

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 113 27/08/2013 12:51 WOODLARK Lullula arborea Locally common breeding resident & uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported during the breeding season as follows (singing males or pairs): Arne (5 pairs, and 8 birds together on 26th Apr), Avon Heath, Canford Heath (1), Chamberlayne’s Heath (1), Clouds Hill, Coombe Heath DWT (1), Cranborne Common (1), Gore Heath (1), Grange Heath (1-2), Holt Health (1), Holton Heath (1), Holton Lee (4), Higher Hyde Heath ( 2 family parties seen on 15th Jun of 4 & 5 birds), Morden Bog (3+, several reports of family parties of up to 6 birds), Sandford Heath (1), Soldier’s Rd, Stoborough Heath, Turnerspuddle Heath (3 juvs 24th May), Wareham Forest, Warmwell Quarry (1), West Knighton Heath, Winfrith Heath (1).

SpringBreeding passage: site presence from 16th Jan until as late as 31st Dec.

Hengistbury Head Singles on 21st, 23rd and 28th Mar. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 1 on 26th Mar.

Christchurch Harbour 14 bird-days between 28th Sep and 10th Nov. Durlston 49 bird-days during Oct, inc 19 on 14th; 20 bird-days in Nov and 1 in Dec. Lodmoor Singles over on 8th Oct, 28th Oct and 6th Nov. East Bexington 3 on 6th Nov. Portland 14 bird-days between 13th Oct and 17th Nov including 9 on 13th Oct at Portland Bill. South Haven 1 on 14th Oct. WinterSt Aldhelm’s periods: Head 1 on 28th Oct.

Christchurch Harbour 1n over Wick fields on 9th Jan. Durlston 2 on 16th Jan. Lorton Valley 1-2 from 20th - 28th Jan. Rempstone Forest 4 on 4th Jan. Soldier’s Rd 1 on 8th Jan. Up Cerne 5 on 3rd Feb. Wareham Forest 1-2 in adjacent stubble fields 3 dates Oct & Dec. SKYLARK Alauda arvensis Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Breeding activity as follows (number of pairs or singing males): Abbotsbury Coastguards (1), Cogden Beach (10-20), Coombe Valley (2), Durlston (5), Greenlands Farm (2), Hengistbury Head (6 pairs raising record number of young), (2), Lychett Bay (2-3), Middlebere, Portland (“stable” at 30-40 pairs), Redcliff Point (1), Southdown Ridge, Weymouth (1),

114 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 114 27/08/2013 12:51 Stanpit Marsh (1 pair raised 3 young), Sturminster Marshall Gravel Pits (1), Tarrant Rushton SpringAirfield passage:(14), West Bexington (20+).

Hengistbury Head 3 over on 14th Mar and 5 over on 23rd Mar. AutumnPortland passage: 28 bird-days 28th Mar – 11th Apr.

Bridging Camp, The Fleet 50 on 13th Oct. Chaldon Down 46 on 14th Sep. Christchurch Harbour 1,346 bird-days 27th Sep – Nov. Max of 175 on 29th Oct. Durlston 2,519 recorded, 13th Sep to 19th Dec, peak of 598 on 25th Oct. East Bexington Max 417 19th Oct & 696 1st Nov. Gussage Down 200 on 11th Oct. Lodmoor 1,100, mainly W, 3rd Oct-mid Nov, max 153 on 28th Oct. Lytchett Bay 171 bird-days 2nd Oct – 19th Nov. Maiden Castle 50 on 8th Oct. Old Harry 49 on 14th Oct. Portland Max 750 25th Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head Max 450 on 14th Oct & 301 on 28th Oct. Tarrant Rushton Airfield Max 80 on 27th Sep & 10th Nov. West Bexington Max 170 over on 8th Nov. WinterWhite Nothe flocks (30 and over):60 on 1st Oct.

Lorton Valley 30 on 1st Jan Portland 30 both winter periods, & 160E on 1st Jan. West Bexington 130 second winter period. Winkton Dairy Farm 120 on 2nd Jan SHORE LARK Eremophila alpestris Very rare winter visitor & passage migrant.

Christchurch Harbour 1 on 22nd -23rd Nov initiallyR seen Howell at MudefordDH Taylor Quay et alon the 22nd before flying off towards Stanpit Marsh where it was relocated the following day. ( , , photo).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 115

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 115 27/08/2013 12:51 SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Fairly common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:Note the impressive pre-roost count of 3,000 at St Aldhelm’s Head in August.

Reported as follows: Chard Junction GPs (25 nest holes), East Holme Quarry (40+ pairs), SpringHengistbury passage: Head (“very good year”), Warmwell Quarry (405 nest holes).

Small numbers widely reported with the best counts as follows: Christchurch Harbour c635 bird-days to mid-Apr. c1,000 on 11th Jun involved local breeders. Lodmoor Max c200 on 5th Apr. Longham Lakes Max 200+ on 5th Apr. Radipole Max 50+ on 24th Mar. Portland Max 100 on 6th & 7th Apr. AutumnSwineham passage: GPs Max 70+ on 4th Apr.

Reports mostly from early Jul to mid Sep with best counts as follows: Christchurch Harbour c6,013 bird-days with max of 1,000+ on 24th & 28th Jul. Durlston 10,837 recorded during autumn, peaking at 6,500 on 16th Sep. Lodmoor Max c300 on 11th Jul & c200 on 7th Sep. Radipole Max 100+ on 1st Sep. Portland Max 250 on 11th Jul and 3rd Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head c3,000 roosting in a maize field 22nd Aug. The Fleet 150+ on 4th Jul, 400+ on 22nd 11th Jul, 250+ on 22nd Jul. West Bexington 100+ on 11th Jul. ExtremeWinspit dates: 150 on 20th Aug.

25th Feb at Stanpit and 18th Oct on Portland. SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported from (pairs): Abbotsbury Coastguard (1), Bridging Camp - The Fleet (1), Canford Park (7 pairs, 6 successful), Merley Hall Farm (1), Hengistbury Head (1-2), Lytchett Bay, SpringPortland passage (10+), Spetisbury (all records (4), of The 1,000 Nothe. or more birds):

Christchurch Harbour Spring passage from 21st Mar until early May, 729 bird-days, max 225 on 30th Apr. Portland Peak counts 1,175 on 19th Apr, 1,000 on 26th Apr, 1,000 on 2nd May, 2,000+ on 4th May.

116 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 116 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage (all records of 1,000 or more birds):

Christchurch Harbour Return passage from 21st Aug with 80,987 bird-days until last on 23rd Nov. Max 1,300 on 31st Aug, 32,850 on 16th Sep, 22,000 on 28th Sep & 2,000 on 1st Oct. Durlston 85,300 between 29th Aug and 16th Nov, over half of which (45,000) were on 16th Sep. East Bexington 1,500 on 28th Sep. Portland Peak counts of 2,500 on 15th Sep, 2,500+ on 28th Sep & Extreme dates: 2,000+ on 29th Sep.

12th Mar at Ridge and 2nd Dec at Portland. HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported from (pairs): Ballard Down (3), Canford Park (37, incl. a returning female ringed each year since 2008), Cerne Abbas (1), Langton Herring (5+), Portland (12), Stourton Candle, Studland village (1), Sturminster Marshall (8), Sutton Waldron (6), Turlin Moor, Watery Lane near Lytchett Bay (13+), Wimborne St Giles (23), (3), Wyke Down (20+).

SpringA poor showingpassage: at both passage periods was commented on by several observers.

Christchurch Harbour 35 bird-days only. AutumnPortland passage: Max of 170+ on 2nd May.

Sep . Christchurch Harbour 19,185 bird-days, max 4000 on 16th Sep and 12000 on 28th

Durlston 24,194 recorded, 2nd Sep to 6th Nov, peak of 9,500 16th Sep. Portland Max of 500+ on 4 dates between 15th and 29th Sep. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 600 on 29th Sep.

20th Mar at Portland and 15th Nov at Winspit.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 117

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 117 27/08/2013 12:51 RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis daurica Scarce migrant, mainly in spring & summer.

A very good spring with 7 records. DN Smith DH Taylor Christchurch Harbour 1n on 20th Apr at Stanpit MarshG Walbridge ( ); 1 on 12th May at Wick Fields (J Stockwell). et al R Portland Lambert1n on 10th et Apr al at Southwell ( ). Portland Bill 1n on 8th Apr ( , photo);P 1n Morton on 26th et Apr al ( , photo).AJ Barrett M Morse Wareham 1 on 4th Apr, later seen at Swineham GP ( , photo). West Bexington 1 on 20th Apr ( , ). RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

L Phillips M Gibbons et al Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 27th Sep ( ). Littlesea, The Fleet 1 from 2nd Dec into 2012 ( , photo). TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Locally common breeding visitor & fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Even allowing for some duplication a pleasing increase in birds on territory from the 19 or so reported last year, as follows (singing males or pairs): Badbury Rings (4 incl. feeding young on 21st May & 5th Jul), Briantspuddle Heath (1), Coombe Heath DWT (4), Chamberlayne’s Heath (2), Gore Heath (1), Grange Heath (3), Holt Heath (3+), Holton Lee (1), Morden Bog (11+), Oakers Wood (4), Powerstock Common (3), Puddletown Forest (5), Rushcombe Bottom (1), Turnerspuddle Heath (1), Uddens Plantation (1), Wareham Forest (12+), West Moors Plantation (2), Whitesheet Plantation (1), Winfrith Heath (2), Woolsbarrow Spring(20+ present passage: early June, many in song).

Christchurch Harbour 31 bird-days between 6th Apr & 11th May, max 16 on 18th Apr. Durlston 20 between 4th Apr and 1st May. Lodmoor Singles over on 18th Mar and 16th Apr. Maiden Castle 1 on 19th Apr. Portland Additional to The Bill numbers, 70 bird-days between 6th Apr & 16th May, max 10 on 2nd May. AutumnPortland passageBill (all counts33 of bird-days. 10 or more are shown):

Chaldon Down 18w on 14th Sep. Christchurch Harbour 369 bird-days between 22nd Jul & 15th Oct, max 61 on 22nd Aug. Durlston 422 between 3rd Aug and 5th Oct, included peak counts of 27

118 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 118 27/08/2013 12:51 on 12th Aug, 57 on 19th Aug and an exceptional 70 recorded on 24th Aug. Lodmoor 11 bird-days 3rd – 27th Aug. Portland Additional to The Bill numbers 247 bird-days between 30th Jul & 14th Oct, max of 41 on 22nd Aug. Portland Bill 233 bird-days. St Aldhelm’s Head/Winspit 28 bird-days 2nd-27th Aug. ExtremeWest Bexington/Cogden dates: 12 bird-days between 22nd Aug & 2nd Sep.

18th Mar at Lodmoor & 15th Oct at Hengistbury Head. MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Pairs/singing males as follows: Coombe Valley (3), Hengistbury Head (12), Lower Avon Valley (10), Lytchett Bay (2), Portland (usual population ca.100), Redcliff Point (1), Stanpit WinterMarsh (7), flocks: White Horse Hill (3).

SpringFew reports passage of single (all counts and low-double of 100 or figures more birds):only.

Christchurch Harbour 3,583 bird-days Mar-Apr, max 1,260 on 24th Apr & 325 2nd May. Durlston 290 on 25th Mar, 345e on 2nd Apr. Portland 8,288 bird-days 18th Feb – 4th May, max 2,283 on 18th Mar, 800+ on 24th Mar & 955 on 25th Mar. AutumnPortland passageBill (all countsMax of over2,000 400 18th birds): Mar.

Chaldon Down 2,700w on 14th Sep. Christchurch Harbour 14,320 bird-days, max 2,350 on 28th Sep & 2,700 on 5th Oct. Durlston 9,292 between mid-Sep and Dec, peak of 1,900 on 19th Sep. Portland 14,137 bird-days, max 2,500 on 25th Sep & 2,000 on 28th Sep. Portland Bill Max 2,000 on 19th Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head 1,200w on 19th Sep.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 119

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 119 27/08/2013 12:51 ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Few reports of pairs/singing males as follows: Cogden Beach (pair with single young on 9th May), Hengistbury Head (5-6 pairs, “success seemed good”), Portland (usual population c30 Winterpairs), Purbeck counts: coast (20+ located on the Purbeck Seabird Survey).

Lytchett Bay Present both winter periods, max 25 in Dec. Poole Harbour Elsewhere in Poole harbour 1-2 reported from Arne, Baiter, Holes Bay, Studland, Swineham. Stanpit Present both winter periods max. 32 on 18th Jan & 28 on 18th Passage: Feb.

Durlston 111 over mid-Sep to Dec. East Bexington 1w on 19th Oct. Longham Lakes 1 on 14th Oct. West Bexington Singles on 24th Oct & 14th Nov. Anthus petrosus littoralis Uncommon winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ ROCK PIPIT

Longham Lakes 1 on 20th Mar. Stanpit Marsh Singles 1st-21st Jan & 1st-10th Mar. WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period/spring

Bere Regis CBs 3 on 22nd Jan & 1 on 20th Mar. Cowards Marsh 2 on 3rd Jan & 3 on 8th Jan. Doddings Farm CBs 1 on 31st Jan. Lodmoor 1-2 reported intermittently until 21st Mar then a late bird on 12th Apr. Longham Lakes 1 on 22nd Feb. Stanpit Marsh 12 bird-days in Jan, 8 in Feb, 25 in Mar, max 5 on 23rd Mar. Waddock Farm CBs 1 on 30th Jan. Wick Hams 1 on 3rd Apr. Autumn/secondWytch Causeway winter period:6+ on 8th Jan & 1 on 22nd Jan.

Durlston 2e on 19th Nov and 1 on 4th Dec. Lodmoor 1 from 9th Nov on and off.

120 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 120 27/08/2013 12:51 Clockwise from top left: Blue-headed Wagtail at Longham Lakes - 5th April Kevin Lane, Hume’s Leaf Warbler at Littlesea, The Fleet - 6th December Kevin Lane, Black-winged Stilt at Radipole Lake - 20th May Kevin Lane, Red-rumped Swallow at Swineham Gravel Pit - 4th April Kevin Lane

Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Portland Bill - 27th September Kevin Lane

2011 Dorset Bird Report 121

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 121 27/08/2013 12:51 Aquatic Warbler at Lytchett Bay - 20th August Shaun Robson

122 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 122 27/08/2013 12:51 YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava Fairly common passage migrant.

SpringNote the passage high roost (all count counts at Abbotsburyof 10 or more in earlybirds): September.

Christchurch harbour 119 bird-days from 15th Mar – 18th May, max 14 on 25th Apr. Portland Additional to the Bill, 302 bird-days, max 30 on 19th Apr, 36 on 21st Apr, 32 on 1st May & 27 on 2nd May. Reap Lane was the favoured site. AutumnPortland passageBill (all counts190 of bird-days.30 or more birds):

Abbotsbury Swannery Roost counts from 17th Aug onwards peaked at 800 on 3rd Sep. Bridging Camp, The Fleet 55 on 22nd Aug. Chaldon Down 92 on 14th Sep. Christchurch Harbour 1,495 bird-days 22nd Jul – 21st Oct, max 124 on 24th Aug & 250 on 29th Aug. Durlston 504 bird-days, 1st Aug to 4th Oct, peak of 105 on 29th Aug. Greenlands Farm 55 on 29th Aug. Lambert’s Castle 80 on 9th Sep. Lodmoor Max 70+ on 9th Sep. Lytchett Bay 459 bird-days 20th Aug – 21st Sep, max 90 on 1st Sep. Middlebere 30 on 3rd and 7th Sep. Pentridge Hill 35 on 21st Aug. Portland Away from the Bill, 843 bird-days, max of 115 on 24th Aug, 201 on 28th Aug, 100 on 2nd Sep. Portland Bill 1,437 bird-days. Ringstead Bay 70+ on 29th Aug. Sherford Bridge 35 on 8th Sep. Sunnyside Farm c60 on 20th Aug; 40 on 31st Aug. ExtremeWest Bexington/Cogden dates: 542 bird-days, max 136 on 29th Aug.

15th Mar at Stanpit & 21st Oct at Christchurch Harbour Motacilla flava flava Scarce passage migrant. BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL

Longham Lakes 1 on 5th Apr. Portland Single males on 8th & 21st May at Barleycrates Lane. Motacilla flava thunbergi Very rare passage migrant - 5 previous records. GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL G Walbridge

Reap Lane, Portland A male on 20th May ( ).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 123

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 123 27/08/2013 12:51 GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Locally common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (single pairs unless otherwise stated): Canford Park (2), Lower Avon Valley (3), Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Merley Park (1 pair fledged 4 young), Morden Park Lake, SpringSwanage. passage:

Christchurch Harbour 8 bird-days Mar-Jun. Lodmoor 1 on 3rd May. AutumnPortland passage (all counts6 bird-daysof 10 or more in Mar. birds):

Christchurch Harbour 117 bird-days, max 16 on 9th Oct. Durlston Records included a peak of 18 birds on 5th Sep. East Bexington 13 on 2 dates. Lodmoor 10 bird-days. Portland Away from PBO 52 bird-days, max 10 on 22nd Sep. Portland Bill 126 bird-days. West Bexington/Cogden 16+ bird-days.

Winter:Also odd birds reported from Abbotsbury, Hatch Pond and Lytchett Bay.

Winter records from Bere Regis CBs, Doddings Farm CBs, Goathorn, Hengistbury Head, Holes Bay, Mangerton Mill, Norden SF, Poole, Stanpit Marsh, Wareham and Wick. PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba yarrellii Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury Coatguards (1), Abbotsbury Swannery (1), Bridging Camp, The Fleet (1), Canford Park (3 pairs hatched 14 young), Lodmoor (2+), Lytchett Bay, Merley Park (1 pair fledged 7 young with 2 broods), The Nothe, Portland (10+ pairs north Springpart of island),passage: Stanpit (1) and West Bexington.

Christchurch Harbour 128 bird-days in Mar. Hatch Pond Roost max. of 160 on 4th Mar. Portland Away from PBO, 282 bird-days. Radipole 120 on 11th Mar.

124 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 124 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage (all counts of 100 or more):

Christchurch Harbour 6,533 bird-days, max 670e on 28th Sep & 920e on 14th Oct. Corfe Castle 135w on 9th Oct. Durlston 7,323 ‘alba’ Wagtails over between mid-Sep and Dec, including peaks of 465 on 5th Oct and 331 on 11th Oct. East Bexington 100e on 28th Sep, 615w on 19th Oct. Hatch Pond Roost max of 150 on 16th Oct. Lodmoor Max 80+ on 19th Aug. Lytchett Bay Max 400 in roost late Oct. Portland Away from PBO 2,555 bird-days, max 413n on 8th Oct. Portland Bill Max 300 on 2nd Oct. Radipole 150+ on 31st Oct, 200+ on 1st Nov. St Aldhelm’s Head 654 over on 4 dates 14th-25th Oct. WinterWareham, roosts: Purbeck School 100 on 30th Sep.

Bridport Many 100s by the Co-op roundabout on 21st Dec. Charmouth 80+ on 17th Mar. Hatch Pond 30 on 29th Jan. Hilfield c300 on 20th Feb. Weymouth Ferry Terminal 200+ on 5th Jan & 16th Dec.

Other winter counts included 200 at Martinstown on 12th Dec. Motacilla alba alba Fairly common passage migrant. WHITE WAGTAIL

Numbers below indicate those specifically identified. Some of the flyover alba wagtails are Springlikely to passage: this subspecies.

Christchurch Harbour 12 bird-days Mar-Apr. Lodmoor Singles on 19th Mar, 27th Mar & 1st Apr. Lytchett Bay 2 on 22nd Mar. Portland Away from PBO, 89 bird-days 8th Mar-4th May. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 46 bird-days Mar-May.

Portland 40 bird-days 22nd Aug- 3rd Oct. ExtremePortland Bill dates: 20 bird-days Aug-Oct.

8th Mar & 3rd Oct , both dates at Portland.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 125

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 125 27/08/2013 12:51 WAXWING Bombycilla garrulous Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant, subject to irruptions into the UK.

The high numbers from 2010’s autumn invasion continued well into the spring. Some of the largest flocks were towards the end of winter/early spring suggesting some return passage through the area.

Bearwood 3 on 16th Jan; 20+ on 2nd, 20 on 11th, 48 on 12th & 24 on 13th Mar. Boscombe c15 on 18th-19th Jan. Broadstone Regular reports from 14th Jan, when the max of 66 was recorded, until 26th Mar, then 11 on 26th Apr. Bournemouth Intermittent reports from 10 on 6th Jan until 41+ on 24th Mar. Canford Heath 10 on 7th Jan were the first of regular sightings until last on 15th Apr, max 80+ on 2nd Apr. Chickerell 4-5 on 3rd & 18th Jan. Christchurch 5 on 5th Feb. Christchurch Harbour 109 bird-days in Jan & Feb, max 42 on two dates. Corfe Mullen 12 on 21st Jan, 28 on 17th Feb. Creekmoor 20 on 25th Feb, 6 on 3rd Mar, 20+ on 3rd – 4th Apr. Dorchester 2 on 31st Jan. Durlston 6w on 28th Jan. Gillingham 15 on 2nd Jan, 5 on 5th Jan & 2 on 10th Jan. Hatch Pond 21 on 9th Feb then regularly until mid Apr, max 70 on 31st Mar. Highcliffe c10 on 5th Jan. Holes Bay 13 over on 20th Jan. Merley 10+ on 22nd Jan. Lytchett Bay 20 on 11th Jan, 3 on 23rd -25th Jan, 8 on 8th Feb. Parkstone 9 on 18th feb, 19 on 27th Feb, 70 on 28th Feb & 42 on 3rd Mar. Poole 10 on 12th Jan then regularly from 9th Mar. The Nuffield Industrial Estate produced the largest count of the year with 119 on 1st Apr, and birds lingering until 25th Apr. Portland 5 on 3rd – 8th Jan at Southwell, 8-10 at Haylands on 5th Jan, 15 over The Grove 8th Jan, 1 at Pound Piece on 8th Jan, 7 at Bird Observatory on 11th Jan, 1 at The Grove on 11th Jan & 11 at Easton on 12th Jan. Poundbury 1 on 30th Jan. Purewell Up to 63 from 3rd – 8th Feb. Stalbridge 8+ on 3rd Jan. Southbourne 14 on 10th Jan. Swanage 6 on 28th Jan. Upton Up to 8 regularly 23rd Jan – 8th Feb. Verwood 4+ on 12th Jan, c20 on 26th Jan, 6 on 27th Jan & 20 on 4th Mar. Wallisdown 20+ on 28th-29th Jan, 12 on 28th Feb & 23 on 10th Mar. Waterloo 20 on 5th Apr. Weymouth 3 on 1st Jan, 3 on 4th Jan then 3-6 settled 23rd Jan – 4th Feb. Wimborne 30 on 4th Feb, 2 on 7th Feb & 5 on 12th Feb.

