Bird Report 2012

Published August 2015

© 2015 Dorset Bird Club

2012 Dorset Bird Report 1

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 1 07/09/2015 10:51 Taylor Andrews Ltd CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS

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2 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 2 07/09/2015 10:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2012

CONTENTS

...... 6-7 Report Production Team 5 ...... 8-9 Notes for Contributors ...... 10-14 A Brief Review and Highlights of the Year ...... The Dorset List NotesSystematic to Systematic List for List2012...... 16-15015 ...... Escapes 151 ...... Pending and Requested Records 152-153 ...... Dorset Bird Ringing – Summary for 2012 154-155 ...... Dorset Bird Ringing – Selected Recoveries in 2012 156-164 I Dodd...... Dorset Bird Ringing – County Totals up to end of 2012 165-171 ...... 174-176 Weymouth Siberian Chiffchaff 172-173 ...... 177-181 County Map ...... 182-184 Gazetteer ...... List of Contributors ...... Photographic Credits Inside Back Cover Acknowledgments Inside Back Cover

2012 Dorset Bird Report 3

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 3 07/09/2015 10:51 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 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 4 07/09/2015 10:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2012

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 Taylor, Ian Stanley Kevin Lane, Mike Morse

2012 Dorset Bird Report 5

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 5 07/09/2015 10:51 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 10 - 14, which lists the type of records requested for each species. Species requiring a full written description are marked with either (*) for national rarities, or (D) for birds which are rare or scarce in Dorset. Descriptions of national rarities will be forwarded to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), whilst records of locally rare or scarce birds will be assessed by the Dorset Records Panel (DRP). The Dorset Records Panel reserves the right to request further information in order to assess records, if necessary. This may include records of species not usually requiring a full written description if they are, for example, reported from an unusual location or time of ANDyear. WHEREUnsubstantiated FROM? records will not be published. all

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

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

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

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 6 07/09/2015 10:51 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, , 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.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 7

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 7 07/09/2015 10:51 A BRIEF REVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Marcus Lawson

Another good year with 274 species recorded. The table below shows the annual totals for the last 10 2004years. 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 276 269 270 268 278 261 278 274 2003 2005 258 258

2012 will be most remembered for the exceptionally high levels of rainfall throughout the year. It was the second wettest year since records began in 1910 with June being the wettest on record. In early February there was a brief cold snap, which saw the likes of Lytchett Bay become 95% frozen as well as the Fleet becoming extensively covered in ice. These conditions prompted a bit of a localised cold weather movement but also included the arrival of a few Smew amongst other expected winter wanderers. Unsurprisingly, given the amount of rainfall, the summer wasTemperature one in of South the dullest 2012 in terms of sunshine recorded. (Against 1981-2010 Period Average)

18.0

16.0

14.0

12.0

10.0

8.0 Mean Temp (°C) Mean Temp

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2012 S England 1981-2010 S England

Rainfall in South England 2012 (Against 1981-2010 Period Average)

160.0

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0 Rainfall (mm) 60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2012 S England 1981-2010 S England

8 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 8 07/09/2015 10:51 Selected “best days” at Portland:

Spring migration was veryphylloscopus good in terms warbler of numbers ofBlackcap birds and theWheatear first, somewhatRedstart modest, fall6 Ring of the Ouzel year occurredBlack Redstart on 21st March. HoweverPied Flycatcher the last day of the month witnessed a more impressive fall with 3000 , 500 , 75 , 12 Willow, Warbler , 5Blackcap Chiffchaff and 4 Wheatear. The 1stWhitethroat May also producedGarden good numbersWarbler andLesser variety Whitethroat of migrants at theWhinchat Bill with conservativeReed Warbler estimatesSedge of Warbler 800 Yellow Wagtail, 250 Tree ,Pipit 200 Grasshopper, 150 Warbler ,Turtle 100 Dove Pied, Flycatcher 50 2 Wood ,Warbler 30 Nightingale, 25Ring Ouzel, 20 Redpoll , 20 Serin , 10 , 10 , 4 , 3 , 3 , , a , Willow a Warbler, a Sedge and Warbler a fly-by Wheatear. Autumn Piedpassage Flycatcher of passerinesTree started Pipit to pickSpotted up from Flycatcher 28th July andWhinchat there was a decentGrasshopper fall on 20th WarblerAugust at theReed Bill Warbler with totals ofGarden 150 Warbler , 100 , 40 , 15 Wryneck , 13 Hoopoe , 6 , 3 , 2 each of , and whilst Blackbirdelsewhere on theChaffinch island there were single and . The best ofRedwing the late autumnSong migration Thrush was evidenced on 22nd October with the Bill weighing in with 1000Lapwing each of Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart, together Yellow-browedwith totals of well Warbler into the hundredsSnipe ofTree Pipit andRedstart Merlin. AmongYellow the spread Wagtail of oddities2 Mistle throughThrush thisReed area Warblerthere were 16 , Woodcock10 Garden, 10 Warbler Willow, 6 Warbler Siberian (tristis, )5 Chiffchaff, 4 Hawfinch, 4 , 2 , 2 phylloscopus, warbler sp . , 2 with singles of , , , , and lastly, the unidentified

1stBelow Short-billed are the rarity Dowitcher highlights (less than 10 previous records) for the year:

1st ‘Stejneger’s’ Siberian Stonechat and only 2ndSaxicola for Britain maurus – Lodmoorstejnegeri RSPB from 3rd September until 6th October. 1st Pale-legged or Sakhalin Leaf Warbler in Britain - Portland from 24thIsabelline to 26th October. Shrike L. i. isabellinus in Britain - Portland on 22nd October. 5th White-rumped Sandpiper and the 3rd to be considered of the race (Daurian) - PortlandSpotted 23rd Sandpiper to 27th October. 6th Long-billed Dowitcher - Longham Lakes 30th November until 9th December. 6th – from 1st February until 31st March. 8th andGreat 9th Reed Warbler – RSPB then The Fleet from 2nd January until 1st February, one remaining to 5th March. 10th – RSPB 22nd until 24th May (this site has hosted 50% of Dorset’s records forShort-billed this species). Dowitcher 420

With the addition of the Dorset list now stands at species.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 9

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 9 07/09/2015 10:51 THE DORSET LIST

NBLetters - Species in brackets recorded indenote 2012 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) Pink-footed Goose (D) Pheasant (A) BeanWhite-fronted Goose (D) Goose Golden (A) Pheasant Greylag 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) (A) LittleWhite-billed Grebe Diver (D) Egyptian Goose (C F&L I) GreatPied-billed Crested Grebe Grebe (*) Red-breasted Goose (*) Red-necked (BGrebe C) Shelduck (A) Slavonian Grebe (B C) MandarinRuddy Shelduck (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) Macaronesian Shearwater (*) Red-crested Pochard (*) Gannet (A) Pochard (C M S) CormorantLeach’s Petrel (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) American Bittern (*) Eider (A) Little Bittern (*) Lesser Scaup (*) CattleNight Heron Egret (D) Long-tailed (A) Duck LittleSquacco Egret Heron (*) CommonKing Eider Scoter (*) Great White (D)Egret (A) Grey Heron (A) Velvet Scoter (C M) Purple Heron (D) Surf Scoter (D) (B C) Goldeneye (A) White Stork (D) SmewBufflehead (*) GlossyBlack Stork Ibis (*) Red-breasted (C MMerganser S) Spoonbill (D) Goosander (A) Honey Buzzard (*) Ruddy Duck (C I M S) Black Kite (A) (A) (D) (A) (D) 10 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 10 07/09/2015 10:51 Red Kite White-rumped Sandpiper

Marsh Harrier (A) Pectoral Sandpiper (D) HenWhite-tailed Harrier Eagle (*) Baird’s Sandpiper (*) (A) Curlew Sandpiper (D) Montagu’s Harrier (A) Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (*) Pallid Harrier (*) Purple Sandpiper (A) Sparrowhawk (D) StiltDunlin Sandpiper (*) BuzzardGoshawk (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) Short-billed (B C M) Dowitcher (A) Long-billedGreat Snipe (*) Dowitcher Peregrine (A) Woodcock (*) WaterGyr Falcon Rail (*) Black-tailed Godwit (*) Spotted Crake (B I) Bar-tailed Godwit(A) (B C M) Whimbrel (C M) (D) Curlew (C M) Little Crake (*) (C F&L M) MoorhenBaillon’s Crake (*) (B C M) Corncrake (D) CommonUpland Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) Coot (B C M) SpottedTerek Sandpiper Sandpiper (*) CraneAllen’s Gallinule (*) Green Sandpiper (C M W) (B C M) Spotted Redshank (*) (D) Greenshank (C M) OystercatcherLittle Bustard (*) (C M) Black-wingedGreat Bustard (*) Stilt (C M) Avocet (B C M) WoodLesser SandpiperYellowlegs (*) Stone Curlew (*) RedshankMarsh Sandpiper (*) (A) Turnstone (A) (A) (B C M) LittleCream-coloured Ringed Plover Courser (*) (C M) RingedCollared Plover Pratincole (*) GreyWilson’s Phalarope Phalarope (*) Kentish Plover (A) PomarineRed-necked Skua Phalarope (D) (B C M) Arctic Skua (A) (D) Long-tailed Skua (A) Dotterel (D) Great Skua (A) GoldenAmerican Plover Golden Plover (D) (D) GreyPacific Plover Golden Plover (*) Sabine’s Gull (A) (C M) KittiwakeIvory Gull (*) (C M) (D) LapwingSociable Plover (*) Black-headed (B C GullM) KnotWhite-tailed Plover (*) LittleBonaparte’s Gull Gull (*) Sanderling (B C M) (B C M) (A) (A) (A) Ross’s Gull (*) Semipalmated Sandpiper (*) MediterraneanLaughing Gull (*) Gull LittleWestern Stint Sandpiper (*) CommonFranklin’s GullGull (*) Temminck’sRed-necked Stint Stint (*) Ring-billed Gull (A) (A) (C M S) (D) (D) 2012 Dorset Bird Report 11

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 11 07/09/2015 10:51 Lesser Black-backed Gull Herring Gull Hoopoe Yellow-legged Gull (B C M) RollerWryneck (*) Caspian Gull (B C M) Green Woodpecker (A) (A) Great Spotted (A) Woodpecker Iceland Gull (D) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (B) GlaucousAmerican HerringGull Gull (*) (B M) Great Black-backed (A) Gull (A) (A) Calandra Lark (*) (B C M) WoodlarkShort-toed Lark (D) LittleSooty Tern (*) SkylarkLesser Short-toed Lark (*) Gull-billedBridled Tern Tern (*) (A) (B C F&L M) Sand Martin (B C M) (*) SwallowShore Lark (D) BlackCaspian Tern Tern (*) House Martin (B C F&L M) White-wingedWhiskered Tern Black (*) Tern Red-rumped (B C F&LSwallow M) Sandwich Tern (A) (B C F&L M) (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) Siberian Rubythroat (*) Nightjar (A) BlackBluethroat Redstart (D) (A) RedstartRed-flanked Bluetail (*) (A) Whinchat (A) SwiftEgyptian Nightjar (*) Stonechat (B F&L M) Common Nighthawk (*) Siberian Stonechat (B F&L M) (B C F&L M) Wheatear (B C M) Pallid Swift (*) (*) KingfisherAlpine Swift (D) (B F&L M) Bee-eaterLittle Swift (*) Pied Wheatear (*) (A) Black-eared Wheatear (*) (D) Desert Wheatear (*) 12 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 12 07/09/2015 10:51 Spotted Flycatcher

RingRock ThrushOuzel (*) (B F&L M) BlackbirdGrey-cheeked Thrush (*) PiedRed-breasted Flycatcher Flycatcher (D) (A) BeardedCollared Flycatcher Tit (*) Fieldfare (M U) Long-tailed Tit (A) SongBlack-throated Thrush Thrush (*) Blue Tit (A) Redwing (C F&L M) Great Tit (B C) Mistle Thrush (B M) Coal Tit (U) (C F&L M) (U) Cetti’s Warbler (B M) Marsh Tit (B C) American Robin (*) WillowNuthatch Tit (D) (A) (B C) GrasshopperFan-tailed Warbler Warbler (*) Treecreeper (B C) Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler (*) Wallcreeper (*) Aquatic Warbler (A) (B C) Savi’sSedge Warbler Warbler (*) GoldenShort-toed Oriole Treecreeper (*) (D) IsabellinePenduline Tit Shrike (*) (B F&L M) Red-backed Shrike (D) Paddyfield Warbler (*) (*) ReedBlyth’s Warbler Reed Warbler (*) Great Grey Shrike (A) GreatMarsh ReedWarbler Warbler (D) Lesser Grey Shrike (*) (B F&L M) Woodchat Shrike (A) (*) JaySouthern Grey Shrike (*) Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (*) Magpie (D) IcterineBooted Warbler Warbler (*) (B M) MelodiousSykes’s Warbler Warbler (*) (C) Blackcap (D) JackdawNutcracker (*) Garden Warbler (D) RookChough (D) Barred Warbler (B M W) Carrion Crow (C M) Lesser Whitethroat (B F&L M) (C) (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) (B C M) (D) Lesser (BRedpoll C M) WoodWestern Warbler Bonelli’s Warbler (*) TwiteMealy (D) Redpoll ChiffchaffEastern Bonelli’s Warbler (*) (B C M) (A) (D) Willow Warbler (B M W) CrossbillArctic Redpoll (D) IberianGoldcrest Chiffchaff (*) Two-barred Crossbill (*) Firecrest (B F&L M) Bullfinch (A) (B M) Common Rosefinch (D) (A) (B C M) 2012 Dorset Bird Report 13

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 13 07/09/2015 10:51 Hawfinch Ortolan Bunting (A) Cirl Bunting (D) Northern Parula (*) Little Bunting (A) Northern Waterthrush (*) Rustic Bunting (D) LaplandSavannah Bunting Sparrow (*) Reed 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) Bobolink (*)

Total – 420 (2012 – 274)

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

14 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 14 07/09/2015 10:51 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2012

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.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 15

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 15 07/09/2015 10:51 MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Common breeding resident & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Regular and widespread breeder in suitable habitat throughout the county.

The population at Swannery is of national importance and this year 120 pairs Sitenested maxima: there or at least attempted to do so and over 80 cygnets fledged. Apr Sep Nov 47 9 97 226 101 49 111Jan 106Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 48 121Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 2813 31 29 205 10344 15 Harbour 466 34 740 647 68995 690 677 70473 113 31 38 37 38 37 52 34 34 32 OtherThe Fleet significant counts:520 509 520 556 743

Hampreston 79 on 27th Jan. Tincleton 60 on 11th Jan. Wareham Channel 95 on 2nd Aug. BEWICK’S SWAN Cygnus columbianus Scarce winter visitor - has become less regular.

First Winter Period:

Frome valley 2 in fields nr Tincleton on 4 dates between 7th and 28th Jan with 4 seen from Woodsford bridge on 12th Feb. WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus Scarce winter visitor.

First winter period: D Croxson et al

SecondLodmoor winter period: 1 briefly on 20th Jan ( , photo). DH Taylor et al

Hengistbury Head 1 flew SWhigh Smith east on et 1st al Dec ( ). Frome valley 1 between Holmebridge and East Stoke 21st Dec until 31st Jan 2013 ( , photo). PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus Rare winter visitor & passage migrant.

All records: L Chappell I Fenegan Avon Causeway 1 on 14th Oct ( ). 1 on 28th Oct ( , photo) - same at Ferrybridge.

16 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 16 07/09/2015 10:51 D&P Saunders et al

Ferrybridge 1 on 29th Oct ( , photo) - same at SW SmithKimmeridge. et al Frome valley 1 nr Holmebridge between 21st Dec and 13th Jan 2013 ( , photo). WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons albifrons Uncommon winter visitor.

First winter period:

Bestwall 3 on 9th Jan. SecondWeymouth winter period: 4 flew east across on 15th Jan.

Durlston 35 flew west on 9th Oct. GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Locally common feral breeding resident.

Breeding:

Increasing feral breeding populations in the Avon valley and Poole Park with maxima of 350 Firstand 140 winter respectively. period: A pair also bred on Brownsea lagoon.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 17th Apr also seen west past Ferrybridge. Durlston 3 on 27th Mar. Hatch Pond 5 flew south on 19th Apr. Portland 4 west on 13th Mar and 1 past on 19th Apr.

Most records refer to birds from the feral populations. However there is a wild population Secondwintering winter in Spain period: so that passage records of wild birds are possible.

No records received.

GREY GOOSE Sp

Durlston 20 past on 15th Jan. Hengistbury 2 west 20th Feb and 1 north 25th Oct. Lodmoor 18 west on 15th Jan.

15th Jan was a day of freezing conditions which also produced a group of 4 White-fronted geese in Weymouth.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 17

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 17 07/09/2015 10:51 CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

SiteFeral maxima: breeder in suitable habitat throughout the county.

Bardolf Farm 224 in Dec. Lodmoor 460 on 25th Sep. 353 during Jan (WeBS maximum). West Fleet nr Rodden 612 on 24th Jun. BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis Rare winter visitor & passage migrant in a wild state & scarce feral resident.

First winter period:

Poole Harbour 4 birds at Middlebere on 7th Jan were also seen at Bestwall and Swineham until 21st Feb. The Fleet 35 birds at Rodden Hive on 2nd Jan. A single bird was present between Rodden and Abbotsbury from 21st Jan to 26th Feb with 3 birds, first seen at Cuttcleaves Cove on 11th Mar, and which were at Abbotsbury from 12th to 27th Mar. SecondWest Bexington winter period: 1 flew east on 11th Jan.

Abbotsbury Swannery 2 from 30th Nov to 4th Dec and 4 on 12th and 29th Dec. 50 – 60 flew east on 2nd Dec. Holes Bay 2 on 9th Dec. Lytchett Bay 1 flew south with Canada geese on 17th Nov. Middlebere 2 on 30th Nov. Todber 2 in flight on 12th Dec. 2 on 30th Nov and 55 in flight on 2nd Dec.

A skein of presumably wild birds noted at either end of the county and an unusual inland record from floods in the north of the county. The flock which has wintered on The Fleet at Rodden for the previous 3 winters did not reappear this autumn. DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla bernicla Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 187 229 264 22 1 4 180 Jan 1180Feb Mar 2 May Jun1 Jul2 Aug2 2 728Oct 922Dec Christchurch Harbour 131 185 6141330 10 8 861 1494 Poole Harbour 963 3 654 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 754 1582

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 18 07/09/2015 10:51 Coastal passage: Bird-days Apr Sep Nov 9 92 1 8 161 Jan Feb Mar2 May Jun Jul Aug Oct17 11 Dec14 Hengistbury Head 133 52 54 West Bexington 25 3

No passage data received from Portland other than 135 east between 15th and 21st Jan. Branta bernicla hrota Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant. PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE First winter period:

Baiter Park Max of 10 on 9th Feb with a single bird remaining on 18th Mar. Ferrybridge/East Fleet Max of 12 on 3rd Jan. Middlebere 5 on 10th Jan. Old Harry 2 on 27th Jan. Passage:Shell Bay 1 on 21st Jan.

Abbotsbury Swannery At least 10 on 9th Apr. Branksome Chine 42 on 25th Apr. Durlston 25 past on 17th Apr and 35 on 25th Apr. Ferrybridge 52 grounded on 17th Apr and 23 on 7th May. 196 west between 25th Apr and 1st May. 32, initially at 17th – 21st Apr, with 1 or 2 remaining to 27th Apr. West Bexington Approximately 200w between 17th and 27th Apr. Weymouth Bay 28w on 17th Apr and 30 west in 3 groups on 26th Apr.

Spring passage of Pale-bellied Brent Geese was first noted in 2002 but is now an established feature of late April/early May. The last 2 years have seen record numbers from all coastal Secondwatchpoints. winter period:

Bowleaze Cove Up to 4 birds 2nd – 21st and 25th Dec. Brands Bay 2 on 7th Nov. Brownsea 4 on 1st Nov. Christchurch Harbour 2 on 5 dates from 1st Oct with 1 on 7th and 9th Dec. Durlston 8 on 1st Nov. Ferrybridge/East Fleet Max of 30 on 18th Nov. Shell Bay 5 on 17th Nov. West Bexington 2 west on 20th Sep.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 19

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 19 07/09/2015 10:51 Branta bernicla nigricans Scarce winter visitor - first recorded in 1991, annual since 2004. BLACK BRANT First winter period: CE Richards et al

The Fleet 1 adult present from 2011 until 27th Feb ( , Second winter period: photo). B Spencer et al The Fleet 1 to 3 individuals were present 10th Oct until 4th Mar 2013 ( , photo). 2006 . Presumably the same birds in the Weymouth area, which have returned regularly since Nov

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca Uncommon resident.

There is an established population in the Avon valley where breeding has occurred. This is reflected in the increasing number of records in the rest of the county, particularly OtherChristchurch records Harbour. (more than The maximum 2 birds): count on the Avon was 31 on 14th Oct.

Abbotsbury Swannery 5 on 8th Feb. Holes Bay 3 on 17th Feb. Longham Lakes 3 on 24th Mar. Lytchett Bay 3 on 24th Mar. SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna Locally common breeding resident & fairly common winter visitor.

Breeding:

Regular breeder in coastal habitats with records received from Abbotsbury Swannery, SiteBrownsea maxima: Lagoon, Herbury, Holes Bay, Breakwater, Lodmoor and Stanpit. Apr Sep Nov 17 17 12 22 16 6 2 1 21 16 1826Jan 820Feb Mar612 88 May80 Jun Jul Aug Oct 1247Dec Christchurch Harbour 84 7430 86 89 7733 47 8 9 71 Poole Harbour 59 23 369 389 The Fleet 13 5 23 MANDARIN Aix galericulata Uncommon breeding resident, mainly along the Stour valley.

Breeding:

Confirmed breeding at Merley (2 pairs with 8 young), Canford Magna GC (several pairs) and Eyebridge (fem with 5 young 14th May). 20 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 20 07/09/2015 10:51 All other records:

Chard Junction GPs 10 on both 10th Aug and 24th Dec. Durlston 1 on the 27th Oct. 6 on 10th Jan. Sutton Waldron Up to 28 between 14th and 25th Oct.

The bird at Durlston drifting by on the sea is particularly unusual and comprised the first record for the site. WIGEON Anas penelope Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 626 870 282 1 0 0 0 7 200 429 Jan 1217Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 62 Oct 1800 2219Dec Christchurch Harbour 761 20 4 2 1 1886316 1044 423 Poole Harbour 1654 328 30 1631 CoastalThe Fleet passage: 398 95 564

Durlston 98 past from 26th Sep to the end of the year. Hengistbury Head 418 between 1st Sep and 26th Oct (max of 83 on 1st Sep). OtherPortland records: Bill 91 past between 23rd Sep and 8th Dec (max of 37 on 28th Oct).

Bardolf farm 725 were present in the water meadows on 16th Dec. GADWALL Anas strepera Uncommon breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

The only confirmed breeding record was at Lodmoor where a single juv was seen on 5th Jul. SiteHowever maxima: breeding was probable at Radipole and Morden Park Lake. Apr Sep Nov 17 2 4 2 8 2 10 Jan88 148Feb Mar 24 May4 Jun2 Jul Aug4 22 Oct62 49 Dec Christchurch Harbour 2083 100 22 22 14 1073 24 5 5 15 41 Crichel Lake 100 63 41 77 107 125 Lodmoor 26 26 20 6450 25 32 4243 127 Poole Harbour 144130 50 114 107 62 94 87 127183 Radipole Lake 37 50 37 103 51 CoastalThe Fleet passage: 234 51 50 34 138 Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 28 2 2 16 80 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 2 Dec2 Hengistbury Head Portland 3

2012 Dorset Bird Report 21

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 21 07/09/2015 10:51 TEAL Anas crecca Scarce breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteNo records maxima: received. Apr Sep Nov 127 20 2 2 4 8 21 87 266 Jan Feb Mar May0 Jun0 Jul6 Aug12 Oct 82 Dec79 Christchurch Harbour 2407366 99658 60 408 207265 Lodmoor 119275 173 37 1232 1033 103 99 126 Poole Harbour 2973 208 10650 3 4 70 2517 3925 Radipole Lake 173 150 53 CoastalThe Fleet passage: 857 825 322 568 506 775 Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 14 1 8 4 Jan Feb Mar 20 May Jun Jul Aug28 112 106Oct Dec Durlston 3 Hengistbury Head MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Very common breeding resident & winter visitor.

Breeding:

SiteCommon maxima: breeding bird on all kinds of water bodies. Apr Sep Nov 72 68 90 61 44 Jan Feb Mar20 24 May16 Jun Jul Aug46 Oct 46 Dec Christchurch Harbour 53 41 18 40 68 101 107 12873 119 Crichel Lake 4745 8435 47 29 7832 6734 59 85 6475 Hatch Pond 2437 529 2238 12 71 62 105 24 48 16 Lodmoor 297 87 55 134 9163 33 18738 Longham Lakes 189 209 146 14133 200 24854 184 33 Poole Harbour 30189 46 4032 46 48 44 117 352 58248 Radipole Lake 629 680 163 299 477 151 774 195 614236 674175 Lake 75 50 45 53 The Fleet 380 324 357 843 592 PINTAIL Anas acuta Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 61 22 2 2 6 16 7 Jan2 Feb2 Mar22 2 May Jun Jul Aug 2 Oct6 80 Dec Christchurch Harbour 25 274 11 4 88 Lower Avon Valley 160 201 92 2 1 1 1 1 120 11 Poole Harbour 195 34 237 The Fleet 30 131

Also reported at Arne, Hengistbury Head, Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lychett Bay, Radipole Lake, Swineham GP and West Bexington. 22 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 22 07/09/2015 10:51 Coastal passage: Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 69 81 8 Jan Feb1 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 12 8 3 Durlston 3 Portland 3 GARGANEY Anas querquedula Uncommon passage migrant - has occasionally bred.

Spring passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery 4 (2 drakes, 2 females) on 4th Mar. Christchurch Harbour 2 between 18th and 28th Mar. Iford Bridge 2 on 11th Mar. Lodmoor Drake on 30th Mar & 7th Apr, 2 drakes on 1st May, 1 drake on 4 dates between 2nd and 7th May. Longham Lakes Drake on 7th May. Drake on 22nd May. Radipole Lake 1 on 25th Mar, 1 on 3rd Apr, 2 on 4th May, 1 on 6th May, pair on 26th May. Rodden Hive 1 on 19th Mar. Shapwick Drake on 4 dates between 20th Feb and 30th Mar (considered to be released from a collection as this bird is virtually resident here all year round) Swineham 1 on 23rd Mar, 1 on 2nd May. Drake on 8th & 9th May. Upton CP 4 on 6th Apr. Autumn passage:

Avon Causeway 1 on 8th Oct. Brands Bay 1 on 29th Sep and 3rd Oct. Brownsea 1 on 1st and 1 on 3rd Aug. Christchurch 1 on 12th Aug. 1 on 5th, 2 on 7th, 1 on 8th, 3 on 9th and 2 on 10th Sep. 1 on 8th and 9th Oct. Lodmoor 1 juv on 31st Aug. ExtremeRadipole Lakedates: 1 on 30th Sep, 1 on 12th Oct, 1 on 17th Oct.

Abbotsbury Swannery on 4th Mar and Radipole Lake on 17th Oct. BLUE-WINGED TEAL Anas discors Very rare visitor - 5 previous records.

GP Green et al Longham Lakes A fem/1w remained from 3rd Dec 2011 until 14th Jan ( , photo).

The 6th record for Dorset following birds in 1982 (Sutton Bingham Reservoir), 1989 (Stanpit Marsh), 1991 & 1999 (Abbotsbury Swannery) and 2001 (Stanpit Marsh). 2012 Dorset Bird Report 23

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 23 07/09/2015 10:51 SHOVELER Anas clypeata Scarce breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteNo breeding maxima: evidence submitted. Apr Sep Nov 2 2 4 4 2 1 8 6 6 10 4 Jan60 Feb Mar6 May2 Jun7 Jul7 Aug6 100 Oct40 14 Dec Christchurch Harbour 15 400 Lodmoor 10415 62 132 80 63 Lower Avon Valley 7 2 2 9 Poole Harbour 156 24 5 39 58 17378 Radipole Lake 112 9015 3 14 2 12 11 2715 66 120 Swineham GP 40 6 2 1 4831 10 The Fleet 55 54 West Bexington 31 37

Also recorded at Bardolf Water Meadows, Chard Junction GPs, Crane Lake, Crichel Lake, Hatch Pond, Longham Lakes, Lytchett Bay, Moors Valley CP, Portland Harbour, Sherborne CoastalLake, Upton passage: CP, Wareham and Wimborne St Giles.

Christchurch Harbour 2 in Aug. 15 in Sep. 24 in Oct. Durlston CP 6 in Mar. 2 in Apr. 1 in Nov. 1 in Dec. Portland 5 in Mar. 2 in Apr. 1 in Sep. 1 in Dec. RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Scarce visitor - esp. winter, from feral populations on the continent or inland Britain.

All records:

Radipole Lake 1 on 31st Aug. River Stour, Wimborne Up to 2 birds present throughout, considered local escapes. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 18th Nov. Sturminster Marshall GPs 2 drakes between 30th Nov and 21st Dec. Swineham GP 1 drake between 8th and 13th Nov. POCHARD Aythya ferina Scarce breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteLodmoor maxima: 2 ducklings on 1st Jun. 2 broods of 3 and 4 on 4th Jul. Apr Sep Nov

Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 24 07/09/2015 10:51 190 12 11 7 7 4 1 12 1 84 60 28 1 4 Lodmoor 21 40 302 Longham Lakes 1031 9 2 4 1 1 6 4032 Poole Harbour 291 194 21 12 226 762 Radipole Lake The Fleet 549 31 3 13 57 508

Birds were also recorded at (2 past on 26th May). Christchurch Harbour, Durlston CP (6 past on 11th Dec), Hatch Pond, Lytchett Bay, Moors Valley CP, Sherborne Lake, Swineham GP, Upton CP, Wareham, West Bexington and West . RING-NECKED DUCK Aythya collaris Very rare winter visitor & passage migrant - c20 previous records.

All records:

Chard Junction GPs 2A drakes Grinter remainedK Harris fromD Helliar2011 and et alwere present either here or on the Great Pond at nearby Forde Abbey until 26th Feb ( , , , photo). TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Locally common breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reports of breeding from Chard Junction GPs (5 fledged ducklings), Lodmoor (1st duckling of the year seen 25th Jun - possibly 6 pairs bred), Longham Lakes (8 broods seen 20th Aug, Site50 ducklings maxima: seen 28th Aug) and Swineham GP (brood of 8 ducklings seen 8th Jul). Apr Sep Nov 8 2 1 1 4 6 8 4 Jan Feb12 Mar28 44 May Jun21 Jul21 Aug7 Oct8 8 Dec27 Christchurch Harbour 100 111 2093 111 87 124 29 70 244 6830 108 141 Lodmoor 65 7 369 193 9 6 Longham Lakes 14 29 90 77 Poole Harbour 45 59 45 111 97 68 204 33 417 Radipole Lake 115 105 83 83 30 33 39 73 The Fleet 355 337 236 259 83 457 344

Also recorded at Bardolf Farm, Crane Lake, Creekmoor, Crichel Lake, Forde Abbey, Hatch Pond, Ludwell, Lulworth, Manor Farm (Hampreston), Moors Valley CP, Morden Bog, Poole Park, Swineham GP, Throop Mill, Up Sydling, Wareham, West Bexington and West Knighton CoastalHeath. passage:

Christchurch Harbour 2e off Hengistbury on 2nd Apr. Portland 2e over Ferrybridge on 23rd Mar. 3e off Portland on 27th Mar. 1e off Portland on 30th Apr. 5e off Portland 17th May.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 25

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 25 07/09/2015 10:51 SCAUP Aythya marila Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 2 1 9 9 9 Jan2 Feb2 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec2 Abbotsbury Swannery 3 3 OtherLodmoor records:

Christchurch Harbour 1 (imm) between 2nd - 13th Oct and 20th - 22nd Oct. 2 on 9th Nov. Longham Lakes 1 between 1st Jan and 25th Feb. Radipole Lake 1 on 14th Oct. Sturminster Marshall GP 1 between 23rd Nov and 21st Dec. Swineham Point 2 on 8th Nov. EIDER Somateria mollissima Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

Monthly totals: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1 1 Jan11 Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 1 Dec2 Hengistbury Head OtherPortland records: (all sites) 3

Durlston Single birds past on 7th Feb and 5th Apr. 3 past on 9th Apr and further singles on 11th and 22nd Oct, 2nd and 30th Nov. Mudeford 2 between 21st and 26th Feb, 4 on 27th Feb and 2 on 28th and 29th Feb. 1 on 1st Mar, 2 between 3rd and 23rd Mar. 1 on 23rd Apr, 8 on 24th Apr, 2 on 23rd Sep. During Oct, 1 on 16th, 3 on 22nd, 3 on 23rd, 11 on 24th, 8 on 26th and 3 on 28th. 4 on 23rd Nov. 3 on 5th Dec and 2 on 12th Dec. Poole Harbour During Jan 2 on 1st, 1 on 6th, 2 on 13th and 14th, 1 on 15th, 1 on 20th and 2 on 21st. During Feb 1 on 1st, 2 on 11th and 12th and 1 on 19th. Shell Bay 1 on 8th Nov. Stanpit 1 on 22nd Mar. Bay 1 on 18th Nov. 2 on dates between 12th and 28th Dec. Bay 1 on 2nd Nov. LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

First winter period:

Christchurch Harbour 1 on 12th Feb. 1 on 4th Mar. Mudeford Quay 1 between 11th and 19th Feb, 2 on 29th Feb, 1 on 3rd Mar.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 26 07/09/2015 10:51 Coastal passage:

Hengistbury Head 1 on 14th Apr. 1 on 28th Oct. SecondMudeford winter period: 1 on 26th Apr.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 7th Nov. 1 on 18th Nov. 1 on 28th Nov. 2 on 29th, 30th Nov and 1st Dec. 3 between 6th and 21st Dec. 2 between 25th and 31st Dec. Portland Harbour 1 between 25th Nov and 1st Dec. Weymouth Bay 1 on 29th Oct.

No records at all during the calendar year from Poole Harbour - the first time this has occurred for several decades. COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra Locally common non-breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Coastal passage: Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 164 49 40 149 46 86 64 114 Jan6 Feb24 Mar11 May264 Jun Jul Aug Oct 677 417Dec Durlston 12 70 28 58 23419 16 10 2054 1301 Hengistbury Head 328 139 254 95 123 371 OtherWest Bexington significant records:30 39 30 31

Branksome Chine 38 on 25th Apr. Portland Bill 1,579 past between Mar & May, 3,282 between Jun & Nov. West Bay 20 on 8th Dec. Weymouth Bay 22 on 27th Jul, 17 on 28th Nov. VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

All records:

Abbotsbury Beach 2-3 birds present between 19th Feb and 14th Mar. Christchurch Harbour 2 off Hengistbury Head on 20th Apr. 3 off Hengistbury Head on 25th Oct. 14w off Hengistbury Head on 28th Oct. 3w off Hengistbury Head on 8th Nov. 2 off Mudeford Quay on 9th Nov. 3w off Mudeford Quay on 22nd Nov. 1e off Hengistbury Head on 23rd Dec. 1w off Mudeford Quay on 29th Dec. Durlston 2 past on 8th & 15th Jan. 1 past on 28th Oct. 3 past on 13th, 3 past on 21st & 3 past on 22nd Nov. Singles past on 12th, 23rd & 28th Dec. Portland Bill 3e on 8th Jan. 4e on 14th Apr. 3w on 28th Oct. 1e on 21st Nov 3w on 13th Dec. Portland Harbour 1 on 9th Dec. 2 from 15th Dec into 2013. West Bexington 1 on 13th Feb. 2 between 16th Feb & 18th Mar. 3 on 20th Mar. Weymouth Bay 1 on 8th Dec. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 27

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 27 07/09/2015 10:51 GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 1 1 1 7 210Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 12 Dec68 Christchurch Harbour 28 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 14 Poole Harbour 23 15 OtherThe Fleet records: 38 3

East & Penn Weares 1 on 23 Jul. Lodmoor 1 on 30th Nov. 1 on 8th Dec. Longham Lakes 1 between 18th and 25th Nov. 1 on 6th Dec. 1 on 23rd Dec. Lytchett Bay 2 on 16th and 21st Feb. Portland Bill 1w on 27th Jul. Swineham GP 2 between 2nd and 16th Jan. 2 on 29th Nov. SMEW Mergellus albellus Scarce winter visitor, subject to cold weather influxes.

First winter period:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 14th Feb. Christchurch Harbour 1e on 13th Feb. Longham Lakes 1 on 2nd Jan. 2 between 4th and 8th Jan. 1 between 11th Jan & 5th Feb, 3 on 8th Feb, 4 on 12th Feb, 3 on 17th Feb & 2 on 25th Feb. Swineham GP 3 on 1st Feb, 4 on 9th Feb, 2 on 10th Feb, 3 on 11th Feb, 2 on Second winter period: 12th Feb & 3 on 13th Feb.

Longham Lakes A redhead on 21st & 24th Dec. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator Fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 124 1 160 164 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct14 288Dec Poole Harbour 275 195 75 OtherPortland records: Harbour/Fleet 233 302 275 131 131

Wareham Meadows 1 on 23rd May. CWestoastal Bexington passage: Drake e on 24th Dec. Monthly totals: Apr Sep Nov 11 2 10 2 16 10 Jan4 Feb14 Mar11 2 May Jun Jul Aug Oct7 19 Dec17 Durlston 5 5 Christchurch Harbour 28 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 28 07/09/2015 10:51 GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SummerLower Avon reports: Valley Female with 5 recently hatched young seen on 11th May.

Christchurch Harbour A drake flew downriver on 18th May. 1 drake at Stanpit on 22nd May. 2 ducks at Stanpit on 4th Jul. 5 juveniles on river First winter period: 6th Aug. 8 at Stanpit on 7th Aug. 1 on 4th and 8th Sep.

Avon Causeway 1 on 2nd Jan, 2 between 7th and 10th Jan, 6 on 15th Jan, 3 on 30th Jan, 4 on several dates between 8th and 22nd Feb. 4 on 12th, 5 on 13th and 6 on 14th Mar. Cowards Marsh 1 on 7th Jan, 3 on 28th and 2 on 29th Jan, 5 on 3rd, 3 on 4th, 6 on 5th Feb. 2 between 6th and 12th Feb, 2 on 27th Feb. Shapwick 8 on 16th Jan, 10 on 22nd Jan, 7 on 27th Jan, 9 on 3rd Feb & 4 Second winter period: on 10th Mar.

Avon Causeway 1 on 6th Oct, 1 on 30th Nov, 2 on 1st Dec & 1 on 30th Dec. Coward Marsh 2 on 28th Nov, 4 on 2nd Dec & 2 on 21st Dec. Durlton 1 past on 20th Nov. Portland Bill 3e on 1st Dec. Swineham GP 6 on 10th Nov, 1 on 29th Nov & 1 on 2nd Dec. West Bexington 3w on 7th Feb, 1e on 18th Oct.

Also recorded at Abbotsbury Swannery, Arne, Binnegar GP, Burton, Butterstreet Cove, Canford Bridge, Crichel Lake, Forde Abbey, Hatch Pond, Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lytchett Bay, Morden Park Lake, Poole Harbour, Radipole Lake, Shapwick, Sherborne Lake, South Haven, Spetisbury, Stour Valley, Sturminster Marshall, Throop Mill, Weymouth Bay and White Mill. RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis Uncommon breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

OtherNo breeding records: evidence recorded.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 between 22nd and 27th Jul. Lodmoor 1 on 6th Jan. 1 on 16th Jun.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 29

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 29 07/09/2015 10:51 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Common, but declining, resident - augmented by releases.

An under-reported species, with its status further confused by releases for shooting. That said, the numbers reported have been declining steadily over recent years, perhaps due to economic conditions, and it may be necessary to revise our threshold for “significant” counts in future.

The largest single count submitted was of 16 birds at on 15th Jan. Compare Breeding:this with the largest single count submitted for Grey Partridge.

Noted as a breeding species in several areas, but no confirmed records of breeding were Notablesubmitted records: this year.

Portland (Verne Common) 1 on 10th Sep is unusual for Portland. Christchurch Harbour A scatter of records of 1-2 birds from 23rd Mar to 27th Apr are the first records from the Harbour since 2008. 1 on 9th Mar was noted as unusual here. Southdown Ridge Singles calling on 9th-11th Mar and 20th Mar were considered Significant counts (30 or moreprobably birds): to be the same bird.

None. GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Uncommon, declining resident.

This species is significantly better reported than Red-legged Partridge, despite the known disparity in numbers. This year sees not only many more records of Grey Partridge than of Red-legged, but also a higher largest group of birds (20 Greys, but only 16 Red-leggeds). Breeding:However, there were few reports of breeding this year.

Gussage St Andrew Several pairs held territory; precise numbers and success were All non-breeding records: not reported.

Bookham (Church Hill) 6 on 12th Feb. Cranborne 2 on 30th Apr; 2 on 2nd Aug. Gussage St Andrew 5 on 19th Aug; 8 on 15th Oct; 10 on 17th Nov; 7 on 16th Dec. Hammoon 1 on 22nd May. Magiston Fm, Sydling Vall 2 on 7th Jan. Maiden Castle 1 on 26th Feb; 1 on 11th Mar; 3 on 16th Aug; 2 on 1st Nov.. Minchington Singles on 3rd and 4th Jan, 2 on 10th Jan. Slyers Lane 1 on 10th Jun.

30 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 30 07/09/2015 10:51 Up Sydling 1 on 15th Apr. West Compton 1 on 26th Apr; 2 on 4th Jun. Woodcutts 20 on 18th Oct. Wyke Down 2 on 1st, 2nd and 7th Jan; 2 on 15th Feb, 6 on 29th Feb; 1 on 15th Apr; 1 on 2nd May. QUAIL Coturnix coturnix Uncommon breeding visitor & passage migrant.

RecordsAn average of year,singing distinguished birds in potential by the absence breeding of any habitat: passage records.

Crichel Down 1 on 28th May & 5th Jul. Gussage Down 1 on 21st Aug. Horton Inn 1 on 22nd May. Tarrant Rushton Singles heard on 18th May and 4th Jun. 1 on 27th Jun. PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus Very common breeding resident - large numbers are released annually.

An under-reported species; the picture is confused by releases for shooting. As with other gamebird species, there were few records of birds in the large numbers typically associated with shooting. The largest single counts submitted this year were of 20 birds (perhaps Breeding:approximations).

Noted as well established and breeding in many areas across the county; few detailed records were submitted. Morden Bog Female with young chick on 12th Aug. OtherWick records (10 or more2 birds): pairs bred; no report of success.

Beaminster 10 on 12th Jan; 11 on 8th Apr; 14 on 4th Sep; 12 on 18th Nov; 10 on 5th Dec. Langton Herring 10 on 12th Nov. Ludwell 10 on 22nd Apr. Lyons Gate 20 on 5th Feb. Sturminster Marshall 20 on 18th Feb. Sutton Hill 10 on 20th Feb.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 31

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 31 07/09/2015 10:51 GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophus pictus Uncommon introduced breeding resident on Brownsea & Furzey Islands, Poole Harbour.

The Poole Harbour population appears to be reasonably stable. Records from elsewhere Allrelate records: to confirmed or presumed releases or escapes.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens 1 on 19th Feb (one the released birds from 2011?). Brownsea Island 1-2 birds on five dates from 16th Feb to 27th Apr. RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

In general, numbers were high but somewhat decreased from 2010-11 peaks, with (for example) Portland noting its second highest year total ever. Hengistbury Head and West Bexington noted that the recent bias to the first winter period was not maintained this year; Settledthe December birds: count from Hengistbury is remarkable. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 28 20 10 1 1 2 11 28 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec CoastalCogden/West passage: Bexington Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 161 9 11 0 0 0 0 1 11 41 124 Jan Feb17 Mar4 9 May2 Jun0 Jul0 Aug0 2 Oct 20 Dec Durlston 59 ExtremeHengistbury dates: Head 36 30 203

19th May at Hengistbury Head and 26th Sep at Durlston. BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

It was a poor year at Durlston and in the Portland area, with Portland Bill seeing only 24 Firstbird-days winter for periodthe year, (settled but quite birds): good at Christchurch.

Hengistbury Head 1 on 7th Apr. Portland Harbour Two single records in January. SecondWeymouth winter Bay period (settledSingle birds): birds on four dates from 20th Jan to 11th Feb.

Hengistbury Head Single birds on 7th Oct, 16th and 24th Dec. Poole Harbour Single birds on 1st Nov, 25th Nov and 1st Dec. Portland Harbour 1 on 18th Nov and throughout Dec.

32 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 32 07/09/2015 10:51 Coastal passage:

Records are not always reliably distinguishable. The records which can be attributed are given below. Numbers are small, but the usual pattern may be seen: the midwinter (Dec and CoastalJan) sees passage: most of the records, with almost all the rest in Apr and May. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Jan1 Feb0 Mar0 1 May1 Jun0 Jul0 Aug0 0 Oct1 0 Dec1 Durlston 23 0 0 03 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Hengistbury Head Mudeford Quay

Portland Bill 15 birds passed between 18th Mar and 17th May OtherWest Bexington records: Single birds on 16th Nov and 29th Nov

Branksome Chine 1 on 10th May. Chesil Beach/Ferrybridge 1 on 27th May Christchurch Harbour 1 over the Harbour on 12th Feb is unusual for this species. Hengistbury Head Singles on 20th Jan, 1st Apr, 19th May; singles on 12th & 30th Dec. Mudeford 1 on 20th Jan; single birds on 17th Oct, 27th and 31st Dec. Portland Bill 1-2 birds on 7 dates from 14th Jan to 17th May; then two on Extreme dates: 19th Nov, and singles on 16th and 18th Dec.

Chesil Beach/Mudeford Quay on 27th May and Hengistbury Head/Mudeford Quay 7th Oct. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

As usual, reports come from the full length of the Dorset coast and Poole Harbour as far inland as Arne. It is hard to extract a coherent picture from the records submitted. Christchurch Harbour observers reported an excellent year. Durlston had a good year, but noted that seawatching there is irregular. Weymouth Bay observers noted an average year, with relatively few birds in the second winter period; this contrasts with the Portland Harbour record of 14 on 18th Dec. Otherwise this seems to have been a fairly average year, distinguished mainly by the continuing trend of summer stragglers; there were reports Settledfrom every birds: month. There were no reports away from the coast. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 Jan Feb1 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec4 Mudeford 6 14 Poole Harbour 5 7 6 Portland Harbour 63 4 4 2 2 1 Studland Bay 5 Weymouth Bay 3 3 3

2012 Dorset Bird Report 33

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 33 07/09/2015 10:51 Coastal passage: Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 8 1 2 0 1 1 10 11 Jan1 Feb0 Mar0 May1 Jun0 Jul0 Aug0 0 Oct 1 Dec2 Durlston 3 3 3 3 AlsoHengistbury reported Head from: 3 3

UnusualBranksome or Chine;notable Ferrybridge; records: The Fleet; Swanage Bay.

Durlston 1 east on 26th Jul and 1 on 23rd Aug were unseasonal. Six birds passed on 30th Nov. Portland Bill 1 on 25th Jul was the Bill’s first July record. West Bexington Single summer-plumaged birds on 24th Apr, 3rd and 4th May; presumably the same bird was joined by another in partial summer plumage on 6th May. Weymouth Bay A pair were displaying on 5th Mar. A bird in summer plumage was seen on 24th Apr, and a bird on 9th Jun was noted as very Extreme dates: late indeed.

Birds were reported in every month. LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding is comparable to 2011, with successes at Hengistbury Head and Longham Lakes balanced by absence from Swineham GPs; no breeding was reported in the Allen Valley. The Lodmoor breeding birds are believed to be summer visitors, having little commonality with the winter population. There is a hint of a movement from coastal to fresh water sites in December. Sturminster Marshall GPs, once a stronghold, seem to have been abandoned Breeding:entirely. The continued growth in recording of this species is heartening.

Bardolf Farm Two pairs bred; one young was seen. Chard Junction GPs Three pairs fledged 7 young. Cogden At least 3 territories were held and young were seen. Hengistbury Head 1 pair hatched at least 3 young. Higher Hyde Heath 1 pair hatched two broods (2 young on 25th Jun, 3 young on 18th Aug). Lodmoor At least two nests hatched young, and as many as six territories may have been held. Longham Lakes An adult and three young on 4th Aug. Morden Park Lake Two nests hatched at least six young (30th Jul). Warmwell Quarry Three pairs bred. SiteWest maxima: Bexington At least 1 territory was held and young were seen.

34 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 34 07/09/2015 10:51 Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 21 18 1 2 2 11 7 24 Jan Feb6 Mar1 May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 2 10 15 4 4 25 2 1 6 12 Cowards Marsh 158 4 11 4 1 17 17 17 12 23 Lodmoor 6 83 12 3 2 2 5 Longham Lakes 16 9 3 18 10 14 157 Morden Bog 21 47 9 29 Poole Harbour 7 5 1 2 1 8 2 Portland Hrbr/F’bridge 28 23 1 5 3 3 25 20 2031 37 1013 Radipole Lake 5 5 5 2 1 2 65 3 2 The Fleet 15 15 30 OtherWimborne counts: St Giles 5 5 5 3 3

Abbotsbury Swannery 25+ on 2nd Dec Ferrybridge 14 on 13th Dec Holes Bay SW 18 on 13th Jan Lower Avon Valley 35 on 16th Dec. Lytchett Bay 9 on 16th Dec. Morden Park Lake 12+ on 15th Jan and 18th Mar. Sherford Bridge 8 on 12th Mar. Swineham GPs 12 on 9th Sep AlsoSwineham reported Point from: 11 on 5th Feb

Abbotsbury Beach, Arne, Bloxworth, Brownsea Island, Chard Junction GPs, Crichel Lake, Forde Abbey, Hatch Pond, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Middlebere, Shapwick, Sherborne Lake, Sherford Bridge, Spetisbury, Stour LNR, Studland, Throop Mill, West Knighton Heath, Weymouth Harbour and Whitemill. GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus Uncommon breeding resident & locally common winter visitor.

While this year can’t equal last year’s Dorset record, numbers were generally good, with a substantial flock in Poole Harbour in the first winter period, centred in the Fitzworth area. West Bexington reports continued their gentle year-on-year upward trend, with 2 unseasonable June records. Weymouth Bay numbers were reported as fairly low, but were Breeding:better than last year. However, breeding was disappointing.

This seems to have been a bad year, presumably affected by the extremely wet summer. Several sites noted as hosting breeding birds in 2011 did not produce any records this year. Known breeding is as follows:

Creekmoor Ponds An adult with an unfledged chick on 27th Jul. Hatch Pond Four adults were present, probably as two pairs. However only one young bird was seen, an extremely late young bird on 12th Oct which was fed well into December and is thought to have fledged.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 35

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 35 07/09/2015 10:51 Lodmoor Three pairs held territory, but only one well-grown chick seen, on 1st Jun. Lower Avon Valley A maximum of three pairs is thought to have nested. Morden Park Lake One pair nested twice; single young were reported in May and on 9th Aug. Radipole Lake At least two pairs nested. Warmwell Quarry One pair was present and displaying but no proof of breeding Site maxima: was seen. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 7 14 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 Jan6 Feb26 Mar11 1 May1 Jun Jul Aug1 1 Oct Dec67 Christchurch Harbour 40 24 24 41 19 20 Hengistbury Head 82 3 3 148 3 28 Longham Lakes 18 4234 4730 64 8734 33 41 4259 1623 Poole Harbour 2381 2 1125 18 7 8 14 378 8 56 Portland Harbour/Fleet 6 501 54 8 8 9 526 2 2 32 Radipole Lake 12 1 6 1 15 4 1 6 Sherborne Lake 7 8 156 151 2 63 95 Studland Bay 13 Elsewhere:West Bexington

Brands Bay 53 on 30th Oct. Branksome Chine 58 on 20th and 21st Dec. Fitzworth, Poole Harbour 144 on 21st Jan; 100 on 28th Oct. Newton’s Cove 20 on 27th Dec. Swineham GP 21 on 8th Aug. Weymouth Bay Peak of 21 in the first winter period and 30 in the second Also reported from: winter period.

Cowards Marsh, Durlston CP, Moors Valley CP, Morden Bog and Ringstead. RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant.

SettledNoted as birds: a good year by observers at Hengistbury Head and Weymouth Bay. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 1 1 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 1 Dec1 Poole Bay/Studland 1 1 1 1 Portland Harbour 3 3 3 3 OtherWeymouth records: Bay

Chesil Beach 1 on 26th Apr. Ferrybridge 1 on 26th Nov. Hengistbury Head 1 on 27th Feb; 1 on 22th Oct. Mudeford Quay 1 on 21st Mar; 2 on 16th Nov; 2 on 29th Dec. 36 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 36 07/09/2015 10:51 Poole Harbour 3 on 2nd Jan; 1 on 17th Dec. Portland Bill 1 on 25th Mar; 1 on 27th Sep; 1 on 18th Nov; 1 on 23rd Nov; 1 on 5th Dec. Portland Harbour 1 on 16th Sep; 1 on 1st Oct. ExtremeSwineham dates: 1 on 16th Dec flew upriver.

26th Apr off Chesil Beach; 16th Sep in Portland Harbour. SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

A poor year, with a peak of six birds, and only three records of five or more birds; compare with 2011, with a peak of 12 birds. Perhaps related, and suggesting disruption to normal patterns, West Bexington observers saw more birds than usual, including a summer- plumaged bird on 26th Mar, and the first record of the second winter period was early, on 30th Sep.

The best records were of 6 birds in the first winter period ( on 14th Feb) and Settled5 birds in birds: the second winter period (Portland Harbour on 27th Dec). Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 2 2 Jan2 Feb2 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct2 2 Dec2 Mudeford 1 Poole Bay/Studland 1 1 1 1 Poole Harbour 13 1 3 Portland Harbour 3 5 OtherWeymouth locations: Bay 3

Abbotsbury Beach 1 on 13th Jan, 1 on 29th Jan, 3 on 4th Feb. Branksome Chine 1 on 1st Dec. Chesil Beach 2 on 5th Feb, 2 on 22nd -24th Mar. Christchurch Harbour 1 on 13th Feb. Hengistbury Head 1 offshore on 18th Feb, perhaps the Mudeford bird. 1 on 28th Oct; 2 east on 16th Nov; 1 on 17th Dec. , off Rodden Hive 5 on 2nd Mar. Newton’s Cove Singles on 21st Jan, 28th Jan, 23rd Feb. 2 on 18th Dec. Ringstead Bay 6 on 14th Feb. Swanage Bay 1 on 30th Sep. West Bexington 1 on 8th Jan, 2 on 5th Feb, 3 on 6th Feb, singles on 20th and Extreme dates: 26th Feb and a summer-plumaged bird on 26th Mar.

26th Mar (West Bexington); 30th Sep (Swanage Bay).

2012 Dorset Bird Report 37

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 37 07/09/2015 10:51 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. Numbers were down after last year’s record showing, but still decent, with peaks of 58 on 4th Feb and 56 on 2nd Dec, both in Studland Bay. There is a suspicion that birds arrived and departed in flocks; the last Studland record from the first winter period was of 11 birds on 28th Feb, with no March records, and in October Studland Bay numbers doubled in two days, from 17 on 28th Oct to 35 on 30th Oct. As noted in previous years, it is clear that there is movement into and out of the harbour. Weymouth Bay numbers recovered somewhat but wereSettled still birds low. (including No summer-plumage WeBS counts birds as were appropriate): reported. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov

Jan Feb18 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 11 Dec8 Poole & Studland Bays 45 1858 1 35 1152 2156 Poole Harbour 30 3 5 FirstPortland winter Harbour/Fleet period: 13

Abbotsbury Swannery One 3rd Jan; one 23rd-24th Feb; one 11th Mar. Hengistbury Head Two on 16th Jan. Longham Lakes One on 8th Jan was the only record away from the coast. Mudeford One from 28th Feb to 2nd Mar, then three on 3rd Mar. SecondWeymouth winter Bay period: One 28th Feb

Lodmoor One on 1st Nov (following gales) is very unusual there. Hengistbury Head One on 22nd Oct; one on 5th-8th Dec. Mudeford One on 17th Oct; one on 9th Dec. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay One 10th Nov, one 9th Dec.

18th Mar and 10th Oct, both from Brands Bay. FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis Locally common breeding resident & passage migrant.

An under-reported species. Breeding seems comparable to 2011, or perhaps a little down, with fewer chicks at Blacknor (Portland) (9, compared to the 10 seen in 2011) and fewer occupied ledges at St Aldhelm’s Head (5, compared to the 8 seen in 2011). This species spends time at potential breeding sites before spring starts, without necessarily going on to nest there, and those records are shown separately.

Movements were conspicuous this year, including a Portland record of 1000 east on 30th Apr (the previous record was of 850 on 1st May 1983). This movement was also reflected in smaller totals from other coastal sites.

Autumn records in Weymouth Bay were unusually good. In this context it is worth noting 38 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 38 07/09/2015 10:51 the comments from West Bexington, that shearwater numbers there are greatly influenced Breeding:by the prevailing wind; the same may apply to this species.

Durlston The 2012 Purbeck Seabird Survey identified six apparently occupied sites. Portland, Blacknor cliffs 9 chicks seen on 22nd Aug. Portland, Grove cliffs 3 chicks seen on 16th Aug. PotentialSt Aldhelm’s breeding: Head 5 pairs present on 30th May

Burton Cliff 18 occupied ledges on the cliff on 25th Feb. Mouth 1 on 2Jan apparently prospecting nest sites. St Aldhelm’s Head 14 on cliff ledges on 16th Mar. WestCoastal Bay maxima: circa 40 occupied ledges on West Bay cliff on 25th Feb. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1 77 2 12 2 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec CoastalWest Bexington/Cogden movements: 3

Chesil Cove 150 on 25th Apr, 400 on 30th Apr; 120 on 7th Jun. Durlston Head 67 on 24th Dec, 70 on 31st Dec. Hengistbury Head 57 on 30th Apr, 41 on 29th Aug. Portland Bill 1,000 on 30th Apr, 150 on 27th Aug. West Bexington 77 on 30th Apr. OtherWeymouth notable Bay records: 12 on 29th Aug.

Chesil Cove 1 blue morph bird here on 25th Apr. Lodmoor Several spring records overhead including one venturing as far inland as Mercery Road on 7th Jun. CORY’S SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea Rare passage migrant.

There was a single record this year: PM Harris

Abbotsbury Beach 1w on 5th Aug ( ).

2012 Dorset Bird Report 39

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 39 07/09/2015 10:51 SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus Uncommon autumn passage migrant.

Another interesting year, with Portland’s third ever June record following the two records from last year. It was noted as a good year by observers at Christchurch Harbour and Durlston Head, the Durlston birds being the first there since 2009. The great majority of the records submitted came on 2nd Oct, with 80 birds passing Portland Bill, the first known Allrecord records: from Weymouth Bay, and birds at Durlston Head and Mudeford.

Chesil Cove 1 on 7th Jun - perhaps the same as the Portland bird? Durlston Head 2 on 10th Sep; 4 on 2nd Oct, 1 on 3rd Oct. Mudeford 1 on 15th Aug, 4 on 29th Aug; 3 on 2nd Oct, 2 on 17th Oct. Portland 1 on 7th Jun; 2 on 16th Jul, 2 on 24th Jul, 2 on 29th Jul, 1 on 31st Jul; 1 on 22nd Aug and 25th Aug; 80 on 2nd Oct, 1 on 18th Oct. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 1 on 2nd Oct.

7th Jun at Chesil Cove and Portland Bill; 18th Oct at Portland Bill. MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus Fairly common passage migrant & non-breeding summer visitor.

It was an exceptional year at Durlston Head, the total of 2,770 bird-days being well over twice 2011’s already good total of 1069. Likewise, Christchurch Harbour (Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Quay) observers reported their best year since 1998 with excellent counts in April and August and the site’s first November record. By contrast, West Bexington observers noted reduced numbers this year, which was attributed to a “shadow” effect caused by the CoastalIsle of Portland passage: pushing birds offshore in the year’s dominant wind conditions. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 910 44 192 1447 110 64 Jan Feb Mar 121 May6 Jun42 Jul Aug Oct 1 Dec Durlston 9 47 3 Hengistbury Head 3 63 Elsewhere:West Bexington 50 3 15

Branksome Chine Noted in small numbers from mid-April to mid-August, with a peak of 11 on 2nd Jul. Chesil Cove 500 on 30th Apr; 450 on 9th Jun. Durlston CP 575 on 9th Apr; 1012 on 2nd Jul Hengistbury Head 95 on 9th Apr Portland Bill 3,000 on 8th Apr; year total of 23,660. These were the only reports received from the Observatory. ExtremeWeymouth dates: Bay 2 on 26th Apr.

19th40 Dorset Mar andBird Report 25th Nov2012 at Portland Bill.

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 40 07/09/2015 10:51 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 record for Chesil Cove and single records elsewhere on the coast. This was CHOG’s best ever Coastalyear for recordspassage: of this species. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 1 1 2 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun8 Jul Aug 18 Oct4 Dec Durlston 30 15 25 54 OtherHengistbury records: Head 15 56

Branksome Chine 7 on 2nd Jul and 2 on 17th Aug. Portland Year total of 1,253 including singles on 20th and 21st Jan and on 3 dates between 23rd and 27th Dec. The Nothe 8 on 3rd Oct. West Bexington 8 on 25th Sep and 7 on 3rd Oct. Weymouth Bay 3w on 27th Aug, 3w on 29th Aug, 3 on 25th Sep, 4 on 2nd Oct Extreme dates: and 6 on 3rd Oct.

3rd Jan at Durlston and 27th Dec at Portland. STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus Uncommon non-breeding summer visitor & autumn passage migrant.

A much better year than 2011’s extreme low, but without any great numbers. Most of the records came from 8th and 9th Jun, with a smaller peak a week later; this is a familiar pattern Allfrom records: recent years. Noted as under-recorded at Durlston. One bird was ringed at Portland.

Chesil Cove 21st1 on 7thNov Jun, 35 on. 8th Jun, 2 on 9th Jun. 2 on 16th Jun. Durlston Head 1 on 8th May; 1 on 8th Jun, 2 on 9th Jun, 1 on 15th Jun, 3 on

Hengistbury Head 6+ on 8th Jun, 15 on 9th Jun. 1 on 17th Jun. Mudeford Quay 3 on 8th Jun. 16 on 9th Jun. 1 on 27th Aug. 2 on 8th Jun, 3 on 9th Jun Portland Bill 1 trapped and ringed overnight 21st-22nd May. 3 on 8th Jun. Single birds on 9th, 10th and 20th Jun. 10 on 16th Jul. Swanage Bay 8 on 9th Jun ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 2 on 8th Jun, 1 on 9th Jun.

8th May and 21st Nov, both at Durlston.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 41

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 41 07/09/2015 10:51 GANNET Morus bassanus Fairly common offshore all year.

Another species which is generally rather under-recorded; nonetheless, there were records from the length of the county coastline. Notable movements were again a feature this year. West Bexington observers note that (as last year) birds were seen in every month, which is unusual. There are some notable correlations between peak counts along the coast (e.g. Hengistbury Head and Weymouth Bay in early October and late December), but equally notable lack of correlation in other cases (Weymouth Bay had only seven bird-days in the first four months of the year). The Hengistbury Head count of 935 birds past on 24th Sep isSite a record maxima: for the site. Bird-days: Apr Sep Nov 27 2 224 979 926 1147 407 174 Jan7 Feb Mar May104 470Jun Jul68 Aug 298 Oct 140 Dec60 Hengistbury Head 23 4 34510 28 63610 3 200 West Bexington 32 33 342 457 304 OtherWeymouth sites: Bay 3 150 150

Durlston Peak counts of 310 on 5th Apr, 450 on 28th Jun, 399 on 2nd Jul, 200 on 24th Sep, 332 on 2nd Oct, plus a spectacular movement of 2,550 on 24th Dec. This was followed by counts of 650 on 29th Dec and 688 on 31st Dec. Portland Bill Highest counts of 1,000 on 21st Jun and 700w on 24th Dec. Weymouth Bay 125 on 29th Aug, 150 on 4th Oct and 132 on 28th Dec. CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Locally common breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

SiteNo breeding maxima: records were received from the colonies along the Purbeck coast this year Maxima Apr Sep Nov 46 80 72 104 Jan60 Feb44 Mar26 May2 Jun Jul6 Aug16 19 Oct 28 Dec80 Christchurch Harbour 55 32 6465 39 18 32 51 83 418 12145 Longham Lakes 24 27 13 11 5 71 61 81 7130 80 101 Poole Harbour 203 954 501 12 21 28 43016 13118 11 Portland Harbour/Fleet 43 13 31 InlandRadipole records: Lake 35 5 5 5

Recorded from several inland sites in low numbers.

42 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 42 07/09/2015 10:51 SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

The species remains seriously under-recorded. There seems to have been a considerable influx into Portland Harbour in December, but the few records submitted preclude a clear Breeding:picture. There were no freshwater records this year.

The only breeding record submitted came from the 2012 Purbeck Seabird Survey, Otherwhich identifiedrecords (all two counts nests betweenof 10 or Durlstonmore): Head and west of .

Durlston NR 14 on 11th Nov, 22 on 23rd Nov. Hengistbury Head Undated peak counts of 23 in the first and 17 in the second winter period. Poole Harbour mouth 54 flew into the harbour at first light on 16th Nov; 39 did the same on 21st Dec. Portland Bill 14 on 11th Aug. Portland Harbour Peak count for the year was 100 on 15th Dec; no other month had more than 9 birds. Studland Bay 23 on 4th Jan; 30+ on 27th Jan. BITTERN Botaurus stellaris Uncommon winter visitor.