126 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 126 27/08/2013 12:51 DIPPER Cinclus cinclus Uncommon breeding resident in the west of the county.

A fairly typical set of reports from the west of the county. In the east a bird flushed close to the weir at Town Mill, Wareham on the 20th Mar was an excellent local record that, Breeding:unfortunately, couldn’t be relocated.

Confirmed/likely breeding from the following sites: Chard Junction (R.Axe) Pair present 6th Apr, 3 males on territory 30th Dec. OtherLyme Regis records: (R. Lim) Seen intermittently throughout the year, max 3 on 19th Nov.

Bridport (R. Asker) 1 on 8th Feb. Charmouth (R. Char) singles on 22nd Apr & 20th Oct. Frampton (R. Frome) 1 on 15th Dec. Maiden Newton (R. Frome) singles on 16th Jan, 25th Jan & 3rd Feb. Mangerton Mill 1 on 22nd Feb. (R. Mangerton) Netherbury (R. Brit) 1-2 on 4 dates in Feb, 3rd Jul & 19th Nov. Tollerford (R. Hooke) 1 on 2nd Apr. Wareham (R. Piddle) 1 on 20th Mar. WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Reported from (pairs); Durlston (51), Hatch Pond (5), Merley Park (8), The Nothe (1), Portland (9 north of island) and Wick (9-10).

Few other reports received. PBO reported low numbers being caught in the mist nets (the lowest since the hard winters of 1962-3 and 1978-9). DUNNOCK Prunella modularis Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury Coastguards (1), Canford Park, Cogden, Durlston (41), East Fleet (2), Hatch Pond (4), Lodmoor (1), Merley Park (4), The Nothe, West Bexington and Wick (11-13).

No other noteworthy reports.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 127

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 127 27/08/2013 12:51 ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Very common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported from (pairs or singing males): Abbotsbury Coastguards (1), Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Cogden, Durlston (38), Hatch Pond (5), Lodmoor (1 pair fledged 4 young), Merley Park (11), The Nothe, Portland (8), Rushcombe Bottom (14), Stour Valley Passage:LNR (1 pair fledged 3 young), West Bexington, Wick (6-8).

Durlston An influx of 40+ birds was noted at the beginning of Sep, with another influx on 26th Sep. Portland Bill More than usual in the Spring with, for example, 30 in Mar compared to an average of 9. Winspit Max c45 on 13th Oct. NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos Uncommon, declining breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Singing males in potential breeding habitat as follows: Alners Gorse (11), Burning Cliff (6), Challow Hill - Corfe Castle (2+), Deadmoor Common (6), Lydlinch Common (3+), (2), Stour Provost (1), Sturminster Marshall GC (1), Throop Fisheries (3), West Moors (1) and White Nothe (3).

SpringAt some passage: sites birds were recorded on one date only and may have been migrants.

Dancing Ledge 1 on 9th Apr. Durlston Singles on 17th, 20th, 27th, 28th and 29th Apr. Hengistbury 1 on 8th Apr. Portland 1 at High Angle Battery on 19th Apr. Portland Bill Male on 10th Apr, male on 10th May. Rushcombe Bottom 1 on 25th Apr. Swanage 1 at California Quarry on 22nd Apr. AutumnUpton CP passage: 1 on 24th Apr.

Durlston 1 on 17th Aug. Hengistbury Head 1 on 6th Aug. Portland Bill 1 on 24th Aug, 1st yr on 1st-2nd Oct. ExtremeStanpit Marsh dates: 1 on 26th Aug.

8th Apr at Alners Gorse and Hengistbury Head & 2nd Oct at Portland.

128 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 128 27/08/2013 12:51 RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL Tarsiger cyanurus Accidental - one previous record.

Having missed out during the record UK influx during autumn 2010, Dorset’s second Red- flanked Bluetail lingered for 5 days at Durlston in the spring. The previous record was the famous Winspit bird in 1993 in the days when the species hadK Black “mega”IM status. Lewis et al

Durlston First summer on 2nd - 6th Apr ( , , photo). BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochuros Locally common passage migrant & winter visitor, occasionally breeds.

Breeding & summer records:

HengistburyFirst winter Headperiod / Spring:1 on 1st Jul.

1-2 reported from Arne, Bridport, Bridging Camp - The Fleet, Dancing Ledge, Dorchester, Durlston, Greenlands Farm, Ferrybridge, Hamworthy, Nothe/Newtons Cove, Poundbury, Portesham,At the main Swanage, migration West sites: Bexington.

Christchurch Harbour 1 on 9th Feb, 11 bird-days 16th – 29th Mar. Portland 7-8 early winter, away from PBO 29 bird-days 9th Mar – 30th Apr & late bird 17th May. PortlandSecond winter Bill period / Autumn:63 bird-days Mar – May.

Reported (single birds unless max otherwise stated) from Abbotsbury Swannery (2), Bournemouth, Bournemouth Airport, Bridging Camp – The Fleet, Bridport (2), Chickerell, Dorchester (2), Durlston, Littlesea, Lyme Regis (3), Middlebere, The Nothe/Newtons Cove (3-5), Poole (3), Poundbury, Studland, Swanage (4), Upton Heath, Upwey, West Bexington.

Numbers generally low at the main migration watch points: Christchurch Harbour 8 bird-days 29th Oct – 3rd Dec. Portland Away from PBO 7 bird-days 28th Oct – 28th Nov. Portland Bill 47 bird-days Oct – Nov. REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Scarce breeding visitor & fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:Morden Bog remains the most consistent site for Dorset’s small breeding population.

Oakers Wood 2 singing 22nd Apr, 1 of which had been present for a week. Town Common Juvenile on 24th Jun. Wareham Forest Many reports of singing birds, likely at least 3 on territory at Morden Bog & 2 near Cold Harbour. Fledged young seen on 18th (1) and 30th Jun (2+). 2011 Dorset Bird Report 129

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 129 27/08/2013 12:51 Passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 41 4 1 7 57 16 Jan Feb Mar2 48 May8 Jun Jul Aug5 4 Oct1 Dec Christchurch Harbour 1 76 11 1 40 8 2 Portland (outside PBO) SpringPortland passage Bill (all counts of 4+ birds):

Christchurch Harbour 45 bird-days from 2nd Apr – 11th May, max 21 on 8th Apr. Durlston Peak count of 12 on 7th Apr. Portland Away from PBO 89 bird-days 27th Mar – 25th May, max 25 on 8th Apr. AutumnPortland passageBill (all counts89 of bird-days 5+ birds): from 25th Mar – June.

Christchurch Harbour 81 bird-days from 30th Jun – 27th Sep, max 10 on 22nd Aug. Durlston Peak count of 25 on 15th Aug. Kingston 5 on 19th Aug & 12 on 27th Aug at Westhill Farm. Morden Bog 5 on 24th Aug. Pentridge Hill 8 on 8th Aug. Portland Away from PBO 15 bird-days 3rd Aug – 2nd Oct. Portland Bill 50 bird-days Aug – 2nd Oct. West Bexington/Cogden 15 bird-days 3rd Aug – 2nd Oct. Winspit 78 bird-days 17th Aug – 30th Aug, max 15 on 24th.

ExtremeSmaller numbers dates: at a wide variety of coastal and inland sites, especially in autumn.

25th Mar at Portland & 22nd Oct at Sydling St Nicholas. WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra Fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:

No confirmed breeding but 3 juveniles at St Aldhelm’s Head on 26th Jul, with 2 still present on 29th Jul.

Widespread reports of small numbers on passage at coastal and inland sites in addition to Passage:the higher concentrations below. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 10 10 42 2 Jan Feb Mar 4 May8 Jun Jul Aug26 41 Oct8 Dec Christchurch Harbour 29 14 1733 7 Durlston 56 1 2 26 70 10 Portland (outside PBO) 301 6 1 46 29 1 Portland Bill 37 West Bexington

130 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 130 27/08/2013 12:51 Spring passage (all counts of 2+ birds):

Christchurch Harbour 20 bird-days 8th Apr–8th May, max 3 on 29th/30th Apr. Portland Max counts 25+ on 30th Apr & 22 on 1st May. AutumnWinspit passage (all counts2 onof 4+19th birds): Apr.

Arne Moors 5 on 22nd Aug. Bronkham Hill 10 on 2nd Sep. Christchurch Harbour 77 bird-days, max 7 on 22nd Aug & 11 on 3rd Oct. Grove Hill Bottom 5 on 25th Aug, 10 on 9th Sep. Gussage Down 4 on 24th Aug. Lytchett Bay On 7 dates 20th Aug – 8th Oct, max 4 on 2nd Sep. West Bexington 77 bird-days, max 6 in Aug & 4 in Sep. Portland Max of 12 on 3rd Sep. Ringstead Bay 4 on 29th Aug. ExtremeSt Aldhelm’s dates: Head 4 on 15th Aug & 2nd Sep.

8th Apr at Hengistbury and Portland & 5th Nov at Winspit. STONECHAT Saxicola torquatus Fairly common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

66+ pairs/families reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury Coastguard (2), Arne, Avon Heath, Bincombe (1), Bridging Camp - The Fleet (1, 2 broods), Canford Heath (3), Challow Hill (2), Chalbury Hillfort (1), Chamberlaynes Heath (2), Cogden (3+), Coombe Valley (1, 3 young fledged), Cranborne Common, Durlston (6), Godlingston Heath, Greenlands Farm (2 family parties), Gussage Down (1, 2 juvs seen), Hartland Moor (3 family parties), Hengistbury, Herbury Gore (1), Higher Hyde Heath (family party of 3 juvs), Holt Heath (7), Middlebere (2), Morden Bog (3+, several families reported), Parley Common (1), Portland (8, total of 35 young), Redcliff Point (1), St Aldhelm’s Head (10 juvs on 3rd Jul), Seacombe (1), Soldiers Rd (1), Stoborough Heath (3+, 30 reported on 17th Aug), Studland (2), Town Common (2 – 3 & 5 juvs fledged), Turnerspuddle Heath (1), Upton Heath, West Moors (1), Winfrith Heath (2), West Bexington (3), Woolsbarrow Hillfort (3 family parties).

SpringSeveral passage:observers reported poor years for passage birds in both seasons.

Christchurch Harbour Max 18 on 16th Mar. AutumnPortland passage: Max 9 on 12th Mar.

Christchurch Harbour Max 33 Hengistbury on 3rd Sep. Durlston Peak count of 36 on 1st Oct. Portland Max 15+ on 13th Oct. Portland Bill max 25 on 2nd Oct.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 131

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 131 27/08/2013 12:51 Saxicola torquatus rubicola Probably an uncommon passage migrant. ‘CONTINENTAL’ STONECHAT

Portland Bill 3 different males on 4th, 6th & 7th April. WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Rare breeding visitor & common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Hartland Moor Male seen entering rabbit burrow on 8th May. Holt Heath Juv on 10th Jul. Passage:Langton Matravers Female feeding young on 11th Jun. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 226 25 15 504 400 89 4 Jan Feb Mar62 May10 Jun Jul2 296Aug 147 Oct52 5 Dec Christchurch Harbour 1100430 289 7 55 1610 1255 472 22 Durlston 78 14493 12 7 87 80 1 Portland Bill 390 SpringWest Bexington passage (all counts of over 25 birds): 37

Christchurch Harbour From 12th Mar – 11th May, max 66 on 24th Mar & 76 on 7th May. Greenlands Farm 39 on 10th Apr. Lodmoor 87 bird-days between 13th Mar and 10th May. Lytchett Bay 27 bird-days between 26th Mar and 1st May. Portland Away from PBO, 2,037 bird-days, max of 175 on 18th Apr, 300+ on 24th Apr and 150 on 30th Apr. AutumnWest Bexington passage (all countsMax of overof 32 25in Marbirds): and 33 in Apr.

Chaldon Down 40+ on 14th Sep. Christchurch Harbour From Jul until 17th Nov, max 69 on 22nd Aug & 84 on 21st Sep. Kingston 40+ on 19th Aug at Westhill Farm. Lodmoor 32 bird-days 26th Jul – 26th Oct. Maiden Castle 30+ on 6th Oct. Portland Away from PBO, 1,525 bird-days from 23rd Jul – 12th Nov, Extreme dates: max of 250 on 24th Aug, 120 on 27th Aug & 100 on 28th Aug.

23rd Feb at Portland & 22nd Nov at Holes Bay. Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa Fairly common passage migrant. ‘GREENLAND’ WHEATEAR

No particular counts this year.

132 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 132 27/08/2013 12:51 RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus Uncommon passage migrant, especially autumn.

Spring passage:

Christchurch Harbour The only spring record was one at Stanpit on 21st Apr, making it the worst spring there for over 20 years. Cogden Beach Apr1 on 15th Apr.. Durlston CP 1 on 31st Mar, 2 on 1st Apr and singles on 11th, 12th and 21st

East Chaldon Down 1 on 26th Mar. Lodmoor 1 on 21st Apr. Portland 32 bird-days in Mar and Apr. Max 4 on 8th Apr. Sherford Bridge 1 on 6th Apr. AutumnStudland, passage: Greenlands Farm 2 on 10th Apr.

Arne 2 on 19th Oct. Chapman’s Pool 1 on 23rd Sep. 1 on 23rd Oct. Christchurch Harbour 14 bird-days between 14th Oct and 11th Nov. Max 4 on 17th Oct. Durlston CP 28 between 19th Sep and 16th Nov, peaking at 5 on 16th Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 9th Nov. Portland 45 bird-days between Sep and Nov. Max 6 on 15th Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 25th Oct. Ulwell Gap 18 bird-days between 14th and 20th Oct. Max 6 on 14th. ExtremeWhite Nothe dates: 1 on 1st Oct.

22nd Mar at Portland and 16th Nov at Durlston. BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:An unremarkable year with no strong movements or changes in breeding status.

Canford Park (7), Durlston CP (16), Hatch Pond (5), Merley Park (25), Portland (c100), West AutumnBexington passage (7) and andWick winter: Fields (11-12).

Lodmoor Max 60 in mid Nov. Portland Max 150n on 7th Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 133

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 133 27/08/2013 12:51 FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Beginning of the year and spring passage (counts above 100):

Bardolf Farm 120 on 14th Jan. Cranborne 100 on 27th Feb. Gussage Down 200 on 29th Jan. Gussage St Andrew 200 on 6th Mar. West Moors Plantation 800e on 26th Feb. Wimborne St Giles 160 on 6th Feb. Winterborne Stickland 200 on 21st Jan. AutumnWyke Down passage and end of200 year: on 24th Feb.

Bardolf Manor 380 on 20th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 296 bird-days in Nov, max at 116 Hengistbury on 21st. Corfe Hills 65e on 13th Nov. Coryates 100 on 19th Nov. Durlston CP 210n on 14th Nov and 435e on 16th Nov. Hartland Moor 200 on 5th Nov. Lodmoor 102 on 9 dates 29th Oct - 22nd Nov, max 31 on 14th Nov. Lytchett Bay A very good series of vis-mig movements. 102n on 6th Nov, 78n on 7th , 244n on 14th , 54n on 15th , 143e on 16th . Portland Est 258 bird-days at all sites between 16th Oct and end of Nov. Winspit 100 on 22nd Nov. ExtremeWyke Down dates: 600 on 16th Nov.

Portland 2nd May and Christchurch Harbour & St Aldhelm’s Head on 14th Oct SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:An unremarkable year with no strong movements or changes in breeding status.

Abbotsbury (5), Canford Park (1), Canford School (1), Christchurch Harbour (7-8), Cogden/ West Bexington (5), Durlston CP (5), Hatch Pond (1), Lodmoor area (12-15), Lytchett Bay Beginning(10), Merley of Park year (5), and Portland spring (11,passage: partial count) and Rushcombe Bottom (2).

AutumnPortland passage and end of50 year: were at Southwell on 2nd Jan.

Christchurch Harbour 248 bird-days between 5th & 23rd Nov, max 62n on 5th. Lodmoor 50+ late Nov. Portland Est of 129 bird-days at all sites between 22nd Sep and 15th Nov. Max 30n on 7th Nov. 134 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 134 27/08/2013 12:51 REDWING Turdus iliacus Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Beginning of year and spring passage:

Arne 100+ on 21st Jan Cogden 100+ on 21st Jan. Lorton Valley 100 on 1st Jan. Merley Park Max 200 in Feb. Sherford Bridge 100 on 12th Mar. AutumnStinsford passage and end of100+ year: on 3rd Feb

Christchurch Harbour 333 bird-days between mid Oct and end Nov. Max 46 on 3 dates. Durlston CP 135n on 6th Nov and 190n on 14th Nov Hartland Moor 100 on 5th Nov. Lambert’s Hill 150 on 10th Nov. Lodmoor 250 bird-days 13th - 17th Nov. Lytchett Bay Small vis-mig flights in Nov. 40n on 6th, 155n on 7th , 30n on 14th. Merley Park Max 250 in Nov. Portland Est 772 bird-days at all sites between 12th Oct and end Nov. ExtremeWyke Down dates: 100+ on 16th Nov.

Durlston CP on 5th Oct and Portland on 23rd Apr. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Another hugely under reported species. May be the forthcoming BTO Atlas will give a truer Breeding:picture of this and other relatively common species?

Cashmoor (1), Christchurch Harbour (1), Higher Hyde Heath (1), Lodmoor (1), Merley Park Post-breeding(2), Pentridge Hill flocks (1) and of 10+: Powerstock Common (1).

Avon Causeway 25 on 3rd Jul. Chard Junction GPs 14 on 26th Sep. Hartland Moor 29 on 25th Aug. Mordon Bog 20 on 14th Apr. AutumnRushcombe passage: Bottom 20 on 10th Aug.

Very small numbers were reported from a variety of sites throughout the autumn.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 135

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 135 27/08/2013 12:51 CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:Slight decline noted at most sites following recent the hard winters.

Bardolf Farm (3), Brianstpuddle (1), Christchurch Harbour (6-7), Cogden (2), Clapgate (1), Hatch Pond (3-4), Lodmoor (9), Lytchett Bay (5), Sherford Bridge (1), Stour Valley LNR (1), Sturminster Marshall GP (1 – first since 1980’s), Swineham (7), West Bexington (5), AutumnWimborne movements: (1).

Abbotsbury Swannery 3 from Sep onwards. Longham Lakes 1 on 11th Oct. West Bay 1 on 4th Nov. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Uncommon passage migrant - occasionally breeds.

Breeding:

Spring2 birds notedpassage: reeling regularly in May and June in the Lodmoor area may have bred.

Abbotsbury 1 on 10th Apr, 2 on 20th, 1 on 25th, Christchurch Harbour 31 bird-days 7th Apr – 6th May. Max 5 on 14th and 18th Apr. An excellent passage. Chard GP 1 on 18th Apr. Corfe Mullen 1 on 17th Apr. Dancing Ledge 1 on 9th Apr. Durlston CP 4 on 7th Apr, passage continued until 10th May with 18 bird days in total. Ferrybridge 1 on 15th Apr. Lodmoor 7 different reeling birds in spring. Milborne St Andrew 1 on 17th Apr. Portland Est 67 bird-days at all sites between 8th Apr and 14th May. Max 12 on 19th Apr. Radipole Lake 1 on 20th Apr Southbourne 1 on 16th Apr. Wareham, Bestwall 1 on 16th Apr, 1 on 3rd Jun. AutumnWest Bexington passage: 3 between 14th and 20th Apr.

Abbotsbury 1 on 27th Jul, Christchurch Harbour 37 bird-days 4th Jul – 7th Sep. Max 9 on 3rd Aug. Durlston CP Excellent autumn passage. 109 bird-days between late Jul and 2nd Oct. Max 12 on 15th Aug. Gussage Down 1 on 5th Aug.

136 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 136 27/08/2013 12:51 Lytchett Bay A record autumn passage. 35 birds between 27th Jul and 28th Sep. All trapped except for 1 at Border Road on 15th Aug. Max 6 on 20th Aug with 5 on 17th Aug, 21st Aug and 1st Sep. Martinstown 2 on 19th Aug. Pentridge Hill 1 on 8th Aug. Portland c40 bird-days between 16th Jul and 14th Oct. Max 6 on 30th Jul. Rushcombe Bottom 1 on 3rd Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 3rd Aug, 2 on 5th, 2 on 2nd Sep. Stalbridge 1 on 13th Aug, 4 on 14th. Stour Valley LNR 1 on 2nd Jul. West Bexington 5 between 25th Jul and 22nd Aug. ExtremeWinspit dates: 20 bird-days 31st Jul – 27th Aug. Max 4 on 22nd.

Christchurch Harbour, Durlston and Lodmoor on 7th Apr and Portland on 14th Oct. SAVI’S WARBLER Locustella lusciniodides Rare passage migrant & summer visitor.

N Fowler et al, Lodmoor A male held territory between 11th May and 1st Jun ( photo). The bird was already ringed and was presumed to be the same individual that had been at Slapton Ley, Devon between 24th and 27th Apr.

This is the first record for Dorset since 1996. The species bred in the county between 1977 and 1982. AQUATIC WARBLER Acrocephalus paludicola Rare autumn passage migrant.

T Elborn S Robson et al Lytchett Bay A 1st W was trapped and ringed on the 20th Aug ( , , photo). Some gentle south easterlies at the right time of year finally ended the drought.

The first county record since 2007. Whilst hardly replicating the hey days of the 80’s and 90’s a small window of suitable weather produced up to 8 in SW England. At least we now know, when the wind blows from the right direction, there is still hope.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 137

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 137 27/08/2013 12:51 SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Christchurch Harbour (17-19), Chard Junction (1), Cogden (1), Lodmoor (uncounted), River SpringAllen (20), passage: Shapwick (3), Sturminster Marshall GP (3), West Bexington (3),

Christchurch Harbour 45 bird-days between 4th and 30th Apr. Max 11 on 8th. AutumnPortland passage: c83 bird-days, 7th Apr to 19th May. Max 10 on 2 dates.

Christchurch Harbour 614 bird-days, late Jul to 16th Oct. Max 180 on 25th Jul. Durlston CP 56 bird-days between late Jul and 5th Oct. Lytchett Bay The best autumn on record. 704 from 10th Jul to 28th Sep including a day record of 96 on 6th Aug. 592 of these were ringed. Portland Est 222 bird-days at all sites between 21st Jul and 29th Sep. Max 10 on several dates. Stalbridge 150 on 6th Aug. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 117 trapped and ringed on autumn migration.

Lodmoor on 1st Apr and Christchurch Harbour on 16th Oct. PADDYFIELD WARBLER Acrocephlus agricola Accidental - no previous records.

st F Alway M Cade I Dodd Cuttcleaves, The Fleet One was trapped and ringed on 21 Jul ( , , , photo). It was not seen after release.

A report from the finder of this occurrence can be found on pages 192 and 193.

This species was a long anticipated addition to the Dorset list. Whilst a mist net was always a likely finding location, both the date and the place were beyond prediction. BLYTH’S REED WARBLER Acrocephlus dumetorum Accidental - four previous records.

st M Cade M Lanaway th Portland Bill A 1 winter was trapped at PBO on 27 Sep ( , et al, photo). th The 5 record for Portland and Dorset. All records to date have been discovered in mist nets at the Observatory.

138 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 138 27/08/2013 12:51 REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Whilst passage was poorly reported many sites recorded an increasing breeding population.

Breeding: Christchurch Harbour (bred widely in good numbers), Chard GP (4), Cogden (est 50), Cuttleaves Cove (7), Hatch Pond (4-7), Langton Herring (4), Lodmoor (uncounted but believed to be increasing), Longham Lakes (25), Lytchett Bay (84), Shapwick (11), SpringSturminster passage: Marshall GP (2), Warmwell Quarry (4), West Bexington (est 40),

PortlandAutumn passage: Est 43 bird-days at all sites between 16th Apr and 4th Jun.

ExtremeStalbridge dates: 40 on 6th Aug.

Radipole Lake on 2nd Apr and Durlston CP on 3rd Oct. Acrocephalus arundinaceus Very rare passage migrant and summer visitor - 9 records. GREAT REED WARBLER 1961 addition: J Newsome PJ Sellar

Burton Mere 1 on 20th May ( , et al, per MJ Morse)

Some sterling detective work by Mike Morse ended in this largely forgotten record being submitted to BBRC and now taking it’s place in the official records. For a full account, see the article on page 195. MELODIOUS WARBLER Hippolais polyglotta Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

DN Smith M Cade et al Christchurch Harbour 1 was at HengistburyPJ Morgan Head eton al 12th Aug ( ). Portland Ad on 28th Jul (G Walbridge, photo).et al Ad on 31st Jul ( M Cade et al, photo). 1 on 10th Aug ( , photo). 1st w on 22nd Aug ( S Hunting et, photo).al 1st w on 30th Aug (per PBO, photo). 1st w 5th – 8th Sep ( , photo).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 139

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 139 27/08/2013 12:51 BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Common breeding visitor & passage migrant & uncommon winter visitor.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury (6), Chafey’s Lake (7), Christchurch Harbour (23, increasing), Durlston CP (11), East Fleet (3), Hatch Pond (3), Langton Herring (15+), Lodmoor area (6), Longham Lakes (2), Lytchett Bay (8), Portland North (10), Sturminster Marshall GP (6), West Bexington Spring(uncounted), passage:

Christchurch Harbour 301 bird-days mid Mar – end Apr. Max 85 on 7th Apr. Durlston CP 137 bird-days late Mar - end of May. Max 20 on 7th Apr. AutumnPortland passage: Est 486 bird-days between Mar and May. Max 25 on 8th Apr.

Christchurch Harbour 928 bird-days between Jul and end Oct. Max 85 on 15th Sep. Durlston CP 2836 bird-days between late Aug and Nov. 5 dates recorded more than 100 birds. Max 245 on 15th Sep. Portland Est 984 bird-days at all sites between 21st Jul and 19th Nov. Max 55 on 22nd Sep. Winspit 546 bird-days between 31st Jul and 16th Oct. Max 63 on 30th First winter period: Aug.

63 reported from sites across the whole county. An estimate of 22 in central Portland was the biggest concentration. In reality this species is an uncommon winter visitor and most urban gardens will witness an occasional visit during that season. Supplying the preferred Secondfood can winter attract period:birds on a daily basis.

34 reported from sites across the whole county. This lower number is not surprising, wintering birds tend not to settle into gardens until after Christmas. GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin Fairly common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Badbury Rings (3), Chard GP (1), Holt Heath (1), Lydlinch Common (10), Pentridge Hill (1), SpringPowerstock passage: Common (2), Sturminster Marshall GP (2), St’minster Marshall – White Mill (2).

Christchurch Harbour 13 bird-days 15th Apr - 13th May. Max 3 on two dates. Cogden 1 on 11th May. Dancing Ledge 1 on 9th Apr. Durlston CP 22 bird-days between 13th Apr and end of May. Portland c69 bird-days at all sites 12th Apr - 20th May. Max 25, 30th Apr. Radipole Lake 1 on 13th Apr. Redcliffe, Weymouth 1 on 13th Apr. 140 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 140 27/08/2013 12:51 Autumn passage:

Christchurch Harbour 111 bird-days, 4th Jul and 23rd Sep. Max 12 on 3rd Aug. Durlston CP 218 bird-days, end Jul - 12th Nov. Max 15 on 10th & 15th Aug. Lodmoor 1-3 daily during Aug. Lytchett Bay 8 bird-days between 2nd and 29th Aug. Portland Est 54 bird-days at all sites between 26th Jul and 16th Oct. Max 6 on 22nd Aug. West Bexington 13 bird-days between 5th Jul and 2nd Sep. Winspit 37 bird-days between 31st Jul and 30th Aug. Max 6 on 5th Aug.

ExtremeOccasional dates: records involving small numbers recorded at many sites.

Dancing Ledge on 9th Apr and Durlston CP on 12th Nov. LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Fairly common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Burning Cliff (3), Chard GP (1), Chardown Hill (1), Christchurch Harbour (4-5), Cogden (uncounted), Durlston CP (4), East Fleet (2), Fifehead Magdalen (2), Hartland Moor (3), Lodmoor area (4), Organford (1), Portland (12), Redcliffe Pt, Weymouth (3), Studland, SpringGreenlands passage: Farm (1), Up Cerne (3), West Bexington (uncounted).

Christchurch Harbour 17 bird-days between 9th and 30th Apr. Max 3 on 25th. Durlston CP 68 bird-days between 11th Apr and end of May. Portland Est 28 bird-days away from breeding area between 21st Apr Autumn passage: and 4th Jun. Max 7 on 30th Apr.

Christchurch Harbour 120 bird-days, 13th Jul & 26th Sep. Max 14 on 19th Aug. Durlston CP 189 bird-days, 1st Aug and 14th Oct. Max 16 on 26th Aug. Lodmoor 1-3 daily during up to 2nd Sep. Portland Est 95 bird-days at all sites between 25th Jul and 23rd Sep. Winspit 46 bird-days between 2nd and 30th Aug. Max 9 on 26th.

EasternOccasional birds: records involving small numbers recorded at many sites.

An “eastern” bird was at Portland on 3rd Oct. Another was trapped and ringed at Littlesea, ExtremeThe Fleet dates:on 23rd Oct.

West Bexington, Christchurch Harbour and St Aldhelm’s Head on 9th Apr; Littlesea, The Fleet on 23rd Oct.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 141

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 141 27/08/2013 12:51 WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding (15 or more territories):

Burning Cliff (16), Christchurch Harbour (48 – 55), Cogden (20), Durlston CP (69), Langton Herring (20+), Lodmoor Area (uncounted but breeding widely in good numbers), Portland Spring(est 100), passage: West Bexington (30)

Christchurch Harbour 191 bird-days in Apr. Max 35 on 27th. Portland Est 1,016 bird-days at all sites between 6th Apr and 31st May. Autumn passage: Max 60 on 30th Apr.

Christchurch Harbour 2,052 bird-days between Jul and 21st Oct. Max 220 on 25th Jul, 175 on 22nd Aug. Durlston CP Distinguishing breeding and migrant birds was very difficult. Max day counts of 120 on 15th and 26th Aug, 95 on 2nd and 15th Sep. Portland Est 548 bird-days at all sites between 17th Jul and 14th Oct. Max 32 on 22nd Aug. ExtremeWinspit dates: Good numbers present daily during Aug. Max 107 on 22nd

Durlston on 2nd Apr and West Bexington on 12th Nov. DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata Locally common breeding resident.

Recent cold winters are having significant impact on the population of this species with Breedingnumbers declining (sites containing sharply at 10 all orsites. more teritories):

Arne (22, down from 55 in 2010), Canford Heath (20, down from 49 in 2010), Christchurch, Town Common (10), Ferndown Common (13, down from 23 in 2009), Hartland Moor (32+), Purbeck Ridge (15+), Studland and Godlingston Heath (40+), Upton Heath (numbers Firstreduced winter by 50%), period:

AutumnSmall numbers passage widely and reportedend of year: in coastal areas.

Small numbers widely reported during post breeding dispersal.

142 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 142 27/08/2013 12:51 Top: Woodchat Shrike at Lytchett Bay - 10th April Kevin Lane. Middle Left: Red-flanked Bluetail at Durlston - 2nd April Steve Morrison. Middle Right: Paddyfield Warbler at Cuttcleaves Cove, The Fleet - 21st July Martin Cade. Bottom Left: Dusky Warbler at Portland Bill - 7th November Martin Cade. Bottom Right: Short-toed Lark at Portland Bill - 8th April Martin Cade

2011 Dorset Bird Report 143

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 143 27/08/2013 12:51 Lapland Bunting at Abbotsbury Beach - 10th September Kevin Lane

Ortolan Bunting at Longham Lakes - 17th April Shaun Robson

144 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 144 27/08/2013 12:51 SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans Rare passage migrant.

PJ Morgan et al Portland Bill A female on 24th Apr. This is theJ Lowther 21st record et al for Portland ( , photo). The Nothe A male on 26th and 27th Apr ( , photo, sound- 2009 addition: recorded). albistriata RA Ford et al

2008Portland addition: Bill 1 of the eastern race 9th May ( , photo). albistriata S&V Ashby G Walbridge et al Portland 1 of the eastern race on 26th Jun in Duncecroft Quarry ( , , photo) PALLAS’S WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus Scarce autumn passage migrant - has overwintered.

A return to form after several poor autumns with five birds recorded: D Hughes et al Hengistbury Head 1 on 30th Oct, with DNpresumably Smith the same bird there on 2nd and 3rd Nov ( , photo). A different bird was also there on 14th NovCE Richards( ). Pennsylvania Castle 1 from 30th OctJ Lockwood to 1st Nov (perP Williams PBO, photo). Verne Common 1 on 22nd Oct ( ). Winspit 1 on 1st Nov ( , ). YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus Uncommon autumn passage migrant, occasionally overwinters

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 13th Oct. Christchurch 1 at the same location in the town centre on 7th and 14th Nov. Durlston Singles on 27th Oct, 31st Oct, 3rd Nov and 21st Nov. Hengistbury Head Present daily between 30th Oct and 5th Nov as follows: 1 on 30th and 31st Oct; 2 on 1st and 2nd Nov; 1 on 3rd Nov; 3 on 4th Nov and 2 on 5th Nov. Portland 1 at Avalanche Road on 15th Oct; 1 at Lancridge between 22nd and 25th Oct; 1 at Perryfields on 25th Oct; 1 at Easton on 1st Nov. Studland Heath Singles in the wood and scrub near Pilot’s Point on 19th Oct, 29th Oct and 5th Nov. West Bay 1 near Cowleaze Farm on 25th and 26th Oct. West Bexington 1 on 16th Oct. Winspit Single birds recorded on 28th Oct, 1st Nov and 13th Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 145

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 145 27/08/2013 12:51 HUME’S WARBLER Phylloscopus humei Very rare autumn passage migrant - five previous records.

F Alway M Cade F Alway et al Littlesea Wood 1 present from 23rd Nov into 2012 ( , , , photo).

This was the sixth Dorset record following birds at Winspit (1994), Southwell (1999), Portland Bill (2000 and 2001) and Pennsylvania Castle (2003). DUSKY WARBLER Phylloscopus fuscatus Very rare autumn passage migrant - 16 previous records.

Portland Bill 1 was trappedPJ Morgan and ringed et al at the PBO on 7th Nov. It was seen several times in the general area of the Observatory after release ( , photo). WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Uncommon passage migrant & sporadic breeder.

Spring passage:

Durlston 1 on 30th Apr. Forston 1 at Higher Farm on 10th Apr. Hengistbury Head 1 on 11th Apr. Longham Lakes 1 on 14th Apr. Portland 1 at Old Hill on 23rd and 24th Apr; 1 at Tillycombe on 28th Apr; 1 at Reap Lane on 30th Apr; 1 along the West Cliffs on 1st May. Rodwell Trail 1 on 25th Apr. Stanpit Marsh Singles on 14th and 30th Apr. Tadnoll Heath 1 on 30th Apr. Oakers Wood 1 on 1st May. AutumnWick Fields passage: 1 on 8th Apr.

ExtremeHengistbury dates: Head 1 on 3rd Aug.

Wick Fields on 8th Apr and Hengistbury Head on 3rd Aug. CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita Very common breeding visitor, passage migrant & uncommon winter visitor.

Breeding:

Widely reported across the county. Abbotsbury Gardens (singing birds present, but no confirmed breeding), Cogden (2+ singing males), Durlston (25 territories), East Fleet (4 pairs bred), Ferndown GC (5+ singing males), Hatch Pond (3 to 5 pairs bred), Hengistbury 146 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 146 27/08/2013 12:51 Head (8+ singing males), Hod Hill (2 singing males), Horselynch Plantation, Langton Herring (10+ singing males – 3+ pairs bred), Lodmoor, Lower Avon Valley (13 singing males between Coward’s Marsh and Avon Causeway), Lytchett Bay (a record 15 territories counted), Merley Park (2 pairs bred), North Portland (3 pairs), Portland (7 territories in the central/southern areas, with 2 pairs breeding successfully), Stanpit Marsh (6+ singing males), Sturminster Marshall GPs (7+ singing males), Turnworth NR (a late record of 2 juveniles begging for food on 6th Oct), Two Mile Copse (3 pairs), West Bexington (4+ singing males) and Wick (4 Passage:to 6 pairs). Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov P P 260 P P 10 894 150 19 P JanP FebP Mar68 MayP JunP JulP Aug 1020Oct 101 DecP Christchurch Harbour P P 343 611 106 P P 2263 641 85 P Durlston 183 183 1739 PeakPortland counts Bill from the above sites: 358 436

Christchurch Harbour 80+ on 24th Mar, 85 on 8th Apr and 130 on 19th Sep, with over 100 birds logged on 3 other dates in Sep. Durlston 395 on 15th Sep, 170 on 19th Sep and 360 on 23rd Sep. Portland Spring peaks of 75+ on 24th Mar, 50+ on 27th Mar, 50 on 6th Apr, 100+ on 8th Apr and 50+ on 10th Apr. Autumn peaks of 90+ on 21st Sep, 50+ on 22nd Sep, 50+ on 25th Sep, 50+ on Other passage records: 30th Sep, 80+ on 2nd Oct and 55+ on 25th Oct.

Abbotsbury Gardens 15+ on 1st Oct. Ballard Down 20 on 25th Sep. Chaldon Down 15+ on 14th Sep. Chapman’s Pool 30 on 23rd Sep. Lodmoor CP 15 on 21st Sep. Lytchett Bay A site record 246 bird-days in autumn, with a peak of 42 on 19th Sep. North Portland 421 recorded 16th Mar to 31st May; 222 recorded 5th Aug to 30th Nov. Stour Valley LNR 24 on 8th Sep; 24 on 18th Sep. Sturminster Marshall GPs 16 on 31st Mar. Winspit 20 on 22nd Aug, 21 on 30th Aug & 20 on 16th Oct. WinteringWorth Matravers records: 40 on 29th Sep.

Overwintering birds were recorded at the following locations: Bride Valley Fish Farm, Bridport, Broadstone, Burton, Castle Cove (5), Christchurch (4 at River Way Recreation Ground), Cogden, Durlston, Fitzworth, Hatch Pond, Holton Lee, Little Sea – Studland (3+), Lodmoor, PC World (Poole), Portland (up to 5 at various sites), Sherford Bridge, Stanpit Marsh, Stour Valley LNR (2), The Nothe, Two Mile Copse, West Bexington, Wick and Worgret Water Meadows.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 147

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 147 27/08/2013 12:51 Phylloscopus collybita tristis Scarce autumn migrant & winter visitor. ‘SIBERIAN’ CHIFFCHAFF Birds showing characters of, and vocalising as tristis currently thought to sound: G Walbridge G Walbridge Blacknor, Portland 1et from al 11th Dec 2010G remained Walbridge until 28th Jan ( ). Easton, Portland 1 from 19th Dec 2010 remained until 14th GApr Walbridge ( ). 1 on 30th Oct ( ). PA Coe G Pound Piece, Portland WalbridgeA ringed bird et wasal present 8th to 14th Jan ( ). Reap Lane, Portland 1 from 11th Dec 2010 remainedG Walbridgeuntil 30th Jan et al( , ). Wakeham, Portland 1 between 15th and 20th Oct ( ). WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reports were received from: Lower Avon Valley (7 singing males between Coward’s Marsh and Avon Causeway), West Moors Plantation (2 territories) and Wytch Fishing Lakes (5 Passage:singing males). Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1427 6 426 Jan Feb Mar5 492 May Jun Jul77 1629Aug Oct4 Dec Christchurch Harbour 3371 6 651 16602137 26431 5 Durlston 30 136 PeakPortland counts Bill from the above sites: 2343 320

Christchurch Harbour 520 on 8th Apr, 400 on 11th Apr, 275 on 25th Jul, 180 on 3rd Aug, 175+ on 8th Aug, 290 on 15th Aug and 530 on 22nd Aug. Durlston 140 on 7th Apr, 80 on 8th Apr, 100 on 11th Apr, 260 on 6th Aug, 190 on 15th Aug, 136 on 26th Aug and 150 on 29th Aug. Portland Spring peaks of 100+ on 6th and 7th Apr, 150+ on 8th Apr, 100+ on 10th Apr, 175+ on 16th Apr, 100+ on 18th Apr, 250+ on 30th Apr and 100+ on 2nd May. Autumn peaks of 100+ on 25th Jul, 30th Jul, 3rd Aug and 9th Aug; 150+ on 22nd Aug; Other sites: 75+ on both 23rd Aug and 1st Sep.

Abbotsbury Swannery 30 on 26th Jul. Greenlands Farm 30 on 5th Aug. Lodmoor 20+ on 5th Aug. Lytchett Bay 90 recorded between 20th Jul and 21st Sep. Kingston, Purbeck 20 on 19th Aug and 50+ on 22nd Aug. Martinstown 25+ on 19th Aug.

148 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 148 27/08/2013 12:51 North Portland 720 recorded, 25th Mar to 6th May; 250 recorded, 22nd Jul to 15th Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head 22 on 3rd Aug West Bexington 50+ on 8th Apr. Winspit 38 on 5th Aug, 22 on 19th Aug, 26 on 22nd Aug and 25 on Other records: 24th Aug.

ExtremePennsylvania dates: Castle A late bird was present on 30th and 31st Oct.

Easton, Portland on 13th Mar and Pennsylvania Castle, Portland on 31st Oct. GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (several pairs), (1 singing male), Canford Park, Lodmoor (1 singing male), Lytchett Bay (5 singing males), Merley Park (2 pairs fledged 4 young), Preston (1 singing male), Rushcombe Bottom (1+ pair), Stoborough Heath Passage:(1 pair), Two Mile Copse (2 singing males) and West Bexington (3+ territories). Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1 12 107 184 227 JanP FebP Mar44 P MayP JunP Jul Aug27 128 454Oct DecP Christchurch Harbour 5043 55 52 Durlston 398 PeakPortland counts Bill from the above sites: 137

Christchurch Harbour 55 on 29th Sep, 40 on 30th Oct, 106 on 2nd Nov and 40 on 14th Nov - all from Hengistbury Head. Durlston Difficult to assess migrant numbers as birds are present all year. Only the bird-days for Aug to Nov have been entered above as there were clearly large numbers of migrant birds present. Max day count was 35 on 12th Nov. Portland 10 on 27th Mar, 15 on 29th Mar and 7+ on 2nd Apr. 25+ on Other records: both 2nd and 3rd Oct.

Rushcombe Bottom An impressive 55 were present on 5th Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 149

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 149 27/08/2013 12:51 FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor - occasionally breeds.

Breeding & summer records:

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns 1 pair bred, 1st juv seen on 23rd Jul and 4+ juvs on 7th Aug. Wareham Forest At least 4 singing males were present. A pair were seen carrying nesting material on 11th Apr.

Singing males lingered at several sites well into spring, but no proof of breeding was received. Sites included Arne, Brownsea Island, Creekmoor Ponds and Ower Bog. A singing Passage:male was at Easton, Portland on 8th Jun. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 10 1 1 2 16 12 Jan18 Feb12 Mar14 6 May Jun Jul Aug1 Oct57 Dec40 Christchurch Harbour 7 10 Durlston (inc wintering) 13 83 PeakPortland counts Bill from the above sites: 35 33

OtherDurlston passage records were6 onreceived 13th Oct, from: 11 on 31st Oct and 10 on 11th Nov.