Hatch Pond records did not maintain their remarkable numbers of recent years, with only four records in the second winter period. Lodmoor records continued their recent upward Firsttrend. winter period:

Arne Moors 1 recorded on 4 dates between 17th Jan and 19th Feb. Christchurch Harbour Singles on 16th Jan, 14th Feb and 16th Feb. Hatch Pond Up to 4 birds present from 2011 until late Feb (4 birds recorded on 11th Feb and 20th Feb), with a single bird then remaining until 28th Apr. Lodmoor At least 2 birds present from 2011 until 31st Mar. Lytchett Bay 1 on 10th Feb. Radipole Lake 1 between 7th Feb and 18th Mar. Shapwick 1 by the Stour on 5th Mar. Swineham GPs 1 on 12th Feb. Throop Mill 1 on 7th Mar. SummerWarmwell records: Quarry 1 on 22nd Feb (1st site record).

Christchurch Harbour 1 on 21st Aug. Lodmoor Singles (probably the same bird) on 10th and 12th Jul.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 43

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 43 07/09/2015 10:51 Second winter period:

Arne Moors 1 on 11th Dec. Christchurch Harbour Singles on 17th Nov and 18th Dec. Hatch Pond Singles on 3 dates between 6th Nov and the end of the year, with 2 on 24th Dec. Holes Bay 1 flew over Holes Bay Road towards Hatch Pond on 30th Nov. Lodmoor At least 2 birds present 30th Oct into 2013. Radipole Lake 1 recorded regularly from 9th Oct into 2013. CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis Very rare passage migrant but annual since 2005, with an influx of birds in 2007.

AllAnother records: good year, with recent sequences of records being extended.

Christchurch Harbour An adult at Stanpit on 4th-5th May was at Wick Meadows on 6th May, then flew north and wasP seen Morrison at Coward’s et al Marsh later that day. This is only the ninth record from Christchurch Harbour, the first being in 2006 ( , photo). Coward’s Marsh 1 on 6th May (see Christchurch Harbour above). N Hopper Kingston Maurward et1 from al 13th to 21st Mar before moving a short distance to watermeadows closer to Dorchester on 22nd Mar ( , photo). D Croxson et al Lodmoor An adult in full summer plumage on 1st May; the Psixth Morton record et alfrom the past eight years ( , photo). Lytchett Bay 1 from 10th-13th Apr is the fourth record there ( , photo). LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Canford Magna At least 2 pairs in the heronry. Hengistbury Head 3-4 pairs bred, with fledged young noted.

SiteNo records maxima: received from the other heronry sites in the county this year. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 14 8 11 Jan11 Feb9 Mar10 May11 Jun16 Jul Aug 42 Oct18 18 Dec Bardolf Farm 105 6 9 16 18 29 22 5 63 Christchurch Harbour 27 41 10 23 36 107 92 25 Lytchett Bay 163 28 26 5 19 Poole Harbour 59 53 5 25 45 37 54 InlandThe Fleet records of 10 or more15 birds:39 15 25 37 36 31 15

Farrington 18 on 16th Mar. 44 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 44 07/09/2015 10:51 GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor - annual since 2002.

Another reasonable year. While the species remains an occasional visitor, its presence is clearly increasing. This is neatly exemplified by the Christchurch Harbour records - first seen there in 1974, since when it has been seen in 1998, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 (twice), Alland records: 2012 (twice). L Chappell et al C Roughley Christchurch Harbour 1 on 12th Oct headed up the Avon Valley ( ). 1 arrived off the sea on 28th Nov, departing eastP Morton ( , photo). These are the 8th andJ Rickards 9th records et al for the Harbour. Lytchett Bay 1ne on 15th Apr; the first record for the site ( , photo). Sutton Bingham Reservoir 2 present 6th to 12th Feb ( , photo). GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Fairly common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Canford Magna 14 pairs bred. Hengistbury Head 2 pairs bred successfully. 1 of the pairs second brooded.

SiteNo records maxima: received from the other heronry sites in the county this year. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 12 8 14 16 20 Jan1 Feb2 Mar2 May Jun Jul Aug4 8 Oct 7 Dec4 Bride Valley Fish Farm 6 2 6 4 15 10 6 236 7 Christchurch Harbour 2 4 4 2 8 4 3 4 2 Lodmoor 14 5 5 5 Longham Lakes 8 2 23 3 1 43 63 7 Poole Harbour 2431 11 13 21 8 11 26 2215 2030 1413 2733 Radipole Lake 15 15 3 13 5 CoastalThe Fleet passage: 25 15

Christchurch Harbour 1n on 7th Apr, 1 on 17th Apr, 2 on 5th May, 4e on 26th Jul, 2e on 9th Aug, 12 arr in 2 high-flying flocks of 9 and 3 on 22nd Oct. PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea Rare passage migrant.

There were three records this year. I Ballam

Morden Bog 1 on 8th Oct ( , photo). Radipole Lake 1 present from 6th to 21st Oct, thenT Squire again on 27th Oct, and finally seen flying west on 5th Nov (per RSPB staff, photo). 1 on 25th May flying south-east ( ). 2012 Dorset Bird Report 45

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 45 07/09/2015 10:51 WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia Rare passage migrant.

All records (chronological order): D Cooper et al

Wool 1 feeding in fields on 23rd Apr ( , photo). Weymouth/Portland/ A group of 5 birds flew over Weymouth, and later, Portland on Morden Bog 5th May (MO, photo). The following day the same group flew south east over Morden Bog. Weymouth/Portland A group of 4 birds flew south over Weymouth and later Portland on 23rd May, then returned north a little later. Later still they were seen circling over Overcombe, before heading east at about 1pm (MO, photo). Higher Nyland 3 on 15th Jul (MO, photo)D Wareham - see also Buckhorne Weston. Buckhorne Weston 3 feeding 17th -18th Jul (MO, photo) - see also Higher Nyland. Eastcliff 4 over on 28th Nov ( ).

GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus Very rare passage migrant.

This year’s interesting sequence of records continues recent trends.

Christchurch Harbour recorded this species for the fourth successive year (the only previous Allrecord records: is from 1982). RH Peart G Barlow et al Canford Bridge 1 colour-ringed bird on 12thN Hull FebSP ( Piggott et). al Lodmoor /Radipole Lake 2 birds between 3rd Feb and 3rd May ( , photo). Longham Lakes 1 on 2nd Dec flew east ( , ). This bird then remained in the nearby Avon Valley (Hampshire) and was presumably responsibleA Hayden for et theal report from MatchamsO on Frampton21st Dec. Stanpit 1 on 24 and 27Jan ( ). 1 on 4th & 5th May ( ). Wareham Common The same colour-ringed bird seen earlier Nthe Gartshore same day et at al Canford Bridge was present here from 12th to 26th, also being seen at nearby Bestwall/Swineham GPs ( , photo).

The bird at Canford Bridge was seen to be carrying a white darvic ring, however the letters could not be read. Fortunately a second opportunity arose when the bird reappeared at Wareham Common. The white ring had the letters/numbers “3T7” and was traced back to Coto Doñana, Spain where it was ringed on 12th May 2004. It was subsequently seen on a few occasions in southern Spain and also at Oued Massa, Morocco on 28th Apr 2005.

46 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 46 07/09/2015 10:51 Curlew at Lytchett Bay - 10th April 2012 - Kevin Lane

Gull-billed Tern at Lodmoor - 29th June 2012 - Martin2012 Cade Dorset Bird Report 47

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 47 07/09/2015 10:51 Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Studland Bay - 11th February 2012 - Kevin Lane

Short-billed Dowitcher at Lodmoor - 22nd September 2012 - Gary Thoburn

48 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 48 07/09/2015 10:51 SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Poole Harbour records:

SiteMainly maxima: recorded from Brownsea Lagoon, Middlebere, Arne and Holes Bay this year. Maxima: Apr Sep Nov 16 14 14 6 2 0 11 19 20 20 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec OtherPoole Harbour records: 3 5

Hengistbury Head 1w on 1st Apr, 3w on 12th Apr, 1e on 27th Apr, 2 on 25th May, 2 on 9th Sep and 1e on 3rd Nov. Mudeford Quay 5e on 29th Feb and 2w on 14th Sep. Lodmoor 1 from 5th to 8th Mar. This was joined by a second bird between 9th and 16th Mar, then 4 birds present on 17th Mar and 3 present 18th and 19th Mar. Later in the year, 1 was present 22nd Jul to 12th Aug and another on 12th Oct. Portland Bill 1 juv flew west overhead on 7th Oct. Radipole Lake 2 on 15th Mar. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 6th Mar, 2 on 30th Apr, 2se on 8th May, 2 on 11th May, 2e on 21st May, 1w on 17th Aug and 1 on 3rd Sep. 1 arrived on 10th Oct and remained to 5th Nov. Wyke Regis 2 on 18th Mar. HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor - attempts to breed annually.

Breeding:

Only two breeding season records were received this year, of two birds seen together in late SpringJune and passage: a single bird in the same area in late August. DN Smith S Simmonds B Groves P Morrison L Hengistbury Head Chappell1 on 7th May ( ), 1 on 16th May ( ). Stanpit Marsh 1 on 8th May ( ), 1 on 11th May ( , Autumn passage: ). C Chapleo S Simmonds S Simmonds Wick 1 on 3rd Sep ( , ) with a second individual on the same date ( ). BLACK KITE Milvus migrans Rare passage migrant - mainly spring.

J J T Gale

West Bay 1 on 26th May ( , and ).

This was the 29th record for Dorset. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 49

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 49 07/09/2015 10:51 RED KITE Milvus milvus Uncommon migrant/visitor, present throughout the year.

The year-on-year increase in records has stabilised, with 196 in 2012 compared with 222 in 2011, 159 in 2010, and 91 in 2009. 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 in several sites gatherings of 4-7 birds were seen in May.

As the species now appears to be on the verge of breeding 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 activityRecords byis noted,month so that the population canApr continue to be monitored. Sep Nov 12 49 16 20 0 0 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec All sites 3 85 3 3 3 MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus Scarce breeding resident, uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding records:

Abbotsbury A breeding pair were present through much of the year although their nesting attempt failed. A second female was seen occasionally in the spring, while juveniles were seen on 19th Aug and 23rd Sep. Lodmoor Bred successfully for the third successive year. The first fledged juvenile appeared on 6th Jul, one day before torrential rain triggered severe flooding. Fortunately the brood of 3 young had matured enough to seek the safety of 21stnearby Apr bushes before. the waters rose. Radipole Pair displaying on 23rd Mar, and food passing was seen from

West Bexington Several sightings between 27th Mar and 11th May were considered to relate to the Abbotsbury pair using West Bexington as simply part of their territory. However on 22nd Apr the female was observed carrying a stick and making repeated visits to the same area of reed bed. Heavy flooding around this time probably disrupted any breeding attempt at either site. West Poole Harbour A female was observed nest building and displaying from 19th First winter period: Apr but no male was present.

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles on 6th Jan and 8th and 14th Feb. Lodmoor/Radipole Lake Single birds seen occasionally in Jan, with 2 from 15th, and 3 together at Lodmoor on 16th Feb. Poole Harbour At least 5 were present in Jan and Feb, dropping to 1 in Mar. Peaks of 5 on 17th Jan and 4th and 13th Feb. At Lytchett Bay, the roost established in 2011 continued through Jan into 50 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 50 07/09/2015 10:51 early Feb. Max 5 on 15th Jan. In Wareham Channel 4-6 birds roosted regularly in Jan and Feb, with maximum of 8 on 3rd Jan, and up to 3 in Mar SpringWest Bexington passage: A female on 6th Jan and an immature male on 5th Mar.

Christchurch 1 at Purewell on 12th May. Christchurch Harbour Singles on 5th and 24th May. Cogden An immature male on 17th Apr. Morden Bog Singles on 28th Mar, 2nd, 19th, 20th and 24th Apr. Poole Harbour Several spring records, but these may all relate to the breeding attempts. AutumnPortland passage: Singles on 6th and14th Apr and 8th May and 13th May.

Avon Causeway 1 on 6th Aug. Cogden 1 on 13th Nov and 2 on 27th Nov. Christchurch Harbour Singles at Stanpit Marsh or Wick Fields on many dates from 10th Aug. Coward’s Marsh 1 on 8th Nov. Durlston Singles on 12th Aug, 6th Sep and 3rd Oct. East Bexington 1 on 6th Nov. Hillfield 1 on 6th Oct. Lodmoor/Radipole Lake 1 or 2 birds on many dates. Morden Bog Singles on 21st Sep and 27th Oct. Poole Harbour Noted on many dates during the autumn at Arne, Keysworth, Lytchett Bay, Middlebere, Swineham Point and Wareham Channel, where at least 7 different birds were seen during Aug. Peak counts of 6 on 27th Aug and 5 on 5th Nov. SecondPortland winter period: Singles on 10th Aug and 9th, 21st and 22nd Sep.

Abbotsbury Singles on 6th Nov and 21st Dec. Christchurch Harbour Single birds at Stanpit/Wick on several dates in Nov and Dec. Coward’s Marsh 1 on 21st Dec and 2 on 30th Dec. Holt Heath 1 on 1st Dec. Lodmoor/Radipole Lake 2 were present until the end of the year. Poole Harbour Several present to end of year. Peak count 5 on 3rd Dec. At Lytchett Bay roosting was recorded again from 10th Oct, increasing to a maximum of 3 by 17th Dec.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 51 07/09/2015 10:51 HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

The decline continues, with low numbers in both winter periods and a very poor autumn Firstpassage. winter period:

Avon Valley 1 at Coward’s Marsh on 7th Jan and from 27th Jan to 5th Feb; at Avon Causeway 8th Feb and in the Lower Avon Valley on 12th Feb. Cranborne Chase 1 or 2 birds in the Ackling Dyke/Gussage Down/Oakley Down/Sixpenny Handley/Sovell Down area between 6th Jan and 2nd Apr. Martinstown Singles on 21st, 25th and 26th Jan and 19th and 26th Feb, Poole Harbour At least 3 birds in the area, reported from Arne, Coombe Heath, Godlingston Heath, Hartland Moor, Middlebere, Sandford, Swineham Point, Wareham Channel and Wytch Causeway. Maximum 3 in Wareham Channel on 12th Jan. Portland 1 on 13th Feb. West Compton Singles on 7th and 13th Jan, 13th Feb and 7th Apr.

Also recorded on one or two dates from Black Down/Hardy’s Monument (1st and 6th Mar), Bushey (21st Jan), Charlton Down (28th Jan), Hurn (8th Feb), Maiden Castle (26th Feb), Roosts:Tarrant Rushton Airfield (17th Jan) and West Stafford (11th Jan).

SpringEast Dorset passage: (confidential) Up to 3 at the roost site in Jan, up to 5 in Feb and up to 4 in Mar.

Christchurch Harbour A ringtail came in off the sea at Hengistbury on 26th Mar, and males flew east offshore at Hengistbury on 27th and 30th. Dorchester 1 on 15th Apr Martinstown 1 on 24th Apr. Hartland Moor 1 on 13th May. Morden Bog 1 on 15th Apr AutumnPortland passage: Singles on 3rd and 14th May and on 14th Jun.

Abbotsbury Single ringtails on the 5th and 30th Nov. Christchurch Harbour A female came in off the sea at Hengistbury on 11th Nov. Durlston A ring-tail in off the sea on 6th Oct, another on 28th Nov, and a male on 16th Dec. SecondLodmoor winter period: A male on 4th Nov.

East Fleet 1 on 4th Dec. Hurn 1 on 1st Dec. Martinstown Singles on 5th and 14th Nov. 52 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 52 07/09/2015 10:51 Poole Harbour Up to 3 at Arne, Brands Bay, Middlebere, Swineham Point, Wareham Channel. Sixpenny Handley 1 on 8th Nov. Wool 1 on 29th Dec. Woolsbridge 1 on 29th Dec. Wyke Down 1 on 11th Dec. MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus Scarce passage migrant - no breeding records since 2004.

Breeding:

Undisclosed location One was recorded in a former breeding area on 20th May, however there were no subsequent sightings. SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Breeding was confirmed or presumed at Arne Moors, Christchurch Harbour (1 pair raised Migrants:2 young), Lodmoor (at least 2 pairs, probably 3) and Merley Park (1 pair raised 2 young).

Durlston Counts of four or more birds were recorded on only two days (compared with ten in 2011): 5 on 9th and 20th Oct. Hengistbury Head 1 on 22nd and 5 on 27th Sep, 4 on 25th and 9 on 27th Oct. Portland 1 on 27th Mar, 1 on 9th Sep, 2 on 13th Sep, 1 at Portland Harbour 22nd Sep. 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 (up to 2 pairs), Bardolf Farm (3 pairs), Canford School, Cogden, Gussage St Andrew, Hartland Moor (5 pairs), Langton Herring (1 pair raised at least 1 young), Lodmoor (4 pairs in vicinity), Merley Park (1 pair raised 2 young), LargePortland counts (2 pairs), (all countsSpetisbury of 10 and or Winterbournemore are given): Herringston.

Tadnoll 14 on 1st Apr. West Compton 27 on 21st Mar. Migrants:Wyke Down 10 on 8th Mar.

Portland 1 in off sea on 16th Mar, other sightings appeared to relate to migrants but not definite. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 53

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 53 07/09/2015 10:51 OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Uncommon passage migrant.

Spring passage:

A good spring passage, with more than 30 birds recorded (42 bird-days).

Abbotsbury Singles on 27th Apr and 2nd and 5th May. Christchurch Harbour Singles at Hengistbury on 3rd Apr, Stanpit on 13th and 23rd May and at Mudeford on 11th Jun, moving north. Poole Harbour Single birds at Arne on 15th Apr and 23rd May, Holes Bay on 25th May, Lytchett Bay om 27th Mar and 14th Apr, Middlebere on 14th and 15th Apr and Studland on 21st Apr. Portland Singles on 28th and 29th Mar, 10th and 27th Apr and 1st, 3rd and 26th May.

Recorded on one or two dates from Briantspuddle (25th and 27th Mar), Durlston (30th Mar), East Fleet (28th and 31st Mar), East Stoke (6th May), Lodmoor (28th Mar and 5th May), Longham Lakes (13th and 24th May), Radipole Lake (4th Apr and 26th May), St Ives (1st Apr), Tolpuddle (3rd and 12th Apr), Turnerspuddle Heath (12th Apr), Weymouth (28th AutumnMar and 5thpassage: May) and Wyke Regis (31st Mar).

As in recent autumns, several birds lingered in Poole Harbour from mid-Aug to late Sep. However, autumn passage was lighter this year: a minimum of 25 different birds were seen in the county (82 bird-days), compared with 37 last year (90 bird-days).

Abbotsbury Singles on 9th Aug, and from 2nd to 4th and 15th to 20th Sep. 1 on 30th Aug. Christchurch Harbour Singles on 14th, 16th and 21st Aug and on 12th Sep. Durlston Singles on 30th Aug, 10th Sep and 1st Oct. Langton Herring 1 at Rodden Hive on 10th Aug. Lodmoor Singles on 8th and 24th Aug and 4th Sep. Morden Bog 1-2 from 19th Sep to 4th Oct, with 3 on 21st Sep. Poole Harbour Arne singles on 20th and 23rd Aug, 2 on 4th Sep and 1 on 26th Sep; Brands Bay 1 on 17th Aug; Holes Bay 1 on 4th Sep; Holton Lee 1 on 27th Aug; Lytchett Bay single birds on 11 dates between 27th Aug and 23rd Sep with 2 on 30th and 31st Aug; Middlebere singles on 14th, 17th, 24th – 30th Aug (2 on 26th Aug) and on 2nd, 13th and 27th Sep; Studland Heath 1 on 18th Aug; Wareham Channel singles on 7th and 30th Aug. Portland Singles on 28th Aug and 4th Sep. Radipole Lake 1 on 9th Aug. St Ives 1 on 4th Sep. West Bexington 1 on 24th Aug. ExtremeWeymouth dates: 1 on 8th Aug.

25th Mar at Briantspuddle and Upwey, and 4th Oct at Morden Bog.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 54 07/09/2015 10:51 KESTREL Falco tinnunculus Fairly common breeding resident & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Widely reported throughout the county. Successful breeding was recorded at Bardolf Farm, Canford School, Christchruch Harbour (just outside the recording area), Durlston (1 pair Migration:raised 2 young), Lodmoor and Portland (3 or 4 pairs).

Only one record of definite migration: 1 in off sea at Portland on 13th Apr. MERLIN Falco columbarius Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period (to mid-March):

Arne (19th Feb), Brands Bay (2nd Mar), Brownsea Island (6th Jan), Cogden Beach (6th Mar), Creech Heath (27th Jan), Durlston (2 in Jan, 2 in Feb), Godlingston Heath (21st Jan), Gussage Down (10th Mar), Hartland Moor (1st, 5th, 11th, 20th Feb), Hurn Airport (7th Jan), Lytchett Bay (7th Feb), Middlebere (2 on 7th Jan and 7th Feb, 1 on 8th Jan), Sandford (10th Mar), Stanpit Marsh (16th Feb and 8th Mar), Swineham Point (13th Feb), Wareham Channel (17th Jan), West Bexington (1st Feb), Weymouth (28th Jan), Winkton Dairy Fields (4th Jan), Woolsbridge (2nd Feb), Wyke Down (6th and 16th Jan, 25th and 26th Feb, and 13th Mar) and Wytch Causeway (21st Jan).

SpringAt a confidential passage (fromsite in eastmid-March): Dorset, up to 4 birds roosted during Jan and up to 3 during Feb.

Durlston (6 in Mar, 2 in Apr with last sighting on 19th), Hartland Moor (17th, 18th and 19th Mar), Hengistbury Head (18th and 26th Mar, 2 on 11th Apr and singles on 9th, 14th and 16th Apr), Lodmoor (22nd Mar), Morden Bog (7th Apr), Portland (11 between 17th Mar and 27th Apr), Rodden (19th Mar), Stoborough Heath (17th Mar), Stanpit Marsh (19th Apr), Swineham Point (25th Mar), West Bexington (15th Apr) & Winterborne Stickland Autumn(26th Mar). passage and second winter period:

Brownsea Island Singles on 26th Sep, 20th Oct, 2nd Nov, 18th Nov and 2nd Dec. Christchurch Harbour Singles on 5th, 21st and 27th Sep, 13th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th and 26th Oct, with 2 on 27th, 2nd, 5th, 10th, 14th and 18th Nov and 6th and 21st Dec. Durlston 46 bird-days from 4th Sep to 2nd Dec with a peak of 3 on 14th Oct. 8 bird-days in Sep, 22 in Oct, 15 in Nov and 1 in Dec. Maiden Castle Singles on 30th Sep, 13th Nov and 12th Dec. Middlebere Singles on 3rd Aug, 10th and 29th Nov and 11th, 15th, 17th, 18th and 26th Dec. Portland 54 bird-days between 28th Aug and 28th Nov. West Bexington Single birds on 5th and 6th Sep and 17th, 24th and 29th Oct and 1st Nov.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 55

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 55 07/09/2015 10:51 Also reported on one or two dates from Abbotsbury Swannery (14th Oct and 12th Dec), Arne (2 on 13th Oct and 1 on 30th Dec), Askerswell (17th Oct), Blandford (10th Nov), Brands Bay (11th Oct), Christchurch (13th Nov), Cogden Beach (2 on 1st Nov), East Fleet (12th Sep and 14th Oct), Holt Heath (14th Nov), Lambert’s Castle (9th Dec), Lodmoor (7th Oct), Lytchett Matravers (3rd Oct), Martinstown (1st Nov), Morden Bog (11th and 19th Nov), Ridge (19th and 26th Nov), Sherborne (11th Dec), Wareham Channel (2 on 14th and 1 on 18th Oct) WeymouthTotal records (5th by month Sep), (13th Sep),Apr Winspit (25th Oct) and SepWool (22ndNov Dec). 18 17 28 16 0 0 0 1 28 70 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec ExtremeAll sites dates: 58 13

19th Apr at Durlston and 3rd Aug at Middlebere. HOBBY Falco subbuteo Locally common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

An apparently good year, with record numbers of sightings from Durlston (39) and Lytchett Bay (14), and the second-highest ever spring total at Portland (51). Feeding groups were Breeding:observed at Arne Moors (at least 12 on 8th May) and Morden Bog (at least 7 on 13th Jun).

However, significantly fewer breeding season records were received than in recent years, with sightings in Jun and Jul from only 15 sites, compared with 30 in 2011. Successful Extremebreeding wasdates: confirmed from 3 sites. One pair raised 4 young and another raised 3.

23rd Mar at and 22nd Oct at Hengistbury Head. PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

27 sites were occupied, of which 20 were coastal and 7 were inland, 6 of which were on pylons. 11 of the coastal pairs succeeded in raising 20 young, but none of the pylon-nesting pairs was successful. The pair that nested in (for the fourth consecutive year according to the Dorset Echo) raised 3 young.

Regular observers of traditional sites comment that 2012 was overall a very poor year, the first year in which no pylon nesters raised young. High winds, rain and cold were considered responsible. 2001 2002 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 24 27 28 28 28 27 Year 22 27 2003 29 2005 28 Pairs 23 23 32 30 25 30 Juveniles 23 25 32 30 37+ 26+ 32 23

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 56 07/09/2015 10:51 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 (at least 2 juvs seen) and Lytchett Bay. 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.

Portland Winterers/migrants were recorded until 23rd Mar and again from 9th Oct. The autumn/late winter totals, including 100 at north Portland, were the highest ever recorded; the peak day total was on 18th Nov with 14 at north Portland and 5 at the Bill. South Haven Singles on 13th Oct and 3rd Nov. Ringstead Bay 1 on 10th Nov. SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

The first Dorset record since 2009, and the first at Christchurch Harbour since 2002, although recorded almost annually before then. P Morrison et al

Stanpit Marsh 1 at Priory Marsh 18th to 24th Aug ( ). MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Common breeding resident.

SiteBreeds maxima: commonly throughout the county, although often inconspicuous. Apr Sep Nov 8 11 9 4 7 6 12 12 18 Jan7 Feb10 Mar11 May Jun4 Jul Aug2 9 Oct11 Dec20 Hatch Pond 5 4 3 15 66 Lodmoor 14 17 45 2 4 3 2 4 2115 11 Poole Harbour 55 4057 1854 54 Radipole Lake 10 4 15 11 6 6 16 12 165 14 10 River Stour 30 31 30 The Fleet 13 3

2012 Dorset Bird Report 57

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 57 07/09/2015 10:51 COOT Fulica atra Common breeding resident & winter visitor.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 289 18 186 208 172 Jan 260Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct 209 120Dec Christchurch Harbour 114381 4695 40 61 40 109 112235 60 70 60 Lodmoor 18310 10312 58 225 83 85 6283 1252 111 Longham Lakes 43 39 121 Poole Harbour 10053 84 69 44 47 72 96 81 94 101115 Swineham GPs 290 147 67 62 112 115 1084 131 1000 Radipole Lake 95 95 The Fleet 375 23 328 275 965 COMMON CRANE Grus grus Rare passage migrant & winter visitor.

The increase in records may be partly due to the reintroduction scheme in Slimbridge and the Somerset levels. IM Stanley et al

Bowleaze Cove 3 on 27th Oct were also seen over Lodmoor ( , photo). This record coincidedJ&N with Hull a major movement in the Low Countries Corfe Mullen 1 flew south west on 6th Jan ( ). OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Uncommon breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

One pair attempted to breed at Stanpit Marsh, but were unsuccessful. The number of breeding pairs fluctuates a lot on Brownsea Island. This year 5 pairs nested (compared to 9 in 2011) but raised just 3 young between them. Further west a pair produced 2 young on Chesil Beach at East Fleet. Nearby another pair raised at least 1 chick in the Little Tern colony at Ferrybridge. Two more pairs were in territory on the Portland Harbour breakwaters, with a third pair at the Bill, but none provided proof of breeding. At Lodmoor a pair raised a single chick after the other eggs were taken by Carrion Crows. A pair at Abbotsbury suffered a similar fate…their chicks were predated. A second pair at the Swannery were flooded out. Wintering/passage:Intriguingly 16 juveniles appeared at Herbury on The Fleet on 15th Jul.

The year’s only four figure count came from Poole Harbour: 1003 in Dec. This area remains a key feeding area for this species in winter and on passage…800 had gathered on Brownsea in Sep. Elsewhere, numbers in Christchurch Harbour peaked at 95 in Feb and 92 in Sep. The regular wintering flock on The Fleet/Ferrybridge had climbed to 68 in Jan. Further west 3 appeared briefly on The Cobb in on Boxing Day.

58 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 58 07/09/2015 10:51 BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus bimanous Very rare passage migrant - 10 previous records.

All records (in chronological order):

Radipole Lake/ AdultSA male Groves at Radipole et al Lake on 11th Apr (per RSPB staff, Abbotsbury Swannery photo), then at Abbotsbury SwannerySA between Groves 12th et al to 18th Apr ( , photo). J&N Hull Abbotsbury Swannery etImmature al present 24th to 27th May ( , photo). Radipole Lake/Lodmoor Immature flewD Croxson over Radipole et al Lake on 24th May ( ) and was seen a short while later on the same day at Lodmoor ( , photo).

A feast or famine vagrant in Dorset. None at all for 21 years, then 4 in successive springs. Abbotsbury claimed its 2nd and 3rd records - 56 years after the first.

10 of the 13 birds in Dorset have turned up between 31st. Mar and 24th. May.

The 11th, 12th and 13th Dorset records. AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta Locally common winter visitor & uncommon passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 1072 9 2 1 2 212 1127 1287 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Poole Harbour 1630 5 13 936

Another series of counts that underline the national importance of Poole Harbour as a winter haven for this stunning wader. Single figure counts were again noted from Christchurch Harbour at the beginning and end of the year. More unusually up to 6 were on The Fleet in Springthe first passage: half of Feb.

Abbotsbury Swannery 2 on 5th Apr. Hengistbury Head 1 on 2nd Apr. Lodmoor 1 on 27th Feb. AutumnStanpit passage: 1 on 23rd May.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 27th Oct. Durlston 2 past 25th Oct. Ferrybridge 1 on 8th Sep. Hengistbury Head 1 on 18th Aug, 8w 1st Sep, 16w 27th Sep. Lodmoor 1 on 4th Aug. Stanpit Singles 21st Jul, 27th Sep, 11th Oct, 2 26th Oct and 2 6th Nov.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 59

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 59 07/09/2015 10:51 STONE CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus Scarce passage migrant.

Hengistbury Head 1 circled over before flying west 24th Sep. Portland Bill 1 heard calling overhead early hours of 28th Oct. Stanpit 1 24th Mar. Wick Fields 1 heard calling 25th Oct.

Another series of short stayers, fly overs, and heard onlys. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius Scarce breeding visitor & uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding:

The first year without confirmed nesting since 1992. Warmwell Quarry has been the Springreliable passage: site in recent years but for once drew a rare blank.

The Chard Junction record is exceptional. For the record, Dorset’s earliest ever is 21st Feb.

Bride Valley FF 2 on 25th Mar, 2 6th Apr and singles on 15th and 26th Apr. Brownsea 1 3rd May. Chard Junction GP 1 26th Feb.. Coward’s Marsh 1 25th Mar. Hengistbury Head 1 12th Apr. Littlesea, The Fleet 1 31st Mar. Lodmoor 9 records of about 10 birds 14th Mar - 4th May. Longham Lakes 2 27th Mar, 4 2nd-5th May. Lytchett Bay 2 25th Mar with 1 to 26th Mar. Rodden Hive 1 2nd May. Oakley 2 by River Stour 17th Apr. Stanpit 7 singles 10th-28th Mar, with 3 29th Mar, 1 13th Apr, 3 on both 4th & 5th May, 1 on 18th May. AutumnSwineham passage: 1 13th, 2 18th Apr.

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles 8th & 13th Aug, 2 19th Aug. Brownsea 2 1st, singles 12th, 30th Aug. Christchurch Harbour 1 20th Jul, 7 singles 6th-23rd Aug, 7th, 17th Sep. Mainly Stanpit but also 3 over Hengistbury 20th Aug and 1 3rd Sep. Lodmoor 2 26th-28th Jul, 1-2 juvs most dates 27th Aug - 10th Sep. Longham Lakes 1 4th Jul. Swineham singles 8th, 17th Aug.

60 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 60 07/09/2015 10:51 RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula Scarce breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Another depressing landmark was reached this year. For the first time no pairs at all bred around Osprey Quay/the southern end of Chesil Beach. A pair did nest successfully further along the Chesil but they appear to be the only confirmed breeding record for the whole of SiteDorset. maxima: The future of this species as a nesting species doesn’t currently look too rosy. Apr Sep Nov 76 9 44 22 7 80 49 Jan Feb47 Mar12 2 May60 Jun1 Jul7 Aug60 Oct Dec16 Christchurch Harbour 4 1745 25 12 12485 41 17 1675 63 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 36 165 32 52 Poole Harbour 31

Poole Harbour and Ferrybridge remain much more important as autumn staging posts than Springthey are passage: as wintering grounds for this species.

Abbotsbury Swannery Incl max of 30 in May. Durlston Max of 13 past 6th May. Hengistbury Head 14n 28th Mar. AutumnLodmoor passage: 1 31st Mar, then 20 on 13 dates 20th Apr - 5th Jun. Max 7.

Sep . Hengistbury Head Incl 38 over 6th, 20 25th, 46 past 31st Aug, 44w 1st, 37w 27th

Lodmoor Up to 8 near daily 27th Jul - 23rd Aug. Then up to 26, mainly Preston beach, 25th Aug - 29th Sep. Singles 19th, 24th Oct, 2 12th Nov. Lytchett Bay 2 31st Aug, 1 4th Sep. KENTISH PLOVER Charadrius alexandrinus Scarce passage migrant.

G Bright et al

Ferrybridge Female 2nd-3rd May ( , photo).

This find ended an unexpected hiatus in records. Previously this species had turned up virtually annually for more than 30 years, stretching back to the mid 70s. But this was the first since 2007.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 61

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 61 07/09/2015 10:51 GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period:

The most striking feature early in the year was a marked hard weather movement in Feb. Settled flocks peaked at 1000 at Maiden Castle 9th and 1100 at Tarrant Rushton Airfield 11th. Birds on the move incl. 200 going ne over Charlton Down 14th, with smaller numbers noted right across the coastal strip. In Mar early spring gatherings, preparing for the journey Springnorth, incl. passage: 400 on Wyke Down, 300 on Gussage Down and 200 on Oakley Down.

Christchurch Harbour Singles 13th, 14th, 23rd Mar, 2nd, 30th May. AutumnPortland passage:Bill Last bird 27th May.

Incl. the usual spate of Oct/Nov fly pasts and arrivals. Abbotsbury Swannery Singles 27th Oct, 26th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 5 singles 23rd Jul-11th Sep, 8 27th, 2 29th Sep. In Oct 59 past Hengistbury inc 31w 28th. Singles 2nd, 17th, 8n 29th Nov. East Bexington 1 4th Oct. Eggardon Hill 12 3rd Oct. Lodmoor 1 27th Sep, 11n 7th, 1 21st Oct. Worst year ever. Lytchett Bay 3n 28th Sep, 2e 27th Oct. 44 over 15th Nov. Portland Bill First returning bird 14th Aug. SecondWhite Nothe winter period: 2 13th Sep.

The first returning birds were noted at Maiden Castle 30th Sep. The flock there had built up to 600 by early Dec. GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 11 27 2 1 4 10 241Jan 106Feb Mar May19 Jun Jul Aug 1 Oct11 26 214Dec Christchurch Harbour 517 2452 37 3 23 1132 Poole Harbour 53 The Fleet/Ferrybridge

In contrast to a number of other waders in Poole Harbour wintering birds don’t usually Springarrive in passage: big numbers much before Dec.

Durlston Singles 4th, 10th May. Hengistbury Head 9 past 30th Apr, 12e 2nd, 1e 5th, 9 over 16th May. Lodmoor 1 26th Mar, 2e 3rd, 1 5th-7th May. Middlebere Up to 19 5th-7th May. Portland/Ferrybridge62 Dorset Bird Report 2012 Just 14 through 1st-26th May.

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 62 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 27th Jun. Brand’s Bay Singles 2nd Sep, 3rd Oct. Brownsea Singles 18th Aug, 4th Sep. Durlston 1 31st Aug, 2 5th Nov. Hengistbury Head 6w 27th Sep, 3e 26th Oct, 3 24th Nov. Lodmoor 3 27th Sep. Mudeford Quay 5e 4th Nov. Portland/Ferrybridge 11 15th Aug - 4th Oct. West Bexington 1 18th Aug. LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Uncommon breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Dorset’s chalk downlands were not systematically surveyed for breeding birds but again played host to a number of nesting colonies. At least several pairs were on Wyke Down, 5 pairs bred on Gussage Down. Another 2 pairs raised at least 3 chicks at Sutton Waldron.

Closer to the coast several birds were in suitable breeding habitat on Higher Hyde Heath, nesting almost certainly took place at Wareham water meadows, displaying pairs were present at nearby Sunnyside Farm, 3 birds were on Stour LNR in Apr and a pair bred on SiteSutton maxima: Hill. Apr Sep Nov 890 7 21 2067Jan 922Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 644500 5 23 1023 50 2236 11873 275 Poole Harbour 173 213 560 Winter:The Fleet/Ferrybridge 433 5 5 13 567

This species is prone to abrupt hard weather movements and the cold snap in Feb provoked some obvious arrivals and departures. A number of the Poole Harbour birds moved out, but as some were leaving, others were arriving in Dorset from further east and north. The flock of 250 at Tarrant Rushton Airfield in mid Jan had spectacularly swollen to 3000 by mid Feb. At the same time numbers at Lodmoor leapt to 506, with another 230 appearing at West Bexington.

At the end of the year the problem wasn’t the cold but the rain. Significant flooding in Dec helped provoke influxes at Marnhull (600), Puddletown (600), Maiden Castle (350), Passage:Lodmoor (255) and West Bexington (250).

Hengistbury Head Incl. 28n 24th, 43e 25th Oct. Lodmoor The usual early Mar exodus was followed by just 3 singles 22nd Mar-21st May. 1st returning/non breeding bird: 10th Jun. Portland Bill Half the entire year’s total of 259 passed through in just 6 days 22nd-27th Oct.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 63

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 63 07/09/2015 10:51 KNOT Calidris canutus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 8 6 2 4 48 1 2 8 10 8 1 Jan69 Feb92 Mar 40 May29 Jun Jul Aug Oct16 12 Dec66 Christchurch Harbour 14 20 1 12 23 Poole Harbour 73 3 34 The Fleet/Ferrybridge

Dorset’s highest count of the year (92) came at Brand’s Bay on 10th Feb. Another 10 on The SpringCobb at passage: Lyme Regis on Boxing Day was a good count for .

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles 2nd, 6th, 19th Apr, 1 1st, 2 25th, 26th May. Brownsea Counts of up to 40 in Apr may have involved over wintering birds but 29 on 3rd May surely included some migrants. Hengistbury Head 2 over 14th Mar, 14 over 16th May. Lodmoor Singles 9th, 26th Apr. AutumnPortland passage: 39 30th - 10th May, 30 of them off Chesil 2nd May.

A good spread of dates and places. Abbotsbury Swannery First 21st Jul, then up to 5 regularly to 8th Oct. Christchurch Harbour An impressive 221 9th Aug - 31st Oct, the vast majority past Hengistbury Head. They included 30w 19th, 41w 24th Sep and 45 past Mudeford Quay 23rd Sep. Durlston Singles 10th, 11th Jul. Herbury 1 10th Aug. Lodmoor 6 on 8 dates 21st Jul - 25th Sep, and singles 19th, 28th Nov. Lyme Regis 1 13th Sep. Middlebere 3 20th Aug. Portland 53 9th Jul - 10th Oct. Max 12 Ferrybridge 6th Aug. West Bexington 1 25th and 26th Oct. SANDERLING Calidris alba Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 0 1 0 40 16 16 1 1 7 Jan26 Feb Mar May12 Jun20 Jul Aug10 1 Oct10 Dec41 Christchurch Harbour 0 1 0 03 49 500 0 1153 40 4 0 0 Poole Harbour 43 39 32 The Fleet/Ferrybridge

Most of the Poole Harbour counts came from the Sandbanks/Studland Bay areas. In Christchurch Harbour most birds were concentrated on Mudeford Sandspit.

64 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 64 07/09/2015 10:51 Spring passage:

Most sites reported a better than average spring. The late May/early Jun peak was typical. Abbotsbury Swannery 11 bird days 13th-20th May, max. 7. Branksome Chine 20 8th Jun. Durlston 4 records of 7 birds 18th-29th May. Hengistbury Head Singles 2nd, 5th, 6 24th, 14 26th, 4 29th May. Lodmoor 53 birds on 7 dates 8th May - 17th Jun. Max 25 on 4th Jun. Portland The settled max of 49 at Ferrybridge came on 26th May. Another 72 passed offshore 24th May - 9th Jun. Shell Bay 12 6th May. Stanpit 9 11th Jun. West Bexington Max just 2 in May. Strangely poor showing given numbers Autumn passage: elsewhere.

Abbotsbury Swannery Recorded 24th Jul - 30th Aug. Max 4. Brand’s Bay 10 26th Aug. Brownsea Incl. 10 1st, 2 14th, 1 18th Aug. Durlston Singles 16th, 18th Jul, 10th Aug, 5th, 8th Sep, 3 31st Oct. Hengistbury Head 1 30th Jun and 52 25th Aug - 26th Oct. Lodmoor 2 25th Aug, 1 13th-16th Sep, up to 4 Preston beach 22nd-31st Oct. Mudeford Quay 1e 21st Nov. Portland 71 through 16th Jul - 14th Aug. Stanpit 6 arrived 6th Sep. West Bexington Max 5 in Jun, 20 in Jul, then none at all. LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn & rare winter visitor.

Spring passage:

Brownsea 1 3rd May. AutumnStanpit passage: 1 9th May.

Away from Christchurch Harbour a poor autumn. Brownsea 1 25th, 2 30th Aug (possibly same as Shell Bay birds below). Ferrybridge 2 15th, 1 22nd Aug, 1 25th-26th Sep. Hengistbury Head 1 over 24th, 1 27th Oct, 1 6th Nov. Lodmoor Juv 30th Aug - 3rd Sep. Shell Bay 2 26th Aug. Stanpit 1 25th, 31st Aug, 2w 1st, singles 6th, 8th, 22nd, 29th Sep, 5th - 6th Oct, 8th Nov.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 65

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 65 07/09/2015 10:51 TEMMINCK’S STINT Calidris temminckii Rare passage migrant, mainly in spring.

DN Smith

Stanpit Marsh 1 on 16th Sep ( ).

The 2nd Christchurch Harbour record in 2 years but only the 6th Dorset record this century. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER Calidris fuscicollis Accidental - 5 previous records.

L Bissell et al Longham Lakes 1 first winter bird present between 30th Nov and 9th Dec ( , photo).

The first for Longham and Dorset’s latest ever. The previous 5 followed a more predictable pattern (Jul, Aug, 2 in Sep, Oct). PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos Scarce autumn passage migrant.

A Mears

Brownsea 1 on 16th Sep ( ).

Historically this species has been much harder to catch up with in Poole Harbour than in nearby Christchurch Harbour or the Weymouth area. Nevertheless its hard to believe this was a first for Brownsea. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Spring passage:

The Ferrybridge and Stanpit birds were part of a colourful array of waders gracing Dorset’s coastal wetlands in early May.

Brownsea 1 19th Apr - 6th May, probably same Middlebere 6th May. Ferrybridge 1 2nd May. AutumnStanpit passage: 1 in summer plumage 3rd May.

Brownsea 3 18th, singles 20th, 25th, 30th Aug. Ferrybridge 6 15th, 3 26th Aug, 7 daily 15th Sep - 8th Oct. Hengistbury Head Singles 25th Aug, 19th, 24th Aug. Lodmoor 1 27th - 29th Jul. Mudeford Sandspit 1 20th Aug. Stanpit Ad 24th Jul, 1 1st, 6 13th, juv 15th, 3 24th Aug, 1 5th - 18th, with 2 8th Sep, 1 2nd Oct.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 66 07/09/2015 10:51 PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 26 6 1 22 24 Jan21 Feb20 Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct2 Dec24 Hengistbury/Mudeford 4 36 25 1 Lyme Regis (The Cobb) 13 15 15 4 Poole Harbour 3 5 5 Portland Bill 5

The Mudeford flock in Mar was a record count for Christchurch Harbour. In complete contrast numbers on Portland have fallen to their lowest levels for over 50 years and are a far cry from the 1980s when you could see up to 57 birds.

Elsewhere singles on rocks at Tilly Whim 15th Mar and 22nd Nov were the first records from Durlston for 5 years.

Indeed birds anywhere away from the main sites are extremely erratic. So 1 on Brownsea Extreme31st Oct, 2 dates: Peveril Point 11th Nov, and 1 West Bay 17th Jan, with 2 1st Feb are all noteworthy.

24th May at Lyme Regis and 22nd Oct Christchurch Harbour. DUNLIN Calidris alpina Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 142 27 182 198 80 70 79 74 99 210 Jan 1792Feb Mar91 May86 Jun Jul64 200Aug 278Oct 1400Dec Christchurch Harbour 28516 702583 200 6 170 12 11 94 Poole Harbour 2319 58 483 The Fleet/Ferrybridge 32 25 59

The Feb total on the Fleet is quite remarkable. The Webs count on 2nd Feb includes a flock of 550 around Herbury Gore. The total of over 700 appears to be one of the highest on record for west Dorset.

Elsewhere the monthly Poole Harbour figures show how early many birds depart north in the spring and how late many of them arrive at the other end of the year.

During spring and autumn it was a pretty typical year at most of the main coastal watch points. About 130 passed through Lodmoor 1st - 10th May, with another 86 on Brownsea 6th. In some ways the most striking records came from inland: Longham Lakes played host to 1 2nd, 2 3rd and 3 10th May, with another at Chard Junction GPs 18th May.

In autumn numbers on Brownsea peaked at 200 in Aug, with single flocks of 78 and 50 past Hengistbury Head 26th and 31st Oct.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 67

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 67 07/09/2015 10:51 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Tryngites subruficollis Very rare autumn passage migrant - 12 previous records.

CE Richards et al

Ferrybridge Adult 9th-10th Aug ( , photo).

Dorset’s 13th record. Ferrybridge doesn’t seem the most obvious choice for this grass loving wader, so maybe it’s not that surprising that the last one here was nearly 40 years ago. RUFF Philomachus pugnax Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Wintering:

The extreme east of the county remains the most reliable area for this species in winter. But even Stanpit struggled this year. Just 1-3 were only very erratically present on a few dates in Jan and Feb, which may have included the 2 at Coward’s Marsh in Mar. Later in the year 3 appeared near Avon Causeway on 19th Dec, with 5 22nd Dec. Finally 1 was at Stanpit 29th Dec.

Elsewhere there was a light sprinkling of records during the Feb freeze: 2 were at Passage:Abbotsbury, with 1 at both Lodmoor and Bestwall, but none hung around for long.

In contrast to a pretty hit and miss winter this was a terrific year for migrants by Dorset Spring:standards.

Brownsea 2 over 24th Apr, 1 6th May. Lodmoor 1 12th - 17th Mar. Longham Lakes 2 2nd - 5th May. Rodden Hive 1 26th Mar. Autumn:Stanpit Singles 3rd, 4th, 9th, 22nd, with 6 29th Mar.

The Jun bird at Lodmoor was a genuine Dorset rarity: a Ruff with a ruff. Avon Causeway 2 30th Aug, 6 9th, 3 13th Sep, 1 6th Oct. Brownsea 1 20th Aug. Christchurch Harbour 2 25th Jul, singles 26th, 29th Aug, 3 12th, 7 Hengistbury 22nd, 3 28th, 1 30th, Sep. 12 bird days in Oct. Cogden 1e 8th Oct. Lodmoor Ad 26th Jun, juvs 23rd Aug, 2nd Sep. Middlebere 2 26th Aug. Swineham 1 28th Aug.

68 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 68 07/09/2015 10:51 JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant, usually flushed.

First winter period (Jan-Feb):

A flurry of records. Noted from no fewer than 16 widely spread locations, including up to 4 at West Bexington - a site record. Another 3 were discovered at Herbury Gore.

Elsewhere 1-2 were recorded from Arne, Bardolf water meadows, Brand’s Bay, Canford Heath, Chard Junction GPs, Coward’s Marsh, Gillingham, Hatch Pond, Holes Bay, Lodmoor, Passage:Longham Lakes, Stanpit and Winfrith Heath.

A bird at Swineham Point 23rd Mar may have been a genuine migrant.

In the autumn Lytchett Bay claimed the first returning bird 12th Sep, before singles were noted at Stanpit. But we have to thank a dog walker for flushing the year’s biggest flock: 5 Secondat Hengistbury winter 25th period Oct. (Nov-Dec):

At West Bexington 2 were ticked off on several dates. Elsewhere 1-2 were found lurking at Gashay Farm at Marshwood, Herbury Gore and Langton Herring, Lytchett Bay, Morden Bog, Stanpit and Swineham. COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Scarce breeding resident, fairly common but declining winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

For the first time there wasn’t a single report of displaying/nesting birds. You just have to Wintering/Passage:hope that’s more of a comment on the birders than the birds.

Numbers in the first half of the year were fairly modest.

The autumn included 87 through Portland 21st Jul - 18th Dec, with 11 at the Bill 24th Oct. Another 80 had gathered at Hatch Pond by 20th Oct., with a single flock of 62 arriving at Christchurch Harbour 21st Oct.

The headline event of the year, however, was an influx in Nov and Dec. Flooding further afield probably triggered counts that included 165 in Christchurch Harbour and 126 in Poole Harbour - many of them in Lytchett Bay. Further west 90 on Lodmoor in Nov had increased to 140 in Dec, with another 132 on The Fleet and 53 at West Bexington in the last few weeks of the year.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 69

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 69 07/09/2015 10:51 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER Limnodromus griseus Accidental - no previous records.

D Croxson et al Lodmoor Juvenile, moulting into 1st winter from 3rd Sep to 6th Oct ( , photo).

Its fair to say that the enormity of this find took some taking in. But once the initial discussions about what kind of dowitcher it was had been settled this bird hung around long enough for the twitching hordes to take it in.

This record gives Lodmoor’s west scrape an interesting claim to fame: the only place in the Western Palearctic to play host to both species of Nearctic dowitcher in the same year LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER Limnodromus scolopaceus Very rare passage migrant & winter visitor - 6 previous records.

G Barlow D Croxson Lodmoor & The Fleet R2 1stMorris winters et al were present very intermittently 2nd Jan to 1st Feb, with one remaining until 5th Mar ( , , , photo).

The mystery is where either or both of them spent their time in between their occasional visits to Lodmoor and The Fleet. The 7th Dorset record. WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola Uncommon breeding resident, locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Roding birds were recorded from Alderholt CP (2), Holt Heath, West Moors (2), White Sheet Plantation (2), as well as 1 at Bryanston in Aug. Almost certainly under recorded as Firsta breeding winter bird. period:

An unusually cold spell probably contributed to an above average showing. Reports of mainly 1-2 came from 25 scattered locations. The Poole basin boasted the biggest counts including 6 at Goathorn, 5 Langton Matravers, 4 Bovington and 3 Lytchett Bay. Further north 4 were at Minterne Magna and records from the west included 3 at Portland Bill Migrants:during February’s freeze.

A bird over Portland Bill 24th Mar was surely on the way out. In the autumn no fewer than Second29 passed winter through period: Portland 29th Sep - 28th Nov. Also noted on 8 dates in Nov at Durlston.

Birders’ commitment to Christmas shopping may explain the paucity of records late in the year. Mainly singles were noted from just 8 places. The exceptions to this rule came from Came Down Wood, where 6 were flushed in Dec, and from Gashay Farm at Marshwood, where 4 were present. 70 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 70 07/09/2015 10:51 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant. Some birds oversummer.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 87 124 40 4 46 42 700 164 1701Jan 1090Feb Mar May Jun 200Jul Aug 1070 1199Oct 1490Dec Christchurch Harbour 75 85 125 150 Poole Harbour 2093 357 nc

As ever this species provided an eventful annual narrative.

Early in the year the usual big counts from the Poole-Christchurch-Avon Valley triangle included a spectacular concentration of 1200 birds in Holes Bay 13th Jan. East Dorset hogs the lion’s share of this species but an exceptional influx of 72 birds at Lodmoor on 2nd Jan included a silver lining in the form of 2 Long-billed Dowitchers.

The spring included a series of predictable counts from a series of predictable places. But among the more surprising records was a max of 62 at Longham Lakes 10th May - a really big count for this increasingly well watched site. At the other end of the county 5 at West Bexington may not sound like much to write home about but was a good count for there.

2014 will probably be best remembered for a pronounced autumn passage - Lodmoor hosted 70 in late Jul, 72 late Aug and 68 late Sep - all big counts for west Dorset. In Poole Harbour gatherings included 200 at Middlebere in early Jul building up to 494 at Upton CP/ Holes Bay by 1st Sep. And there was quality as well as quantity. A ringed individual recorded in Aug has been returning to Lytchett Bay since 2006. In its lifetime it has travelled to and fro from Iceland not just to Dorset but also to France and Portugal. Another at Chard Junction GPs on 28th Aug was a first site record.

At the end of the year rising water levels may have triggered a shift by at least some of the Poole birds to the Avon Valley. 650 at the Avon Causeway on 21st Nov were part of this influx. BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

No repeat of 2011’s record breaking numbers. Nevertheless 2012 produced a another terrific spring. As ever you had to be in the right place in the right time - Portland in early SpringMay for passage: example - because this species doesn’t hang around on its way up Channel.

Abbotsbury Swannery Noted 4th Apr - 6th May, max 20. Brownsea Records included 35 21st Apr, 48 6th May. Christchurch Harbour Max 93 May. Durlston 10e 10th, 3 18th May. Lodmoor From 29th Apr - 3rd Jun, max. 52 settled bird 1st May. Lytchett Bay 79 bird-days 19th Apr - 17th May, peak 1st May. Middlebere Records included 26 13th, 6 20th and 26th May. Portland 436e Bill and Chesil 20th Apr - 28th. May, inc 367 1st-2nd May. West Bexington 10 30th Apr, singles 1st, 2nd May. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 71

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 71 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles 20th, 24th Sep, 12th Oct. Ferrybridge 8 from 6th Aug. Hengistbury Head Max 23sw 10th, 18w 24th Sep. Lodmoor Single(s) 20th-24th, 29th Sep. Lytchett Bay 42 bird-days 13th Jul - 14th Sep. Portland Bill 3w 1st Sep. Winter:Wick Fields Records included 18 on 16th Aug.

Poole Harbour continues to the favoured area for the overwhelming majority of wintering birds. Early on a max of 150 had gathered in Newton Bay 18th Feb. Later in the year just 16 were around Brands Bay/Brownsea in Oct. But there was a marked arrival in Dec, culminating in a count of 110 on Shore Road 31st. WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Locally common passage migrant & rare winter visitor.

Spring passage:

What a spring! If you like Whimbrels then coastal Dorset in May would have been your happy place.

Abbotsbury Swannery 45 bird-days in Apr, 51 in May. Branksome Chine 75 past 25th Apr. Christchurch Harbour 324 bird-days Apr, 233 bird-days in May, inc 44 on 2nd. Durlston 34 bird-days Apr. Littlesea, The Fleet Records included 12 on 20th Apr. Lodmoor About 200 8th Apr - 31st May inc 54 on 1st May. Lyme Regis 9 5th May. Portland 249 10th Apr - 20th May. Wareham Moors 12 2nd May. West Bexington/Cogden Max 25 in May.

In addition 1-7 were recorded from Brand’s Bay, Broom Farm, Brownsea, Cranford Ave Autumn(Weymouth), passage: Greenlands Farm, Kimmeridge, Longham Lakes and Middlebere.

Abbotsbury Swannery First 26th Jun, then regular in small numbers to 24th Aug. Brand’s Bay 2 17th, 3 18th, 2 26th Aug, 1 2nd Sep. Christchurch Harbour 151 bird-days Jul, 136 Aug, last 10th Sep. Holes Bay 2 10th, 1 22nd, 2 31st Jul, 1 6th, 8 7th, 2 10th Aug. Holton Lee 4 19th Sep. Lodmoor 9 birds on 8 dates 24th Jul - 22nd Sep. Winter:Portland 36 27th Jun - 4th Sep.

Once again Poole Harbour turned up a few unseasonal records. Two spent Jan in Holes Bay and what may have been a returning bird was at Arne on 28th Nov. 72 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 72 07/09/2015 10:51 CURLEW Numenius arquata Scarce breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

One pair were on territory on Holt Heath, another was present at Arne in May. Its hard to say whether one at Middlebere Heath in late Jun was a breeding bird or merely a returning Wintering:migrant.

The tables below don’t lie. This is one of a number of waders hugely dependent on the Poole SiteHarbour maxima: area as a wintering ground. Apr Sep Nov 22 27 4 2 9 24 9 19 16 978Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 447 711Oct 977Dec Christchurch Harbour 9 2232 42 9 1 8 30 2035 4 Poole Harbour 732 330 130 150 839 SpringThe Fleet passage: 5 13 13 Poor .

Abbotsbury Swannery Just 1 all Apr. Lodmoor 20 2nd Feb - 23rd May. Lyme Regis 1 26th Feb. Portland Bill Total of 32 Mar - Oct. AutumnWest Bay passage: 1 6th May.

Abbotsbury Swannery First returning bird 24th Jun and then sporadically present to 30th Nov. Brand’s Bay Inc 158 2nd Sep and 218 13th Oct. Christchurch Harbour 75 15th Jun - 18th Jul, inc 17 18th Jun, 18 4th Jul. Gussage Down 1 2nd Sep. Lytchett Bay Max 64 Jul. Middlebere Inc 130 15th Jul, 150 26th Aug. West Bexington 9 15th Jun - 28th Jul. White Nothe 2 13th Sep. COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Fairly common passage migrant & scarce winter visitor.

Winter:

At least one bird remained in Holes Bay from 2011 into Feb. What was presumably the same Springindividual passage: was back there in Nov, Dec.

The first migrant appeared on 10th Apr. The usual surge of mid-April records was then followed by a less typical rash of early May arrivals. Impressive counts included 10 at Longham Lakes 4th, up to 8 at West Bexington 1st-6th, as well as 1 over Monmouth Road, Dorchester 3rd. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 73

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 73 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

The first returning bird was logged at Lodmoor 21st Jun. As usual passage was more widespread and protracted than in spring. Biggest counts came from Christchurch Harbour, with a max of 25 in Jul, and Lodmoor, where 14 had stopped over during late Aug. Most birds had moved through by early Sep but, as ever, a handful tarried longer. The last left Lodmoor 1st Nov. Another at Hatch Pond 5th Nov may have come no further than Holes Bay. SPOTTED SANDPIPER Actitis macularius Accidental - five previous records.

H Vaughan et al Lyme Regis The bird originally found on 18th Nov 2011 remainedDN Smith untilI Southworth29th Jan ( et al , photo). Stanpit Marsh 1 around Fisherman’s Bank 1st Feb - 31st Mar ( , , photo).

Any doubt that the Christchurch bird was a second individual was removed once you looked at its feet…unlike the Lyme bird it had all its toes intact! Intriguingly a non birder reported a Common sandpiper in his nearby garden in January that may well have been the Fisherman’s Bank bird

The Lyme Regis bird was the fifth Dorset record and the Stanpit bird the sixth. GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Locally common passage migrant & winter visitor.

First winter period:

The increase in wintering records continues. Recorded in 22 locations early in the year. Biggest concentrations were again in the cress beds of mid-Dorset, incl. 12 at Bere Regis in SpringJan. Elsewhere passage: unexpected new haunts incl. a back garden pond in Merley.

Singles were recorded passing through Abbotsbury Swannery, Bride Valley FF, Hengistbury AutumnHead, Lodmoor, passage: Stanpit, Spetisbury and West Bexington up to 3rd May.

One of the best autumns for a while. The first returning bird appeared inland at Chard Junction GPs on 26th Jun. But migration didn’t pick up serious momentum until late Jul/ early Aug. Numbers eventually tailed off in Sep but the odd migrants were still being noted as late as 22nd Oct.

Lots of birds were noted from lots of places and included 11 at Bere Regis CBs 23rd Jul, a site record count of 14 in Lytchett Bay 30th Aug and 30 bird-days in Aug in Christchurch SecondHarbour. winter period:

Mainly 1-3 were noted from just 9 locations. But they did include another site record count: 8 at Sturminster Marshall in Nov. 74 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 74 07/09/2015 10:51 SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Winter:

A maximum of 11 spent the early months of the year in Poole Harbour. Later in the year numbers peaked at 18 in Oct with at least 12 still around in Dec. But the decline in records in Lytchett Bay - once one of Dorset’s most reliable sites - continues. Only 14 years ago this species was logged on 148 dates.…this year that figure had crashed to 15.

Instead birds are now more likely to turn up in Holes Bay and in the high tide roost on Brownsea Island. Many of these wintering birds are in no rush to head north in spring. 7 lingered on Brownsea until late Apr.

Elsewhere what may be the same returning bird that first appeared in 2006 stayed from the beginning of the year until 24th Apr and from 17th Sep to the end of the year. A second bird Passage:showed up occasionally in early Jan but didn’t stay.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 over 26th Oct. Hengistbury Head 1 9th Aug. Lodmoor 4 1st May. Poole Harbour It’s not always possible to disentangle returning wintering birds from migrants, but 3 Brownsea 23rd, 1 Middlebere 30th Jun may have been genuine passage/non breeding birds. A number of the other records in Jul/Aug, however, probably relate to returning wintering birds. Portland Bill 1n 28th Jul. Stanpit 7 28th Apr, 2 17th Aug. In Sep incl. 2 2nd and 5 6th. GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Locally common passage migrant & uncommon winter visitor.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 1 4 2 6 4 9 2 Jan12 Feb11 Mar11 May Jun Jul14 Aug14 17 Oct16 14 Dec11 Christchurch Harbour Wintering:Poole Harbour

SpringNo records passage: outside Poole Harbour this year.

Abbotsbury Swannery Singles 3rd May, 1st Jun. Brownsea Incl. 3 1st May. Langton Herring 2 2nd May. Lodmoor Singles 3rd, 26th Apr, 10th-17th, 28th May. Middlebere 2 1st May, perhaps same as Brownsea. Portland 2 Bill and Ferrybridge 24th May.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 75

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 75 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery Up to 7 regularly 7th-17th Aug, singles 1st, 12th Sep. Avon Causeway 1 26th Aug. Brownsea First returning bird 4th and 14 by 28th Jul, max 14 in Aug, 17 in Sep. These birds probably accounted for a series of records around Poole Harbour inc max of 15 Lytchett Bay Sep. Chard Junction GPs 1 10th Aug. Christchurch Harbour Max 9 Sep had all moved on by the end of Oct. Gussage St. Andrew 1 over 4th Sep. A rare record away from the coastal strip. Langton Herring 3 12th, 6 26th Aug, 1 13th Sep. Lodmoor Singles 5th, 20th Jul, 1-2 10th-30th Aug, singles 6th, 25th Sep, 4th Oct, 1st and 4th Nov. Portland 16 through 5th Jul - 6th Sep. WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Spring passage:

AutumnNo records. passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery Juv 4th-17th Aug. Bride Valley FF 1 18th Aug (possibly the Abbotsbury bird). Chard Junction GPs 1 31st Jul. Only the 2nd site record. Christchurch Harbour In Aug 1 Wick Fields 10th, 2 Mudeford Quay 15th, 2 over 21st, 1 over Hengistbury Head 22nd. In Sep singles Stanpit 4th, 20th. Durlston 1 over 21st Aug. Lodmoor At least 4, but possibly up to 6, 12th-29th Aug. Lytchett Bay 2 21st, 1 30th Aug. Swineham 1 31st Jul - 2nd Aug. REDSHANK Tringa totanus Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Small numbers bred as usual in the salt marshes in Lytchett Bay, with several more pairs next door at Arne. Elsewhere a pair raised expectations by displaying on Lodmoor in late SiteMay maxima:but decided to move on. Apr Sep Nov 169 167 2 14 70 101 160 190 180 824Jan 786Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug 401 606Oct 860 819Dec Christchurch Harbour 123 60 1346 1 4 1632 21 62 Poole Harbour 524 133 300 The Fleet 35 32

The wintering numbers in Poole Harbour are among the highest this century, but still fall short of the four figure counts of the 1990s. Away from the principle sites Redshank is an 76 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 76 07/09/2015 10:51 amazingly hard bird to connect with in Dorset in winter. So 1 past Portland Bill 25th Dec Otherwas an records unexpected and Christmas passage: present.

This species is rare far inland in Dorset. 1 At Chard Junction GPs 13th Oct was a first site record. Elsewhere in west Dorset Lodmoor enjoyed an excellent spring: 33 passed through 29th Feb - 3rd Jun. Another 39 were logged through Portland 19th Mar - 26th Sep. In contrast West Bexington mustered just 3 records all year.

Further east 4 at Longham Lakes 1st May were unusual. But as ever Dorset’s biggest counts of migrants came from Poole and Christchurch Harbours. A single flock of 182 in Holes Bay 2nd Aug puts other Dorset records in context. TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant - a few non-breeders over-summer.

Site maxima: Apr Sep Nov 26 28 12 1 12 20 18 Jan Feb40 Mar60 2 May Jun Jul4 Aug 9 Oct 48 Dec Christchurch Harbour 25 23 36 33 Passage/recordsPortland Hrbr/F’bridge from elsewhere include: 37 36

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 17th Aug, 1 5th, 2 6th, 1 21st Oct, 2 16th Dec. Durlston 1 12th Sep. Longham Lakes 2 2nd May. Poole Harbour Max of 10 Jan/Feb. Up to 11 Sep-Dec, but inc 21 Bramble Bush Bay 9th Nov. 9 Lytchett Bay the same day was an unusual record away from the southern end of the harbour complex. Preston Beach/Lodmoor In winter up to 9 Jan/Feb, up to 28 Sep-Dec. Passage inc 12 birds on 3 dates 30th Apr - 21st May, 1 25th Jul, 19 19th Aug. Ringstead/Burning Cliff 15 on 14th Feb. Probably part of the Weymouth/Portland flock but still an excellent site record. West Bay 2 6th May. West Bexington 1 15th Aug. GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon autumn passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

All records:

Charmouth 1 31st Oct. Hengistbury Head 1 5th Oct. Mudeford Imm off Sandspit 28th Sep, singles off Quay 25th Nov, 13th Dec. Portland 1 Bill and perhaps same Chesil Beach 28th Aug.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 77

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 77 07/09/2015 10:51 POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant, mainly spring.