Coneygar Hill - Bridport, Greenlands Farm, Littlesea - The Fleet, Lodmoor, Pentridge Hill, St WinterAldhelm’s records Head, Studland,(may include Ulwell some Gap lateand Winspit.autumn passage migrants):

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Abbotsbury Swannery, Alderholt, Arne, Broadstone, Brownsea Island, Castle Cove, , Corfe Mullen Cemetery, Cogden, Creekmoor Ponds, Durlston, Easton, Goathorn, Furzebrook, Hengistbury Head, Holton Lee, Lodmoor, Middlebere, Moreton, PC World - Poole, Peveril Point, Sherford Bridge, Slepe Copse, Stanpit Marsh, Stoborough, Stour Valley LNR, Studland, The Nothe, Upton CP and West Bexington. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Fairly common, but declining breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Pairs were reported from: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (3), Arne Moors (3 juvs on 28th Jul), Bardolf Farm (1), Frampton (family party on 20th Aug), Greenlands Farm (1), Higher Hyde Heath (1 juv on 11th Aug), Long Bredy (1), Morden Bog (1), Ridge Farm (1), Slepe Passage:Copse (1) and Turnworth NR (2 family parties on 14th Jul). Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1 40 55 16 Jan Feb Mar 10 May177 Jun20 Jul1 Aug 12 Oct1 Dec Christchurch Harbour PeakPortland counts Bill from the main sites: 133

Christchurch Harbour 17 on 14th May, 15 on 15th Aug. Portland150 Dorset Bird Report 2011 60n, 14th May; 40n 19th May; peak in autumn 35+ 23rd Aug.

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 150 27/08/2013 12:51 Other significant passage (all sites recording a total of 10 or more birds):

Corfe Hills 10 on 24th Aug. Durlston 17 bird-days between 26th Apr and 6th Jun; 125 bird-days between 3rd Aug and 1st Oct. Lambert’s Castle 51 on 2nd Sep. Morden Bog 40 on 14th Aug. North Portland 80, 23rd Apr - 1st Jun; 16, 15th Aug - 2nd Oct. West Bexington/Cogden 8 bird-days Apr-Jun and 19 bird-days Aug-Oct. Winspit Just 1 in spring (26th Apr). During autumn, 2 on 20th Aug, 16 Extreme dates: on 23rd Aug, 10 on 24th Aug and 1 on 27th Aug.

23rdPIED Apr FLYCATCHER and 3rd Oct, bothFicedula Portland. hypoleuca Uncommon passage migrant.

Passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 2 2 8 Jan Feb Mar 4 May1 Jun Jul Aug8 5 Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 4 5 26 Durlston 17 9 Portland Bill 3 3 SpringPortland passage: (Central) 3 3

Brownsea Island 1 on 30th Apr. Chilcombe 1 on 10th Apr. North Portland 11 recorded 7th – 11th Apr. AutumnSherford Passage:Bridge 1 on 25th May.

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns Singles on 26th Jul and 7th Aug. Arne Moors 1 on 25th Jul. Ballard Down 1 on 25th Sep. Bronkham Hill, Ridgeway 1 on 2nd Sep. Corfe Hills 1 n 24th Aug. Greenlands Farm 1 on 5th Aug. Kimmeridge 1 on 17th Aug. Lodmoor CP 2 on 28th Aug. Morden Bog/Sherford Br Singles on 29th Jul, 3rd Aug, 7th Aug and 14th Aug. North Portland Singles on 9th and 10th Sep. Rushcombe Bottom 1 on 15th Sep. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 14th Oct. Studland 1 on 6th Aug. The Nothe 1 on 9th Aug. ExtremeUpton CP dates: 1 on 27th Jul.

3rd Apr at Portland and 14th Oct at St Aldhelm’s Head.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 151

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 151 27/08/2013 12:51 BEARDED TIT Panurus biarmicus Uncommon breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Lytchett Bay 1 pair bred successfully. The peak count was 10 on 14th Oct. Lodmoor Up to 5 pairs bred. 2 family parties were seen in late May. 15+ juveniles were counted on 29th Jun. Birds were present throughout the year, peaking at 32 on 3rd Oct. Radipole Lake At least 2 pairs bred, with fledged young being noted on 20th May. Numbers peaked on 1st Oct, when 34 were counted. RecordsSwineham from Point other sites: 1 pair bred, with 3+ recently fledged juvs seen on 24th Jun.

Abbotsbury Swannery At least 1 present on both 16th Oct and 8th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 9 bird-days during Mar, then singles on 4th Apr and 25th Aug and 3 on 2nd Sep. During Oct, up to 20 recorded on 13th, 6nw on 15th, 4 on 16th and 19e in 2 flocks on 28th. 41 bird-days during Nov - best counts of 9 on both 1st and 17th. During Dec “a few” present on 3rd, 2 on 9th and 1+ on 27th. Durlston 1 over Long Meadow on 19th Oct. Hatch Pond 1 or 2 birds present from 27th Oct into 2012. Portland Bill 2 on 20th Oct. LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from (number of pairs in brackets): Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (juvs seen on 10th Jul), Barford Farm (1), Brownsea Island (1), Canford Park, Cogden, Durlston (8), East Fleet (1), Easton (pair fledged 6 young), Hengistbury Head (4 - 6), Higher Hyde Heath (1), Langton Herring (1), Merley Park (5), Powerstock Common (1), Stanpit Marsh (4 - 5), Swineham Point (1), Verne Common (1), Wareham (1), West Post-breeding/winterBexington and Wick (3). flocks of 20+ birds:

Central Portland 24+ on 30th Jan, 20 on both 15th Oct and 1st Nov. Durlston 25 on 23rd Oct. Launceston Down 51 on 5th Jul. Portland Castle 30 on 24th Feb. Stanpit Marsh 25+ on 1st Aug. Two Mile Copse 40+ during Dec. Migration:Wallisdown 30 on 13th Nov.

Portland Bill 6, 11th - 12th Mar; 3, 26th Mar. Reap Lane, Portland 3n on 26th Mar.

152 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 152 27/08/2013 12:51 BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Sites reporting over 10 pairs were: Canford Park (55), Durlston (22), Merley Park (18) and SignificantNorth Portland counts: (33).

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns Frequent counts of over 30 birds through the year. Holton Lee An estimated 80 present on 8th Jan. Lytchett Bay 39 counted across the site on 8th Jan. Winspit 21 on 20th Aug. GREAT TIT Parus major Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Sites reporting over 10 pairs were: Canford Park (18), Durlston (21 pairs), North Portland Other(17 pairs), records: Portland Bill (63 juveniles trapped and ringed).

There were no significant counts or migrants reported this year. COAL TIT Periparus ater Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeding pairs were poorly reported. The only reports received were from Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (fledged young seen on 23rd Jul), Merley Park (4 pairs) and Stoborough OtherHeath (severalrecords: pairs bred).

Lodmoor A surprisingly uncommon bird in the Weymouth area. 2 were at the seaward end of the reserve on 19th Mar. Singles were seen in Lodmoor CP on 29th Aug, 25th Oct and 25th Nov. Morden Bog A flock of over 30 birds was recorded on 20th Jun. The Nothe Singles on 19th and 24th Jan and on 26th Oct. Periparus ater ater Scarce passage migrant. ‘CONTINENTAL’ COAL TIT All records:

Durlston 1 on 31st Oct.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 153

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 153 27/08/2013 12:51 MARSH TIT Poecile palustris Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

The only breeding records received were of a pair carrying nesting material half a mile west Breedingof Sherford season Bridge records: on 11th Apr and an adult, plus a juvenile, at Hilton on 13th Aug.

Birds were recorded in spring and summer, without any evidence of breeding, from: Alner’s Gorse, Corfe Castle, Gussage All Saints, King’s Stag, Lydlinch Common, Ower Bog, Pamphill, WinterPowerstock records: Common, Slepe Copse, Tadnoll Heath, Up Cerne and West Knighton Heath.

Recorded outside the breeding season from: Arne, Cerne Abbas, Durlston (a record 40 bird- days this year), Holton Lee, Little Sea - Studland, Lower Bockhampton, Lytchett Bay (1 on 7th Jan was the first record since 1995), Maiden Newton, Minterne Magna, Oakers Wood, Pilot’s Point - Studland, Rempstone Forest, Sixpenny Handley, Slepe Copse, Tadnoll Heath and South Haven. NUTHATCH Sitta europaea Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records were received from: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (pair fledged 2 young), Bournemouth Central Gardens (adult at a nest hole on 13th May), Canford Park (5 nests), Long Bredy (adult feeding young on 3rd Jun), Merley Park (3 nests), Powerstock Common (4 juvs on 31st May), Rushcombe Bottom (2 pairs both fledged young) and Stoborough Heath Unusual(1 pair bred records: successfully).

Easton, Portland 1 on 10th Mar. TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeding birds were reported from: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (3 family parties seen on 11th Jun), Durlston (2 pairs), Merley Park (2 pairs), Rushcombe Bottom (3 pairs) and OtherSherford records Bridge of (3 interest: singing males).

Easton, Portland Singles on 7th and 13th Sep. Portland Bill Singles on 22nd Mar and 21st Jul. Winspit 1 between 2nd Nov and 14th Dec.

154 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 154 27/08/2013 12:51 GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring & summer.

DN Smith et al Hengistbury Head 2 on The Batters between 13th to 16th May.G CHOG’s Walbridge first record since 2004 ( G Walbridge). Portland A male at Coombefield QuarryM on Cade 9th Mayet al ( ), 1 at Weston on 11th May ( ) and probably a 2cy male at the Bill on 25th May ( , photo). RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio Scarce passage migrant.

A comparatively good year with 4 birds recorded.

Avon Heath CP 1 on 19th Sep. Lodmoor A 1st winter between 24th Sep and 1st Oct. Portland Bill A male on 7th & 8th May. Stour Valley LNR A juvenile on 1st Sep. GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor.

An excellent year for this unpredictable species. During the first winter period there may have been up to 7 different birds in the county, although some duplication is likely. The Firstsecond winter winter period: period was more typical of recent years.

Arne The overwintering bird from 2010 was seen regularly on Coombe Heath until 11th Jan. Further reports of presumably the same bird came from various sites around the Arne peninsula on 22nd and 26th Jan, 22nd and 24th Feb, 7 dates during Mar, with the final report coming on 9th Apr. Chamberlayne’s Heath A bird was recorded during Mar, being seen on 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and 27th. Godlingston Heath 1 on 24th and 28th Mar. Grange Heath 1 on 4th Mar. Lower Hyde Heath 1 on 20th Feb. Morden Bog The overwintering bird from 2010 continued to be seen regularly until 9th Apr. It was often heard singing during the latter end of its stay. SecondWyke Down winter period: 1 was recorded erratically between 11th Jan and 20th Mar.

Arne 1 at Coombe Heath on 15th Nov was the only report. Gussage Down 1 on 25th Nov was presumably the Wyke Down bird wandering. Wyke Down 1 was present from 20th Nov into 2012. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 155

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 155 27/08/2013 12:51 WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius collurio Scarce passage migrant.

D Bandfield et al Lytchett Bay 1 on 10th Apr was the only record of the year. The site’s first record ( , photo). JAY Garrulus glandarius Common resident & scarce passage migrant, subject to autumn influxes.

Breeding:

The only records received were from: Durlston (5), Hengistbury (2 - 3), Merley Park (5), OtherStanpit records (2), Stoborough of interest: Heath (1), Two Mile Copse (1+ pair bred) and Wick (1).

Durlston Up to 16 regularly counted during Jan and Feb. 15 on 3rd and 4th Feb were the highest counts later in the year. Winspit 1 on 19th Sep was notable at this site. MAGPIE Pica pica Very common resident.

Breeding:

Records were received from: Cogden, Durlston (c8 pairs), Merley Park (10 pairs), North CountsPortland of (10 30+ pairs) birds: and West Bexington.

East Weare 70 gathering to roost on 1st Jan. Hatch Pond 121 on 8th Jan, 85 on 15th Jan, 160 on 29th Jan, 147 on 26th Feb, 99 on 27th Nov, 148 on 21st Dec and 81 on 23rd Dec. Wick Peak roost count of 36 during the early part of the year. JACKDAW Corvus monedula Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Breeding was reported from: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (2 nests), Cogden, Langton Herring (200+ on 8th Aug were mostly juvs), Lodmoor (2 pairs bred, 1 with 2 broods - total of 9 young fledged), Merley Park (18 pairs), Rodden Hive (65 juvs counted on 8th Aug), CountsVerne (20+ of flocks pairs), of West 100+ Bexington birds: and Wyke Down (1).

Grove Stadium, Portland 200 on 23rd Feb. Langton Herring 200+ on 8th Aug, 100+ on 6th Dec. Lodmoor 100+ in a pre-roost gathering on 21st Nov. Lower Avon Valley 1,000+ flew over to roost on 26th Jul.

156 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 156 27/08/2013 12:51 Lytchett Bay 170 on 31st Oct. Maiden Castle 250+ on 23rd Jan. Rempstone Forest 100+ roosted on 8th Jan. Passage:Weymouth 300+ roosted at New Look during the second winter period.

Christchurch Harbour In Oct, 125w 15th; 60w 16th; 35w 17th & 26e on 22nd. Durlston 105 on 11th Oct, 150 on 15th Oct, 120 on 24th Oct, 120 on 28th Oct, 120 on 3rd Nov and 94 on 4th Nov. Lodmoor 52w on 15th Oct. ROOK Corvus frugilegus Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Clearly surveying rookeries isn’t a popular pastime in Dorset - the only records received were from Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, where there were 12 nests and Lytchett Bay Countswith 20 ofnests. 200+ birds:

Langton Herring 300+ on 8th Aug. Lodmoor 300+ at a pre-roost gathering on 21st Nov. Maiden Castle 500+ on 23rd Jan. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 350 on 3rd Feb, 200 on 27th Sep. Warmwell 300 on 22nd Jan. Weymouth 400+ roosting near New Look by Dec. CARRION CROW Corvus corone Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Cogden, Durlston (6), Langton Herring (1), Lodmoor (2 pairs fledged 7+ young), Merley CountsPark (2), of North 40+ birds:Portland (15+), The Nothe, West Bexington and Wick (1).

Abbotsbury 50+ on 17th Jan. East Fleet 60+ on 19th Jan. Greenlands Farm c295 roosted on 27th Dec. Grove Stadium, Portland 170 roosted on 28th Jan. 270+ on 21st May. Langton Herring 50+ on 8th Aug. Lytchett Bay 100 on 8th Nov. Parkstone Bay 169 on 23rd Nov. Poole Park 60 on 8th Jan. Sandbanks (Shore Road) 56 on 1st Feb and 76 on 27th Nov. Stanpit Marsh Early year max count of 129 and late year max of 157. Wareham Common 60 on 10th Oct. West Knighton Heath 58 on 26th Apr. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 157

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 157 27/08/2013 12:51 RAVEN Corvus corax Fairly common breeding resident - has been increasing.

Breeding:

Confirmed breeding took place at the following sites: Briantspuddle Heath, Canford Heath, Chamberlayne’s Heath, Chard Junction GPs (2 juvs seen in May), Coombe Valley (pair fledged 2 young), Corfe Castle, Portland (3 pairs - at Blacknor, Grove and Verne - raised a total of 9 young), Sutton Waldron (pair fledged 3 young), Warmwell Quarry and Wyke Down (4 juvs). SignificantIn addition there counts were (10+ many birds): records of pairs in suitable habitat during the breeding season.

Askerswell A post-breeding flock of 41 at Chilcombe Hill on 12th Aug. Blacknor, Portland 13n on 12th Feb. Bridport A post-breeding flock of 35 at Quarry Hill on 16th Aug. Chaldon Down 20 on 14th Sep. Godlington Heath 11 on 28th Jan. Pentridge Hill 10 on 15th Oct. Portland Bill 10 on 12th Feb. Up Cerne The roost record set here at 147 on 31st Dec 2010 was beaten on 3rd Feb when 181 were counted flying in towards dusk. Further counts of c40 on 26th Feb and 70+ on 6th Mar were received. The area was checked again during the latter end of the year however, despite a few Ravens being seen in the area, no significant roost formed. STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Sparsely reported, but breeding records came from: Bridging Camp, Merley Park (3 pairs, 8 juvs), North Portland (5+ pairs), Sunnyside Farm, The Nothe, West Bexington and Weymouth Passage(post-breeding records: flock at Lodmoor 200-strong by mid-Jun).

Durlston 615 on 25th Oct, 455 on 26th Oct and 465 on 15th Nov. East Bexington 739w on 1st Nov, 365, mainly west, on 6th Nov. Hengistbury Head 95 on 29th Oct, 220 on 2nd Nov, 120n on 5th Nov and 120e on 14th Nov. Lodmoor 350sw on 28th Oct. North Portland 447 mostly north, 13th Oct to 12th Nov. Portland Bill 43n, 18th Jan; 1,380n, 29th Oct to 9th Dec. Portland (elsewhere) 2,170 bird-days on 7 dates, 25th Oct to 15th Nov, peak of 750n on 10th Nov. WinterSouthdown roosts Ridge and other counts350+ overof 300+ on 28th birds: Oct.

Bridging Camp, The Fleet 300+ adults and juvs on 1st Aug.

158 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 158 27/08/2013 12:51 Ferrybridge Post-breeding max of 350 on 8th Aug and 400 between here and Victoria Square on 26th Aug. Lodmoor A roost of up to 4,000 in Nov. Lytchett Bay 5,100 on 1st Jan were en route to the Poole roost. Similar numbers were seen several times during Jan. Maiden Castle 5,000+ flew over to roost on 23rd Jan. Martinstown 1,000+ at Rainbarrow Farm on 11th Jan. Middlebere c700 roosted in the reedbed on 20th Nov. Sterte, Poole The roost which formed in late 2010 continued to build. By 8th Jan numbers were estimated at between 60,000 and 100,000 birds. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 500 on 27th Sep. West Knighton Heath A modest roost of 2,000 birds during Jan. Weymouth A roost of c2,000 birds formed next to St Mary’s Church during early Feb. ROSE-COLOURED STARLING Pastor roseus Rare passage migrant.

DN Smith

Hengistbury Head Aper juv/1W info services on 19th Oct was CHOG’s first record ( ). Lodmoor An often elusive 1st winter was present 13th Nov to 3rd Dec ( , photo). HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Common, but declining breeding resident.

The significant and welcome increase of numbers recorded at Durlston CP in 2010, Breeding:continued into 2011.

Breeding reported from several sites including Sutton Waldron (30+ young from 9 nest Autumnboxes). At passage: North Portland, 250+ pairs raised over 1,000 young.

SignificantHengistbury counts: Head 76 on 28th Sep.

Hengistbury Head 227 in Feb. Sterte Esplanade, Poole 164 on 1st Dec. Winspit c200 on 20th Aug.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 159

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 159 27/08/2013 12:51 TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Scarce local breeding resident & uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding:

SpringBTO data passage: states that 4 chicks were ringed in Dorset.

HengistburyAutumn passage: Head Singles on 26th Mar and 3rd Apr.

Durlston CP 1 on 27th Aug and 5 on 2nd Oct. Hengistbury Head 6 on 21st Oct. WinterSt Aldhelm’s records: Head 2 on 15th Oct.

Wyke Down 1 to 2 birds recorded on 3 dates in Jan. CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:Very good autumn passage noted at Hengistbury Head.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Canford Park, Cogden, Durlston CP (28), East Fleet (5+), Hammoon, Hensistbury Head/Stanpit, Lodmoor, Merley Park (8), North Portland (3), The FirstNothe, winter Thornicombe period: and West Bexington.

Arne 110 on 8th Jan in crop cover field. 100+on 25th Jan. Lytchett Bay Max 40. Martinstown, Rainbarrow 50 on 11th Jan. Portland 60+ on 3rd Jan. Portland Bill 100 on1st Jan. Rempstone 48 on 8th Jan. SpringStanpit passage: 30 on 12th Feb.

Hengistbury Head 25 on 21st Mar. AutumnPortland passage: 35 bird-days of 1 to 5 from 16th Mar to 4th Jun.

Durlston CP 20,460 bird-days 13th Sep to 19th Dec. Max 2,014 on 6th Nov. East Bexington 585 on 19th Oct, 186 on 6th Nov. Hengistbury Head 10,256 bird-days late Sep to Nov. Max 1,200 on 5th & 10th Nov. Lambert’s Castle 200 on 4th Nov. Lodmoor 464 bird-days from 4 dates Oct/Nov. Max 150+ on 8th Nov. North Portland 855 bird-days between 15th Sep and 15th Nov. Portland 1,062 bird-days 22nd Sep - 15th Nov. Max 250 on 11th Nov. 160 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 160 27/08/2013 12:51 Portland Bill 1,000 on 6th Nov. St Aldhelm’s Head 460 bird-days from 4 dates in Oct. Max 250 on 15th Oct. SecondSouth Haven winter period: 2,384 bird-days, 4 dates in Oct/Nov. Max 1,892 on 6th Nov.

Holes Bay NW 30 on 29th Dec. Lytchett Bay 100 on17th Nov. Portland 25 to 30 in Nov/Dec. Wyke Down 40 on 20th Nov. BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Poor numbers reported at sites for both spring and autumn passage, but widely recorded at Firstinland winter sites during period: the early part of the year.

89 records submitted, those of 10+ are listed below. Avon Heath CP 11 on 8th Apr. Blandford Records on 4 dates in Jan with max of 20 on 25th Jan Bryanston Records from 9 dates 6th Feb - 3rd Apr. Max of 45 on 2nd Mar. Broadstone 12 on 1st Jan. Durlston CP Records from 10 dates 11th Jan to 7 Apr. max 3 on 11th Jan. East Stour 15+ on 17th Jan. Wareham Rugby Club 12 on 29th Jan. SpringWinterborne passage: Whitechurch c20 on 27th Feb and 15+ on 20th Mar.