Spring

migrants were noted as follows: Branksome 1 on 30th Apr. Durlston 1 east on 25th Apr. Mudeford Quay 1 west 26th Apr. Portland Bill A “below average” 41 between 14th Apr and 16th May.

In mid-Jun unseasonably unsettled weather conditions resulted in a notable influx: Hengistbury Head 1 east with 4 other unidentified skuas on 11th Jun. Portland Bill 30 mainly imm between 1st and 22nd Jun. AutumnWest Bexington 2 east 15th Jun.

migrants were noted as follows: Hengistbury Head 1 west on 24th Sep. WinterPortland Bill A prolonged passage saw 13 recorded 15th Jul to 26th Nov.

records were noted as follows: Portland Bill Singles on 4th Jan and 24th Dec. ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus Locally common passage migrant.

Monthly totals from main coastal sites: Apr Sep Nov 1 8 17 1 1 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Hengistbury Head 39 3 39

Hengistbury Head Max day counts of 21e on 30th Apr and 21w on 27th Aug. Portland Reports totalled 440, with extreme dates of 1st Apr and 11th Spring Nov, highest day counts incl 60 on 26th Apr and 41 on 27th Aug.

Other migrants were noted as follows: Abbotsbury 2 on 25th Apr. Branksome Chine Max 5 on 25th Apr, with 1 on 8th Jun. Wareham Channel 1 flew east on 30th Apr. West BexingtonAutumn 8 east on 3 dates in Apr, 13 east from 7th - 15th Jun.

Other migrants were noted as follows: Branksome Chine 1 on 17th Aug. Durlston Max 4 on 2nd Oct. Southbourne 2 on 30th Sep. West Bexington Singles on 16th and 27th Aug. Weymouth 1 west over Cranford Avenue on 22nd Aug. Inland:Weymouth Bay 1 on 27th Aug, with 2 on 29th Aug, 1 2nd Oct.

West Compton 1 on 31st Aug - 1st Sep was an unusual record 78 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 78 07/09/2015 10:51 White-rumped Sandpiper at Longham Lakes - 4th December 2012 Neil G. Morris - www.tarsiger.co.uk

Barred Warbler at Durlston - 13th October 2012 - Simon Breeze 2012 Dorset Bird Report 79

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 79 07/09/2015 10:51 Glossy Ibis (3T7) at Wareham Common - 19th February 2012 - Peter Moore

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Ferrybridge - 9th July 2012 - Martin Cade 80 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 80 07/09/2015 10:51 LONG-TAILED SKUA Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant.

There were two records submitted this year: CE Richards P Morrison Chesil Cove A juv flew sw on 25th Aug ( ). Stanpit An adult was seen flying upriver on 29th Jul ( ). GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua Uncommon passage migrant & scarce winter visitor.

The UK south coast witnessed an exceptional movement of Great Skuas in Spring (see British Birds 105. 626-628) - peak counts were made on 18th, 25th and 26th Apr.

The annual total off Portland of 534 - 361 off the Bill and 173 off Chesil Cove - was the highestSpring ever recorded here, with most (60%) recorded between 17th and 26th Apr.

Other migrants were noted as follows: Branksome Chine 5 on 25th Apr, with 2 on 30th Apr. Durlston Max 12 on 25th Apr. Hengistbury Head 30 in Apr. West Bexington 22 on 25th Apr was thought to be a day record for the local area. WeymouthAutumn Bay 1 on 25th Apr.

Other migrants were noted as follows: Branksome Chine 1 on 17th Aug. Hengistbury Head 12 in Aug, with 3 in Sep & Oct. WeymouthWinter Bay 1 on 27th Aug.

Other records were noted as follows: Branksome Chine 2 on 29th Dec. Durlston Max 7 on 24th Dec. SABINE’S GULL Xema sabini Scarce offshore migrant, usually storm driven.

There were two records submitted this year: CE Richards et al Chesil Cove A juv flew south and was later seen flying eastP Bright-Thomas off Portland Bill eton al 17th Oct ( ) Portland Bill An adult grounded at the Bill on 30th Aug ( , photo).

2012 Dorset Bird Report 81

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 81 07/09/2015 10:51 KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Portland Bill The Bill colony was occupied although there was no complete Coastal passage maxima: count of either nests or fledged young.

Branksome Chine 125 on 29th Dec. Durlston 1860 west on 24th Dec, 1200 west on 29th Dec. Hengistbury Head 165 west on 31st Oct, 200 west on 29th Dec. UnusualPortland Billrecords: 2000 west on 24th Dec.

Ferrybridge 8 on 3rd Jan. BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus Very common breeding resident, fairly common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Brownsea Lagoon At least 68 nests. Lodmoor No breeding attempt although several pairs were seen displaying and mating. CoastalPoole Harbour passage: No counts received from the Wareham Channel colony.

OtherChesil Covelarge counts received:155 east between 24th and 27th Mar.

The Fleet 1300 on 5th Sep. Weymouth Bay 2000 in roost in Jan and Feb. LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Monthly totals at the main coastal sites: Apr Sep Nov 1 0 2 12 0 1 0 2 6 27 2 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Christchurch Harbour 13

Hengistbury Head Max of 19 west on 31st Oct, 6 west on 20th Nov. Portland Annual total of 60, recorded in all months except Mar, Jun and Spring passage: Jul.

Abbotsbury 1-3 on 20th-24th Apr. Longham Lakes 1-3 on 26th-30th Apr. Little Sea, Studland 1stS on 19th - 24th Apr. 82 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 82 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Chesil Cove Max of 15 on 20th Nov. Durlston 12 bird-days in Oct, 11 in Nov, max 3 on 20th Nov. Hengistbury Head Max of 19 west on 31st Oct, 6 west on 8th Nov. Longham Lakes 2 on 22nd Oct. Studland Bay 2 on 20th Nov. West Bexington Max 5 east on 20th Nov. Weymouth Bay Max 4 on 5th Sep and 23rd Sep. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus Locally common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

PooleWeymouth, Harbour Portland & TheNo Fleet: count received from the colony in the Wareham Channel.

The over wintering population here continues to increase at an extraordinary rate, with a new record total of 700 at Ferrybridge/Portland Harbour during Feb. This same population also results in high counts at nearby sites including Radipole Lake, Weymouth Bay, and Monthlyoccasionally maxima: on forays further west up The Fleet and inland. Apr Sep Nov 700 2 0 1 160 200 400 600 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Ferrybridge Area 500 55 250 650

Abbotsbury 220 on 15th Feb. Butterstreet cove 350 on 15th Feb. Lodmoor Max of 55 on 17th Aug, 56 on 4th Sep. Radipole Lake Max of 329 on 9th Jan. PooleWeymouth Harbour Bay & Durlston: Roost count max included 415 on 6th Jan and 180 on 25th Feb.

Few counts were made other than at Studland Bay. Coastal Purbeck attracted good numbers in the late part of the year, whilst elsewhere in Poole Harbour, as at nearby Christchurch Harbour, most large counts were made as birds gather prior to breeding in late Winter/ earlyMonthly Spring. maxima: Apr Sep Nov 121 20 40 0 0 0 0 100 40 24 Bird-days: Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Studland Bay nc 11 2 4 9 70 nc

Durlston 43 30 15 13 753 245 154

Blue Lagoon 45 on 21st Feb. Brownsea Lagoon Max 76 on 24th Mar. Durlston Huge increase in birds in late Autumn compared to previous years, with 1394 bird-days (398 in 2011). Max of 299 on 2nd Oct.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 83

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 83 07/09/2015 10:51 Christchurch Harbour:

MonthlyMax of 50 maxima: in Apr. Apr Sep Nov 11 67 270 126 10 70 4 12 Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Dec Inland:Christchurch Harbour 396 73 134 31

Large double figure counts can now be expected at some localities at certain time of the year: Buckhorn Weston 26 on 17th Jul. East Stour 26 on 1st Jul. Longham Lakes 70 on 17th Mar. Maiden Castle 40 on 7th Feb. Wimborne 48 on 4th May. Stalbridge 14 on 23rd Jun. Charminster 29 on 16th Jul. COMMON GULL Larus canus Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period max:

Chesil Cove 300 on 3rd Jan. Radipole 500 on 4th Jan. West Bexington 240 on 15th Mar. SecondWeymouth winter Bay period max:1000 in roost on 12th Jan.

Durlston 49 on 24th Dec. Warmwell Quarry 550 on 14th Nov. CoastalWinterbourne passage: Came 2000 on 29th Jan.

Hengistbury Head max 145 west on 25th Oct. RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant - first recorded 1976.

A nice series of records from this Nearctic visitor, with 3 different individuals noted at Radipole: DJ Chown

Brands Bay Ad on 23rd Feb ( , photo). Radipole Lake 2ndW present on several Bdates Spencer fron 2ndet al to 26th Jan (per RSPB, photo). An adult first recorded on 18th Dec 2011 remained until 11th Jan ( , photo). A second adult was present on 9th & 10th Jan (per RSPB, photo).

84 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 84 07/09/2015 10:51 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus graellsii Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Dorchester 3 pairs bred on Dorset County Hospital roof. Portland 1 pair raised 1 young on a building at Easton, with 4 other non-breeding pairs in North Portland and the harbour breakwaters. CoastalWallisdown passage: Ind Est Noted as bred successfully at this site.

Durlston 299 west on 14th Oct. Hengistbury Head 260 west on 5th Nov. OtherLodmoor maxima: 31 south-west on 6th Oct

Wyke Down 300 on 2nd Jan. Larus fuscus intermedius Uncommon passage migrant. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL intermedius

All records of types or intergrades received below:

Lodmoor 6 records of single birds from 18th Feb - 18th Apr. Portland Bill 1 on 27th Aug. West Bexington 3 singles 17th - 26th Apr. HERRING GULL Larus argentatus argenteus Common breeding resident, very common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Portland At least 230 pairs throughout the island. Purbeck 15 nests Durlston - Ragged Rock. WinterWest Bexington roosts: 14 nests in rooftop colony.

OtherPortland counts: Harbour 5000 on 9th Nov on breakwaters.

Brownsea Lagoon 1160 on 31st May. West Bexington Max c1000 on 17th May.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 85

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 85 07/09/2015 10:51 Larus argentatus argentatus Rare winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ HERRING GULL argentatus

All reports of types or intergrades below:

Radipole Lake Adults on 13th Nov and 21st Nov. Stanpit 1 on 30th Jan.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis Scarce breeding resident, locally common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Brownsea Lagoon The usual pair were again present, but no other information Poole Harbour: was received. Apr Sep Nov 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 8 6 2 0 Jan2 Feb2 Mar 0 May2 Jun12 Jul29 Aug60 Oct6 0 Dec0 Lytchett Bay 3 Middlebere 3 3

Elsewhere the only counts received from other usual haunts were:

Holes Bay 8 on 22nd Aug, with 2 on 3rd Nov. OtherSwineham coastal sites: 5 on 10th Nov.

Abbotsbury 4 records during the year, max 2 on 31st Oct. Christchurch Harbour 9 records all of single birds. Lodmoor 11 records during year. Portland Post-breeding dispersal of mainly juvs noted between 12th Jul Novand 17th Oct .with 27 recorded. Radipole Lake Singles on 3rd Jul, 25th Sep, 2 on 30th Sep, 2nd Oct and 13th Inland:

Briantspuddle 1 on 30th Aug. CASPIAN GULL Larus cachinnans Very rare passage migrant & winter visitor - seven previous records.

The 8th county record: L Phillips

Radipole Lake 1stW on 9th Jan ( , photo).

86 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 86 07/09/2015 10:51 ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant.

Very difficult to evaluate the number of individuals present without photographic evidence, but perhaps involved over a dozen birds:

Abbotsbury 1stW west on 17th Feb was later seen at . Durlston 1 west on 9th Jan (unaged). 1 east on 20th Mar (unaged). Lodmoor 1stW noted on 3 dates, 29th Jan - 2nd Feb. Mudeford Quay Imm on 13th Jan. Radipole Lake Single 2nd-winters on 7th Jan, 26th Feb & 17th Mar with single 1st-winters on 13 dates from 6th Feb - 3rd Apr. Portland Bill 1stW on 18th-19th Feb and 5th Mar. Stanpit 1stW on 12th Feb. GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant.

Abbotsbury 1stW on 19th Apr. Ferrybridge 1stS on 17th Apr was also in Chesil Cove. Mudeford Quay A second or third-winter on 20th Apr. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Uncommon breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Durlston 2 nests. Portland Harbour No complete count of breeding population but 79 young were Site maxima: rung in Jun.

Brownsea lagoon 120 on 2nd Oct. West Bexington 64 on 8th Aug, 110 on 20th Nov Portland Harbour 1000 during Nov. LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons Uncommon breeding visitor and passage migrant.

Breeding:

Ferrybridge 21 pairs bred where despite inclement weather that led to 50% of eggs not hatching, nine young fledged: the breeding population has now doubled since the recovery project began in 2009.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 87

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 87 07/09/2015 10:51 Coastal passage:

Hengistbury Head 19 on 15th Jun. Mudeford Quay Max 41 west 26th Apr, 6 east 23rd Sep. OtherPortland records: Bill 3 east on 24th Sep.

Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 26th Apr with 2 on 23rd Jun. Lodmoor 2 on 21st Apr, 6 on 6th May. Weymouth Bay 9 on 2nd May. GULL-BILLED TERN Gelochelidon nilotica Very rare passage migrant - 12 previous records.

The 13th county record. Despite just two records in the 30 years prior to 2010, they have since become annual! The popular individual in 2010 was also found on 29th Jun. Coincidence or a repeat visitor? RA Ford et al

Lodmoor 1 ad 29th Jun ( , photo). BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger Uncommon passage migrant.

Spring passage:

Brownsea lagoon 1 on 19th May. Chesil Cove 6 east on 30th Apr. Durlston 1 east on 25th Apr. Lodmoor 1 on 30th May. Mudeford Quay 3 east on 25th Apr, with singles on 26th & 30th Apr and 24th May. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 2 east on 1st May.

Abbotsbury Juv from 30th Aug - 1st Sep. Hengistbury Head Singles on 26th Aug, 29th Aug and 24th Sep. Mudeford Quay 1 west 25th Aug, with 3 on 23rd Sep. Portland Bill 1 west on 27th Aug. Weymouth Bay 1 on 27th Aug. WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN Chlidonias leucopterus Rare passage migrant.

N Telfer et al Lodmoor An adult from 8th - 10th Jul was the 7th record at this site ( , photo).

88 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 88 07/09/2015 10:51 SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis Fairly common breeding visitor, passage migrant and scarce winter visitor.

Breeding:

Brownsea Lagoon At least 130 nests with 36 fledged young this year. Lodmoor Max of 15 on 9th Jun, and mating noted but no other Coastal passage: suggestion of breeding.

Portland Recorded virtually daily 17th Mar - 18th Oct, most frequently in Apr which accounted for 46% of the annual total of 1164. Max of 100 on 26th Apr. WinterHengistbury records: Head Max counts included 55 west on 27th Apr, 248 west 24th Sep.

Christchurch Harbour 1 - 3 on 11th Jan - 10th Feb. Poole Harbour 1 - 3 in Jan and Feb, with 1-2 in late Nov & Dec. COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Locally common breeding visitor & common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury Around 20 pairs nested, but it was reported very few, if any, young fledged. Brownsea Lagoon 106 sitting birds in Jun, but no info on fledged young received. Chicks were regularly taken by the Yellow-legged Gull pair. Lodmoor A record 146 adults squeezed on to the two breeding islands and, despite serious flooding in July when many young were Coastal passage: lost, at least 30 successfully fledged.

ExtremeHengistbury dates: Head max 897 west 25th Aug.

Abbotsbury (11th Apr - 10th Oct), Hengistbury Head (11th Apr - 31st Oct). ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii Uncommon passage migrant - occasionally breeds.

Brownsea Lagoon 2 on 19th May, with 3 on 20th May. Durlston 1 east on 10th Apr Lodmoor Single (different) individuals recorded on 17th May, 19th May and 24th Jun, with 3 on 4th Jul. Hengistbury Head 2 west on 30th Jul, singles on 6th & 16th Aug, 2 west on 25th Aug and singles on 29th Aug and 10th Sep. Mudeford Quay 1 east 26th May, with 1 on 23rd Sep. Stanpit 2 on 20th Aug with singles on 24th Aug and 3rd Sep. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 89

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 89 07/09/2015 10:51 ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea Fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Lodmoor The breeding male retuned on May 10th for the 4th year running. He quickly paired with a female Common Tern, hatching two hybrid chicks in mid Jun, but both were Spring passage: unfortunately lost in early Jul to reasons unknown.

Abbotsbury 1 on 20th Apr. Brownsea Lagoon 1 on 27th Apr. Chesil Cove 100 on 26th Apr. Durlston 10 on 25th Apr. AutumnHengistbury passage: Head 6 west on 19th Apr.

Abbotsbury An apparent 1st-sum on 9th Jul was later seen at Lodmoor. Chesil Cove 5 on 29th Aug. Christchurch Harbour 66 recorded 12th Aug- 29th Oct, including flock of 22 on 16th Aug. West Bexington 1 on 16th Aug, with 2 on 11th-12th Oct. Weymouth Bay Singles 29th Aug - 2nd Sep, 23rd Sep and 26th Sep.

‘COMMIC TERN’ Sterna hirundo / paradisaea

Records from Portland of Common or Arctic Terns not positively identified to species level are given below:

Portland Bill 2228 passed here between 3rd Apr and 9th Jun. GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Locally common breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Portland Bill No complete counts made. Durlston 350 birds on the cliffs on 9th Jan. Between 400 and 600 birds from Feb to Apr. Predation by Ravens meant that breeding Away from the breeding sites:numbers 80% down. 300 birds present by the year end.

Durlston 480 birds flew past on 31st Dec. Hengistbury Head Recorded in all months except Mar, Apr and Jul but with a Jan to Jun total of just 14 birds. The second half of the year was more typical with a maximum of 23w on 15th Dec.

90 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 90 07/09/2015 10:51 RAZORBILL Alca torda Uncommon breeding resident, common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Durlston 19 birds on 16th Mar and 5th Apr. 18 birds on 17th Apr, 12 birds on 21st Jun. AwayPortland from Bill the breeding sites:No complete count made.

Durlston Maxima of 1000 offshore on 19th Jan and 7th Feb. 2150 birds passing on 31st Dec. Hengistbury Head Recorded in all months except Mar with maxima of 5w on 22nd Jan and 36w and 60s on 31st Oct. Portland Harbour Up to 20 birds in both winter periods. Weymouth Bay Up to 7 birds from 20th Oct with a maximum of 15 on 22nd Dec. Uria/Alca sp

AUK sp

Hengistbury Head 46 birds between Jan and Jun. 62 birds between Sep and Dec with a maximum of 35 on 9th Dec plus a continuous stream of auks flying w, most thought to be Guillemots, on 24th Dec. Portland Bill Wintering population of 20,000 on several dates in mid-Jan. BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle Rare winter visitor & passage migrant.

Portland Bill The bird first found on 10thR Newton Dec 2011 et al remained until 8th Jan. Further reports on 29th Jan and 16th Mar mayCE or Richards may not et alrelate to the same bird ( , photo). Portland Harbour 1 on several dates from 30th Nov into 2013. ( ). LITTLE AUK Alle alle Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor.

Portland Bill 1e on 19th Oct, 1w on 24th Nov.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 91

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 91 07/09/2015 10:51 PUFFIN Fratercula arctica Uncommon breeding visitor & scarce passage migrant.

Breeding:

Dancing Ledge 2-3 pairs & 10 individuals seen during the breeding season. Portland Bill At least 3 birds present between 3rd Mar - 16th Jul, but breeding Other records: not confirmed.

Durlston 1w on 12th Mar. 12 other records during the year with the last 2 on 30th Nov. Hengistbury Head 1w on 7th May, 1e on 15th May. FERAL ROCK DOVE (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

OtherDurlston records: CP c20 pairs at Tilly Whim

Lodmoor 50+ on 5th Sep. Lyme Regis 100+ on 29th Jan. North Portland c150 all year. A further decline in numbers. Radipole Lake 150+ on 22nd Jan and 130+ on 12th Oct. STOCK DOVE Columba oenas Common, but declining, breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Horselynch 2 pairs bred. Merley Park 12 breeding pairs. Hengistbury Head 3 pairs bred. West Bexington At least 1 pair bred.

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

Durlston CP 779 between 1st Oct and 16th Dec, maximum 155 on 27th Nov. East Bexington 374w on 6th Nov, 48w on 7th Nov. FlocksHengistbury above Head 20: 450w on 5th Nov.

Grove Hill Bottom 25 on 19th Feb. Gussage Down 35 on 29th Mar, 60+ on 2nd Sep. Gussage St Andrew 30 on 22nd Nov. Sutton Hill 34 on 7th Apr. 92 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 92 07/09/2015 10:51 WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus Very common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Merley Park 18 pairs bred. CoastalWick movements: 9 pairs bred.

Durlston 40,260 birds between 1st Oct and 16th Dec with a maximum of 19,600 on 27th Oct. East Bexington 10,330 (9,975w and 355e) on 6th Nov, 1,600w on 7th Nov. Hengistbury Head 12,000 on 27th Oct, 11,500 on 28th Oct, 17,500w on 5th Nov and 16,200w on 6th Nov. Lodmoor 25,000 on 27th Oct. Poole, Constitution Hill 47,900 on 6th Nov. This constitutes a day record for this site. Portland 610n 16th - 24th Mar. 16,720 mainly south 18th Oct - 7th Nov. FlocksWest Bexington above 100: 15,000 on 27th Oct.

Bardolf Farm 1,400 on 15th Dec. Grove Hill Bottom 300 on 2nd Dec. North Portland 150 on 13th Apr. Sixpenny Handley 300 on 21st Mar. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 1500 on 1st Nov. COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Merley Park 1 pair fledged 3 young. West Bexington 1 pair bred.

Migration:These were the only records received. The species breeds throughout the county.

Portland Bill 47n between 27th Mar and 27th May.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 93

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 93 07/09/2015 10:51 TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Scarce breeding visitor & uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding season records:

Clouds Hill 2 males calling on 4th Jun, 2 pairs on 23rd Jul. Forston 1 on 1st Jul. Higher Hyde Heath 1 male calling on 23rd Jul. Manswood 3 males calling on 4th Jun. Morden Park Lake 1 on 11th May. Turnerspuddle Heath 2 birds on 6th May. Uploders 1 on 20th May. CoastalNo confirmed migration: breeding this year.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 19th Jun. Durlston Singles on 4th May, 16th May and 22nd Aug. A further decline. Christchurch Harbour 3 singles between 13th Apr and 24th May. 4 singles between 27th Jul and 12th Sep. Ferrybridge 1 on 7th Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 15th May. The Nothe 1 on 1st May. Portland Bill 35 birds from May 1st to 13th Jun – an average showing. Just 3 singles from 23rd Jul to 4th Sep. ExtremeWakeham dates: 1 in 3rd Oct.

Woodsford - 1 bird in a garden from at least 16th to 21st Mar. The earliest Dorset record. There are only two other March records - on 22nd (Lodmoor 1998) and 29th (Portland Bill 1972). 7th Oct Ferrybridge. RING-NECKED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri Uncommon breeding resident.

Durlston 5 on 8th Sep. 1 on 6th Sep. Portland Bill 1 on 8th May. Portland Rodwell 1 on 3rd Jun and 1 on 6th Oct. Studland Present all year with a maximum of 7 on 18th Jan. Swanage Maxima of 11 on 20th Oct and 10 on 1st Dec. Weymouth Singles on 8th May, 7th Aug and 4th Oct. CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Fairly common, but declining, breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Morden Bog 1 juvenile on 9th Aug. Purse Caundle 2 females and a juvenile on 4th Jul. 94 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 94 07/09/2015 10:51 Recorded in the breeding season from the following sites: Arne, Avon CP, Badbury Rings, Bradford Abbas, Brockington, Broom Farm, Buckhorne Weston, Canford School, Cerne Abbas, Christchurch, Christchurch Harbour (4 birds at Stanpit on 10th Jun), Compton Down, Cranborne, Cranborne Common, Dorchester, Eyebridge, Grange Heath, Great Ovens Heath, Gussage St Andrew, Hambledon Hill, Hampreston, Hartland Moor, Hilfield, Holt, Holt Heath, Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lorton Meadows, Lulworth MOD, Lytchett Bay, Middlebere, Monkton-up-Wimborne, Moors Valley CP. Morden Bog (pair), Newton Heath, Pentridge, Powerstock Common, Stock Gaylard, Sugar Hill, Sutton Waldron, Swineham GPs, Throop Mill, Turnerspuddle Heath, Upton Heath, Wareham, White Nothe, West Moors, Whitemill, Migration:Winspit, Wool. A total of 50 sites this year.

Christchurch Harbour 14 bird days in Apr, 34 bird days in May. Also 20 bird- days in Jun but some/all of these could relate to summer Sepresidents. 1 on. 5th Jul and 1 on 6th Sep. Durlston CP Only 6 records. 2 birds in spring and 4 in autumn, latest 5th

Lodmoor 1-3 birds daily from 1st to 24th May and 1st, 3rd of Jun. A juvenile on 13th Sep. Portland 22 birds between 19th Apr and 12th May. One bird on 8th Jul and 12 between 10th and 31st Aug. The highest total since 1993, probably due to the weather rather than an increase in Extreme dates: overall numbers.

17th Mar at Dorchester and 14th Sep at Morden Bog. BARN OWL Tyto alba Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Lorton Meadows Pair bred. 4 eggs hatched, but following the disappearance of the female and 2 chicks the male reared the remaining 2 chicks. West Bexington Pair bred. 1 juvenile seen 31st Jul. Winterborne Stickland Pair bred. Wyke Regis Pair bred at the Bridging Camp and were seen feeding a juvenile.

Also recorded from Bindon Abbey, Burton Farm, Gussage St Andrew, Middlebere, Portland (2 possible sites), Purse Caundle, Tarrant Rushton, West Moors and Winterborne Herringston Otherin the breedingrecords: season.

Reported from Alderholt, Arne, Chard Junction gps, Grove Hill Bottom, Gussage Down, Gussage St Andrew, Holt Heath, Lodmoor, Marshwood, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Monkton- up-Wimborne, Sherford Bridge, Swineham Point, West Bexington, Wimborne St Giles, Wyke Down, and Wyke Regis.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 95

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 95 07/09/2015 10:51 LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

West Morden 3 young seen on 18th Jun.

Also recorded from Eyebridge nr Wimborne, Ludwell, Martinstown, Portland (4 sites) and OtherWest Bexington, records: in the breeding season.

Recorded from Avon Causeway, Buckland Newton, Eyebridge, Gussage St Andrew, Hurn Airport, Portland, Purse Caundle, Todber, West Bexington, Wick, Wimborne St Giles, Winterborne Stickland, and Wyke Down. TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Common breeding resident.

Confirmed breeding:

Abbotsbury Swannery Juvenile seen. Broadstone – Pocket Park 2 young seen on 6th Jun. Canford School 2 pairs bred. Dorchester Nestbox with 3 young near County Hall on the very early date of 9th Feb. 3 fledged juveniles on 9th Mar. Durlston Pair fledged young. Gussage St Andrew Pair with 2 juveniles. Hilton near Milton Abbas Juveniles calling on 3rd Jun. Langton Matravers 2 recently fledged young on 6th Jun. Lorton Meadows Pair bred, young seen in May. Lytchett Bay 2 fledglings seen on 24th May. UnconfirmedMerley Park breeding: Pair fledged 2 young.

Breeding season records from Arne and Winterborne Stickland (3 pairs). LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor.

All records:

Bourton Wood 1 on 12th Nov. Durlston CP 1 on 1st Nov. Portland Bill Between 1 and 3 birds recorded from 24th to 27th Oct.

96 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 96 07/09/2015 10:51 SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor.

Summer records:

Undisclosed location 1 present up to 10th Jul and seen carrying food on the latter Beginning of year / spring date.passage: There was, however, no proof of breeding.

Arne Moors 1 on 1st Jun. Bestwall 1 on 8th May. Coombe Heath 1 on 29th Jan. Durlston CP 1 on 20th and 23rd Apr, 2 from 3rd to 4th May and 1 on 5th May. Eggardon Hill Fort 2 on 31st Mar and 1 on 11th Apr. Hardy’s Monument 2 on 1st May. Hartland Moor 1 on 3rd, 19th, 20th and 24th Feb. Hengistbury Head 1 on 7th and 28th Apr, 2 on 2nd May and 1 on 4th to 5th May. Lodmoor 1 on 22nd Mar, 1 on 4th Jun. Middlebere 1 on several dates from 2nd Jan to 6th May with 2 on 15th Apr. Portesham 1 on 14th Mar. Portland 1 at the Bill during Jan and Feb. 26 birds between 23rd Mar and 25th May with 5 on 5th May. Stanpit Singles in Feb, 13th and 14th Apr and 9th May. Stourpaine 1 on 28th Feb. Sunnyside Farm 1 on 8th Jan. Wareham Channel 1 on 22nd May, 1st and 2nd of Jun. White Nothe 1 on 8th May. Wyke Down Up to 4 birds present between 1st Jan and 21st Mar, 1 on 1st Autumn passage and end ofMay. year records .

Arne Moors 1 on 5th Dec. Durlston CP Singles on 21st and 26th Oct; 9th, 10th and 14th Nov. Ferrybridge 1 on 7th and 15th Dec. Gussage Down up to 4 from late Nov into 2013. Hartland Moor 1 on 4th Nov. Hengistbury Head 1 on 23rd Aug, 1 on 29th Sep, 1 on 10th and 24th Oct, 3 on 27th Oct, and 1 on 5th Nov. Lodmoor 1 on 25th and 26th Sep, 20th Oct and 6th Nov. Portland Singles on 18th Aug and 27th Sep. 26 birds between 15th Oct and 5th Nov. At least 2 birds wintered at the Bill from late Nov to end of year. Upton Heath 1 on 6th Dec. Wareham Channel 1 on 3rd Dec. West Bexington Singles on 23rd Oct and 7th Nov. Wyke Down 2 birds on 15th Dec, 3 on 18th Dec and 1 on 21st Dec.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 97

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 97 07/09/2015 10:51 NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus Fairly common breeding visitor & scarce passage migrant.

Breeding:

Recorded in the breeding season from Alderholt CP (2), Arne, Avon CP (6), Brownsea Island, Common, Hardy’s Monument (3), Hengistbury Head (2), Higher Hyde Heath (adult on nest with 2 chicks, 25th Jun), Holt Heath (5), Lytchett Bay (2), Morden Bog (6) Rushcombe Bottom, Sopley Common (2), Stoborough Heath, Town Common (14), Upton Heath, Wareham Forest, West Moors Plantation (6), White Sheets Plantation and Winfrith ExtremeHeath (3). dates:

2nd May Ferndown Common and 24th Sep Hilfield. SWIFT Apus apus Common (but declining) breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury village Several pairs. 1 pair. Migration:No other records received.

Christchurch Harbour Apr, 200 bird days, maximum 150 Hengistbury on 30th. May, 785 bird days, maximum 300 Stanpit on 2nd. Jun, 374 bird days, maximum 223 Hengistbury on 8th. Jul, 156w at Hengistbury on 27th, 300w Stanpit on 30th. Aug, 237 bird days, maximum 100 Stanpit 19th. Last at Hengistbury on 1st Sep. Lodmoor 3 on 24th Apr. 2000+ on 5th Jun. 1 on 1st Sep. Longham Lakes 100+ 2nd May, 500+ 3rd May, 800+ 9th May and 1000+ 10th May. 250 on 4th Jun and 300 24th Jun. Poole Park 750+ on 8th Jun. Portland A very early record of one bird north on 29th Mar. 300n on 30th Apr, 26th May and 4th Jun. 500 over the Bill and Southwell on 9th Aug. Swineham GPs 150+ 8th May. Wareham Channel 70 on 30th Apr.

There have only been two previous county records for March, both in 1990. 2 at Hengistbury Extremeon the 19th dates: and 1 at Branksome Chine on the 23rd.

29th Mar Portland Bill and 8th Sep Durlston CP.

98 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 98 07/09/2015 10:51 KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Radipole Lake Pair nesting at north hide on 23rd Mar.

Also recorded in the breeding season from Bride Valley, Longham, Morden Bog, and Stour OutsideValley LNR. the breeding season:

Recorded from 39 sites. BEE-EATER Merops apiaster Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring & summer. Attempted to breed in 2006.

W Claydon et al L Etheridge et al Durlston 1 on 31st May ( , photo) Durlston/Swanage A juvenile was present 28th to 30th Oct ( , photo). HOOPOE Upupa epops Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in spring.