Hengistbury Head Up to 3 birds recorded on 8 dates between Jan and Apr. AutumnPortland passage: 1 to 2 birds on 6 dates, 18th Mar to 18th Apr with 5 on 14th Apr.

Durlston CP c600 bird-days from 13th Sep to 19th Dec. Max 162 on 9th Nov. East Bexington 3 on 19th Oct. Hengistbury Head 250 bird-days from 26th Sep to 6th Nov, max 86 on 28th Oct. Lodmoor 4 on 21st Oct and 1 on 5th Nov. Portland 28 bird-days from 3rd Oct to 14th Nov, max 13 on 8th Oct. Portland Bill 53 bird-days Oct/Nov. St Aldhelm’s Head 1 on 15th, 2 on 20th Oct and 2+ on 28th Oct. SecondSouth Haven winter period: 1 on 28th Oct, 4 on 29th Oct and 9 on 6th Nov.

Arne 2 on 1st Oct and on 8th Oct. Pentridge Hill 2 on 15th Oct. ExtremeWorth Matravers dates: 8 on 14th Oct.

11th May and 1st Oct, both at Arne. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 161

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 161 27/08/2013 12:51 SERIN Serinus serinus Scarce to uncommon passage migrant - has bred.

SpringWelcome and records summer from records: CHOG after 2 blank years but overall fewer than 2010.

Durlston CP 1 on 26th Apr. Portland Bill Singles on 8th Apr, 4th Jun and 20th/21st Jun. Portland, Easton Singles on 16th Jun and 13th Jul. AutumnHengistbury records: Head 1 on 10th Jun.

Durlston CP 1 on 25th Oct. Stanpit 1 on 30th Aug. GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

The numbers at Portland are still severely depleted following the 2010 outbreak of BreedingTrichomonosis. records: Breeding numbers at Durlston CP are down from 23 in 2010 to 15 in 2011.

Recorded at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Canford Park, Durlston CP (15), Hatchpond, SpringLytchett passage: Bay, Merley Park (14), North Portland (5) and The Nothe.

AutumnPortland passage: 6 birds on 4 dates, 12th to 24th Mar.

Durlston CP 1,745 bird-days from 13th Sep to 19th Dec. Max 109 on 28th Oct. East Bexington 110 on 19th Oct. Hengistbury Head 2,262 bird-days from 29th Sep to 15th Nov. Max 530 on 14th Oct. North Portland 180 bird-days from 2nd Sep to 7th Nov. Portland 125 bird-days from 22nd Sep to 1st Nov. St Aldhelm’s Head 17 on 15th Oct. WinteringSouth Haven and post breeding31 onflocks: 28th Oct and 18 on 29th Oct. 35 on 6th Nov.

Bridging Camp, The Fleet 100 on 1st Aug. Brownsea Lagoon 40 on 29th Oct. Poole Park 155+ on 29th Oct. Rushcombe Bottom 40 on 27th Aug. St Aldhelm’s Head 115 on 29th Jul.

162 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 162 27/08/2013 12:51 GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Widely recorded and very high autumn passage numbers at Durlston CP and Hengistbury Breeding:Head.

Hatchpond, Hammoon, Hengistbury Head, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Merley Park (4), North SpringPortland, passage: Stanpit, Stour Valley LNR and The Nothe.

Hengistbury Head 1 on 25th Mar, 29 on 6th Apr, 30 on 9th Apr and 26 on 18th Apr. Portland 568 bird-days from 23rd Mar to 4th May. max 155 on 19th Apr. AutumnStanpit passage: 28 on 16th Mar.

Corfe Castle 80 on 9th Oct Durlston CP 49,265 bird-days from 13th Sep to 19th Dec. max 2947 on 11th Oct, 2646 on 14th Oct and 2746 on 4th Nov. East Bexington 18 on 19th Oct and 194 on 6th Nov. Hengistbury Head Nov24,191 bird-days. from Sep to 17th Dec. max 3,400 on 14th Oct, 2,350 on 15th Oct, 1,850 on 5th Nov and 1,700 on 10th

Lodmoor 282 on 14th Oct. North Portland 180 bird-days from 2nd Sep to 7th Nov. Old Harry 575 on 14th Oct. Portland 1,495 bird-days, max 345 0n 8th Oct and 500 on 1st Nov. St Aldhelm’s Head 788 bird-days from 4 dates in Oct. max 384 on 15th Oct South Haven 1,453 bird-days from 5 dates in Oct/Nov. max 454 on 29th Oct Winter and post breeding flocksand 532 (counts on 6th ofNov. 100 or more):

Lodmoor 200 on 14th Oct and 110 on 15th Oct. 150+ on 5th Nov. Portland 100 from late Sep through Oct. Portland, Easton 100+ on 14th Nov, 150+ on 11th Nov and 170+ on 17th Nov. Portland, Reap Lane 100+ on 27th and 28th Sep. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 100 on 10th Nov. Winspit c300 on 20th Aug and c550 on 28th Aug.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 163

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 163 27/08/2013 12:51 SISKIN Carduelis spinus Locally common resident, fairly common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:Exceptionally high autumn passage numbers at Durlston CP and Hengistbury Head.

Higher Hyde Heath, Hooke Park, Lytchett Matravers, Marshwood and Wareham Forest/ FirstMorden winter Bog area. period:

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns 40+ on 8th Jan. Oakers Wood 45 on 8th Jan. Poole Park 40+ on 24th Jan and on1st Feb. Rempstone Forest 132 on 8th Jan. SpringWareham passage: 100+ on 8th Jan.

Hengistbury Head Small numbers of 1 to 3 recorded on dates from Feb to Jun, and 15 on 21st Mar. AutumnPortland passage: 16 bird-days of 1 to 3 birds from 11 dates 14th Mar to 25th Apr.

Corfe Castle 79 on 9th Oct. Durlston CP 14,625 bird-days 13th Sep to 19th Dec. max 1,046 on 11th Oct. East Bexington 51 on 19th Sep and 70 on 28th Sep. 620 on 19th Oct. Hengistbury Head 9,935 bird-days from Sep to Nov. max 1,200 on 14th Oct. Lodmoor Records from 5 dates, max 81 on 14th Oct. Lytchett Bay 20 on 3rd Nov, 27 on 7th Nov and 21 on 16th Nov. Old Harry 162 on 14th Oct. Portland 1,989 bird-days from 41 dates. max 288 on 8th Oct and 150 on 19th Oct. Ringstead to White Nothe 30+ on 1st Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 138 on 14th Oct, 100+ on 15th and 52 on 20th Oct. South Haven 575 bird-days from 5 dates Oct/early Nov max 199 on 14th Oct. SecondWest Bexington winter period: 200 on 19th Oct and 100 on 20th Oct.

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns 40+ on 8th Oct. LINNET Carduelis cannabina Fairly common, but declining breeding resident, common migrant & winter visitor.

Good numbers of records from across the county with 2 notable autumn flocks, each of 1,000+. CHOG reported improved breeding numbers, but at Durlston CP there was a significant decrease.

164 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 164 27/08/2013 12:51 Breeding:

Badbury Rings, Bridging Camp (The Fleet), Cogden, Durlston CP (3), Hammoon, Hengistbury Head, Higher Hyde Heath, Lodmoor (6), Lytchett Bay, Morden Bog, North Portland (9), Portland (Barleycrates Lane), Redcliff Park, Rushcombe Bottom, Seacombe, Stoborough SpringHeath (6), passage: Thornicombe and West Bexington.

Hengistbury Head 761 bird-days in Mar/Apr. Max 200 on 9th Apr. AutumnPortland passage:Bill Max 150 on 26 Mar.

Corfe Castle 39 on 9th Oct. Durlston CP 24,055 bird-days from 13th Sep to 19th Dec. Max 1,790 on 29th Oct. East Bexington 450 on 28th Sep, 183 on 19th Oct and 205 on 6th Nov. Hengistbury Head 18,946 bird-days Sep to Nov. max 1,800 on 12th Oct Lodmoor 130+ on 8th Oct and 65 on 14th Oct. c150 on 5th Nov. Old Harry 164 on 14th Oct. North Portland 1,990 bird-days 2nd Sep to 11th Nov. Portland 5,526 bird-days on 8 dates 21st Sep to 14th Oct. max 4150 on 8th Oct. Ringstead to White Nothe 40+ on 1st Oct. St. Aldhelm’s Head 3,052 bird-days from 6 dates in Oct. max 1,377 on 14th Oct, South Haven 743 bird-days from 5 dates Oct/early Nov max 241 on 29th Oct. NotableWest Bexington flocks (counts of 100+,220 on excluding 14th Oct. obvious visible migration):

Burton 200+ on 31st Dec. Chaldon Down 1,200+ on 14th Sep. Gussage Down 500 on 19th Oct. Langton Herring 250 on 23rd Sep. and 250 on 20th Oct. Martinstown, Bat’s Lane 200 on 8th Jan. Martinstown, Rainbarrow 500 on 1st and 100 on 11th Jan. Martinstown, Ryland’s Brn 1,000+ on 4th Oct and 6th Oct. 300 on 21st Dec. Maiden Castle c120 on 21st Mar. Portland Bill 125+ on 12th Jun, 200 on 7th Jul, 300 on 21st Aug, 500+ all Sep and 300 on 21st Oct. Turnworth c200 on 11th Dec. TWITE Carduelis flavirostris Rare passage migrant & winter visitor.

There were two records submitted: DN Smith DN Smith

Hengistbury Head Singles on 28th Oct ( ) and 7th Nov ( ).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 165

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 165 27/08/2013 12:51 LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret Scarce breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Just one breeding site record but a number of records too from late winter and early spring. FirstHengistbury winter Headperiod reported (Counts an of excellent 10 or more): year for autumn passage.

Ashley Heath 200 on 10th Jan. Avon Heath CP 40 on 13th Jan, 35+ on 18th Feb. Canford Heath 27 on 13th and 11+ on 19th Mar. Chard Junction GPs 10+ on 3rd Feb. Higher Hyde Heath 13 on 20th Feb. Holton Heath 15 on 21st Jan. Little Sea, Studland 30 on 11th Jan and 18 on 23rd Jan. Morden Bog 11 on 22nd Feb and 20 on 24th Feb. Slepe Copse 30 on 11th Jan. South Haven 28 on 24th Jan. Turnerspuddle Heath c15 on 12th Feb. SpringWareham passage: c25 on 8th Jan.

AutumnHengistbury passage: Head 33 bird-days Mar to early Apr. Max 7 on 25th Mar.

Corfe Castle 12 on 9th Oct. Durlston CP 4,235 bird-days, 13th Sep to 19th Dec. Max 181 on 6th Nov. East Bexington 87 on 19th Oct. Hengistbury Head 2,769 bird-days mid Sep to mid Nov. Max 410 on 14th Oct. Lodmooor 3 on 7th Sep. 28 bird-days 7th Oct to 5th Nov, max 11 8th Nov. Lytchett Bay 23 bird-days 30th Aug to 21st Nov. Max. 5 on 29th Oct. Portland 177 bird-days 15th Sep to 10th Nov. Max 30 on 19th Oct. Ringstead to White Nothe 1 on 1st Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 61 bird-days on 4 dates 14th to 28th Oct. Max 26 on 28th Oct. South Haven 756 bird-days on 7 dates 7th Oct to 7th Nov. Max 181, 6th Nov. SecondWest Bexington Winter Period (Counts7 on of15th 10 Oct. or more):

Dorchester 20 on 28th Sep. Gussage All Saints 50 on 3rd Dec. Puncknowle 20 on 28th Oct. Turnerspuddle Heath 12 on 18th Oct. MEALY REDPOLL Carduelis flammea Rare winter visitor & passage migrant.

K Sayer Ferndown 1 trapped and ringed in a private garden on 19th Mar ( , photo).

166 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 166 27/08/2013 12:51 CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra Uncommon breeding resident, irruptive passage migrant & winter visitor.

It seems there were many fewer birds around in the early part of the year and the subsequent breeding records were low. But unprecedented numbers at Durlston CP on autumn passage Breeding:(1,304 compared with 29 in 2010).

Canford Heath (breeding season pair present but no evidence of success), Morden Bog (2 Significantfamily parties counts seen) & and site Woolsbarrow summaries: Fort (2 juvs seen).

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns 40+ on 8th Oct and 12 on 15th Oct. Bloxworth Heath 14 on 18th Dec. East Holme Heath 10 on 14th Jul. Langton Matravers 19 on 17th Oct. Puddletown Forest 15+ on 22nd Jul. Rempstone Forest 13 on 8th Jan. Sunnyside Farm 12 on 22nd Jul. Wareham Forest 33 on 24th Aug, 21 on 21st Oct, 18 on 26th Nov, 15 on 26th Dec. AutumnWest Knighton passage: Heath 10 on 8th Oct.

Durlston CP 1,304 bird-days from Sep to Dec. Max 154 on 1st Nov. Hengistbury Head 243 bird-days from Aug 10th to 13th Nov. with the record day count for the site of 91+ on 16th Oct. Portland Records from 19th Jun to 25th Oct. max 7+ on 24th Jul and 7 on 13th Oct. Portland Bill Singles on 8th, 20th and 21st Aug. 4 on 2nd Sep and singles on 13th Oct and 15th Oct. Verne Common 1 on 27th Jul and 1 on 19th Oct. COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus Rare passage migrant.

There were two records this year: CE Richards CE Richards Verne Common 1 imm/fem on 25th May ( ) and 1 imm male in song on 3rd Jun ( ).

2011 Dorset Bird Report 167

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 167 27/08/2013 12:51 BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding season numbers appear similar to recent years but an increase in passage numbers Breeding:for 2011, particularly at Durlston CP where there was a record count of 118 on 1st Nov.

Breeding pairs at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Ballard Down (1), Durlston CP (4), Hammoon, Lodmoor (possibly 6 pairs), North Portland (5), Portland (2 – successful), Rushcombe Bottom (1), Sutton Waldron (2), Thornicombe, Tuckton, West Bexington and SignificantCogden (4). counts:

SpringLytchett passage: Bay 11 on 3rd Dec.

Durlston CP Good numbers recorded, max 15 on 15th Mar. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 3 recorded between 14th Mar and 16th Apr.

Cogden 20 on 16th Oct. Durlston CP 709 bird-days 13th Sep to 19th Dec. max 118 on 1st Nov. Hengistbury Head 81 bird-days from Oct to Dec, max 17 on 28th Oct Lodmoor 7 on 4th Nov. Portland 7 bird-days 16th Oct to 23rd Nov. South Haven 5 on 28th Oct and 22 on 6th Nov. HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor.

WinterFew records and inlandthis year. sites:

Cattistock Churchyard 2 on 24th Oct. Longham Lakes 2 on 28th Mar. Milborne St. Andrew 1 at Horse Close Plantation on 31st Jan. AutumnPowerstock passage: Churchyard 1 on 29th Jan and 30th Jan.

Durlston CP 1 on 21st Oct, 3 on 25th Oct, 1 on 1st Nov and 2 on 4th Nov. Stanpit 1 on 1st Sep – the first CHOG record since the exceptional influx of 2005.

168 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 168 27/08/2013 12:51 LAPLAND BUNTING Calcarius lapponicus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn) & rare winter visitor.

Following the bumper autumn of 2010, there were several good late winter and early spring Firstreports. winter All 2011 period: records are listed.

Durlston CP 1 on 18th Mar. Portland 2 on 8th Mar and 1 on 12th Mar. Portland Bill 1 on 4th Jan. AutumnSolent Meads passage: Golf Course Singles on 1st Jan and 28th Feb.

Abbotsbury Coastguards Singles on 10th Sep and 12th Sep and 2 on 11th Sep. Durlston CP Singles on 23rd Sep, 7th Oct, 8th Oct, 10th Oct and 6th Nov. Hengistbury Head Singles on 5th Oct, 2nd Nov and 7th Nov. Lodmoor 1 on 7th Nov. Portland Singles on 21st Sep and 1st Oct. Portland Bill Singles on 26th Sep and 1st Nov. Radipole Lake 1 on 24th Oct. West Bay 2 on 6th Nov. SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn) & rare winter visitor.

No early year sightings and all records, particularly good at Hengistbury Head, are from late autumn to the end of the year. Interesting too were those from the inland sites of Beaminster Down and Eggardon Hill

Abbotsbury Beach Singles on 7th Nov, 8th Nov and 21st Nov. Abbotsbury Coastguards 1 from 13th Nov to 15th Nov. Beaminster Down 1 on 2nd Nov and 3rd Nov. Bridging Camp , The Fleet 1 on dates between 18th and 31st Oct. Durlston CP Singles on 19th Oct and 29th Oct, 2 on 7th Nov, 2 on 10th Nov, and singles on 12th Nov and 14th Nov. Eggardon Hill 1 on 4th Dec. Hengistbury Head Up to 3 birds between 6th & 11th Nov, singles from 12th Nov to 14th Nov, also on 23rd Nov, 28th Nov, 30th Nov & 31st Nov. Langton Herring 1 on 14th Nov. Portland, Blacknor 1 on 10th Dec. Portland Bill Singles on 17th Oct, 23rd Oct, 25th Oct, 6 Nov and 17th Dec. Portland, Priory Corner 1 on 24th Oct.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 169

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 169 27/08/2013 12:51 YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella Common, but declining breeding resident & passage migrant.

The increase in ‘singing male’ site reports probably reflect better coverage rather than Breeding:improved overall numbers.

Singing males reported from 28 suitable sites all over the county with notable numbers at Ballard Down (7), Durlston CP (3), Hammoon (5), Lamberts Castle (5), Lodmoor (2 to 3), FirstRoke Farmwinter - north period: of Bere Regis (5+), Thornicombe (4), Winterborne Whitechurch (7+).

Bardolf Farm 170 on 3rd Mar. Cranborne 48 on 27th Feb. Gussage All Saints 30 on 18th Mar. Minterne Magna 20+ on 3rd Mar. Studland - Manor Farm 24 on 27th Jan. SpringWyke Down Passage: c20 on 17th Jan.

Durlston CP 9 on 4th Apr, 9 on 12th Apr and 11 on 1st May. Hengistbury Head Singles on 24th Feb and 3rd Mar, 3 on 8th Mar. Portland Singles on 3rd Feb, 4th Mar and 20th Apr. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 2 on 20th Mar.

Durlston CP 58 bird-days in Oct/Nov. Hengistbury Head Singles on 19th Oct, 22nd Oct, 24th Oct and 29th Oct, 2 on 5th Nov, 6th Nov and 9th Nov, and 1 on 10th Nov. South Haven 1 on 14th Oct. SecondWick winter period: 1 on 8th Sep.

Minchington 70 on 15th Oct. Pentridge Hill 100 on 15th Oct. Renscombe 45 on 3rd Oct. St Aldhelm’s Head 50+ on 28th Oct. West Bexington 50 on 25th Oct. Winspit c50 on 13th Oct. ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in the autumn.

T Thorpe R Trundle et al

Longham Lakes 17th Apr on theMS causeway Andrews ( C Chapleo, , photo). Portland Bill 1 on 1st Nov (the latest ever record for Portland) Wick 1 on 1st Sep ( , ).

170 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 170 27/08/2013 12:51 REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Common, but declining breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

No obvious change in population status from recent years, but CHOG reported a very Breeding:successful year.

All the sites listed below had 1 pair except where indicated: Barford Farm (Sturminster Marshall), Brownsea, Chard Junction GP’s, Charmouth, Hammoon, Hatch Pond, Hengistbury Head (4 to 6), Lodmoor (6 to 9), Longham Lakes (12), Lytchett Bay (23), Monkton Up Wimborne, Sturminster Marshall GPs, Swineham Point, Warmwell Quarry (2), Wimborne FirstSt Giles winter and Winfrith period: Heath.

Arne (crop cover field) 22 on 8th Jan. SpringWyke Down passage: Good numbers there in Jan and Feb. max 80+ on 17th Jan.

Durlston CP Small numbers recorded. Portland Bill Singles on 4th Mar and 1st Apr. AutumnStanpit passage: 7 on 28th Feb.

Durlston CP 121 bird-days Sep to Dec. East Bexington 33 on 19th Oct. Hengistbury Head 945 bird-days from 28th Sep to Nov. max 200 on 14th Oct. Lodmoor 14 on 28th Oct and 9 on Nov 13th. Portland 9 bird-days on 9 dates 23rd Sep to 15th Nov. max 17 on 3rd Oct. Portland Bill 24 recorded in Oct and 45 in Nov. SecondSt Aldhelm’s winter Head period: 3 on 15th Oct.

Lodmoor 20+ in Nov and Dec. Lytchett Bay 37 (Roost) on 19th Dec. Martinstown 50+ on 1st Nov.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 171

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 171 27/08/2013 12:51 CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding season and wintering flock records at the usual inland sites are similar in number to 2010, but interesting is the 2011 increase in records from coastal areas across the county. We hope this impoving trend will continue, but a long way to go to the days prior to 1987 Breeding:when Portland had 40 breeding pairs.

Singing males recorded at the following sites: Cashmoor (1), Crichel Down (1), Gussage Down (5+), Launceston Down (1), Maiden Castle (2), Milborne St. Andrew (1), Minchington (1), Roke Farm – north of Bere Regis (9+), St Aldhelm’s Head (up to 3 but thought to be unpaired), Sovell Down (1),Tarrant Rushton Airfield (14), West Lulworth, Winterbourne Stickland (2), Wyke Down (2).

FirstAlso a winter juvenile period: was ringed at West Bexington on 27 Jul.

Handley Cross 20+ on 7th March Martinstown (Rainbarrow) 60 on 1st Jan and 11th Jan. 70 on 14th Jan. 100+ on 3rd Feb. Monkeys Jump 100 on 12th Feb. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 60+ on 30th Jan and 42 on 3rd Feb. SpringWinterborne Passage: Stickland 40 on 21st Jan.

Durlston CP 1 on 8th Apr. Hengistbury Head 1 on 29th Jan was only the 3rd record here. Portland, Reap Lane Singles on 38 Mar and 19 Apr. AutumnPortland Passage:Bill Singles on 6th Apr, 7th Apr and 17th Apr.

Durlston CP 1 on 15th Oct. SecondPortland winter Bill period: 1 on 12th Nov.

Martinstown (Rainbarrow) 32 on 12th Dec and 25 on the 21st Dec. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 50 on 27th Sept, 40+ on 21st Oct and 60 on 10th Nov. Wyke Down 50 on 28th Oct and 28+ on 16th Nov.

172 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 172 27/08/2013 12:51 SELECTED ESCAPES IN 2011

BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus Native range: Australia.

Abbotsbury Swannery Present most of the year - max of 5 birds in both May and Jun.

Also reported at Bestwall, Herbury Gore, Littlesea, Longham Lakes, Middlebere, Poole Park WHITE-CHEEKEDand Stoborough Water PINTAIL MeadowsAnas during bahamensis the year. Native range: South America.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 16th Oct. HOODEDLodmoor MERGANSER Lophodytes1 was noted cucullatus sporadically during Feb to Jun and Oct. Native range: South America.

RadipoleLADY AMHERST’S Lake PHEASANTThe long-stayingChrysolophus drake amherstiae was present for much of the year. Native range: China.

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns 1 on 18th and 20th Sep. Portesham 1 on 14th May. StourpaineREEVE’S PHEASANT SyrmaticusMale on reevesii3rd Mar, 14th May and 15th May. Native range: central China.

Arne 1 on 24th Apr. Boyshill 1 on 25th Apr. RempstoneGREAT BUSTARD Forest Otis tardaA male on 22nd and 26th Mar. All recent records appear to involve birds from Salisbury Plain reintroduction scheme.

Buckland Ripers 1 on 18th Dec - also seen 17th Dec at Ringstead and Upwey. Cowards Marsh 1 on 1st and 2nd Jan. Langton Matravers 1 on 21st and 22nd Nov. Moonfleet 2 present from 20th Jan until at least 8th Feb. 1 was found dead on 11th Feb and the remaining bird was last seen on 20th Feb. Portland Bill 1 on 5th Nov.

Also 1 or 2 records of Bar-headed Goose, Wood Duck, California Quail, Diamond Dove, Peach-faced Lovebird and Blue and Yellow Macaw. 2011 Dorset Bird Report 173

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 173 27/08/2013 12:51 PENDING AND REQUESTED RECORDS

Records pending BBRC/BOURC at the time of publication:

Caspian Gull 20th Dec 1992 - 3rd Jan 93 Radipole Lake South Polar Skua 27th Jan to 4th Feb 1996 West Bexington Iberian Chiffchaff 11th May 2000 Portland Bill Elegant Tern 10th May 2005 Christchurch Harbour Records pending DRP at the time of publication:

Great White Egret 17th Apr Portland Bill Melodious Warbler 28th Oct Winspit Requested records:

The following records from 2011 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 May Swyre Cattle Egret 25th Jul Lodmoor Cattle Egret 25th Jul Middlebere Cattle Egret 6th Dec Nottington Great White Egret 26th Jul Cowgrove Great White Egret 30th Nov Holt Heath Honey Buzzard 27th May Durlston Honey Buzzard 2nd Sep Durlston Honey Buzzard 29th Sep Portland Honey Buzzard 15th Oct Portland Goshawk 2nd Dec Wyke Down Pectoral Sandpiper 3rd Oct Swineham GP Long-tailed Skua 6th Sep Hengistbury Head Long-tailed Skua 10th Sep Mudeford Quay Sabine’s Gull 26th Oct Durlston Sabine’s Gull 11th Sep Portland Bill Sabine’s Gull 15th Sep Portland Bill Sabine’s Gull 16th Sep Portland Bill Sabine’s Gull 17th Sep Portland Bill Sabine’s Gull 29th Sep Portland Bill Sabine’s Gull 10th Oct Portland Bill Ring-billed Gull 27th Feb Brownsea Lagoon Ring-billed Gull 3rd & 5th Mar Holes Bay Ring-billed Gull 31st Dec Lodmoor Black Guillemot 30th Oct Portland Bill Black Guillemot 5th Nov Portland Bill Bee-eater 21st Apr Durlston 174 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 174 27/08/2013 12:51 Bee-eater 31st May Durlston Bee-eater 27th Jun Durlston Bee-eater 9th May Weymouth Red-rumped Swallow 2nd May Lodmoor Red-rumped Swallow 30th May Radipole Lake Richard’s Pipit 1st Nov Durlston Pallas’s Warbler 5th Nov Bryanston Woods Siberian Chiffchaff 17th Nov Winspit Golden Oriole 6th May Portland Bill Twite (2) 29th Oct Durlston Twite (2) 14th Nov Durlston Mealy Redpoll 14th Mar Ferndown Little Bunting 19th Nov Durlston

2011 Dorset Bird Report 175

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 175 27/08/2013 12:51 DORSET BIRD RINGING 2011 Kevin Sayer

Below are details of groups and individuals who have submitted ringing details for Dorset for 2011. Interesting recoveries and controls are shown at the end of this report. 27,045 birds of 136 species are known to have been ringed in the county during 2011. This represents a STOUR7% increase RINGING on the GROUP: number caught in 2010.

In total the Group managed to trap 9001 birds of 98 species. Their main sites were Lytchett Bay and for the first time at but they also ringed at Sunnyside Farm and on Brownsea Island. At Durlston 3079 birds were caught of 46 species; the most common being Chiffchaff (744), Willow Warbler (560), Blackcap (464) and Whitethroat (228). At Lytchett Bay they managed 2041 birds of 46 species; which included 591 Sedge Warbler, 251 Reed Warbler, 221 Pied/White Wagtail, 169 Chiffchaff and PORTLAND150 Reed Buntings. BIRD OBSERVATORY:

(www.portlandbirdobs.org.uk) 5451 birds of 71 species were trapped at the Obs and other sites including the nearby Crown Estate crop field, Culverwell and East Cliffs/Bill area. Totals included 1801 Willow Warbler, 697 Chiffchaff, 348 Linnet, 268 Blackcap, 210 Whitethroat and 189 Goldfinch. Two new species were added to the ringing list: Merlin and Short-toed Lark. Infrequently ringed species included the second record of Bar-tailed Godwit, the fifth record of Blyth’s Reed Warbler and Dusky ROGERWarbler, PEART: and the ninth records of Subalpine Warbler, Serin and Ortolan Bunting.

A total of 1785 birds of 40 species were trapped by Roger. Main species were 393 Blue Tit, 161 Great Tit, 140 Greenfinch, 139 Goldfinch, 128 Chiffchaff and 117 Reed Warbler. His House Martin BTO RAS study continues at Canford School and he has now started ringing at Longham Lakes with a view to starting a Constant Effort Site (CES) project STEVEthere in HALES: 2012.

In total 1707 birds were trapped including 308 Sedge Warbler, 275 Yellow Wagtail, 195 Blue Tit, 145 Swallow and 124 Willow Warbler. Steve’s main site at Abbotsbury EASTwas severely FLEET floodedRINGING in MayGROUP: which has restricted his catches.

Ian Dodd informs me that 1610 birds of 47 species were trapped during 2011. This was achieved by an increase in effort at their main sites of Tidmoor Firing Range, Cuttcleaves Cove and Littlesea Wood. Their top 5 species were 150 Whitethroat, 133 Reed Warbler, 115 Blackbird, 106 Blackcap and 101 Dunnock. Highlights CHRISTCHURCHincluded Dorset’s firstHARBOUR Paddyfield RINGING Warbler, STATION: a Hume’s Warbler (6th for Dorset) and a Wryneck.

(www.chog.org.uk/ringing/) In 2011 we managed to catch 1371 birds of 31 species. Our totals included 569 Sedge Warbler, 166 SIMONWillow Warbler,LANE: 121 Reed Warbler 106 Chiffchaff and 101 Whitethroat.

Simon rings at 3 main sites: Melcombe Park (280 birds mainly Great Tit and Blue Tit pulli), Woodsford (365 birds of 26 species) and Tincleton (389 birds of 22 species) and achieved a grand total of 1109 birds. Simon is also continuing his study of Dartford Warblers at various heathland sites in East Dorset.

176 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 176 27/08/2013 12:51 LUKE PHILLIPS:

Luke rings at Clouds Hill near Abbotsbury where he managed to trap 583 CHRISbirds of REYNOLDS: 31 species. This included 143 Chiffchaff, 67 Meadow Pipits and 59 Blackcaps.

Chris managed to catch 226 birds of 27 species at his sites at Sandbanks KEVINand Ensbury. SAYER: Totals included 77 Dunlin, 20 Sanderling, and 19 Chiffchaff.

I managed to trap 217 birds of 18 species in my Ferndown Garden during 2011. With the aid of some nijer feeders I caught 58 Siskins and 51 Lesser Redpolls. However, RADIPOLEthe highlight RINGING of the year GROUP: was my first-ever Common Redpoll.

(www.radipoleringinggroup.co.uk) Radipole Ringing Group managed to catch 198 birds of 6 species. Totals included 73 Mute Swan, 32 Herring Gull, 26 Tufted Duck, 26 Great Black-backed Gulls (all pulli), 21 Coot and 20 Mallard. They have continued Steve Hales colour-ringing project of the Herring Gulls in Weymouth and extended it to include Portland Harbour Break-wall. The group is also invloved in a WWT & TONYOxford TAYLOR:University study of Mute Swans.

97 birds of 9 species were ringed in and around his Spetisbury garden including 33 House Sparrow, 28 Swallow (all pulli) and 7 Yellowhammers.

If anybody is interested in training to become a BTO Licensed Ringer then you can get more information at http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/ringing/taking-part/learn-ring.

NB. Many of the sites used by the Ringers mentioned above are on private land and Birders are asked to respect the landowner’s privacy.

Colour-ringed Dartford Warbler at Parley Common, March 2011 - Kevin Sayer

2011 Dorset Bird Report 177

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 177 27/08/2013 12:51 RECOVERIES AND CONTROLS Kevin Sayer

STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus

2489110 Fully grown 09.07.2003 Portland Bill Caught by Ringer 23.06.2011 Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire,WALES 241 Kms, 7y 11m 4d This individual has been re-caught on Skomer Island during several summers since 2006 SHAGand is presumablyPhalacrocorax breeding aristotelis there.

F38734 Nestling 09.06.2010 Galeu, CHANNEL ISLANDS Freshly dead 20.06.2011 SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia 127 Kms, 1y 0m 11d

8046366 Nestling 19.07.2006 Schiermonnikoog, NETHERLANDS Field record 09.11.2007 Brownsea Island Field record 14.03.2008 Poole Harbour Field record 11.01.2009 Ernesettle, Devon Field record 11.01.2010 Yealm Estuary, Devon Field record 05.12.2010 River Lynher,Cornwall Field record 10.10.2011 Brownsea Island MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor 636 Km, 5y 2m 21d

Z81893 Nestling 06.09.1994 Abbotsbury TUFTED DUCKFoundAythya dead fuligula 03.02.2012 Chapmans Pool

FP57962 Adult male 29.12.2007 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Field record 21.08.2008 Vogeleilanden,Huizen,NETHERLANDS RED KITE Milvus milvus 567 Kms, 0y 7m 23d

GC97060 Nestling 15.06.2010 Bullicks Wood, Lowick, Northants Field record 25.04.2011 Modbury Farm, Litton Cheney MERLIN Falco(wing columbarius tag) 242 Kms, 0y 10m 10d

DE38951 Nestling male 06.07.2011 Allt Dail Faid, Highlands, SCOTLAND Freshly dead 07.11.2011 Long Crichel, Dorset PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus 820 Kms, 0y 4m 1d

3015376 Nestling female 15.06.2011 Kilsund, Arendal, NORWAY Freshly dead 10.12.2011 Charmouth 1155 Kms, 0y 5m 25d

178 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 178 27/08/2013 12:51 COOT Fulica atra

GN79156 Adult male 26.10.2005 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Field record 26.04.2011 RSPB Fen Drayton, Cambs OYSTERCATCHER (colourHaematopus ringed) ostralegus 253 Kms, 5y 6m 0d

FV96953 Adult 23.11.1991 Brownsea Island Field record 12.02.2011 Poole Park AVOCET Recurvirostra(ring read avosetta in field) 3 kms, 19y 2m 20d

“RB/BY” Nestling 21.05.2011 Orfordness, Suffolk Field record 05.02.2012 Holes Bay, Poole

EG25448 Nestling 13.06.2011 Cleveland, Teesmouth Field record 05.02.2012 Holes Bay, Poole KNOT CalidrisField canutus record 26.11.2012 Holes Bay, Poole

Colour-ringd Fully Grown 30.08.1998 De Richel, NETHERLANDS Field record 23.08.1999 Waardgronden, NETHERLANDS Field record 11.09.1999 Schleswig Holstein,GERMANY Field record 01.05.2011 Ferrybridge, Portland This bird was first marked when it staged during autumn migration on the Dutch West Frisian islands; it was sighted in the same area, and shortly afterwards not too far away on the North Sea coast of Germany, during the following autumn, but nearly 12 years were to DUNLINelapse beforeCalidris it was alpina sighted again at Ferrybridge.

JT32767 Nestling 10.09.2011 Gdansk, POLAND Field record 02.02.2012 Christchurch Harbour (colour ringed) 1455 Kms

D38153 Adult 16.03.2011 Seixal, Samucco, PORTUGAL Field record 20.04.2011 Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch (colour ringed) 1461 Kms, 0y 1m 4d

3492337 Second-year 07.07.2004 Ottenby, SWEDEN Caught by ringer 09.12.2010 Poole Harbour 1359 Kms, 6y 5m 2d

3468639 Second-year 04.08.2004 Ottenby, SWEDEN Caught by ringer 23.12.2011 Poole Harbour 1359 Kms, 7y 4m 19d

OB37006 First-year 02.10.2007 Nordwestmecklenburg, GERMANY Caught by ringer 23.12.2011 Poole Harbour 986 Kms, 4y 2m 21d

2011 Dorset Bird Report 179

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 179 27/08/2013 12:51 RUFF Philomachus pugnax

1515008 Adult male 14.04.2007 Wiepolder, Laaksum, NETHERLANDS Field record 29.10.2007 WWT Welney, Norfolk Field record 09.01.2010 Weymouth REDSHANK Tringa(colour totanus ringed) 595 Kms, 2y 8m 26d

3M009051 First winter 19.03.2011 Fianteira,Sanxenxo,Pontevedra, SPAIN Field record 27.04.2011 Seaforth, Liverpool Field record 02.10.2012 Brownsea Island According to the BTO website this is the 1st Iberian Penisula ringed Redshank to be recovered in the UK. The Spanish Ringers here tell me they are ringing a lot of waders- so CURLEWkeep a lookoutNumenius for more arquata colour-ringed birds.

FC99185 Adult female 27.10.2003 Brownsea Island Caught by ringer 30.05.2010 Halverde, Munster, GERMANY BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus 694 Kms, 6y 7m 3d

6090440 Adult 06.04.1986 Copenhagen, DENMARK Field record 15.02.1991 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Field record 14.02.2011 Poole Park (colour ringed) 1111 Kms, 24y 10m 8d The above bird was also seen on 3 previous occasions during 2006/7 at Poole Park. This bird is only 4.5 years short of the BTO longevity record.

FN27955 Adult 20.03.2001 Pomorskie, Gdansk, POLAND Caught by ringer 20.02.2011 Brownsea Island MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus 1442 Kms, 9y 11m 0d

E915552 Nestling 21.06.2008 Oost-Vlanderen, BELGIUM Field record 03.02.2012 Middle Beach, Studland 436 Kms, 1322 days

386802 Nestling 10.06.2009 Bugyi, Pest, HUNGARY Field record 20.09.2009 Folkestone, Kent Field record 13.11.2009 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Field record 29.01.2010 Radipole Lake, Weymouth HERRING GULL Larus argentatus 1619 Kms, 0y 7m 19d Field record 28.03.2011 Pett Level, East Sussex

GN77317 First year 21.01.2004 Hyde Farm, Beaconsfield, Bucks Field record 30.01.2004 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Field record 24.02.2004 Molesey-Sunbury Lock, Thames Field record 05.12.2005 Gloucester Landfill, Hempsted,Gloucs Field record 09.01.2011 Radipole Lake, Weymouth (colour ringed) 168 Kms, 6y 11m 19d 180 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 180 27/08/2013 12:51 E08808 Nestling 29.06.1998 St.Helier, Jersey, CHANNEL ISLANDS Field record 20.06.2011 Radipole Lake, Weymouth SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis 162 Kms, 12y 11m 22d

1378076 Adult 05.06.1999 Griend, NETHERLANDS Field record 02.05.2010 Brownsea Island ROSEATE TERN(ringSterna read) dougallii 571 Kms, 10y 10m 27d

SR44854 Nestling 29.06.2008 Coquet Island, Northumberland Field record 30.06.2011 Brownsea Island BEARDED TIT(ringPanurus read) biarmicus 518 Kms, 3y 0m 1d

L515078 Full-grown male 02.10.2010 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour Caught by ringer 28.09.2011 Farlington, Portsmouth, Hampshire KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis 73 Kms, 1y 11m 26d

SA27393 First year 18.09.2010 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour Freshly dead 28.07.2011 Shelley Common, Totton, Hampshire GREAT SPOTTED(hit glass)WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major 44 Kms, 0y 10m 10d

CW52538 First year female 28.12.2009 Tincleton Freshly dead 25.05.2011 Castle Frome, Ledbury, Herefordshire BLACKBIRD Turdus(disease) merula 155 Kms, 1y 4m 27d

CW78390 First-year male 14.11.2007 Portland Bill Freshly dead 02.08.2011 Authie, Calvados, FRANCE 1357 days, 320 Kms A most unexpected location for a Portland-ringed autumn migrant to be found during a subsequent summer; although there have been single recoveries in Belgium and Holland, the majority of breeding season recoveries of migrants such as this have been in Germany PIED/WHITEand Scandinavia. WAGTAIL Motacilla alba

L055879 First year female 01.03.2010 Weymouth Alive 23.04.2011 Culkein Drumbeg, SCOTLAND (colour rings seen) 870 Kms, 1y 1m 22d

X395952 Adult female 12.10.2009 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 12.04.2011 Discovery Quay, Dundee, SCOTLAND 642 Kms, 1y 6m 0d

2011 Dorset Bird Report 181

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 181 27/08/2013 12:51 V810913 First year 08.10.2009 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour Freshly dead 24.08.2011 Fairoak, Staffs (hit glass) 240 Kms, 1y 10m 16d

L041699 First year 31.10.2009 Abbotsbury Swannery Freshly dead 14.01.2011 Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus 120 Kms, 1y 2m 14d

Colour-rngd Adult 19.11.2010 Aberdeen, SCOTLAND 21.11.2010 Aberdeen, SCOTLAND 01.01.2011 Dawlish, Devon 03.01.2011 Southwell, Portland BLACKCAPPortland’s firstSylvia record atricapilla of a ringed Waxwing.

X395743 First-year male 11.09.2009 Wick Reedbed Caught by ringer 11.06.2011 Paxton Pits NR, Cambridgeshire 201 Kms, 1y 9m 0d Possibly returning to its natal site to breed.

L628218 First-year female 27.10.2010 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 05.03.2011 Tincleton, Dorset 129 days, 24 Kms

V685881 Adult male 05.04.2008 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 25.12.2010 Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon 994 days, 118 Kms Two interesting recoveries of birds from the wintering population. L628218 was presumably arriving from Europe when it was ringed, whilst V685881 would seem to have CHIFFCHAFFbeen departingPhylloscopus from the UK. collybita

DNX725 First-year male 29.08.2010 Ryewater Nursery, Boys Hill, Dorset Caught by ringer 02.10.2011 Semaphore, Landes, FRANCE SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 792 Kms, 1y 1m 3d

N438345 First-year 04.08.2000 Keysworth Farm, Poole Harbour Long dead 06.06.2009 Hexham, Northumberland (hit glass) 475 Kms, 8y 10m 2d

X937298 Adult male 28.06.2010 Loch of Leys, Banchory, SCOTLAND Caught by ringer 02.05.2011 Portland Bill 728 Kms, 0y 10m 4d

L929263 First year 18.08.2011 South Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Caught by ringer 24.08.2011 Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour 375 Kms, 0y 0m 6d 182 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 182 27/08/2013 12:51 L173106 Juvenile 19.08.2010 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 11.07.2011 Kilnsea, Humberside 348 Kms, 0y 10m 22d

X925843 Juvenile 21.07.2011 Scotman’s Flash, Wigan Caught by ringer 31.07.2011 Hengistbury Head 317 Kms, 0y 0m 10d

11497714 Adult 09.08.2010 Tienen, Vlaams, Brabant, BELGIUM Caught by ringer 10.08.2011 Hengistbury Head 470 Kms, 1y 0m 1d

11889711 First year 15.08.2010 Lebbeke, Oost-Vlaanderen, BELGIUM Caught by ringer 01.08.2011 Portland Bill REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus 466 Kms, 0y 11m 17d

R300771 Adult male 14.05.2004 Holton Heath, Poole Caught by ringer 12.07.2011 Leighton Moss, Lancashire 387 Kms, 7y 1m 28d

T897755 Juvenile 04.08.2007 Sandwich Bay, Kent Caught by ringer 03.05.2008 Abbotsbury Swannery Caught by ringer 23.05.2009 Abbotsbury Swannery Caught by ringer 25.05.2010 Abbotsbury Swannery Caught by ringer 17.04.2011 Abbotsbury Swannery 288Kms, 3y 8m 13d An example of typical breeding site fidelity in an adult bird although not necessarily faithful to where it fledged.