All records:

Abbotsbury Gardens 1 on 2nd May. 1 on 12th May. Durlston 1 on 13th Apr. Godlingston Heath 1 on 3rd Nov. Hengistbury Head 1 on 28th Mar and 1 on 16th May. Lodmoor 1 on 25th May. Melcombe Bingham 1 on 16th May. Peveril Point 1 on 4th May. Portland 1 at Blacknor on 28th Mar, 1 at East Weare on 16th Aug and 1 at on 15th Nov equalling the latest record for Portland. Stonebarrow Hill 1 on 12th May. Tincleton 1 on 2nd Jun. Wyke Regis 1 from 30th Apr to 2nd May.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 99

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 99 07/09/2015 10:51 WRYNECK Jynx torquilla Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

Spring passage:

FerndownAutumn passage: 1 on 30th Apr and 1st May.

Abbotsbury 1 on 4th Sep. Askerswell 1 from 29th to 31st Aug. Boyshill 1 on 6th and 8th Oct. Brownsea 1 on 12th Oct. Canford Heath 1 on 20th Aug. Rifle Range 1 on 30th Aug and 28th Sep. Durlston 1 on 24th and 31st Aug, 1 on 7th, 12th to 15th and 29th Sep. East Bexington 1 on 13th Oct. 1 on 6th Oct. Greenland’s Farm 1 on 11th Sep. Hengistbury Head 1 on 23rd Aug and 1 at Wick on 19th Sep. Middlebere 1 on 21st, 24th, 26th to 28th and 30th Aug. Portland Bill 1 on 27th - 28th Aug, at least 1 from 14th to 26th Oct at the Bill and Southwell. A second bird at the Bill on 24th Oct. Portland - Southwell 1 on 25th Sep. Portland - Verne Common 2 or 3 from 19th to 22nd Aug. Stubhampton 1 on 15th Sep. Swanage Old Tip 1 on 29th Sep. 1 on 6th Oct. Uploaders 1 on 27th Aug. Upwey 1 on 2nd and 3rd Sep. West Bexington/Cogden 8 birds from 19th Aug to 13th Oct. West Compton 1 on 1st Sep. Worbarrow 1 on 6th and 7th Oct. ExtremeWyke Regis, autumn Bridging dates: Camp 1 on 15th Sep.

Portland and West Bexington on 19th Aug and Portland on 26th Oct. GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Confirmed at Canford School (2 pairs bred), Chard Junction gps (pair fledged 3 juvs), Hengistbury (2 pairs, one of which raised 2 young), Horselynch (pair bred), Lytchett Bay (bred successfully), Merley Park (pair fledged 2 juvs), Middlebere (3 juvs), Powerstock Common (2 juvs) and Stanpit (pair raised 2 young).

100 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 100 07/09/2015 10:51 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major Common breeding resident & rare passage migrant.

Breeding:

Confirmed at Abbotsbury (several juveniles), Canford School (3 pairs bred), Hengistbury (2 pairs but no young seen), Horselynch (2-3 pairs, Lytchett Bay (2 nests found), Merley Park Post-breeding(3 pairs, 5 juvs), dispersal Spetisbury or (juvenile migration: seen) and Upton CP (pair at nest site).

Durlston 96 birds between mid Sep and 23rd Dec, with a maximum of 5 on 15th Oct. East Bexington 4w on 19th Sep. Hengistbury 1n on 6th and 5nw on 9th Oct. Portland Almost daily records from 15th Jul into 2013. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor Uncommon, declining breeding resident.

Breeding:

OtherNo breeding records: records received.

Arne 1 on 4th Apr. Bovington MOD 1 on 16th Jan. Bulbarrow Hill 1 on 23rd Mar. Durlston 1 on 19th Oct. Ower Bay 1 on 25th Feb, drumming. Sherford Bridge A male on 14th Feb. Turnerspuddle Heath 1 on 12th Apr. WOODLARK Lullula arborea Locally common breeding resident & uncommon passage migrant.

Breeding:

Birds singing from the end of January with breeding season sightings as follows(singing males or pairs): Arne, Chamberlayne’s Heath, Compton Valence(1), Cranbourne Common, Durlston CP (12 birds on 26th Jul), Gore Heath(1), Grange Heath(1), Hartland Moor, Higher Hyde Heath(3 juvs on 9th Jul), Holton Heath, , Morden Bog/Sherford Bridge(2+, with 2 young seen 20th Apr & 15th Sep), St. Catherine Hill, Sandford Heath, Soldiers Rd (1), Wareham Forest (2+), Warmwell Quarry, White Sheet Plantation (1).

SpringThe Compton passage: Valence record is away from traditional areas.

Hengistbury Head 1 on 2nd May. Portland 2 at the Bill 29th Feb, 1 N over Southwell 29th Mar.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 101

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 101 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Durlston CP 29 bird-days from 6th Oct. Chickerell Rifle Range 1 on 15th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 19 bird-days between 12th Sep & 14th Nov. East Bexington 2 W on 6th Nov. Portland 11 bird-days between 27th Sep & 18th Nov. Ringstead Bay 1 on 5th Oct. WinterSouth Haven periods: 2 on 24th Oct.

1-4 noted at Arne, Bushey, Morden Bog, Rempstone, Sandford, Wytch Farm. SKYLARK Alauda arvensis Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (singing males or pairs): Abbotsbury, Canford School(1), Cogden Beach (10-15), Durlston CP (5), Hammoon(3), Hengistbury Head (5), Lytchett Bay (1-2), Southdown Ridge, Lodmoor (1), Stanpit Marsh (2), Sutton Hill(2), Thornicombe(4), West Bexington (15), Wick (1). Breeding season presence noted at other sites with suitable Springbreeding passage: habitat.

AutumnLodmoor passage: 10N on 29th Feb.

Abbotsbury 165 bird-days between 29th Sep & 6th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 510 bird-days between 6th Oct & 17th Nov, max of 163 on 24th Oct. Durlston CP 959 bird-days between 13th Sep & 19th Dec, max 112 on 20th Oct. East Bexington 274W over 3 dates 19th Sep, 13th Oct & 6th Nov. Lodmoor 175 bird-days between 21st Oct & 15th Nov. Portland 71 bird-days north Portland between 6th Oct & 17th Nov the Winter flocks (30 and over):only count in a poor autumn.

Arne Moors 50+ on 24th Mar. Lodmoor 32 early winter. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 50 on 20th Feb. West Bexington 130 second winter period. West Compton 80 on 16th Jan.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 102 07/09/2015 10:51 SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Fairly common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported as follows: Chard Junction (2), Hengistbury Head (‘poor year’), Warmwell Quarry Spring(‘success passage: unknown but little activity later in breeding season’).

Abbotsbury From 31st March until 17th May, max 200+ 3rd-5th May. Bere Regis Cress Beds Apr50 on 22nd Apr.. Christchurch Harbour 303 bird-days between 8th Mar & end Apr, max 160 on 27th

Hatch Pond Max 30 on 4th May. Lodmoor Max 250 on 15th May. Longham Lakes Max 200 on 20th May. Lytchett Bay Max 30 on 1st May. Portland Max 150 on 13th May at The Bill. Swineham Max 230 on 18th Apr. AutumnWest Bexington passage: Max 100+ on 1st May.

Christchurch Harbour 1877 bird-days between 23rd Jul & 9th Oct, max 700 on 6th Aug. Durlston CP 1171 bird-days between 11th Jul & 20th Oct. Langton Herring 200 on 12th Aug. ExtremeLodmoor dates: Max 500+ on 21st & 23rd Aug.

4th Mar at Radipole & a notably late bird on 30th Nov at West Bexington. SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury (4+), Canford School(3 pairs fledged 18 young), Gotham(6 pairs fledged 24 young), Hengistbury Head (2), Lytchett Bay (1), Portland (30+), SpringSpetisbury(4 passage pairs (all fledged records 37 of young), 1,000 West or more Bexington birds): (2).

Abbotsbury max 1000+ 3rd-5th May. Brownsea 900 per hour on 3rd May. Christchurch Harbour 1821 bird-days . Durlston CP max 2400 on 4th May. Lodmoor max 2500 on 3rd May. Longham Lakes 5000 on 3rd May. Portland 30000 N at the Bill 2nd-3rd May.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 103

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 103 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage (all records of 1,000 or more birds):

Christchurch Harbour 29041 bird-days, max 9000 on 6th Sep. Durlston CP 31050 bird-days, max 3100 on 28th Aug. East Bexington 1000E per hour on 29th Sep, 1000E on 7th Oct. Lodmoor max c10000 in roost early Sep. Portland 6891 bird-days between 3rd Aug & 16th Nov, north Portland West Bexington max 2000 on 29th Sep. ExtremeWyke Regis dates: 600 per hour on 5th Oct.

15th Mar at Portland & 3rd Dec at Lodmoor. HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Canford School(35 pairs all deserted in August), Gotham(7), Lytchett Bay (2 pairs Watery Lane, 4+ elsewhere), Portland (n/c at Weston & Southwell), Ridge(2), Weymouth (6 pairs SpringCarlton passageRoad North). (all counts of 200 or more birds):

Christchurch Harbour 621 bird-days. AutumnLodmoor passage (all countsmax of 1,000250 on or 3rd more & 15th birds): May.

Christchurch Harbour 27868 bird-days, max 13500 on 22nd Sep. Durlston CP 15491 bird-days, max 3600 on 30th Sep. East Bexington 9000W on 7th Oct in 2 hours. Lodmoor max 1500 19th Sep & 2500 on 22nd Sep. Portland 3365 bird-days between 14th Aug & 14th Oct, north Portland. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: max 3500 W on 22nd Sep & 1000W on 29th Sep.

26th Mar at Portland & 7th Nov at Hengistbury Head. RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis daurica Scarce migrant, mainly in spring & summer.

SA Groves

The Fleet 1 at Seventeen Acre Point on 20th May ( ). RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

M Gibbons et al Littlesea, The Fleet The bird first located on 2nd Dec 2011 remained until 15th Apr ( , photo).

104 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 104 07/09/2015 10:51 TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Locally common breeding visitor & fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reports in breeding areas as follows (pairs or singing males): Avon Heath, Canford Heath(1), Cranbourne Common, Grange Heath(1), Greenlands Farm, Lambert’s Castle, Morden Bog/Sherford Bridge (5), Powerstock Common(2), St. Catherines Hill (1), Turnerspuddle SpringHeath(2), passage: West Moors Plantation(3), Wareham Forest, Warmwell Heath.

Christchurch Harbour 22 bird-days between 30th Mar & 16th May. Durlston CP 22 bird-days between 23rd Mar & 4th May. Lodmoor 1 on 17th Apr. AutumnPortland passageBill (all counts65 of bird-days 10 or more between are shown): 11th Apr & 22nd May.

Christchurch Harbour 257 bird-days between Aug & 13th Oct, max 32 on 31st Aug. Durlston CP 220 bird-days between 2nd Aug & 19th Oct, max 26 on 23rd Aug. Lodmoor Sep11 bird-days .between 23rd Aug & 6th Oct. Lytchett Bay 47 bird-days between 23rd Aug & 21st Sep, max 10 on 17th

ExtremePortland Billdates: 270 bird-days between 27th Jul & 24th Oct.

23rd Mar at Durlston & 24th Oct at Portland. MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury (several), Hengistbury Head (8), Lower Avon Valley (7-8), Portland. In addition noted at a variety of other sites in suitable breeding habitat Winterduring the flocks: summer.

Arne Moors 50+ on 24th Mar. Doddings Farm Cress Beds 30 on 12th Feb. Coombe Heath 37+ on 2nd Mar. Lorton Valley, Weymouth 35+ both Winter periods. Stanpit Marsh 27 on 9th Feb. Portland Bill 80 on 12th Feb. Waddock Cross CBs max 40 on 5th Feb. West Bexington 60 both Winter periods.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 105

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 105 07/09/2015 10:51 Spring passage (all counts of 100 or more birds):

Christchurch Harbour 8610 bird-days, max 2141 on 22nd Mar. AutumnDurlston passageCP (all countsmax of over1045 400 on 22nd birds): Mar.

Christchurch Harbour 12200 bird-days, max 1450 on 5th Oct. Durlston CP 10244 bird-days, max 1050 on 9th Oct. East Bexington max 3000+ on 19th Sep. Lodmoor max 500+on 19th & 27th Sep, 7th & 9th Oct. West Bexington max 2000+W on 19th Sep, 250 grounded 5th Oct. ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Locally common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Reported breeding at Durlston CP (5 pairs), Hengistbury Head (4 pairs) & Portland. Breeding season presence at many coastal sites during the summer are likely to refer to Winterbreeding counts: birds.

Ballard Down 11 on 21st Jan. Christchurch Harbour Early winter max of 10 at Stanpit Marsh & 7 at Hengistbury. Lyme Regis 15+ on 29th Jan. And single figure reports from Bridging Camp-The Fleet, Brownsea, Durlston, Holes Bay, Nothe, Pilots Point, Poole Park, Portland, Ringstead Bay, Shell Bay, Swanage, Swineham Passage:Point.

Durlston CP Overhead movement of 100 bird-days between mid Sep & Dec. East Bexington 3W on 19th Sep. Lodmoor 1 on Preston Beach between 21st Oct & 5th Nov the first for several years. Anthus petrosus littoralis Uncommon winter visitor. ‘SCANDINAVIAN’ ROCK PIPIT

Stanpit Marsh 34 bird-days between Jan & 11th Apr, most in March WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor & passage migrant.

First winter period/spring

Lodmoor 12+ bird-days between 12th Jan & 14th Mar. Longham Lakes 2 on 8th Jan, 1 on 27th Mar & 10th Apr. Stanpit Marsh c60 bird-days between Jan & 13th Apr, max 6 on 23rd Jan.

106 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 106 07/09/2015 10:51 Tincleton CBs 1 on 14th Jan. SecondWytch Causeway winter period/Autumn max 6+ on 4th Jan.

Durlston CP 1 on 15th Nov. Ferrybridge 1 on 16th Dec. Lodmoor 1-2 birds between 22nd Oct and end of year. Longham Lakes 1 on 4 dates between 21st & 28th Dec. Lytchett Bay 1 on 2nd & 9th Dec. Radipole Lake/Park Drive 3 on 29th Nov & 1st Dec. Stanpit Marsh 4 bird-days between 14th Oct & 12th Dec. Wareham Watermeadows 4 on 3rd Nov. YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava Fairly common passage migrant.

Spring passage (all counts of 10 or more birds):

Christchurch Harbour 114 bird-days between 7th Apr & May, max 11 on 13th Apr. AutumnPortland passageBill (all counts104 of bird-days30 or more between birds): 8th Apr & 4th Jun.

Abbotsbury 950 bird-days between 6th Aug & 10th Oct, max 500 roosting on 4th Sep. Christchurch Harbour 941 bird-days between 1st Jul & 28th Oct, max 128 on 31st Aug. Durlston CP 275 bird-days between mid Aug & 5th Nov, max 25 on 3rd Sep. Langton Herring 40 on 5th Sep. Lodmoor Most days between 19th Aug & 26th Sep with up to 150 in reedbed roost during this time. Lytchett Bay 512 bird-days between 25th Aug & 6th Oct, max 72 on 4th Sep. Portland Bill 841 bird-days between 25th Jul & 25th Oct. Radipole Lake 100 on 2nd Sep. ExtremeWest Bexington dates: 109 bird-days Jul-Sep.

3rd Apr at Portland & 5th Nov at Durlston CP. Motacilla flava flava Scarce passage migrant. BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL

Bridging Camp, The Fleet 1 on 25th May. Cogden Beach Male on 5th May. Lodmoor 1 on 25th - 26th May. Longham Lakes Male on 8th May showed some iberiae features. Portland 1 on 25th May.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 107

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 107 07/09/2015 10:51 GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Locally common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Bride Valley FF(1 juv on 29th Jul), Canford School(2), Hammoon(1),Knapp Mill (1), Lytchett Bay (1), Merley Park (1 pair fledged 2 young), Morden Park Lake(1), Wimborne(1), Winkton Weir (1), Winterbourne Stickland (1 juv on 30th May). Other summer sightings from , Brownsea, Kingcombe, Longham, SpringNetherbury, passage: West Moors Plantation

Christchurch Harbour 2 on 13th May;1 on 23rd Jun. Lodmoor 1 on 4th Apr. AutumnPortland passage (all countsSingles of 10 onor 25thmore Frb birds): & 14th Mar.

Abbotsbury SepSmall numbers. from late Jul until end of year. Christchurch Harbour 115 bird-days between 20th Aug & 13th Oct, max 14 on 12th

Durlston CP Max 14 on 12th & 13th Sep. East Bexington 10w on 13th Sep, 20W on 19th Sep. Lodmoor 1-3 5th Sep & most days 11th-27th Sep. Portland 113 bird-days between 26th Aug & 7th Nov. Winter:West Bexington 41 bird-days Aug-Sep.

Recorded during the winter periods in small numbers as follows: Abbotsbury, Bere Regis CBs, Cerne Abbas, Hengistbury Head, Holes Bay, Hurn Airport, Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Lyme Regis, Norden Sewage Works, Poole Park & PC Drain, Stanpit Marsh, Throop Mill, Tincleton CBs, Waddock Cross CBs, Weymouth, Wick. PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba yarrellii Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury (1), Canford School(2), Lodmoor, Merley Park (1), SpringPortland passage: (10+), West Bexington.

Christchurch Harbour 85 bird-days Mar-Apr. AutumnHatch Pond passage (all countsMax of 100roost or count more): of 112 on1st Mar.

Christchurch Harbour 3413 bird-days Sep-Oct, max 520 on 24th Oct. Durlston CP 5723 bird-days between mid Sep & Dec, max 435 on 20th Oct. East Bexington 167W on 29th Sep, 244 mainly E on 7th Oct, 189W on 13th Oct. Hatch Pond Max roost count of 363 on 19th Oct. Lytchett Bay Max roost count 500 on 10th Oct. 108 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 108 07/09/2015 10:51 Portland Bill Max 400 on 13th Oct. WinterWest Bexington roosts: Max 100 on 13th Oct.

Granby Ind.Est. Weymouth 200 on 5th Nov. Hatch Pond 150 on 25th Feb. Weymouth Ferry Terminal 300 on 22nd Jan. Motacilla alba alba Fairly common passage migrant. WHITE WAGTAIL Spring passage:

Abbotsbury 5 bird-days between 9th Mar & 17th Apr. Alner’s Gorse 1 on 23rd Mar. Bridging Camp, The Fleet 1 on 19th Mar. Brownsea 1 on 28th Apr & 3rd May. Christchurch Harbour 24 bird-days between 4th Mar & 9th May. Durlston 1 on 2nd Apr. Lodmoor 5 bird-days between 31st Mar & 19th May. Longham Lakes 17 on 18th Apr, 5 on 2nd May, 1 on 3rd May & 4th May. Portland 40 bird-days between 26th Feb & 16th May. AutumnWest Bexington/Cogden passage: 9 bird-days between 10th & 30th Apr.

Abbotsbury 1 on 23rd Sep. Brownsea 1 on 4th Oct. Lodmoor 1 on 15th Sep. Portland 55 bird-days at The Bill between 22nd Aug & 12th Oct with Extreme dates: smaller numbers elsewhere on Portland.

26th Feb & 12th Oct at Portland. WAXWING Bombycilla garrulous Scarce winter visitor & passage migrant, subject to irruptions into the UK.

A small influx in the second Winter period. Most birds were transient but a small flock settled at Tolpuddle.

Arne 1 over 17th Dec. Bournemouth 1 on 5th Dec, 14 on 13th Dec at the Hospital. Canford Heath 1 on 8th Dec. Christchurch 5 behind the Ship-in-Distress public house at Stanpit on 8th Dec & 2 at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre & later in Ashtree Meadows on 10th Dec. 7 on 28th Dec. Durlston CP 2 on 27th Nov, singles on 1st, 5th & 23rd Dec. Gillingham 6 on 30th Dec. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 109

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 109 07/09/2015 10:51 Lodmoor 1 over 30th Nov. Longfleet School 3 on 20th Dec. 1 on 5th Dec. Poole 3 on 21st Dec. Portland Singles at the Obs 26th Nov & 18th Dec, Ladymead 28th Nov, St. Georges Estate Rd 1st Dec, Grosvenor Rd 13th Dec and 2 Weston 8th Dec. singles not specified 13th Dec & 18th Dec. Purewell 7 on 28th Dec. South Haven 3n on 2nd Dec. Stoborough 1 on 8th Dec. Swanage 1 over 23rd Dec. Tolpuddle Up to 5 from 11th Dec on several dates. Waytown 1 on 30th Nov at Elwell Fruit Farm . Weymouth 3 in Weymouth FC car park on 29th Nov. Winspit 1 on 6th Nov. Wool 3 on 23rd Dec. Wyke Regis 1 on 8th Dec. DIPPER Cinclus cinclus Uncommon breeding resident in the west of the county.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Lyme Regis (R. Lim) 1 juv on 24th May and scattered records during year. Maiden Newton (R Frome 2 juvs on 29th Jun. Other& R.Hooke) records:

Beaminster area Jun & Sep sightings. Betterlands Farm 1 on 7th Apr. Charmouth 1 on 12th Feb. Forde Abbey 1 on 2nd Jan. Netherbury 3 dates in Mar/Apr. WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury (several), Cogden Beach, Durlston CP (40+), Hatch Pond (5), Lodmoor, Merley park (4), Portland (6+), West Bexington , Wick (14-15).

No other records of note.

110 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 110 07/09/2015 10:51 DUNNOCK Prunella modularis Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury (several), Cogden Beach, Durlston CP (41+), Hatch Pond (4), Lodmoor , Merley Park (2), Portland (7+), West Bexington , Wick (13-14).

No other records of note. ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Very common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury (several), Cogden Beach, Durlston CP (29), Hatch Passage:Pond (5), Lodmoor , Merley Park (8), Portland (6+), West Bexington , Wick (9).

Abbotsbury 30 ob 23rd Oct. Durlston CP 19 ringed on 23rd Oct. Hengistbury Head 70 on 24th Oct was the only count. Portland Bill 478 trapped & ringed between Aug & Nov was the highest autumn total ever. Winspit 50 on 10th Oct. NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos Uncommon, declining breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

At breeding sites as follows (singing birds): Burning Cliff-Ringstead (3), Corfe Castle to SpringUlwell (3-4), passage: Lydlinch Common (1+).

Christchurch Harbour 1 Wick Fields on 27th, 29th & 30th Apr. Cogden Beach 1 on 4th May. Durlston CP 1 on 4th May. Langton Matravers 1 on 25th Apr. Longham Bridge 1 on 17th Jun. Longham Lakes 1 on 13th May. Lytchett Bay 1 on 1st May. AutumnPortland passage: 5 bird-days between 23rd Apr & 13th May.

ExtremeOsmington dates: 1 on 8th Aug may have been a local bird.

23rd Apr at Portland & 26th Aug at Lydlinch Common.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 111

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 111 07/09/2015 10:51 BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochuros Locally common passage migrant & winter visitor, occasionally breeds.

Breeding & summer records:

Durlston CP 2 juvs seen at on 12th Jun West Lulworth An intriguing record of 1 on 16th Jul from Bird Track but with All records are listed: no details.

Ballard Down 1 on 17th Jan, 27th Jan. Bouremouth 1 several dates Jan at East Cliff and Richmond Gardens. Bovington Camp 1 on 5th Nov. Bride Valley FF 1 on 25th Mar. 1 on 13th Feb. Broadwey 1 on 7th Feb, 1 on 3rd Nov. Dorchester 1-2 on several dates Jan-Mar, Nov. Durlston CP 291 bird-days over the year, boosted by the presence of a breeding pair. Hamworthy 1 on several dates Jan-Mar. Hengistbury 5 bird-days in Mar, 26 bird-days between 6th Sep & 21st Dec Ferrybridge 1 on several dates Jan & Feb. 1 on 9th Feb. Kimmeridge 1 on 16th Mar, 1 on 18th Nov. Langton Matravers 1 on 25th Oct. Lodmoor Nearby at The Riviera on 22rd (2), 23rd and Southdown estate on 24th Oct. 1 on 31st Mar. Littlesea, The Fleet 1 on 28th Jan, 29th Mar, Up to 5 present 23rd to 25th Oct. 1 on 22nd Jan, 1 on 11th Oct. Lyme Regis 1 on 13th Feb & 30th Dec. Lytchett Bay 6 on 23rd Oct. Middlebere 1 on 24th Oct. The Nothe 1-2 early winter period & second winter period. Poole 1 on 21st Jan, 1 on 26th Jan. Portland Wintering island population of 15 Jan-Feb & 9 Dec. Passage included 14 central Portland on 4th Nov. Portland Bill 58 bird-days, Mar - May, 142 bird-days, Oct - Nov. 1-2 on several dates Jan-Mar, 1 on 7th Nov. St. Aldhelms Head 1 on 27th Oct. 1 on 18th Nov. Sherbourne 1 on 4 dates Feb-Mar & 5th Dec. South Haven 4 on 23rd Oct. Stratton 1 on 15th Mar. Studland 4 on 23rd Oct. Swanage 1 on several dates Jan-Mar at Peveril Point. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 2 on 28th Oct. Upwey 1 on 7th Feb. West Bay 1 on 8th Dec. West Bexington/Cogden 9 bird-days between 15th & 28th Mar, 1 on 7th May, 5 bird- days between 23rd Oct & 16th Nov. Winspit112 Dorset Bird Report 2012 1 on 28th Mar, 6 on 23rd Oct, 5 on 24th Oct & 25th Oct.

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 112 07/09/2015 10:51 REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Scarce breeding visitor & fairly common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Morden Bog remains the most consistent site for Dorset’s small breeding population. Singing birds were present there on several dates, and also at Greenlands farm Springon 24th passage Apr & Rushcombe (all counts Bottom of 4+ birds):on 26th Jun.

Christchurch Harbour 65 bird-days between 30th Mar & May, max 15 on 12th Apr. Durlston CP Recorded between 30th Mar & 12th May, max 14 on 4th May. Portland Bill 197 bird-days between 28th Mar & 22nd May. AutumnWest Bexington/Cogden passage (all counts 10 of bird-days 5+ birds): between 29th Mar & 5th May.

Christchurch Harbour 72 bird-days between mid Jul & 12th Oct, max 10 on 3rd Sep. Durlston CP Recorded between end Jul & 24th Oct, max 30 on 31st Aug. Portland Bill 2 Jun sightings then 50 bird-days between 1st Sep & 24th Oct. Morden Bog 20+ on 31st Aug. ExtremeWest Bexington/Cogden dates: 10 bird-days between 19th Jun & 3rd Oct.

28th Mar & 14th Nov both at Portland. WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra Fairly common passage migrant.

Spring passage (all counts of 2+ birds):

Christchurch Harbour 36 bird-days between 20th Apr & May, max 11 on 4th May. Durlston CP 9 bird-days. Lytchett Bay 3 on 4th May. Portland Bill 109 bird-days between 21st Apr & 27th May. West Bexington/Cogden 16 bird-days Apr-May. AutumnWest Moors passage Plantation (all counts 2 onof 4+19th birds): May.

Abbotsbury 9 bird-days between 8th Sep & 13th Oct. Bridging Camp, The Fleet 4 on 3rd Sep. Christchurch Harbour 99 bird-days 20th Aug to 10th Oct, max 12 on 31st Aug. Durlston CP 53 bird-days between 30th Jul & 12th Oct, max 15 on 4th Sep. Hartland Moor 5 on 3rd Sep. Lytchett Bay On 3 dates between 31st Aug & 7th Oct, max 3 on 31st Aug. Osmigton 4 on 8th Aug. Portland Bill 148 bird-days between 2nd Aug & 25th Oct. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 4 on 1st Sep. West Bexington/Cogden 84 bird-days Jul-Oct. West Compton 6 on 8th Sep. ExtremeWhite Nothe dates: 11 on 13th Sep.

20th Apr at Hengistbury Head & 28th Oct at Portland. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 113

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 113 07/09/2015 10:51 STONECHAT Saxicola torquatus Fairly common breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Reported as follows (pairs): Abbotsbury (1), Bincombe (1), Bestwall (1), Bridging Camp- The Fleet (1), Cogden Beach (5+), Durlston CP (3), Hengistbury Head, Higher Hyde Heath (2), Holt Heath (5), Lower Avon Valley (6), Morden Bog (5+), Parley Common(1), Portland (4), Sopley Common(1), Sugar Hill(3), West Bexington (5+), West Moors Plantation (1).

Family parties were seen in many of these areas and breeding season presence noted at a Springnumber passage: of other suitable sites.

Lodmoor Up to 4 Jan-Mar, & singles 1st & 24th May. Lytchett Bay On 4 dates between 6th Mar & 27th Apr. AutumnPortland passage:Bill Max 18 on 29th Feb.

Durlston CP Max 20 on 10th Oct & 22nd Oct. Hengistbury Head Max of 50+ on 19th Sep. Lodmoor 1 on 4th Sep, up to 4 from Oct. Lytchett Bay Between 25th Jun & 2nd Dec, max 3 on 3rd Sep. Portland Bill Max 25 on 24th Oct. SIBERIAN STONECHAT Saxicola maurus Very rare autumn migrant - 13 previous records.

stejnegeri

Portland Bill A 1st winter male of the form near Culverwell 24th-26th Oct is the first British record of this form. The identification was confirmed byM CadefeatherN analysisUrch et al of mtDNA. It is possible that the same bird was seen in The Netherlands earlier in the month ( , , photo). WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Rare breeding visitor & common passage migrant.

Breeding:

Stanpit Marsh A first summer male on territory from late May until late June Spring passage (all counts failedof over to 25attract birds): a mate.

Christchurch Harbour 752 bird-days 8th Mar to 25th May, max 56 on 3rd May. Durlston CP Recorded between 9th Mar & 4th May, max 24 on 31st Mar. Lodmoor 100 bird-days between 17th Mar & 19th May. Portland Bill 2409 bird-days between 15th Mar & 31st May. Portland 348 bird-days north Portland. West Bexington/Cogden 345 bird-days Mar-May. 114 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 114 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage (all counts of over 25 birds):

Abbotsbury 38 bird-days between 3rd Aug & 12th Oct. Christchurch Harbour 541 bird-days 30th Jul to 22nd Oct, max 106 on 12th Sep. Durlston CP Recorded between end Jul & 28th Oct, max 30 on 11th Sep. Lodmoor 50 bird-days between 29th Jul & 6th Oct. Portland Bill 1907 bird-days between 15th Jul & 26th Oct. Portland 246 bird-days north Portland. Ringstead Bay 25 on 31st Aug. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 34 on 31st Aug. West Bexington/Cogden 319 bird-days Jul-Oct. ExtremeWhite Nothe dates: Max 33 on 13th Sep.

7th Mar at Portland & a late bird on 8th Dec at West Bay. Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa Fairly common passage migrant. ‘GREENLAND’ WHEATEAR

Lytchett Bay 1 in spring. West Bexington/Cogden Likely candidates noted end Mar – beginning of Apr. RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus Uncommon passage migrant, especially autumn.

Spring passage:

Arne Moors 1 on 24th Mar. Bulbarrow Hill 1, 6th – 8th May. Christchurch Harbour 1 on 28th Mar and another on 27th Apr. Durlston CP 12 bird-days 26th Mar to 4th May. Max 3 on 28th Mar. Lodmoor 1n on 29th Mar. Lytchett Matravers 1 on 16th Apr. Portland 54 bird-days between 25th Mar and 3rd May. The Fleet (Bridging Camp) 1, 25th – 27th Mar. Ulwell 1 on 7th May. AutumnWest Bexington passage: 1 on 7th Apr.

Ballard Down 1 on 14th Oct. Christchurch Harbour 10 bird days between 13th Oct and 5th Nov. Max 4 on 21st Oct. The poorest autumn for this species in more than 10 years. Durlston CP 64 bird-days 30th Sep - 15th Nov. Max of 10 on 23rd Oct. Lodmoor 2 on 25th Oct. Portland 81 bird-days 9th Oct - 6th Nov. Spring and autumn totals were better than recent years but still relatively low. West Bexington 1 on 21st Oct. ExtremeWinspit dates: 3 on 24th Oct, 5 on 25th Oct.

24th Mar at Arne Moors and 15th Nov at Durlston CP. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 115

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 115 07/09/2015 10:51 BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Together with the Song Thrush and Redwing there was an exceptional influx during the last Breeding:week of October. All the regular watched locations enjoyed notable flights and falls.

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

This shows that Blackbirds breeding distribution is unchanged since the first atlas in 1968-72. The abundance of the species is also unchanged and Dorset has relatively high Autumnabundance passage of breeding and winter: Blackbirds compared to many parts of the UK and Ireland.

Christchurch Harbour Very strong passage noted between the 23rd and 25th Oct. 211nw on 23rd, 320n on 24th and 60n on 25th. Durlston 200 on 22nd Oct, 325 on 23rd and 173 on 24th Lodmoor Max 95 on 25th Oct. Portland A very good passage from 7th Oct. Peaking on 22nd with 1000+n. Studand (South Haven) 99n on 23rd Oct. 173n on 24th Oct. Winspit 50 on 10th Oct. 250 on 24th Oct. FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

The BTO Atlas work shows that the winter distribution of Fieldfare has hardly changed since 1981-84. The abundance of the species is relatively high in Dorset compared to the west and north of UK. The Purbecks, central Dorset and northern chalk are the most favoured parts Beginningof the County. of the year and spring passage (counts above 100):

Giants Head 150 on 19th Feb. Greenlands Farm 199 on 21st Jan. Gussage Down 250 on 5th Feb. Hemsworth 550+ on 7th Jan. Minchington 600 on 3rd Jan. West Compton 300 on 16th Feb. AutumnWyke Down passage and end of200 year: on 2nd Jan, 100 on 26th Feb.

Christchurch Harbour 296 bird days in Nov, max at 116 Hengistbury on 21st. Durlston CP 210n on 15th Nov. Lodmoor 54 on 24th Oct. Minchington 250 on 15th Dec.

116 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 116 07/09/2015 10:51 Portland 467 bird days at all sites between 22nd Oct and 10th Dec. ExtremeSutton Waldron dates: 200 on 12th Dec.

20th Apr at Durlston CP and 6 on the early date of the 6th Sep at Stoborough SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:Like Redwing and Blackbird, an exceptional (at some sites – record) autumn.

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

Song Thrush breeding distribution is unchanged since 1968-72, though there does appear to have been a decline on Portland since 1988-91. Abundance has increased in parts of central Dorset and the species is as abundant here as in any other part of the UK and Ireland. AutumnHowever passagein much ofand the end County of year: it is less so.

Christchurch Harbour 699 bird days in Oct. Max 410n on 24th. Durlston 114 on 22nd Oct, 292 on 23rd, 323 on 24th and 100 on 25th. Lodmoor 500 over on 25th Oct. Lytchett Bay 356n on 23rd Oct. In addition to this, 1029 silent small thrushes also passed north on this morning. It is thought likely that the majority were this species (see Redwing below). Portland Judging by numbers of birds trapped and ringed this was a record autumn for the site. Heavy diurnal and nocturnal migration was noted between 21st and 25th Oct. Max of 500 on 23rd. Studland (South Haven) 140n on 21st Oct, 240n on 23rd and 283n on 24th. Winspit 150 on 24th Oct. REDWING Turdus iliacus Common winter visitor & passage migrant.

With the exception of the October influx, a generally unremarkable year. The separation of silent birds of this species in flight from Song Thrush provides on an ongoing challenge for migration obervers. The birds passing Lytchett Bay and Studland on 23rd Oct are likely to have been the same.

The BTO Atlas work shows that the winter distribution of Redwing has hardly changed since 1981-84. The abundance of the species is relatively lower in Dorset compared to areas further to the south west and in Ireland.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 117

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 117 07/09/2015 10:51 Beginning of year and spring passage:

Arne 200 on 24th Feb Merley Park 300 on 23rd Feb. Portland Bill 200 on 29th Feb. AutumnRushcombe passage Bottom and end of110 year: on 8th Jan.

Christchurch Harbour 490 bird days between Oct 9th and end of the month. Max 220 on 23rd and 115n on 24th. Durlston CP 235 on 23rd Oct and 260 on 24th. 445n on Nov 15th. Lambert’s Hill 100 on 23rd Oct. Lodmoor 200 over on 25th Oct. Lytchett Bay 43n on 23rd Oct. 150n on 24th Oct. Portland A minimum of 2394 bird days at the Bill and North Portland between 7th Oct and end Nov. Studland (South Haven) 955n on 23rd Oct and 420 on 24th. 115n on 5th Nov. Sturminster Marshall GP 100 on 30th Nov. ExtremeWinspit dates: 100 on 24th Oct.

23rd Sep at Lodmoor and 11th Apr at Durlston CP. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

Whilst the distribution of Mistle Thrush has hardly changed since 1968-72, the abundance of the species has. Declines have been detected across most of Dorset and most of southern England. Only in West Purbeck is Mistle Thrush relatively abundant and the population Post-breedingthere seems stable. flocks of 10+:

Bardolf Farm 10 on 24th Sep. Broadstone GC 12 on 22nd Sep. Chard GP’s 10 on 27th Oct. Holton Heath 14 on 16th Sep. Middlebere 12 on 12th Sep. Mordon Bog Between 11 and 22 regularly present 10th Jun – 12th Sep. Pentridge Hill 15 on 19th Oct. Stour Valley LNR 19 on 23rd Aug. Studland (Brands Bay) 12 on 2nd Sep. AutumnWinterbourne passage: Came 25 on 16th Sep.

Small numbers were reported from a variety of sites throughout the autumn. 118 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 118 07/09/2015 10:51 Aquatic Warbler at Portland Bill - 12th August 2012 - Martin Cade

Little Bunting at Portland Bill - 27th September 2012 - Martin2012 Dorset Cade Bird Report 119

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 119 07/09/2015 10:51 Pale-legged or Sakhalin Leaf Warbler at Southwell - 22nd October 2012 - Martin Cade

stejnegeri

120 DorsetSiberian Bird ReportStonechat 2012 at Portland Bill - 26th October 2012 - Martin Cade

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 120 07/09/2015 10:51 CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:Overall reports suggest that the species is recovering only slowly from recent cold winters.

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

Dorset has become one of the UK strongholds of Cetti’s Warbler followings its arrival as a breeding species in Kent in 1973. Since then it has colonised quickly and its distribution and abundance in Dorset has increased significantly. It is now present in suitable habitat across coastal Dorset and has spread inland up most river valleys. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Uncommon passage migrant - occasionally breeds.

Breeding:

The breeding status of this species in Dorset is unclear. The recent BTO Atlas survey recorded “possible breeding” in eight 10km squares across Purbeck and surrounding areas. Specific records suggest that the bird does not breed here and we have to wonder if the Atlas records refer to singing migrants? The only breeding record came from the Lorton Valley where a Springsingle bird passage: “reeled” throughout June.

Christchurch Harbour 25 birds days 4th Apr – 19th May. Max 4 on 12th Apr. Durlston 19 bird days 31st Mar – end of May. Lytchett Bay 1 reeling on 1st May. Portland Bill 24 bird days between 3rd Apr and 6th May. West Bexington 1 on 1st May and another the following day. AutumnWinspit passage: 1 on 28th Mar.

Abbotsbury 1 on 24th Aug and another on 29th Sep. Canford Heath 1 on 26th Sep Christchurch Harbour 13 bird days 20th Jul – 22nd Sep. All singles. Durlston 44 bird days Jul to 12th Oct. Lytchett Bay After last years record numbers only 2, both ringed 31st Aug. Middlebere 1 on 28th Jul. Minchington 1 on 3rd Sep. Mordon Bog 1 on 1st Oct and 3rd Oct Portland Bill 33 bird days between 26th Jul and 8th Oct. Ringstead 1 on 5th Oct West Bexington 1 on 19th Aug and another on 26th. ExtremeWinspit dates: 1 on 10th Oct

28th Mar at Winspit and on 12th Oct Durlston CP. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 121

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 121 07/09/2015 10:51 AQUATIC WARBLER Acrocephalus paludicola Rare autumn passage migrant.

By recent standards 3 is exceptional and the best since 2004, which also produced 3. The last really good year was 1997 when there were at least 24. M Cade et al

A 1st W was trapped in Crown Estate Field at Portland Bill on 12th Aug ( , photo) and was the first at that site for 10 years and the 24th record there. S Breeze R Gifford S Robson et al siteTwo . 1st W’s at Lytchett Bay were trapped next to each other in the same net and ringed on the 18th Aug ( , , , photo). These are the 4th and 5th for the

As few as 10 were recorded in the UK in 2012 SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

The overall picture for this species in a Dorset sense is one of decline. The species now appears to be absent from tetrad squares that were previously occupied. Abundance has declined notably in West Dorset. It appears that only the Avon Valley and small parts of the Springriver valleys passage: in the eastern end of the County now hold good concentrations.

Christchurch Harbour 23 bird days between 8th Apr and 1st May. Max 4 on 12th. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 195 bird days between 17th Apr and 24th May.

Christchurch Harbour 505 bird days between Aug and Sep. Max 160 on 6th Aug. Durlston CP 75 bird days between late Jul and 30th Sep. Max 12 on 20th and 22nd Aug. Lytchett Bay 245 between 14th Jul and 6th Oct. Max 54 on 31st Aug. Portland Bill 490 bird days at all sites between 21st Jul and 4th Oct. The Extreme dates: highest ever recorded.

30th Mar at Lodmoor and 16th Oct at Christchurch Harbour.

122 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 122 07/09/2015 10:51 REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

There has been little change in the status of this species in Dorset over the last 40 years. Small losses in some areas have been compensated for by small gains in others. Reed SpringWarbler passage: remains an abundant breeding bird in suitable habitat across Dorset.

Portland Bill 234 bird days at all sites between 28th Apr and 26th Jun. The Extreme dates: best spring ever here.

2nd Apr at Lodmoor and 23rd Oct at North Portland. GREAT REED WARBLER Acrocephalus arundinaceus Very rare passage migrant and summer visitor - 9 previous records.

SJ Wright et al

A singing male was at Radipole Lake on 22nd – 24th May ( , photo).

This is the 10th for Dorset and the first since 2002. Notably 5 of these records have been at Radipole Lake NR. After 5 records between 1959 and 1971 we seem to now to be averaging close to 1 per decade. ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

M Cade et al

One was trapped at Portland Bill on 24th May ( , photo). Only the 5th spring record for the site. MELODIOUS WARBLER Hippolais polyglotta Scarce passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

A poor year despite a remarkable inland record in Spring. The British Birds “Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 2008-2010” confirms that the trend of occurrence for this species since 1990 is one of decline. T Shaw

Bear Cross, Bournemouth One was in a privateM garden Barrett on et 1st al May ( , photo). Portland Bill A 1st W found at the Coast Guard Cottages and later trapped 2011 Addition: at PBO on 9th Aug ( , photo). ES Brodie M Newberry

Winspit 1 on 28th Oct ( , 2012) Dorset Bird Report 123

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 123 07/09/2015 10:51 BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Common breeding visitor & passage migrant & uncommon winter visitor.

Breeding:

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

There has been little change in the distribution of this species in Dorset over the last 40 years. However Blackcap has increased in abundance markedly since 1988-91. It is as Springabundant passage: in Dorset as anywhere in the UK.

Christchurch Harbour 346 bird days 19th Mar – 4th May. Max 90 on 12th Apr and 60 on 2nd May. Durlston CP 258 bird days 20th Mar to end of May. Max 40 on 4th May. Portland Bill A record spring. 2467 bird days between 15th Mar and 25th Autumn passage: May. Max 500 on 31st Mar.

Christchurch Harbour 649 bird days between Aug and 12th Oct. Max 86 on 3rd Sep. Durlston CP 1489 bird days between Aug and end of Oct. Max 118 on 15th Sep, 110 on 29th Sep and 110 on 4th Oct. Portland Bill 674 bird days between 3rd Sep and 11th Dec. The second highest autumn total for The Bill. FirstWinspit winter period: 40 on 10th Oct and 16 on 23rd Oct.

50 reported from sites across the whole County. In reality this species is an uncommon winter visitor and most urban gardens will witness an occasional visit during that season. Supplying the preferred food, sunflower hearts and/or fat blocks, can attract birds on a daily Secondbasis. winter period:

14 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:

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

There are limited indications that this species has declined in the north and west of Dorset. Abundance is highest in the east.

124 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 124 07/09/2015 10:51 Spring passage:

Christchurch Harbour 39 bird days 12th Apr to 4th May. Max 14 on last date. Cogden 4 on 4th May. Durlston CP 28 bird days 24th Apr to end of May. Max 15 on 4th May. Lodmoor 6 bird days between 27th Apr – 6th May. Portland Bill 578 bird days between 24th Apr and 23rd May. Max 200 on Autumn passage: 4th May. A record spring.

Christchurch Harbour 38 bird days between Aug and 11th Oct. Max 7 on 3rd Sep. Durlston CP 140 bird days end Jul to 11th Oct. Max 15 on 20th Aug. Portland Bill 31 bird days at all sites between 25th Jul and 11th Oct. West Bexington 7 bird days between 14th Aug and 17th Sep.

ExtremeOccasional dates: records involving small numbers recorded at many sites.

12th Apr at Christhcurch and 22nd Oct at Avalanche Road, Portland BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria Rare autumn migrant.

Three records represents a good autumn for this species in Dorset. The best since 2001 when there were 4. L Chappell

Christchurch Harbour 1S on Robson the northern et al edge of Stanpit Rec on 31st Oct ( ). Durlston 1 was trapped and ringed at the Learning CentreN Fowler on 13thet al Oct ( , photo). The 5th record for Durlston. Portland Bill 1 was at Culverwell from 11th – 27th Oct ( , photo) was the first site record since 2006. LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Fairly common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

This species is widely distributed in the County. There has not been significant change in abundance since 1988-91. Whilst there have been gains in parts of the east there has also Springbeen some passage: slight declines in the north and west.

Durlston CP 36 bird days 20th Apr to end of May. Max 8 on 4th May. Portland Bill 62 bird days between 1st May and 16th May. Portland North 86 bird days between 27th Apr and end of May. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 125

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 125 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Christchurch Harbour 33 bird days between 21st Aug and 27th Sep. Max 5 on 7th Sep. Durlston CP 67 bird days between 1st Aug and 26th Sep. Max 7 on 20th Aug. Lodmoor 6 on 21st Aug. Portland Bill 21 bird days at all sites between 23rd Jul and 11th Oct.

ExtremeOccasional dates: records involving small numbers recorded at many sites.

8th Apr at Lodmoor and 30th Oct at Bridport WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet

This species is a widespread breeder across Dorset and there has been little change in its distribution or abundance during the last 20 years. The highest densities are found along Springthe coastal passage: strip and in the northern chalk.

Christchurch Harbour 298 bird days 2nd Apr to 4th May. Max 200 on 4th May. Durlston Distinguishing breeding and migrant birds was very difficult. Max 145 on 4th May. Portland 247 were ringed and this was the best total since the “crash” in this species in 1969. A fall on the 4th May (see Garden Warbler) produced 575 shared between the Bill and the North Autumn passage: Portland recording area.

Christchurch Harbour 562 bird days 10th Jul to 12th Oct. Max 106 on 3rd Sep. Durlston CP Distinguishing breeding and migrant birds was very difficult. Extreme dates: Max day counts of 60 on 26th and 31st Aug.

18th Apr at Lodmoor and 13th Oct at East Bexington DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Rather than report incomplete coverage for this species we have instead used the BTO’s recent Bird Atlas to provide a picture of the current abundance and status in Dorset. More detailed information is freely available at http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet Dorset is of course one of the UK strongholds for this species. The range in the County has hardly changed since 1968-71, though a small extension to the west is noted. Abundance 126 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 126 07/09/2015 10:51 has increased since 1988-91. Recent cold winters have had an impact on the population of this species. Despite this setback a fast recovery is likely given the availability of high quality Autumnand highly passage protected and habitat. end of year:

Small numbers widely reported during post breeding dispersal. An interesting record of what was described as an “autumn gathering” of 16 togther at Holt Heath on 14th Nov. SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans Rare passage migrant.

PJ Morgan et al

A first summer was trapped at Portland Bill on 9th May ( , photo) was considered to be of one of the western forms. KW Parker J Thomas et al

This was followed by a 1st W at Avalanche Road on 14th Oct ( , , photo). This bird ranged widely to near the Weston Craft Centre until 22nd Oct. No race was assignable to this bird.

The 22nd and 23rd records for Portland. PALLAS’S WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus Scarce autumn passage migrant - has overwintered.

CE Richards

Verne Common 1 on 14th Nov ( ). YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus Uncommon autumn passage migrant, occasionally overwinters

All Records:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 25th Oct. Bowleaze Cove 1 on 22nd Oct. Dorchester 1 at Thomas Hardye School on 8th Oct. Durlston 1 on 8th Oct, 1 on 16th Oct, 2 on 29th Oct and further singles on 31st Oct, 4th Nov and 30th Nov. Hengistbury Head 1 on 11th Oct, 1 on 24th and 26th Oct, 2 on 4th and 6th Nov, with 1 remaining until 8th Nov. Littlesea, The Fleet Singles on 5th Oct and 9th Oct. Longham Lakes 1 trapped and ringed on 10th Oct. Lulworth Cove 1 on 11th Oct. Poole Park 1 on 19th and 20th Oct. Portland At least 25 recorded between 6th and 23rd Oct. Radipole Lake Singles recorded on 12th Oct, 19th Oct and 28th Oct. Radipole Park Drive 1 on 9th Oct. Stanpit Marsh 2 on 11th – 13th Oct. Swanage 1 in a garden on Bon Accord Road on 12th Oct and another in a garden close to Durlston CP on 17th Nov. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 127

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 127 07/09/2015 10:51 HUME’S WARBLER Phylloscopus humei Very rare autumn passage migrant - six previous records.

F Alway M Cade I Dodd et al Littlesea Wood The bird found on 23rd Nov 2011 remained on site untilPM 8th HarrisApr ( et al , , , photo). Dorchester 1 in the grounds of Dorset County Hospital on 1st Nov ( ).

There have now been seven records of this species in Dorset as follows: Winspit (1994), Southwell (1999), Portland Bill (2000 and 2001), (2003), Littlesea (2011/2012) and Dorchester (2012) PALE-LEGGED or SAKHALIN LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus tenellipes/borealoides Accidental - no previous records.

D&P Saunders et al

Southwell 1 in a private garden on 22nd Oct ( , photo).

2012This record . is still being assessed by BBRC/BOURC and is subject to their acceptance. For a full account of this remarkable occurrence see the Portland Bird Observatory Annual Report

DUSKY WARBLER Phylloscopus fuscatus Very rare autumn passage migrant - 17 previous records.

All records: CE Richards et al

Portland Castle 1 on 13th and 14thAJ Barrett Oct ( MJ Morse et al, photo). Winspit 1 on 18th Nov (finder unknown, per KE Lane, photo). West Bexington 1 on 30th Nov ( , , photo). WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Uncommon passage migrant & sporadic breeder.

Spring passage:

Bonsley Common 1 on 7th May. Durlston 1 on 4th May. Hengistbury Head 2 on 20th Apr, 1 on 26th Apr, 2 on 1st May and 1 on 4th May. Lodmoor 1 on 1st May. Portesham 1 on 30th Apr and 1st May. Portland At least 10 birds recorded at various sites around Portland between 1st & 10th May. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 25th May. The Nothe 1 on 4th May. Wareham Forest 1 singing in a traditional breeding area on 10th May, but no subsequent reports. Wick 1 on 4th May. 128 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 128 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Durlston Singles on 12th Aug and 8th Sep. Hengistbury Head 1 on 9th Aug and 1 on 6th Sep. Portland 1 at Southwell on 3rd Sep, 1 at Portland Castle on 8th and 9th Sep and 1 at Culverwell on 15th Sep. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 6th Aug. ExtremeWick dates: 1 on 25th Jul.

Hengistbury Head on 20th Apr and Culverwell, Portland on 15th Sep. 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 coBreeds commonly across the county. Sites recording over 20 pairs/singing males were PassageChristchurch at the Harbour, main sites: Durlston, Powerstock Common, Ringstead and St Catherine’s Hill.

Christchurch Harbour Monthly passage totals of 289 in Mar, 937 in Sep and 670 in Oct. Highest count of 300 birds at Hengistbury Head on 5th Oct. Durlston During spring 383 in Apr and May; 1,665 between late Aug and Nov. Portland Bill 3,920 between 3rd Mar and 28th Jun. This included the highest day total recorded at the Bill of 1,300 on 31st Mar. During autumn 1,284 were recorded between 2nd Sep and Wintering records: 30th Nov.

Records were received from many sites across the county, however the only location which held double figures was PC World Drain, Poole. Phylloscopus collybita tristis Scarce autumn migrant & winter visitor. ‘SIBERIAN’ CHIFFCHAFF Birds showing characters of, and vocalising as tristis currently thought to sound: G Walbridge D&G Walbridge N Hopper Easton 1 on 28th Oct (N Hopper ). Southwell 1 between 22nd and 24th Oct ( , ). WakehamBirds showing characters of1 ontristis, 25th butOct no( vocalisations, photo). heard: T Squire

Gillingham 1 on 4th Apr ( , photo).

2012 Dorset Bird Report 129

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 129 07/09/2015 10:51 WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Common breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from Hammoon (1 singing male), Norden Wood (2 singing males), Powerstock Common (12 singing males), St Catherine’s Hill (4+ pairs) and Winfrith Heath (2 singing males). Many other sites reported birds present during the Passage:breeding season without giving any further information.

Christchurch Harbour 1,894 between 25th Mar and 4th May, including peaks of 220 on 30th Mar, 485 on 12th Apr, 275 on 20th Apr and 150+ on 1st May. 1,717 between mid-Jul and 19th Sep, with peaks of 51 on 30th Jul, 150+ on 6th Aug, 225 on 9th Aug, 155 on 21st Aug, 110 on 31st Aug, 230 on 3rd Sep and 150+ on 6th Sep. Durlston 870 between 19th Mar and early May; 1,201 between late Jul and 15th Oct. Peak count was of 500 birds present on 31st Mar. North Portland 1,512 recorded during spring and 95 during autumn. Portland Bill 7,747 between 18th Mar and 26th May and 1,175 between 20th Jul and 24th Oct. The spring total was the highest ever Extreme dates: recorded here, beating the previous best of 5,311 in 2007.

17th March at Lodmoor and East Bexington on 6th Nov. GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Breeds commonly across the county – many records were received of active territories and Passage:fledged young.

Christchurch Harbour During autumn there were peak counts of 70 on 12th Sep, 120+ on 30th Sep, 150 on 5th Oct, 80 on 24th Oct, 40 on 10th Nov and 65 on 17th Nov. Durlston The site reported a strong autumn passage, including a peak count of 55 birds on both 20th and 22nd Oct. Portland Bill 148 between 29th Feb and 10th May; 715 between 5th Sep Peak counts: and 30th Nov.

Morden Bog 20 on 29th Sep and 40 on 8th Oct. Rushcombe Bottom 19 on 5th Oct. Studland Counts of 30 at South Haven on 7th Oct, 19 at Little Sea on 11th Oct & 22 between Knoll Beach & South Beach on 12th Oct.

130 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 130 07/09/2015 10:51 FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla Uncommon passage migrant & winter visitor - occasionally breeds.

Breeding & summer records:

Breeding recorded were received from the following locations: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (at least 3 pairs), Arne (2 or 3 pairs present), Brownsea Island (juveniles seen on 23rd Jun) and Hethfelton Wood (1 juvenile see on 4th Aug). Singing birds were also Passagerecorded records: at several other sites during the breeding season.

Durlston Recorded regularly during autumn including peaks of 11 on 31st Oct, 9 on 15th Nov and 8 on 30th Nov. Christchurch Harbour NovDuring autumn,. 51 bird-days between 7th Sep and 25th Nov. Portland Bill 35 between 28th Feb & 16th Apr; 82 between 6th Sep & 16th Winter records:

Recorded across the county in small numbers: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Abbotsbury Swannery, Arne, Broadstone Recreation Ground, Brownsea Island, Canford Heath, Castle Cove, Chickerell Firing Range, Christchurch Harbour, Cogden, Constitution Hill (Poole), Creekmoor Ponds, Durlston, Goathorn Point, Hillbourne Copse (Broadstone), Lodmoor, Lower Parkstone, Norden SF, Oakers Wood, Osmington, PC World Drain (Poole), Pennsylvania Castle (Portland), Peveril Point (Swanage), Poole Park, Rempstone Forest, Ridge, Rodwell Trail (Weymouth), Rushcombe Bottom, Rushton (Frome Valley), Slepe Copse, Studland, Sunnyside Farm (Ridge), Swineham, Upton CP, Wareham and West Bexington. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Fairly common, but declining breeding visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Pairs were reported from: Bardolf Farm (1 pair), Chalbury (1 pair), Child Okeford (1 pair), Forde Abbey (family party on 12th Aug), Higher Hyde Heath (adult carrying food on 23rd Jul), Kingcombe (pair fledged 4 young), Morden Bog (1 pair), Turnworth (family party on 17th Sep) and Woodyates (pair fledged 2 young). Additionally a singing male was reported Passage:from Hammoon and 2 singing males were at Hod Hill.

Christchurch Harbour 67 between 27th Apr and the end of May; 49 between 20th Aug and 17th Sep. Durlston 19 bird-days between 4th May and 28th May; 76 bird-days between 6th Aug and 26th Sep, including a peak of 20 birds on 31st Aug. North Portland 98 during spring and 9 during autumn migration. Portland Bill 235 between 1st May and 25th Jun; 59 between 19th Aug and 13th Oct.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 131

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 131 07/09/2015 10:51 Other significant records:

Hilfield 7 present on 29th May. Lamberts Castle 11 on 22nd Aug, 50 on 25th Aug and 12 on 13th Sep. Martinstown 7 at Grove Hill Bottom on 4th May. Morden Bog The peak count this year was of 10+ on 31st Aug. ExtremeWinspit dates: A late bird was present on 10th Oct.

27th Apr at Stanpit and 13th Oct at Portland Bill. PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Uncommon passage migrant.

Spring passage:

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 4th May. Durlston Singles on 11th, 13th and 25th Apr and on 8th May. Hengistbury Head Singles on 13th Apr, 20th Apr and 26th Apr. 2 on 1st May. Morden Bog 1 on 23rd Apr. Portland Bill 15 between 31st Mar and 4th May. The Nothe 1 on 13th Apr. AutumnWick Fields passage: 1 on 12th Apr and 1 on 1st May.

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 5th Sep. Canford Heath 2 on both 11th and 12th Aug. Cogden 1 on 28th Aug. Durlston 37 bird-days between 11th Aug and 8th Sep, peak of 14 birds on 20th Aug. Hengistbury Head Singles on 9th Aug, 23rd Aug and 6th Sep. Lamberts Castle 1 on 22nd Aug, 3 on 25th Aug, 1 on 30th Aug. Littlesea, The Fleet 1 on 16th Aug. Lodmoor 1 on 18th Aug, 2 on 31st Aug. Morden Bog 1 on 28th Aug. Portland Bill 82 between 10th Aug and 8th Oct. Powerstock Common 2 on 11th Aug, 2 on 3rd Sep. Rushcombe Bottom 1 on 31st Aug. Stanpit 1 on 26th Jul. Swanage 1 on 12th Oct. The Nothe 2 on 16th Aug. West Bexington 1 on 20th Aug. Wick Fields Singles on 11th and 23rd Aug. ExtremeWinspit dates: 1 on 12th Oct.

31st Mar at Portland Bill and 12th Oct at both Swanage and Winspit.

132 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 132 07/09/2015 10:51 BEARDED TIT Panurus biarmicus Uncommon breeding resident, passage migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding:

Lodmoor Probably 4 pairs bred on the reserve. At least 11 juveniles were seen in Jun. OtherStanpit records: Marsh 2 pairs fledged a total of 7 young.

Abbotsbury Swannery Small numbers were present 1st Mar to 13th Apr and again from 23rd Oct to 8th Dec. Cogden 2 on 22nd Oct. Hatch Pond 1 between 3rd and 17th Jan, with 2 there on 25th Jan and at least 1 heard on 30th Jan. Hengistbury Head Early year max count was 6 birds. 11 flew upriver on 20th Oct, 7 arrived on 27th Oct. Up to 5 birds were present into the second winter period. Lodmoor Present all year with at least 15 there in Oct and 12 in Nov/Dec. Lytchett Bay No breeding was noted this year, but birds were present with up to 6 in Jan and a max autumn count of 8 on 6th Oct. Radipole Lake No breeding records were received, but birds were present during the summer and presumably bred. The highest count was of 14 there on 14th Oct. Stanpit Marsh Up to 4 were present during the first winter period and up to 3 were there at the latter end of the year. Swineham Point A pair on 3rd Apr and several records of 2 or more birds during May-Jul. 4 were seen on 11th Nov and 1 on 2nd Dec. West Bexington 2 from 23rd Oct into 2013. LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Post-breeding/winterBreeds commonly across flocks the county. of 20+ birds:

Arne 20 on 8th Aug. Durlston 23 on 3rd Nov. Sherford Bridge 20+ on 15th Jan. Stanpit Marsh Peak of 37 birds during the latter part of the year.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 133

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 133 07/09/2015 10:51 BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeds commonly across the county. The highest site counts received were from Canford SignificantSchool, where counts: 52 pairs bred and Durlston, where 27 territories were located.

Arne 100+ birds noted on 27th Jan. GREAT TIT Parus major Very common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Breeds commonly across the county. The highest site counts received were from North SignificantPortland (21 counts: pairs), Durlston (17 territories) and Canford School (10 pairs).

Arne 50+ birds noted on 27th Jan. COAL TIT Periparus ater Common breeding resident.

Breeding:

OtherBreeds records: commonly across the county.

Hengistbury Head On 12th Sep there was an unprecedented count of 16 birds.P.a.ater Portland Singles at Culverwell on 8th Oct and Penn’s Weare on 6th Nov were no subspecifically identified, but may have been (as were all other Portland records from this period). Periparus ater ater Scarce passage migrant. ‘CONTINENTAL’ COAL TIT All records:

Durlston 1 on 30th Oct. Portland Singles at Easton on 18th Oct and PBO on 30th Oct and 5th Nov; 2 were at Weston Street on 6th Nov. Stanpit Marsh 1 on 5th Mar.

134 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 134 07/09/2015 10:51 MARSH TIT Poecile palustris Locally common breeding resident.

Breeding:Records still seem to be in decline throughout the county.

No proof of successful breeding in Dorset was received this year, however singing males Breedingwere recorded season from records: Holt Forest, North Poorton, Oakers Wood and Powerstock Common.

Recorded in the breeding season from Arne, Avon Heath CP, Beaminster, Blackhill (Bere Regis), Brownsea Island, Chettle Common, Chilcombe, Delph Woods (Broadstone), Garston WinterWood, Gillingham, records: Morden Park Lake and Purse Caundle.

Winter records were received from Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Alners Gorse, Arne, Cerne Abbas, Chard Junction GPs, Durlston, Fitzworth (Poole Harbour), Forde Abbey, Gussage All Saints, Hengistbury Head, Holton Lee, Langton Matravers, Ower Bog, Purse Caundle, Sherford Bridge, South Haven (Studland), West Knighton Heath and Wick. NUTHATCH Sitta europaea Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from: Canford School (6 pairs bred), Hillbourne Copse (adults feeding young on 6th Jun), Merley Park (2 pairs bred), Norden Wood (pair feeding young on 16th May), Powerstock Common (3 juvs on 28th May), Swineham GPs (family party Otheron 2nd records: Jun). Cranborne Manor also held 2 singing males, as did High Hall, near Wimborne.

Cogden 1 on 3rd Sep was the first record there since 2007. Portland Bill 1 at PBO on 21st Sep was the first there since 2005. Two Mile Copse 1 or 2 birds present on 4 dates between 17th Nov and 6th Dec. The first records here since 2008. TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding:

Records of breeding were received from: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (pair at nest hole on 2nd Jun), Abbotsbury Swannery (1 pair bred), Canford School (1 pair bred, but no young fledged), Merley Park (2 pairs bred), Two Mile Copse (1 pair probably bred) and Upton CP (1 pair bred).

2012 Dorset Bird Report 135

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 135 07/09/2015 10:51 GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant, mainly in spring & summer.

All records:

Portland Bill 1 trapped and ringed at PBOG Walbridge on 11th May (per PBO, photo), 1 at Top Fields on 24th May (per PBO, photo) and 1 at Perryfields on 28th May ( ). ISABELLINE SHRIKE Lanius isabellinus Accidental - 4 previous records.

L.i.isabellinus

Portland Bill An adult male considered to be of the race (Daurian Shrike) was present between 23rd and 27th Oct (per PBO, photo). The 5th Dorset record. RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio Scarce passage migrant.

All records:

Durlston 1 on 17th Jun. Holton Lee 1 on 6th Jul. Southwell, Portland 1 between 28th Sep and 6th Oct. GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor.

First winter period:

SecondWyke Down winter period: 1 remained from 2011 until 26th Mar.

Coombe Heath, Arne 1 on 30th Nov and 1st Dec, with probably the same bird at Middlebere on 11th Dec. Morden Bog 1 from 7th Nov until the year end. Wyke Down 1 on 25th Oct and 16th Dec. WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator Scarce passage migrant.

All records: P&J Rendall et al K Donaghy M Rayment Bridging Camp, The Fleet 1 between 18th Aug and 1st Sep ( , photo). Portland Bill 1 at Culverwell on 23rd May ( , et al, photo).

136 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 136 07/09/2015 10:51 JAY Garrulus glandarius Common resident & scarce passage migrant, subject to autumn influxes.

Breeding:

Few records were received, but included Cogden (1 pair possibly bred), Cowards Marsh (1 pair), Hengistbury Head (3-4 pairs, with fledged young noted in Jul), Merley Park (3 pairs), Sopley Island (2 pairs), Stanpit Marsh (2 pairs), Two Mile Copse (fledged young seen in Jun), SignificantWick (2 pairs) counts and Winterborne & autumn movements: Stickland (at least 1 pair).