R821901 First year 02.08.2007 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 19.08.2011 Colos, Odemira, PORTUGAL 1560 Kms, 4y 0m 17d

X396354 Juvenile 28.07.2010 Hengistbury Head Caught by ringer 27.08.2011 Jaizubia, Hondarribia, SPAIN WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus 819 Kms, 1y 0m 30d

AYX919 First year 25.07.2011 Middle Brighty, Murroes, Tayside Caught by ringer 20.08.2011 Abbotsbury Swannery 654 Kms, 0y 0m 26d

DCT517 First year 07.08.2010 West Bexington Caught by ringer 07.05.2011 Hilbre island, Wirral, Merseyside 303 Kms, 0y 9m 0d

2011 Dorset Bird Report 183

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 183 27/08/2013 12:51 DJN249 First year 12.08.2010 Martinstown, Dorchester Caught by ringer 10.04.2011 Marple, Greater Manchester 300 Kms, 0y 7m 29d

DHE775 Adult 28.03.2011 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 29.03.2011 Bardsey Island, Gwynedd, WALES 1 day, 297 Kms GOLDCRESTThis bird was controlledRegulus regulus on Bardsey Island 28 hours after being ringed at Portland.

CXP140 First year male 06.11.2010 Ferndown Freshly dead 01.03.2011 Upper Welland, Herefordshire TREE SPARROW(hit glass)Passer montanus 145 Kms, 0y 3m 23d

TP70706 Nestling 18.07.2010 Marnhull Freshly dead 31.08.2011 Tyning Farm, Kilmersdon, Somerset SISKIN Carduelis(natural spinus causes) 33 Kms, 1y 1m 13d

X360762 Full grown male 12.07.2010 Northmoor Estate, Wareham Caught by ringer 11.03.2011 Afferde, Hanover, GERMANY 815 Kms, 0y 7m 27d

CN45012 First year male 26.09.2010 Skivarp, Malmohus, SWEDEN Dead 06.04.2011 St Ives, Ringwood 1147 Kms, 0y 6m 11d A bird trapped probably in its natal area and then re-trapped on its return migration from LESSERits winter REDPOLL quarters. Carduelis cabaret

L002694 First year female 18.09.2010 Blackburn, Lothian Region, SCOTLAND Caught by ringer 12.03.2011 Ferndown LINNET Carduelis cannabina 575 Kms, 0y 5m 22d

L627288 First-year female 05.10.2010 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 15.05.2011 Girdle Ness, Aberdeen, SCOTLAND BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla 222 days, 736 Kms

L628886 First year female 15.11.2010 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 04.04.2011 Straight Mile, Romsey, Hampshire 89 Kms, 0y 4m 20d

184 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 184 27/08/2013 12:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2011 - RINGING TOTALS

pre- Species 2008 2009 2010 2011 Totals 2008 8465 151 247 152 279 9294

Mute Swan 816 19 11 6 5 857 Canada Goose 2 295 Shelduck 29310 1 11 Gadwall 1 12 5 Teal 365660 367460 Wigeon 150 151 19 Mallard 305649 153 352949 Shoveler 50 50 PochardEider 1 1 1 1

Garganey Pintail 357 15 24 24 357460 Tufted Duck 3841 13 1 Red-legged Partridge 2 1 Quail 1 31 Black-throated Diver 9 9 Little Grebe 1 1 2 Great Crested Grebe 8 8 Fulmar 12 12 Manx Shearwater 404 17 12 4 9 446 Storm Petrel 1 1 Leach’s Petrel 5 5 Gannet 1 1 2 Cormorant 9 1 1 1 12 Shag 2 2 Bittern Little Egret 36 36 Grey Heron 404 9 18 11 465 Sparrowhawk 62 2 7 236 77 Buzzard 1 1 Rough-legged Buzzard 261 26 58 22 12 Kestrel 2 1 379 Merlin 21 2 2 1 263 Hobby 2011 Dorset Bird Report 185

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 185 27/08/2013 12:51 Pre- Species 2008 2009 2010 2011 Totals 2008 4 1 5

Peregrine 1 6 270 Water Rail 26320 20 Spotted Crake Corncrake 4823 5 5 4 4993 Moorhen 940 14 3 26 1050 Coot 36 2 342 26 1572 Oystercatcher 153912 3 28 Avocet 10 3 4310 Little Ringed Plover 252 1 2 7 4 266 Ringed Plover 4 4 Dotterel 46 2 2 1 51 Grey Plover 2 7 9 Golden Plover 1 10 41 5 696 Lapwing 228439 19 2 2 16 267 Knot 27 1 2 20 Sanderling 25 3 5325 Little Stint 1 1 Pectoral Sandpiper 10 10 Purple Sandpiper 119 1 121 Curlew Sandpiper 10779 99 47 47 146 11118 Dunlin 1 1 Buff-breasted Sandpiper Ruff 1342 16 4 1362 Jack Snipe 2 Snipe 112329 1 3518 1311 117359 Woodcock 75 1 5 81 Black-tailed Godwit 257 4 7 271 Bar-tailed Godwit 240 31 2 1 244 Common Sandpiper 21 4 2 27 Green Sandpiper 8 8 Wood Sandpiper 726 729 Curlew 157 3 157 Whimbrel 54 1 1 56 Greenshank 10 10 Spotted Redshank

186 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 186 27/08/2013 12:51 Pre- Species 2008 2009 2010 2011 Totals 2008 778 4 7 16 805

Redshank 46 1 1 48 Turnstone Grey Phalarope 135 135 Kittiwake 16 6 24 24 Black-headed Gull 32161 32861 Little Gull 7 7 Mediterranean Gull 7 1 8 Common Gull 10 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull 841 41 5 41 971 Herring Gull 46 43 56 102 Great Black-backed Gull 48 12 60 Little Tern 4 4 Black Tern 172 2 177 Sandwich Tern 969 4 31 1005 Common Tern 4 31 4 Roseate Tern 2 2 Arctic Tern 12 1 Guillemot 7 137 Razorbill 1 1 Little Auk 1 1 Puffin 271 7 27 25 4 Stock Dove 29 44 51 58 334705 Woodpigeon 523 5 8 14 Collared Dove 26358 1 131 30360 Turtle Dove 55 2 1 58 Cuckoo 1 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 26 44 41 45 495 Barn Owl 3391 1 Scops Owl 256 10 5 7 9 287 Little Owl 111 2 9 4 5 Tawny Owl 16 13116 Long-eared Owl Short-eared Owl 9003 26 25 21 3 Nightjar 466 8 1 31 1003475 Swift

2011 Dorset Bird Report 187

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 187 27/08/2013 12:52 Pre- Species 2008 2009 2010 2011 Totals 2008 1 1

Pallid Swift 690 20 22 12 27 771 Kingfisher 2 2 Hoopoe 78 1 1 2 82 Wryneck 4 5 7 258 Green Woodpecker 239 213 27 448 Great Spotted Woodpecker 32311 39 38 11 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1 1 Short-toed Lark 29 29 Woodlark 1069 106 1 22 8 1206 Skylark 10809 8 58 11016 Sand Martin 2563 420 605 138786 Swallow 3583529958 45 128 115 37902 House Martin 2 137 303832 Blyth’s Pipit Tawny Pipit 31 31 Olive-backed Pipit 691 10 51 758 Tree Pipit 2953 4073 226 6268 Meadow Pipit 5039 1 44 26 30116 444 Rock Pipit 35716 16 Water Pipit 27 18 47 Yellow Wagtail 13405 20 1 8 2932 13790774 Grey Wagtail 743 294 781 795 292 9698 Pied/WhiteDipper Wagtail 753615 15 12158 272 287

Wren 367 389 13473 Waxwing 1 3 31 Brown Thrasher 10675 255 466 497 622 12515 Dunnock 1 1 Alpine Accentor 15964 615 696 Robin 42 395 1 631 18301 Bluethroat 2 432 Thrush Nightingale 2 Nightingale 300124 2 2 2 302 Black Redstart 48 56 883 78 133 Redstart 3350 3620

188 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 188 27/08/2013 12:52 pre- Species 2008 2009 2010 2011 Totals 2008 605 5 5 17 9 641

Whinchat 55 47 24 28 1987 Stonechat 1833607 9 11 19 75 721 Wheatear 1 1 Pied Wheatear 1 1 Desert Wheatear 1 1 Grey-cheeked Thrush 1 1 Ring Ouzel 134 568 3 661 21884139 Blackbird 19539 4632 65356 11 765 Fieldfare 7400693 164 3 211 207 Song Thrush 81 15387 244 154 81354422 Redwing 3856 1 6 4 Mistle Thrush 317880 56 66 328 Cetti’s Warbler 1 35 36 10731 Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler 1214 108 Grasshopper Warbler 4 39 31 38 14304 Savi’s Warbler 227 1 228 Aquatic Warbler 1194 1940 78555 Sedge Warbler 72230 803 23881 1 Paddyfield Warbler 4 1 5 Blyth’s Reed Warbler 19 1 1 21 Marsh Warbler 486 580 1060 Reed Warbler 327692 1213 361082 Great Reed Warbler 2 1 Eastern Olivaceous Warbler 4 34 Booted Warbler 1 1 Syke’s Warbler 46 1 47 Icterine Warbler 117 2 1 4 127 Melodious Warbler 27257 525 3 1221 1626 Blackcap 6740 62 837 314667199 Garden Warbler 25 1 103 131 163 26 Barred Warbler 1582 20 48 76 1765 Lesser Whitethroat 1 39 1 Orphean Warbler 1 1 Asian Desert Warbler 274 420 901 Whitethroat 11773 163 13531

2011 Dorset Bird Report 189

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 189 27/08/2013 12:52 pre- Species 2008 2009 2010 2011 Totals 2008 70 79 6 12 1004

Dartford Warbler 8379 1 10 Subalpine Warbler 5 5 Greenish Warbler 1 1 Arctic Warbler 11 2 Pallas’s Warbler 2 1 1 13 Yellow-browed Warbler 392 1 43 Hume’s Leaf Warbler 9 1 103 Radde’s Warbler 4 1 5 Dusky Warbler Western Bonelli’s Warbler 1473 1 2 1503 Wood Warbler 1750 2845 42919 Chiffchaff 352162 1073 2035 2 Iberian Chiffchaff 66255 1496 2985 74482 Willow Warbler 18657 1308 110 2438261 289 19855 Goldcrest 53842 28 28 1518 Firecrest 1387 142 6633 69 102 Spotted Flycatcher 4003 4382 Red-breasted Flycatcher 152031 14 22 25 8 158931 Pied Flycatcher 4 9 40 17 1450 Bearded Tit 13805179 292 6419 Long-tailed Tit 1594347 2117293 2598 2086308 45204 Blue Tit 36809 922 1192 1281 1244 19182 Great Tit 145432142 145 119 71 2611 Coal Tit 162 134 162 Willow Tit 16 16 28 17 Marsh Tit 753511 87 51 66 830768 Nuthatch 985 25 28 5326 1095 Treecreeper 7 311 1 9 Golden Oriole 2 2 Isabelline Shrike 16 1 17 Red-backed Shrike Woodchat Shrike 20113 6 5 6 22113 Jay 209 10 5 123 9 245 Magpie 18 20 18 8 Jackdaw 253 317

190 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 190 27/08/2013 12:52 pre- Species 2008 2009 2010 2011 Totals 2008 67 9 1 11 91

Rook 78 31 2 81 Carrion Crow Raven 3 145 40 146 121 140523 Starling 13600 162 406 House Sparrow 10381241 398 44 4366 11783 Tree Sparrow 209 43 1022 565 11515334 Chaffinch 9392496 16 3272 97 8 619 Brambling 8 1 9 Serin 468 760 804 Greenfinch 283238158 501 658 803887 1154431158 Goldfinch 611 172 68 1340215 2729 Siskin 189061663 284 421 404 Linnet 2 1303 213182 TwiteRedpoll sp 47 1 1 49 491 45 27 21 122 706

Lesser Redpoll 1 1 1 1 4 Mealy Redpoll 5 1 6 Crossbill 6 1 7 Common Rosefinch 55 87 95 167 Bullfinch 33414 2 37456 Hawfinch 2 2 Northern Parula 1 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 1 Dark-eyed Junco Lapland Bunting 3 10 26 26 20 3 Yellowhammer 23136 23956 Cirl Bunting 6 1 1 8 Ortolan Bunting 10 1 11 Little Bunting 161 10855 Reed Bunting 99131 132 253 396 1 Black-headed Bunting 1455 1 1456 CornTotals Bunting 685408 14769 18727 25306 27045 771455 Number of Species 241

2011 Dorset Bird Report 191

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 191 27/08/2013 12:52 Paddyfield Warbler at Cuttcleaves Cove, The Fleet, Dorset 21 July 2011

Martin Cade and Ian Dodd* * Author for correspondence: 51 Fraser Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9EJ Introduction

Phragmites Cuttcleaves Cove is an inlet on the northern shore of East Fleet and the eastern half comprises principally a Acrocephalus 0.5 hectare agricola area bordered by mixed deciduous and gorse hedgerows and pasture land. It is bordered on it’s eastern edge by a MOD firing range. The Paddyfield Warbler is a rare migrant to the UK and Ireland; the species breeds in Europe mainly around the Black Sea coasts and winters throughout the Indian subcontinent [1,2]. This report details the occurrence of Dorset’s first Paddyfield Warbler. A. scirpaceus During a routine bird-ringing session at Cuttcleaves Cove on the morning of the 21st July Acrocephalus2011 trapping was going slowly with only 4 Reed Warblers trapped in the first 2h after dawn. On a net round at aroundA. 0730h schoenobaenus ID found an unringed, heavily worn warbler in one of the mist nets. It was clearly very different to the earlier Reed Warblers, with a conspicuous Sedge Warbler ( )-like supercilium, but with otherwise uniform pale and very worn remiges and retrices. It was extracted, a preliminary check made and it was placed in a holding bag. It was immediately obvious it was a warblerA. dumetorumthat ID had no experience of; nevertheless, based on the initial plumage observations and the strong emargination on primaries 3, 4 and 5, it was evident that it was a Blyth’s ( ) or Paddyfield Warbler. A second opinion was needed.

Owing to the timelines involved in releasing the bird without extensive delay ID telephoned MC at Portland Bird Observatory (PBO) and said he believed he had just trapped a Blyth’s or Paddyfield and could he come over and check it out. ID also telephoned a local birder Fred Alway. It was only after this that the bird was processed properly. The following Descriptiondescription is and a composite comment of that from MC and ID.

The head pattern was a key feature of the bird, characterized by a striking supercilium, a pale ‘semi-collar’, a remarkably pale iris and a bold, two-tone pattern of the lower mandible. Together with the strong emargination on the primaries and the wing/tail ratio (see below) the bird was clearly a Paddyfield Warbler.

Quite apart from being pretty unexpected in a tiny reedbed in Dorset in July, this very worn adult was somewhat plainer than might have been expected had it been in fresher plumage, in particular there was little sign of dark borders to the supercilia (the dark blotches above the rear supercilium in the photos are just an effect of feather loss in this area), the tertials barely contrasted with the rest of the upperparts, and the rump lacked any sort of rusty contrast. Overall the upperparts were a warm, sandy tone, although out of direct sunlight the bird took on a remarkably pallid appearance. Also there was a single fresh, darker tertial on the left side (presumably replaced after accidental loss); this was the sole ‘new’ feather on what was otherwise a very abraded and bleached bird.

192 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 192 27/08/2013 12:52 A cursory look at the distal parts of the outer tail feathers gave the impression of some whiteness. However it appeared to be an effect of bleaching or abrasion rather than a genuine plumage feature.

The bird was released successfully 1 hour after capture and was not seen subsequently.

Biometrics,Additional photographs wing formula are etcavailable elsewhere [3,4].

Wing length 57 mm Tail length 51 mm (to give tail/wing ratio of 0.89) Shortest/longest tail feathers 4.5 mm Emargination 3, 4 and 5, equally strong on all three primaries Notch on 2nd p 10 mm Tarsus 20 mm Bill length (to skull) 14.5 mm PreviousWeight 9.7 records g within the UK and Ireland

This is the first record for Dorset. Up to the end of 2010 there were 82 records for Paddyfield Warbler in the UK and Ireland [2], the majority of which were in northern areas and only 2 Referencesin the neighbouring south-coast counties of Devon (in 2008) and Hampshire (2000).

1. Cramp, S (ed.) (1992) The Birds of the Western Palearctic Vol. VI. p.146-155. 2. Brit. Birds (2011) 104 604-605. 3. Portland Bird Observatory web-site / ‘Off-island Archive’ / ‘Paddyfield Warbler’. Acknowledgement4. Birding World (2011) 24 318.

We wish to thank Mr Don Moxom, Warden, Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve for permission to ring at Cuttcleaves Cove.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 193

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 193 27/08/2013 12:52 Cory’s Shearwater in Weymouth Bay 29th July 2011

Weather: F2 South Easterly. Sea stateJames 1-2. PhillipsWarm, but overcast with some light drizzle at times

Mere Cat

At 17:00 hours, just after leaving Weymouth Quay on board the on a scheduled MARINElife guided Naturetrek evening pelagic to look for seabirds off Portland Bill, we passed close to the entrance to Portland Harbour.

Calonectris diomedea borealis As we passed the entrance to the harbour, I picked up a Cory’s Shearwater coming in low from the south, flying straight towards the boat! The shearwater passed onto the right-hand side of the bow and then flew close down the starboard side and continued in towards Weymouth Bay.

In a state of shock I quickly got the skipper to turn the boat around and we gave chase! As we tracked the bird it suddenly turned around again and came back towards the boat. As it came back towards us we started to frantically dice mackerel at a rapid pace and began to drop it off the back of the boat in the hope of attracting the bird in closer. Remarkably, the bird responded and came into the back of the boat, plunging into the water to feed on the mackerel scraps no further than five feet from the boat! It then lifted off the water and started to do a number of circuits of the boat, each time dropping into the water close to the back of the boat to successfully grab at the mackerel scraps we were putting over the side. The shearwater showed superbly during this time for everybody on board.

At 17:10hrs the Cory’s Shearwater headed west away from the boat and into Weymouth Bay, at which point we lost it from view. At this point a number of phone calls were quickly made to local Weymouth birders, but unfortunately the bird was not seen again.

All photos © James Phillips/MARINElife

194 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 194 27/08/2013 12:52 Great Reed Warbler at Burton Mere, Cogden 20th May 1961

Mike Morse

Early in 2011, I had decided to write a short article on the BBRC rarities that have occurred within our recording area at West Bexington and Cogden for our local bird report. One of these records was of a Great Reed Warbler that was seen at Burton Mere (Cogden) on 20th May 1961. I knew that Prendergast and Boys had listed this record as the second for Dorset in their The Birds of Dorset published in 1981. I was therefore somewhat surprised to see no mention of it in George Green’s comprehensive The Birds of Dorset published in 2004. There was also no mention of it (positive or otherwise) in the British Bird’s Report on Rare Birds in Great Britain for that year. Enquiries to Kevin Lane, revealed that the record had never been formally submitted to the BBRC and was therefore lost to the official record.

In 1961, bird reports for Dorset were still being published in The Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society. A visit to the local library produced a copy for that year. In it was the following: et al Great Reed Warbler - One was seen and heard in close company with Reed Warblers at Burton Mere on May 20th (J.N., P.J.S ) et al Looking at the list of contributors, J.N and P.J. S. appeared to be J. Newsome and P.J Sellar. The suggested that the bird was more widely appreciated. It was Martin Cade who reminded me that P.J.Sellar was likely to be Pat Sellar, well known for his work in wildlife sound recording.

Googling ‘Patrick Sellar’ revealed that Pat was still active in his field and was the current president of the International Bioacoustics Council (IBAC). I emailed the secretary of IBAC asking if she would put me in touch with Pat explaining that I was following up his record of a Great Reed Warbler in Dorset; I received a reply from Pat himself the following day. It said:

“Dear Mike, The Great Reed Warbler was at Burton Mere near Burton Bradstock. I discovered it singing on 20th May 1961 and made recordings which I still have. I have just played some of them and can confirm that my identification was correct. I will gladly send you a copy on CD if you wish. The recording was played by James Fisher later that year as part of the BBC radio series “The Patient Listeners”. That broadcast also included the American Song Sparrow singing in Fair Isle. Best wishes, Pat Sellar.”

Pat was as good as his word and a few days later the recordings and a covering letter arrived. The fact that Pat was able to locate the recordings so quickly, suggests an ordered and well indexed recordings library.

Pat did not offer any description or photograph and I think it unlikely that any exist. However, I forwarded the recordings along with a formal submission to the BBRC and the record has been formally accepted and credited to Pat, albeit 50 years after the event.

2011 Dorset Bird Report 195

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 195 27/08/2013 12:52 196 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 196 27/08/2013 12:52 2011 Dorset Bird Report 197

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 197 27/08/2013 12:52 KEY TO DORSET MAP

01 Lyme Regis SY3492 46 Chapman’s Pool SY955770 02 Burton Bradstock SY4889 47 St Aldhelm’s Head SY961755 03 Peascombe SY498944 48 Winspit Valley SY976760 04 Loscombe SY506982 49 Middlebere/Hartland SY968863 05 South Poorton SY512975 50 Stoborough Heath SY924850 06 Brackett’s Coppice ST514074 51 Arne RSPB SY979887 07 West Bexington SY527866 52 Ham Common SY979910 08 Powerstock Common SY540973 53 Lytchett Bay SY972919 09 Kingcombe Meadows SY555992 54 Upton Heath SY989951 10 Sutton Bingham Res. ST544094 55 Corfe Mullen Meadow SY980967 11 Abbotsbury SY5785 56 Pamphill & Eye Mead ST995001 12 Langton Herring SY6182 57 Upton Country Park SY993928 13 Nunnery Mead SY615953 58 Townsend NR SZ024782 14 Muckleford SY642931 59 Durlston SZ032773 15 Ferrybridge SY667762 60 Kitt’s Grave SU025210 16 Lorton Meadows SY674826 61 Sutton Holms SU055095 17 Haydon Hill SY669946 62 Garston Wood RSPB SU002191 18 Brooklands Farm SY666952 63 Whitesheet Plant’n SU048036 19 Sherborne Castle Lake ST6416 64 Canford Heath SZ031955 20 Holway Woods ST633200 65 Brownsea Island SZ028878 21 Portland Bill SY677682 66 Ballard Down SZ054824 22 Chesil Cove SY6873 67 Knoll Beach SZ033835 23 Kingbarrow Quarry SY690728 68 South Haven SZ036867 24 Portland Castle SY684743 69 Branksome Chine SZ065896 25 Sandsfoot Castle SY674773 70 Alder Hills SZ063931 26 Radipole Lake RSPB SY6779 71 Ferndown Common SZ0699 27 Lodmoor RSPB SY6881 72 Holt Heath SU050050 28 Tadnoll Heath SY792873 73 Cranborne Common SU100110 29 Winfrith Heath SY805870 74 Troublefield SZ124975 30 Greenhill Down ST792037 75 Sopley Common SZ132976 31 Broadoak Orchard ST791123 76 Coward’s Marsh SZ151951 32 Piddles Wood ST797133 77 Stanpit Marsh SZ169919 33 Girdler’s Coppice ST797133 78 Hengistbury Head SZ176908 34 Mill Ham Island ST824126 79 East Holme SY895863 35 Higher Hyde Heath SY851902 80 Seacombe Valley SY984766 36 East Stoke Fen SY864866 81 Osmington Mills SY735817 37 Coombe Heath SY862848 82 Ringstead Bay SY760815 38 Fontmell Down ST884176 83 White Nothe SY772809 39 Purbeck Marine Res SY905792 84 Portland Bird Obs SY681689 40 Stonehill Down SY925822 85 Morden Bog SY913920 41 Kilwood Coppice SY933825 86 Soldier’s Road SY944855 42 Sherford Bridge SY919926 87 Holes Bay SZ0092 43 Ashley Wood ST925051 88 Dancing Ledge SY997768 44 Sovell Down ST985107 89 Baiter Park SZ020901 45 Swineham GP & Point SY937879 198 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 198 27/08/2013 12:52 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 Hill SU 0106 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 Bokerley Dyke SU 0418 Chickerell SY 6481 Boscombe SZ 11/1291 Chickerell Hive Point SY 637791 Bourne Valley SZ 0693 Chilcombe SY 527910 Bournemouth Hospital SZ 126942 Child Okeford ST 8312 Bovington Camp SY 8388 Christchurch Harbour SU 1791 Bowleaze Cove SY 703819 Church Hill ST 715035 Boys Hill ST 673102 Church Ope Cove SY 698711 Bracketts Coppice ST 5107 Cleaval Point SZ 005865 Bramble Bush Bay SZ 031862 Clifton Wood ST 5712 Brand’s Bay SZ 0185 Cogden Beach SY 5087 Branksome SZ 0592 Colehill SU 0201 Branksome Chine SZ 0689 Compton Abbas ST 869185 Brenscombe Hill SY 986819 Briantspuddle SY 8193 Bride Valley SY4789/SY5888 Bride Valley Fish Farm SY 521899 2011 Dorset Bird Report 199

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 199 27/08/2013 12:52 GAZETTEER (continued)

Compton Valence SY 593932 Fitzworth SY 992867 Coombe Heath SY 975867 Flaghead Chine SZ 053887 Coombe Hill ST 775025 Fleetsbridge SZ 010933 Coombe Valley SY 6983/84 Fontmell Down ST 884176 Corfe Castle SY 9682 Forde Abbey ST 359050 Corfe Common SY 9580/81 Forston SY 6695 Corfe Hills SY 9996 Fortuneswell SY 6873 Corfe Mullen SY 9798 Foxholes, The Fleet SY 652778 Corfe River Meadows SY 9684 Frampton SY 6295 Corscombe Cross ST 5105 French’s Farm SY 968930 Coward’s Marsh SZ 1595 Frome Whitfield SY 6991 Cranborne SU 0514 Furzehill SU 0102 Cranborne Common SU 104112 Furzey Island SZ 00/0187 Creech Heath SY 9283 Gad Cliff SY 882795 Creekmoor Ponds SY 999939 Gallows Hill SY 844911 Critchel Down ST 961101 Garston Wood SU 002190 Critchel Lake SY 9907 Gillingham ST 8026/27 Crossways SY 76/7788 Glebelands SZ 0381 Crouch Hill, Stanpit SZ 169918 Goathill ST 675172 Culverwell SY 982690 Godlingston Heath SZ 0182 Dancing Ledge SY 997768 SY 407923 Deadmoor Common ST 7511 Golden Springs SY 8290 Dean ST 9715 Gore Heath SY 9291 Delph Woods SZ 0197 Gotham SU 083113 Dewlish SY 775985 Grange Heath SY 9083 Didlington SU 010075 Grange Wood ST 665065 Dodding’s Farm CBs SY 852934 Great Coll Wood SY 8899 Dorchester SY 68/69 Great Ovens Hill SY 925903 Dorey’s Farm Pond SY 911850 Greenlands Farm SZ 0184 Down Farm, Blandford ST 993148 Grimstone SY 6494 Dudmoor Farm SZ 150960 Grove Point SY 706722 Dunyeat’s Heath SZ 0196 Grove Stadium SY 698726 SZ 0377 /78 Gussage All Saints SU 0010 Durlston CP / Head SZ 0277 Gussage St Andrew ST 986145 East Almer SY 924991 Gussage St Michael ST 9811 East Bexington SY 550858 ST 8412 East Fleet SY 635800 Ham Common SY 9790/9890 East Holme SY 8986 Hammoon ST 8114 East Knighton SY 8084 Handfast Point/Old Harry SZ 055825 East Lulworth SY 8692 Handley Cross SU 011166 East Parley SZ 105975 Hardy’s Monument SY 613876 East Stoke SY 8786 Harpitts Lake ST 784242 East Stoke Fen SY 864866 Hartgrove ST 8318 East Stour ST 8023 Hartland Moor SY 9585 East Weare SY 7073 Hatch Pond SZ 013938 Easton SY 6971 Haven Hotel, Poole SZ 0387 Eccliffe ST 798254 Hazelebury Bryan ST 745085 Edmonsham SU 0611 Hedbury Quarry SY 992768 Eggardon Hill SY 5494 Henbury Plantation SY 9697 Eight Kings Quarry SY 688699 Hengistbury Head SZ 1790 Enmore Green ST 8523 Herbury Gore SY 6180/81 Eyebridge ST 995000 Herston SZ 0178 Farrington ST 8415 Hethfelton SY 851883 Ferndown Common SZ 0799 High Hall nr. Wimborne SU 001027 Ferrybridge SY 667762 Highcliffe SZ 2194 Fifehead Magdalen ST 779214 Higher Bockhampton SY 7292 Fifehead Wood ST 774215 Higher Hyde SY 851902

200 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 200 27/08/2013 12:52 GAZETTEER (continued)

Hillfield ST 634050 Lyme Bay SY 3391/6768 Hinton Parva ST 998044 Lyme Regis SY 3492 Hinton St Mary ST 7816 Lynch Cove SY 648781 Holcombe Bottom SY 6996/7185 Lyons Gate ST 660058 Holes Bay SY 0092 Lytchett Bay SY 9792 Holmebridge SY 8986 Lytchett Matravers SY 9495 Holnest ST 6509 Maiden Castle SY 66/6788 Holt Heath SU 0504 Maiden Newton SY 5997 Holton Heath SY 9591 Magiston SY 638968 Holton Lee SY 954914 Mapperton, nr Blandford SY 9098 Horse Down ST 965095 Mapperton, nr Beaminster SY 5099 Horselynch Plantation SY 6881/6882 Mappowder ST 734061 Horton SU 027074 Marnhull ST 7718 Hungry Hill SY 529974 Martin Down SY 5791 Hurn SZ 1297 Martinstown SY 6488 Iford SZ 1393 Masters Pit (MOD) SY 9184 Keysworth SY 9488 Matchams Viewpoint SU 134020 Kilwood Coppice SY 512975 Maunbury Rings SY 690899 Kimmeridge SY 918799 Melbury Park, Evershot ST 5705 Kingcombe ST 741002 Melcombe Bingham ST 7602 King’s Park, Bournemouth SZ 116929 Merley SZ 020980 King’s Stag ST 7210 Merley Park SZ 00/0198 Kingston, North Dorset ST 755095 Middlebere SY 968863 Kingston, Purbeck SY 956796 Milborne St Andrew SY 8097 Kingston Lacy ST 977013 Milton Abbas ST 8001 Kingston Maurward SY 717910 Minchington ST 9614 King’s Wood, Purbeck SZ 000815 Monkton-up-Wimborne SU 0113 Knitson SZ 0080 Moonfleet SY 6180 Knowlton SU 022101 Moor Critchel ST 9908 Knowlton Church SU 024104 Moors Valley CP SU 1205 Lamberts Castle SY 372991 Morden Bog SY 914917 Lane End SY 850925 Morden Park Lake SY 907927 Langton Herring SY 6182 Morden Park Corner SY 9093 Langton Matravers SZ 0078 Moreton SY 8089 Lankham Bottom SY 6099 Mudeford SZ 1892 Launceston Down ST 953106 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 SY 8370/9082 Ower Bay SY 9986 Lydlinch ST 7413 Ower Quay SY 997862 Lydlinch Common ST 7313 Pallington SY 789912

2011 Dorset Bird Report 201

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 201 27/08/2013 12:52 GAZETTEER (continued)

Pamphill ST 9900 Rodwell SY 6778 Parkstone Bay SZ 0290 Ryewater ST 667108 Parley Court Farm SZ 0997 Saltern’s Marsh SY 9686 PC World, Poole SZ 066828 Sandbanks SZ 03/0487 Pennsylvania Castle SY 6971 Sandford Heath SY 9389 Pentridge SU 0317 Sandsfoot Castle SY 674773 Peveril Point SZ 040786 Scotland Farm SY 961840 Piddle Valley SY9488-ST6902 Seaborough ST 4305 Piddlehinton SY 7197 Seacombe SY 9876 Piddletrenthide SY 7099 Shaftsbury SY 8622/23 Pilsden Pen ST 4001 Shapwick ST 9401 Pimperne ST 9009 Shell Bay SU 0386 Plush ST 7102 Sherborne ST 6678 Poole Bay SZ 08 Sherborne Lake ST 64/6516 Poole Harbour SY 9988 Sherford Bridge SY 919927 Poole Park SZ 0290/91 Shillingstone ST 825110 Poole Quay SZ 011902 Shipstal Point SY 983884 Portesham SY 602857 Shipton Gorge SY 4991 Portland Bill SY 677682 Sixpenny Handley ST 9917 Portland Castle SY 684744 Slepe Copse SY 957863 Portland Harbour SY 68 / 69 Slepe Plantation SY 951859 Portland Heights SY 689730 Soldier’s Road SY 9485 Poundbury SY 6790 Solent Meads GC SZ 159913 Povington SY 8882 Sopley Common SZ 12/130974 Povington Heath SY 53 / 5496 South Down SY 7781 Powerstock SY 517961 South Haven Point SZ 0386 Powerstock Common SY 540963 South Lake, Poole Hbr SZ 0286/0386 Poxwell SY 741841 South Poorton SY 519978 Preston SY 7083 Southbourne SZ 1491 Preston Beach SY 6880-6981 Southover, Frampton SY 6294 Priory Marsh SZ 162924 Southwell SY 6870 Puddletown SY 7594 Sovell Down ST 990107 Puddletown Forest SY 737927 Spetisbury ST 9102 Puncknowle SY 5388 Squirrel’s Corner SU 025145 Purewell Meadows SZ 1692/93 St Aldhelm’s Head SY 961752 Purse Caundle ST 695175 St Catherine’s Hill SZ 145953 Radipole Lake SY 675796 St Leonards SU 112036 Ramsdown SZ 1396 Staggs Folly ST 6100 Raymonds Hill SY 323963 Stalbridge ST 7317 Reap Lane, Portland SY 682705 Stanbridge SU 004038 Redcliff Point SY 713816 Stanpit Marsh SZ 16/1792 Redhill LNR SZ 087954 Steamer Point SZ 197929 Redhorn Point SZ 021855 Stoborough Heath SY 92/9385 Rempstone SY 989825 Stock Gaylard ST 725135 Rempstone Forest SY 985845 Stoke Heath SY 84 8897 Renscombe SY 964775 Stokeford Heath SY 8788 Ridge SY 9386 Stonehill Down SY 925822 Ringstead Bay SY 760810 Stoney Down Plantation SY 9696 Ringwood Forest SU 1205 Stourton Caundle ST 715154 River Allen SU1307-SZ1692 Stourpaine ST 8609 River Axe ST3202-ST4904 Stubhampton ST 9113 River Frome SY9487-ST5704 Studland Bay SZ 040840 River Lim SY3492–SY3196 Studland Beach SZ 040826 River Stour SZ1692-ST 7731 Studland Village SZ 0382 River Wey SY 6780-6685 Sturminster Marshall ST 9400 Rodden SY 611842 Sturminster Marshall GP SY 9599 Rodden Hive SY 604821 Sturminster Newton ST 7814

202 Dorset Bird Report 2011

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 202 27/08/2013 12:52 GAZETTEER (continued)

Suckthumb Quarry SY 686708 Walditch SY 485925 Sugar Hill SY 883924 Wareham SY 91/9288 Sutton Bingham Res ST 549110 Wareham Common SY 9087 Sutton Hill ST 882160 Wareham Forest SY 9092 Sutton Waldron ST 887160 Wareham Moors SY 9287 Swanage SZ 02/0378/79 Warmwell Heath SY 7586 Swanage Bay SZ 0379 Warmwell Quarry SY 7588 Swanworth Quarry SY 969782 West Bay SY 4690 Swineham GP SY 932880 West Bexington SY 525868 Swineham Point SY 944878 West Chaldon SY 777828 SY 933784 West Compton SY 5694 Sydling St Nicholas SY 6399 Westfields SY 932889 Symondsbury SY 4493 West Knighton Dump SY 7488 Tadnoll Heath NR SY 794872 West Knighton Heath SY 7488 Tarrant Crawford ST 921033 West Lulworth SY 8280 Tarrant Gunville ST 9212 West Moors Plantation SU 0903 Tarrant Hinton ST 9310 West Parley SZ 0898 Tarrant Keyneston ST 926043 West Morden SY 9095 Tarrant Monkton ST 9408 Weston SY 6871 Tarrant Rushton Airfield ST 9405 Weymouth SY 6880 The Fleet SY 5683-6675 Whitcomb Hill SY 714885 The Grove SY 700723 White Horse Hill SY 715843 The Nothe SY 6878 White Lackington SY 715985 Thorncombe SY375034 White Mill ST 956006 Thorncombe Wood SY 726921 White Nothe SY 7780 Thornford ST 6013 Whitesheet Plantation SU 054032 Thornicombe ST 870032 Whitecliff SZ 0390 Three Legged Cross SU 0805 Wick SZ 160920 Throop Heath SY 820918 Wick Hams SZ 167912 Tidmoor Point, The Fleet SY 643785 Wimborne SU 010000 Tincleton CBs SY 766917 Wimborne St Giles SU 0312 Tolpuddle SY 7994 Winfrith Heath SY 805870 Tout Quarry SY 686726 Win Green ST 9417 Town Common SZ 140960 Winkton SZ 1696 Townsend SZ 128948 Winspit SY 9776 Townsend Reserve SZ 0278 Winterborne Came SY 704884 Trickett’s Cross SF SU100005 Winterborne Herringston SY 6887 Tripps Farm ST 687161 Winterborne Houghton ST 8104 Tuckton SZ 1492 Winterborne St Martin SY 6488 Turlin Moor SY 977917 Winterborne Steepleton SY 6289 Turnerspuddle SY 8393 Winterborne Whitchurch ST 8300 Turnerspuddle Heath SY 830934 Winterbourne Abbas SY 6190 Turnworth ST 8207 Witchamton ST 9806 Two Mile Copse SY 674821 Woodley Down ST 93179 Ulwell SZ 0181 Wool SY 8486 Up Cerne ST 6502 Woolbridge SY 844871 Uplyme SY 325936 Woolgarston SY 982814 Upton SY 9893 Woolsbarrow Fort SY 895925 Upton CP SY 993930 Worbarrow SY 872797 Upton Heath SY 9894 Worgret SY 906870 Upwey SY 6684 Worth Matravers SY 9777 Verne Common SY 692740 Wyke Down SU 0015 Verwood SU 0808 Wyke Regis SY 6677 Waddock Cross SY 799910 Wytch Causeway SY 981852 Wakeham SY 6971 Wytch Lake SY 9886

2011 Dorset Bird Report 203

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 203 27/08/2013 12:52 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

Abbotsbury Swannery Boys JV Cross M Abrahams R Bradbury P Croton N Adamcik T BrettBreeze E S Crowley P Adams J Brereton T Croxson D Alexander I Cumming J Allen A BrodieBright GES Curtin S Allison D Britcliff A Darke M Alsbury S Davis AH Alway F Brodie James A Davis S Andrews MS Brown A DoddDay J I Appleby D BTO BirdTrack Dibben P Armstrong GJ BTO Heronries Arnold N BTO WeBS Dorset Wildlife Trust Ashby SV & S Buck T Down J Ashcroft T Buckle F Down M AvisAtkinson N Y Budden MD Downton T Avanti C Burton N Dowty M Butler TJ Drake P Ayres C Butt N Dresh C Bailey M Cade M DyerDuffield D R & V Baker P Campbell J DyerDurlston R Country Park Baldwin J Carey S Bale JV Carley T Bale R Carpenter P Easton D Ball D Carter G Edge A Ball K Chapleo C Elborn T Ballam I Champan J Elliot JM Balmer T Chappell L Ellis J Bandfield D Chapple B Emm C Barclay I Chard C England P Barclay S CHOG Evans J Barlow GF Chown DJ Farr T Barnes A Churchill C Farrin C Barrett AJ Clark J Foot D Barrett GC Claydon W Footprint Ecology Bartlett D Clements B Forber J & V Bath M Clinch P Ford RA Beaumont W Cockram J Forrest P Bellamy JRW Coleman M Forster M Benham P Collier R Fowler D Berryman A Constable G & P Fowler N BirdGuides Constantine Ma Frampton O Bissell L Constantine Mo Francis J Black K Conway T Freeman G Blake R Cooke D Fuller L Blood V Coomber R Gale J Blyth C Cottrell C Gardiner F Boswell R Couzens D Gardner IC Boult P Cox DJ Gartshore N Bowman ER Crane A Gatehouse Mr Bown204 DorsetW Bird Report 2011 Cripps A Gayer RA

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 204 27/08/2013 12:52 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS (continued)

Geall E Hopper N Lucas J Gibbons M Howell J Lyle R Gibson N Howell R Main J Gifford R Hubbard JA Mann J Gillard N Hughes D Mantripp K Giovannini P Hull J Marles S Gladden H Hull N Mars G Gleason R Humber A Martin JP Gosland T Hume R Masser D Gould M Hunt B Massey MJ Green GP Hunting S McCafferty A GrevesGreen M D Jackson P McLaren C GrierGreen I R James M McLaren F James RMR Mear B Jeffrey M Mercer J Griffith S Johnson R Merrick T GrovesGrinter SAA Johnson S Miles H Grove J Jones J Miles R Jones M Milner C Gurner D Jones S Mitchell JR Hack P Jordan A Mizen N Hadrill P Joyce B Money S Hagger N Kaplonek J Moore P Hammick J Keevill A Morgan D Hansford G Kemp R Morgan PJ Hanson E Kidner S Morris R Hargreaves T Kilm P Morris W Harper D Kingman D Morrison P Harris D & P Kirk I Morrison S Harris J Kirton L Morse M Harris PM Knibbs D Morton P Harrop D Lake A Moses S Harvey-Jones C Lakin I Mould B Hastings R Lambert R Murphy N Hatfield R Lanaway M Murray H Hayden A Lane KE Nairn I Haysom T Langman M Nelson B Hazell J Larkin Dr JA Newton R Hearn P Lawley L Nicklin RS Helliar D Leadbetter D Nolan S Hetherington P Lee R Ottery B & R Hewitt R Legg N Owen F Hill A Leishman S Papas N Hill B Levey P Parker M Hoar N Lewis IM Parkes A Hocking A Liley D Parnell C Hocking K Lindo D Parr K Hollands Rev RL Lister P Payne K Holmes P Lockwood J Payne L Hooper I Lovegrove R PBO Hopkins G Lowther J 2011 PearceDorset BirdA Report 205

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 205 27/08/2013 12:52 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS (continued)

Peart RH Sitjar A Vernon V Perrin L Smith A Wade T Perriss J & M Smith AD Walbridge A Pettit C Smith B Walbridge D Phillips J Smith DN Walbridge G Phillips L Smith M Walker R Philpott R Smith N Wall S & N Pierce A Smith SF Walls S Pierce R Smith SW Waltham A Pimbley A Snook N Wareham D Playford R Southworth I & J Warne A Poore M Spencer B Warrick T Powne JD Sporke H Waterman P Pratt E Squire H Watts A Price D Squire T Watts B Puffett T Standfield P Webb R Pugh A Stanley IM Whitby C & G Purchase M Stantiford N White B & H Pyke L Stevens B White C Quintrell N Stockwell J White D Raper M Stone J White G Rare Bird Alert Stringer D White P ReeseRead J A Tapley T White T Read P Taylor AM Whitehead PF Taylor DH Whittaker C & P Rendell P Taylor J Whitting R Rendle P Taylor L Whittle H Richards CE Taylor R Wichall J Richards J Templeton C Wickes G Roberts A Thain C Widdup E Robinson P Thomas C Wilcox C Robson S Thomas J Wilkes K Rogers C Thompson B Wilkins P Rogers G Thorpe T Wilkinson D Ross J Tidy G Williams M Rowland C Tilley J Williams P Rowntree J Tims R Wills D & M RSPB Weymouth Tomlinson N Windsor S Russell T Tooth ND Wood Homer HG Rylands K Townsend P Wood S Sarson ET Trew M Woodford E Saunders D & P Trubger R Woods N Saville V Trundle R Wright JF Sayer K Tucker K Wright M Senior J Tunstall J Wyeth C Sherran S Turner G Yeomans G Shrubsole R Turner K Simmonds S Turner N Simmons A Upton G Simpson K Urch N Simpson206 Dorset S Bird Report 2011 Vaughan H

DBR2011 Master Text.indd 206 27/08/2013 12:52