Abbotsbury Subtrop Gdns 14 present on 29th Sep and 13 flew over on 6th Oct. Abbotsbury Swannery Double figure counts were made almost daily between 1st to 13th Oct, including 80+ birds flying over on 4th Oct and 60+ on 5th Oct. Boyshill 17w on 6th Oct. Durlston At least 20 birds were present during Oct, with 30 present and 12 high overhead on 12th Oct. Chickerell Firing Range 7 over on 4th Oct. East Bexington 12w on 4th Oct and 13 on 13th Oct. Eggardon Hill 30+ flew west in a single flock on 3rd Oct. Hengistbury Head 7nw on 7th Oct were possibly part of the movement noted elsewhere. Lodmoor The best autumn passage since 2005 was recorded with c155 over between late Sep and 17th Nov. Peak count was of 76sw on 4th Oct. Longham Lakes 7w on 1st Oct. Lytchett Bay High flying migrants were noted on 4th Oct (6 birds) and 6th Oct (12 birds). Morden Bog 30 on 1st Oct. Rushcombe Bottom 10 on 5th Oct. South Haven 10 on 21st Oct. Sturminster Marshall A flock of 13 over the A350 on 2nd Oct with a further 10w over the course of 20 minutes at the nearby gravel pits on the same day. Swyre 22 flew over in a single flock on 4th Oct. Upwey 19 on 6th Oct and 13 on 14th Oct. Weymouth Flock of 16w on 5th Oct. Winterbourne Came 18 on 5th Oct.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 137

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 137 07/09/2015 10:51 MAGPIE Pica pica Very common resident.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury Swannery (1+ pairs), Durlston (8 territories), Lodmoor (3 fledged young in a Countsnearby garden),of 30+ birds: Merley Park (8 pairs), North Portland (10+ pairs) and Wick (2 pairs).

Hatch Pond 100+ on 16th Jan; 148 on 14th & 70+ on 25th Feb; 55 on 1st Mar; 76 on 21st Oct; 62 on 5th Nov; 103 on 7th Dec. North Portland 30 on 13th Apr. Southwell 31 on 20th Oct. JACKDAW Corvus monedula Common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury Swannery (several pairs bred), Lodmoor (bred nearby on Brackendown CountsAvenue), of Merley flocks Park of 100+ (20 pairs)birds: and West Bexington (minimum of 2 pairs)

Abbotsbury Swannery 100+ flew over on 14th Oct. Arne 175 on 27th Feb. Avon Causeway 120 on 7th Jan. Christchurch Winter roost of c3,000 birds was again noted at Town Common. Corfe Mullen Mixed Jackdaw/Rook roost of 5,000+ birds during Jan. Durlston 120 present on 28th Sep and 200 on 30th Sep. Overflying migrants included 140 on 9th Oct, 130 on 10th Oct, 120 on 19th Oct, 110 on 20th Oct, 120 on 22nd Oct, 130 on 24th Oct, 130 on 28th Oct, 120 on 30th Oct, 120 on 8th Nov and 120 on 29th Nov. Hengistbury Head 230 over on 17th Nov. Langton Herring 100 on 26th Aug, 100 on 14th Oct. Lodmoor The local corvid roost held 600+ of this species during Dec. Lytchett Bay Peak count of settled birds was 130 on 23rd Sep. 102nw on 21st Oct and 83w on 28th Oct involved migrants. Maiden Castle 200 on 13th Jan. Portland 200 at Grove Stadium on 10th Feb. West Bexington 450 on 20th Oct. ROOK Corvus frugilegus Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

The only counts of rookeries came from Little Berwick (5+ nests) and Lytchett Bay (22 nests). Elsewhere, birds attempted to breed at the Nursery, Hengistbury Head for the first time,138 buildingDorset Bird 3Report nests. 2012 These were destroyed by bad weather and the birds did not rebuilt.

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 138 07/09/2015 10:51 Counts of 200+ birds:

Corfe Mullen Mixed Jackdaw/Rook roost of 5,000+ birds during Jan. Langton Herring 300+ on both 15th Jul and 26th Aug. Lodmoor 200+ were regularly counted in fields along Southdown Ridge during Dec. Tarrant Ruston Airfield 200 on 3rd Feb. CARRION CROW Corvus corone Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury Swannery (several pairs), Wick (2 pairs), Cogden, Durlston, Lodmoor (2 pairs), CountsMerley Parkof 40+ (2 birds:pairs) and West Bexington (several pairs).

East Fleet 70 on 30th Oct. Herbury Gore 50 on 13th Sep. Langton Herring 100 on 26th Aug. Lodmoor 65 on 29th Jan. Lytchett Bay 65 on 14th Jan. Portland Max of 80 at the Bill on 9th Feb. The Grove Stadium roost reached 100 on 10th Feb and 120+ were at north Portland on 4th May. Southdown Ridge, Preston 250+ were regular in fields here during Nov & Dec. RAVEN Corvus corax Fairly common breeding resident - has been increasing.

Breeding:

Durlston The first confirmed breeding here for over 40 years took place with a pair fledging 2 young. Unfortunately the birds heavily predated the Guillemot colony, taking numerous eggs and young.

Other pairs bred at Bincombe, Chard Junction GPs (pair fledged 2 young), Portland (pair at Blacknor fledged 2 young and a pair at Wallsend fledged 1), Lamberts Castle (pair fledged 1 young), Portesham, Redcliff, Tarrant Rushton Airfield (family party on 22nd May), Warmwell SignificantQuarry (pair counts fledged (10+ 2 young) birds): and Wyke Down.

Hartland Moor 12 on 1th Mar. Hengistbury Head 12e on 15th Feb, 21 (including a flock of 14) flew over on 29th Aug and 12 on 31st Aug. Lodmoor 10 on 7th Sep. Stanpit Marsh 23n on 14th Oct. Wareham Forest 10 on 10th Nov. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 139

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 139 07/09/2015 10:51 STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:

Abbotsbury (several pairs), Lodmoor area (many fledged young on the reserve in late spring, including a single flock of 30 juvs on 30th May), Merley Park (3 pairs fledged 6 young) and PassageWyke Regis records: (20+ pairs bred).

Abbotsbury Swannery Overhead passage was noted with 5,650 bird-days between 10th and 27th Oct, peaking at 5,000 birds on the latter date. Durlston Peaks of 540 on 27th Oct, 600 on 30th Oct and 655 on 5th Nov. East Bexington The highest counts were of 174 (mainly west) on 27th Oct and 1,240w on 6th Nov. Hengistbury Head 318nw on 23rd Oct, 670n on 24th Oct, 230e on 5th Nov and 130 over on 8th Nov. Lodmoor 600+ west on 24th Oct. Lytchett Bay Max count of 350 on 24th Oct. North Portland 1,988n between 7th Oct and 1st Dec. Portland Bill 83n between 5th and 15th Mar; 14,697n between 21st Oct and 21st Dec. Portland Heights 9,860n on 14th Nov was a day record count for Portland. South Haven 191 on 23rd Oct and 246 on 24th Oct. West Bexington 1,000+w on 23rd Oct; 1,500w on 5th Nov; 1,000+w on 6th Nov. WinterWeston, roostsPortland and other counts2,000n of on 300+ 6th Nov.birds:

Bridging Camp, The Fleet 400+ on 18th Aug. Doles Ash A roost of c1,500 birds present in late Jan and early Feb. Ferrybridge The flock of post breeding birds reached 300 on 16th Aug Gillingham A roost built from c1,000 birds on 14th Jan to 15,000+ on 28th Jan and peaking at up to 40,000 birds in late Feb. Lodmoor A roost in the reedbeds peaked at c40,000 birds on both 31st Oct and 1st Nov (including an albino bird). The roost had dwindled to just 5,000 birds by 7th Nov. Maiden Castle 1,000 on 13th Jan. ROSE-COLOURED STARLING Pastor roseus Rare passage migrant.

S Younger

Burton Bradstock Juv on 30th Sep ( ). HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Common, but declining breeding resident.

Widely recorded from all over Dorset and reported as ‘doing well’ at both Hengistbury Head and Lytchett Bay. Durlston CP has also seen a continuing increase of records in recent years. 140 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 140 07/09/2015 10:51 Breeding:

Noted at Abbotsbury Swannery, Hengistbury Head, Hatchpond area, Lodmoor, Sixpenny SignificantHandley and Counts: West Bexington.

Weymouth 100+ on 9th Feb. Lodmoor 100+ on 5th Mar and 12th Aug. The Fleet 100+ on 18th Aug. TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Scarce local breeding resident & uncommon passage migrant.

Very few sightings for 2012. No records of breeding received.

Rodway, Portland 3 on 28th Jan, 1 on 8th Feb and 2 on 8th Mar. Hengistbury Head 1 on 2nd May. Brownsea Island 1 on 23rd Oct. Durlston CP 18 bird days from the autumn months with 12 on 20th Oct. CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

The flock at Lytchett Bay on 8th Dec was the best ever count there. An increase in breeding Breeding:numbers at Durlston CP.

Abbotsbury Swannery, Durlston CP [37], Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay area, Portland, Radipole Firstand West winter Bexington. period:

SpringRylands passage: Barn Farm 200 on 23rd Jan and 100 on 19th Feb.

AutumnPortland passage:reported this as ‘very poor’. No records submitted from any site.

Durlston CP 18,384 bird days – max. 2,130 on 12th, 1,290 on 13th, 1,450 on 24th, 1,420 on 27th Oct. 1,125 on 5th Nov. East Bexington 602 on 13th Oct, 417 on 6th Nov. Hengistbury Head Oct. – 6,058 bird days – max. 3,700 on 24th. Nov. – 2,200 bird days – max. 1,350 on 5th. SecondPortland winter Bill period: 1,407 bird days – max. 1,000 on 22nd Oct.

Abbotsbury Swannery 100+ on 6th Nov. Langton Herring 100 on 18th Dec. Lytchett Bay 450 on maize field – 8th Dec. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 141

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 141 07/09/2015 10:51 BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Locally common winter visitor & passage migrant.

Winter records were low this year, the exception being Lytchett Bay’s record count on 30th Nov. However several sites reported better than usual autumn passage. The 5th Nov count Firstat Hengistbury winter period: Head was the highest ever day total there.

Spring13 records passage: of single birds from 7 sites.

Durlston CP 1 on 12th Mar. AutumnHengistbury passage: Head 1 on 16th Mar.

Abbotsbury Swannery 10+ on 6th Nov. Durlston CP 1,070 bird-days from 29th Sep to 3rd Dec - max. 77 on 28th Oct and 122 on 5th Nov. Hengistbury Head Oct - 92 bird-days - max 35 on 27th; Nov - 339 bird-days – max 238 on 5th. Lodmoor Oct/Nov 35 bird-days SecondPortland winter period: 372 bird-days from 7th Oct to 24th Dec.

Lytchett Bay 10 in maize field on 30th Nov. Extreme38 records dates: from 21 other sites.

20th Mar and 29th Sep, both at Durlston CP. SERIN Serinus serinus Scarce to uncommon passage migrant - has bred.

An observation from Portland that 2012 had been a ‘poor year’ was confirmed by only 2 Springrecords and from summer elsewhere records: in Dorset.

Abbotsbury 1 on 2nd May. Hengistbury Head 1 on 25th Jun. AutumnPortland records: 1 on 1st and 2nd May, 1 on 16th May and 1 on 25th Jun.

Portland 1 on 17th Nov.

142 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 142 07/09/2015 10:51 GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Very widely recorded all over the County but still apparent that numbers are only slowly recovering from the Trichomonosis outbreaks. However CHOG sites appear to be holdng up well for breeding birds and Portland numbers were showing a gradual recovery, but Breeding:numbers at Lytchett Bay are still declining.

Abbotsbury Swannery, Cogden, Christchurch Harbour, Durlston CP [15], Hatchpond, SpringLytchett passage: Bay, Lodmoor, Merley Park [8], Portland and West Bexington.

AutumnNo records passage: submitted.

Durlston CP 1,100 bird days - max. 120 on 20th Oct. East Bexington 20 on 13th Oct. WinteringHengistbury and Head post breeding215 flocks: on 25th Oct and 235 on 5th Nov.

Abbotsbury Swannery 50+ on 2nd Jan. Longham Lakes 30 on 18th Nov. Poole Park 55+ on 8th Jan. GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Very common breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Breeding:Widely recorded across the County, but autumn passage numbers were lower than 2011.

SpringAbbotsbury passage: Swannery, Hatchpond, Portland Bill [50+] and Stanpit/Wick area.

Hengistbury Head 78 on 30th Mar, 156 on 11th Apr, and 63 on 2nd May. AutumnStanpit passage: 83 on 11th Apr.

Durlston CP 37,030 bird days from 13th Sep to 19th Dec. – max. 1,981 on 18th, 3,095 on 19th, 2,260 on 21st. and 1,860 on 27th Oct. Hengistbury Head Sep (from 17th) – 590 bird-days – max 220 on 29th; Oct. - 8,260 bird-days – max 1,400 on 21st, 1,550 on 24th and 2,600 on 25th; Nov – 2,970 bird-days – max 1,800 on 5th. WinterSouth Haven and post breeding flocks:299 on (counts24th Oct. of 100 or more):

Winspit 300 on 14th Oct. Ryland’s Barn Farm 100 on 2nd Dec. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 143

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 143 07/09/2015 10:51 SISKIN Carduelis spinus Locally common resident, fairly common passage migrant & winter visitor.

Durlston CP recorded an exceptionally large autumn passage compared to recent years Breeding:(6,800 bird-days for 2012, 230 in 2011). Lower numbers of winter records this year.

Alner’s Gorse NR, Arne, Avon CP, Briantspuddle/Culpepper’s Dish, Cranborne Common, Morden Bog/Wareham Forest, Tadnoll Heath, Thornicombe Wood and West Moors FirstPlantation. winter Also period: possible breeding in the vicinity of Abbotsbury, Lodmoor and Lytchett Bay.

SpringSmall numbers passage: recorded at many sites. Max. 11 at Stour Valley LNR on 17th Jan.

Hengistbury Head/Stanpit Small numbers recorded. AutumnWest Bexington passage: Also small numbers

Abbotsbury Regular sightings, max 100+ on 14th Oct and 6th Nov. Durlston CP 6,800 bird-days – max 1,202 on 18th Oct. East Bexington 146 on 29th Sep and 112 on 13th Oct. Lytchett Bay Sep to Nov - 85 bird-days. Portland 533 bird-days, 31st Aug to 18th Dec. – max 115 on 7th Oct. South Haven 101 on 19th, 131 on 21st and 123 on 24th Oct. SecondWest Bexington winter period: Sep to Nov - 51 bird-days.

Abbotsbury Swannery 100+ on 14th Oct and 6th Nov. Morden Bog 50 on 13th Nov. Poole Park 25 on 23rd Nov. LINNET Carduelis cannabina Fairly common, but declining breeding resident, common migrant & winter visitor.

Breeding numbers appear overall to be similar to 2011, but an increase in spring passage Breeding:noted by CHOG.

Abbotsbury Swannery, Bardolf Farm [20+], Cogden/West Bexington, Durlston CP [4], SpringChristchurch passage: Harbour area, Lodmoor [6 to 7] and Portland.

Christchurch Harbour Mar – 811 bird-days – max 325 at Hengistbury Head on 30th; Apr – 903 bird-days – max 560 on 11th; May – 42 at Hengistbury Head on 2nd.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 144 07/09/2015 10:51 Autumn passage:

Christchurch Harbour Sep – 1,198 bird-days – max 640 on 30th; Oct. – 12,540 bird- days – max 2,225 on 19th and 6,200 on 24th; Nov. – 1,215 bird-days – max 320 on 5th. Durlston CP 34,700 bird-days – max 1,120 on 30th Sep, 1,192 on 2nd, 1,921 on 18th, 10,960 on 19th, 1,180 on 21st and 3,900 on 24th Oct. East Bexington 730 on 7th Oct and 540 on 10th Oct. Portland Up to 800 at Portland Bill. NotableWest Bexington flocks (counts of 100+,220 on excluding 14th Oct. obvious visible migration):

Holt Heath 100+ on 20th Mar. Lytchett Bay 156 on 21st Jan and 200 on 4th Apr. Martinstown 500 on 7th Nov. Portland 300+ in post breeding flocks Ryland’s Barn Farm 400 on 11th Jan, 2,000 on 23rd Jan, 300 on 19th Feb, 1,000 on 7th Nov and 1,000 on 2nd Dec. Sherford Bridge 200 on 13th and 150 on 15th Jan. Stalbridge 250 on 4 dates at end of March, 400 on 15th and 18th Nov. Woodcutts 500 on 6th Jan. Winspit 500 on 28th Aug. LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret Scarce breeding resident, fairly common winter visitor & passage migrant.

It seems to have been a poor year all round, with autumn passage numbers considerably Breeding:reduced at both Christchurch Harbour area and Durlston CP.

FirstNo breeding winter reportsperiod: this year.

Arne 16 on 12th Jan. Culpepper’s Dish 36 on 14th Jan. SpringMorden passage: Bog 25 on 19th Jan.

Christchurch Harbour Small numbers only. Durlston CP 10 records of 1 to 2 birds. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 22 bird-days.

Abbotsbury Swannery 18 bird-days - max 10 on 6th Nov. Christchurch Harbour 727 bird-days – max 87 on 27th Oct and 110 on 5th Nov. Durlston CP 750 bird-days – max 53 on 20th and 68 on 28th Oct. East Bexington 23 on 6th Nov. Lodmoor 20 bird-days – Oct/Nov. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 145

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 145 07/09/2015 10:51 Lytchett Bay 7 bird-days – July to Nov. Portland 73 bird-days. SecondWest Bexington winter period: 6 bird-days on 4 dates Oct/Nov.

Morden Bog 30+ on 17th Nov, 32 on 8th Dec and 15 on 21st Dec. MEALY REDPOLL Carduelis flammea Rare winter visitor & passage migrant.

G Walbridge P Morrison Portland 1 at Suckthumb Quarry on 13th May ( ). Wick Fields 1 on 15th Oct ( ). CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra Uncommon breeding resident, irruptive passage migrant & winter visitor.

The good numbers reported during the 2011/12 winter were reflected in an increased number of breeding records and post breeding flocks. But autumn passage numbers were Breeding:poor this year.

Successful breeding from Grange Heath, Higher Hyde Heath, Morden Bog/Wareham Forest Significantand West Moors counts Plantation. & site summaries: Also possible at Brownsea Island and Sopley Common.

Ashmore c10 on 10th Jan. Canford Heath 18 on 26th Jun. Durlston CP 12 on 29th May. Culpepper’s Dish 12 on 14th Jan. Greenland’s Farm 15 on 21st Jan. Lytchett Bay 21 on 14th Jul, 15 on 17th Jul. Wareham Forest 14 on 17th Feb, 12 on 21st Feb, 21 on 27th Feb, 18 on 15th Mar, 30 on 18th May, 11 on 10th Jun, 22 on 23rd Jun, 13 on 6th Jul, 26 on 1st Aug and 40 on 12th Aug. Wareham 12 on 5th Jun. SpringWoolsbarrow Passage: Hillfort 18+ on 11th Feb and 17 on 27th May.

AutumnDurlston passage:CP 35 bird days. - max 27 on 22nd Mar.

Abbotsbury 2 on 29th Sep. and 1 on 25th Oct. Christchurch Harbour Just 14 records of 1 to 5 birds. Durlston CP 347 bird-days from Jun to end Dec. Lodmoor 1 on 20th Sep. Lytchett Bay Singles on 23rd Sep and 9th Oct. Portland Just 4 records during the second half of the year. 146 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 146 07/09/2015 10:51 BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Fairly common breeding resident.

Breeding numbers generally seem to be stable around the county, but possibly increasing in Breeding:the Lodmoor area. Lytchett Bay noted an increase in numbers.

Abbotsbury Swannery [possible], Cogden/West Bexington, Durlston CP [4], Gillingham, Littlesea, Lodden Lakes, Lodmoor, Lytchett Bay, Merley Park, Portland [5 to 10], The Fleet, SignificantWick counts:

Durlston CP 14 on 13th May and 15 on 26th Jul. Gillingham 14 on 26th Jan. Lytchett Bay 8 on 17th Jun. SpringStalbridge passage: 10 on 27th Jan.

Christchurch Harbour Small numbers. AutumnPortland passage: 4 birds recorded.

Christchurch Harbour Small numbers. Durlston CP 251 bird-days – max 25 on 30th Oct and 5th Nov. Portland 5 birds recorded. HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes Scarce passage migrant & winter visitor.

WinterFew records and inlandthis year. sites:

Constitution Hill, Poole 2 on 6th Nov. SpringGussage passage: St Andrew 1 on 27th Nov.

Portland, Old Hill 1 on 30th Apr. AutumnPortland passage:Bill 1 on 2nd Jun.

Durlston CP Singles on 12th, 18th and 27th Oct, 2nd Nov. 4 on 30th Oct. 3 on 9th and 3 on 29th Nov. Hengistbury Head 1 on 25th Oct. Portland Singles on 22nd, 27th and 30th Oct. South Haven 1 on 24th Oct. Swanage 1 on 12th Oct.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 147

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 147 07/09/2015 10:51 LAPLAND BUNTING Calcarius lapponicus Uncommon passage migrant, mainly autumn, & rare winter visitor.

Autumn passage:

Christchurch Harbour Singles on 25th Sep, 27th Oct, 1st, 6th and 17th Nov. Durlston CP Singles 29th Sep, 7th, 10th, 23rd and 30th Oct. 6th & 19th Nov. Lodmoor 1 on 27th Oct. Portland Bill 7 birds recorded 27th Sep to 16th Nov. Portland (other areas) Singles on 6th, 8th and 15th Nov. SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon passage migrant, mainly autumn, & rare winter visitor.

January to April:

Christchurch Harbour 1 present throughout Jan and Feb. 1 on 16th Mar. Durlston CP 1 on 7th Jan, 1 on 7th and 8th Apr. SecondPortland winter Bill period: 1 from 4th to 8th Jan.

Christchurch Harbour Singles on 24th and 31st Oct. Durlston CP Singles on 3rd, 12th, 23rd and 29th Nov and 4th Dec. East Bexington 1 on 6th Nov. Ferrybridge 1 from 2nd Dec into 2013. Portland Bill Singles on 7th Nov. and 10th Dec. Swineham Point 1 on 5th Nov. West Bexington 1 to 2 present from 1st Nov to year end. YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella Common, but declining, breeding resident & passage migrant.

Reports suggest lower numbers this year particularly for wintering flocks and on passage. Breeding:Probably lost now as a breeding bird on Portland.

Singing males recorded from Bincombe, Cogden/West Bexington, Durlston CP [5], Hammoon [5], Higher Hyde Heath, Lambert’s Castle, Redcliff Park, Stonebarrow Hill, Thornicombe [4] Firstand Winterbourne winter period: Stickland. Probable at Lodmoor and Purse Caundle.

Bere Regis 50 on 15th Jan. Cogden/West Bexington 12 on 10th Mar. Gussage St Andrew 30 on 7th and 10th Mar. Ryland’s Barn Farm 30 on 11th and 50 on 23rd Jan, 40 on 19th Feb. Studland 70+ on 13th and 14th Jan.

148 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 148 07/09/2015 10:51 Spring passage:

AutumnDurlston passage:CP 9 on 19th Apr.

Durlston CP 34 bird-days Oct/Nov. SecondLodmoor winter period: 10 bird-days Oct/Nov.

Ryland’s Barn Farm 40 on 7th Nov and 50 on 2nd Dec. ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in the autumn.

DN Smith

Hengistbury Head 1 on 5th Sep ( ). Portland Bill Singles in the CrownDN Smith Estate Field on 17th Sep and between 25th and 27th Sep. Stanpit Golf Course 1 on 26th Sep ( ). West Bexington 1 on 4th Sep was the first for the site. REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Common, but declining breeding resident, winter visitor & passage migrant.

Records again suggest no obvious change in population status, but Portland noted a Breeding:disappointing year for autumn passage.

Abbotsbury Swannery, Canford School, Chard Junction. GP’s, Cogden [5], Hatchpond, Hammoon, Lodmoor [6+], Longham Lakes, Lytchett Bay [approx. 23], Warmwell Quarry and FirstWest Bxingtonwinter period: [5].

Lytchett Bay Jan – 4 reedbed roosts – approx. 110 birds total. Ryland’s Barn Farm 20 on 23rd Jan. Stanpit Marsh 16 on 17th Mar. Upton Heath 30 on 23rd Jan. SpringWyke Down passage: No reports 40. on 11th Feb.

Autumn Passage:

Christchurch Harbour 120 bird-days – max 38 on 24th Oct. Durlston CP 63 bird-days. SecondPortland winter period: 53 bird-days

Morden Bog 12 on 30th Oct. Rylands Barn Farm 25 on 2nd Dec. 2012 Dorset Bird Report 149

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 149 07/09/2015 10:51 LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla Rare passage migrant and winter visitor.

M Cade et al N Pleass et al Portland Bill 1 trapped and ringed on 27th Sep ( , photo). Southwell, Portland 1 on 6th Oct ( , photo). CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra Locally common breeding resident.

Fewer possible breeding records submitted this year, but good numbers at suitable sites recorded early in the year. The flock at Gussage Down on 11th Feb. was the second highest Breeding:count for Dorset.

Singing males recorded at the following sites. Abbotsbury, Gussage Down[2+], Hod Hill, Tarrant Rushton Airfield [14], The Fleet, JanuaryThornicombe to April and flocks: Winterbourne Whitechurch.

Gussage Down 130 on 11th Feb, and 110+ on 21st Apr. SpringMartinstown passage: 120+ on 7th Feb.

AutumnPortland passage: Just 3 records for Mar/Apr.

AugustHengistbury to December Head flocks:1 at early date of 27th Jul.

Maiden Castle 40 on 16th Aug. Martinstown 35 on 10th Dec. Tarrant Rushton Airfield 30 on 28th Oct.

150 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 150 07/09/2015 10:51 SELECTED ESCAPES IN 2012

BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus

Abbotsbury Swannery 2 to 3 present 10th Feb to 31st Dec. Hampreston 1 on 9th Jul Poole Park 1 on 9th Jan and 4th Feb. BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus

Abbotsbury Swannery 1 on 6th Jun. Bardolf Farm 1 on 1st Sep. Lodmoor 1 occasionally present in Jan, Sep and Oct. Poole Harbour 1 at various sites between 18th Jun and 20th Aug. RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea

Middlebere 2 on both 6th Nov and 28th Nov. WOOD DUCK Aix sponsa

Abbotsbury Swannery Drake present 18th Mar to 3rd Apr. Forde Abbey Drake on 10th Jan. HOODED MERGANSER Lophodytes cucullatus

Radipole Lake The long-staying drake remained in residence (occasionally visiting Lodmoor) throughout the year. EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus

Verne Common A sub-adult over on 27th Oct was presumed to be a known escape that originated in Wales (per PBO report). GREAT BUSTARD Otis tarda All recent records appear to involve birds from Plain reintroduction scheme.

Durlston 1 on 18th Nov passed offshore. Portland Bill 1 on 10th Dec.

2012 Dorset Bird Report 151

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 151 07/09/2015 10:51 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 Pale-legged/Sakhalin Leaf Warbler 22nd Oct 2012 Southwell, Portland Glossy Ibis 25th Oct 2012 Hengistbury Head Records pending DRP at the time of publication:

Black Kite 25th May 2012 Bardolf Farm Montagu’s Harrier 31st Aug 2012 Hengistbury Head Montagu’s Harrier 4th Sep 2012 Avon Causeway Goshawk 24th Oct 2012 Undisclosed Site Goshawk 6th Nov 2012 Lodmoor Crane 20th Jan 2012 Bovington Requested records:

The following records from 2012 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 16th Mar Swineham Point Cattle Egret 24th & 27th Aug Abbotsbury Cattle Egret 24th May West Bexington Great White Egret (2) 2nd Feb Radipole Lake Great White Egret 4th Mar Troy Town Great White Egret 15th Apr Matchams Great White Egret (2) 6th Oct Portland Great White Egret 9th Oct Sopley Great White Egret 21st Dec Matchams White Stork (2) 8th May Blandford White Stork (3) 26th May Canford Heath White Stork (4) 17th Jun Hazelbury Bryan White Stork (4) 22nd Aug Dorchester Glossy Ibis 29th Apr Burton Mere Honey Buzzard 11th Aug Arne Honey Buzzard (2) 29th Sep Portland Honey Buzzard 30th Sep Coward’s Marsh Honey Buzzard 13th Oct Durlston Black Kite 25th May Whitcombe Montagu’s Harrier 27th May Portland/Ferrybridge Montagu’s Harrier 29th May Durlston 152 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 152 07/09/2015 10:51 Montagu’s Harrier 31st Aug Coombe Heath, Arne Common Crane 19th Jan Wareham Common Crane 21st Jan Bovington Common Crane 22nd Jan Arne Common Crane 24th & 25th Jan Tincleton Common Crane 27th Jan Wareham Channel Common Crane (1) 20th Jul Rampisham Long-tailed Skua 27th Aug Weymouth Bay Ring-billed Gull 31st Jan Lodmoor Ring-billed Gull 23rd Feb Weymouth Bay Richard’s Pipit 15th May Durlston Siberian Chiffchaff 8th to 15th Jan PC World, Poole Siberian Chiffchaff (2) 5th to 8th Mar Swineham GPs Siberian Chiffchaff 14th Oct Clouds Hill, The Fleet Siberian Chiffchaff (2) 29th Nov Radipole Park Drive Golden Oriole 22nd May Culverwell, Portland Golden Oriole 23rd May Old Hill, Portland Golden Oriole 12th May Wick Twite 28th Oct Durlston Mealy Redpoll 4th to 6th Feb Holton Heath Common Rosefinch 24th May Portland

2012 Dorset Bird Report 153

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 153 07/09/2015 10:51 DORSET BIRD RINGING 2012 Kevin Sayer

Below are details of groups and individuals who have submitted ringing details for Dorset for 2012. Interesting recoveries and controls are shown at the end of this report. 28,133 birds of 122 species are known to have been ringed in the county during 2012. This represents a PORTLAND4% increase BIRDon the OBSERVATORY number caught in 2011.

: (www.portlandbirdobs.org.uk) A record-breaking total of 9542 birds were ringed at the Obs this year. Again the main site was the Obs garden but the Crown Estate Field, Culverwell and Southwell were also used. On 31st March a record day total of 615 birds (mostly Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler) were ringed. One new species was added to the ringing list in 2012 – Stejneger’s Stonechat. Infrequently ringed species STOURtrapped RINGINGincluded theGROUP 4th Nuthatch and the 5th Little Bunting.

: (http://stourrg.blogspot.co.uk) In total the Group managed to trap 4884 birds of 88 species. Their main sites were at Lytchett Bay, , Sunnyside Farm, Brownsea Island and Fleets Corner. At Lytchett Bay this year they managed to catch 879 birds which included 233 Pied Wagtails, 206 Sedge Warblers, 127 Swallows, 77 Reed Warblers and 2 Aquatic Warblers. At Durlston they managed a total of 2123 birds including 407 Chiffchaff, 401 Blackcap, 401 Willow Warblers, 139 Swallows, 90 Goldcrest EASTand a BarredFLEET WarblerRINGING (the STATION first in Dorset since 2008).

: Ian Dodd informs that he managed to ring 1700 birds of 45 species in 2012. His sites included the MOD Firing Range at Tidmoor, the adjacent Cuttcleaves Cove and Littlesea Wood. His totals included 174 Blackcap, 143 Chiffchaff, 140 ROGERBlackbirds, PEART 134 Willow Warbler and 124 Goldfinches.

: A total of 1518 birds of 41 species were trapped by Roger in 2012. During the year he worked at 4 sites which included Canford Park, Longham Lakes and 2 small sites in Edmonsham and Wimborne. Roger started a BTO CES project at Longham Lakes which caught a total of 916 birds including 245 Chiffchaff and 115 Reed Warbler – the other highlights being a Yellow-Browed Warbler and 3 Redstarts. He is also continuing his long- SIMONterm RAS LANE study of House Martins.

: Simon managed to ring 1261 birds in Dorset during 2012. His main sites are at Woodsford, Melcombe Park (18th year) and Tincleton concentrating mainly on nest boxes for tits. He has also just started a CES scheme at Woodsford and a House Sparrow RAS at Tincleton. His main species were:- 250 Blue Tit, 179 Great Tit, 110 Chiffchaff, 89 STEVEGreenfinch, HALES 63 Blackcap and 61 House Sparrows.

: Steve rings at Abbotsbury Swannery and Lulworth MOD Ranges. A CES has run at Abbotsbury since 1995 but unfortunately in 2012 the site was flooded-out, however, the site still attracts a healthy roost of Yellow Wagtails. At Lulworth Steve targets Dartford Warblers, Nightjars and other heathland specialities. His main species were:- 441 Yellow Wagtail, 266 Blue Tit, 166 Swallow, 163 Chiffchaff, 112 Willow Warbler and 104 Pied Wagtail.

154 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 154 07/09/2015 10:51 CHRISTCHURCH HARBOUR RINGING STATION

: (www.chog.org.uk/ringing/) In 2012 we managed to catch 776 birds of 29 species. Our totals included 338 Sedge Warblers, 81 NEILChiffchaff, CROTON 68 Sand Martins, 56 Reed Warblers, 36 Blackcap and 31 Yellow Wagtails.

: Neil managed to trap a total of 697 birds during 2012. His most numerous species were:- 257 House Martin, 101 Blue Tit, 50 Great Tit, 48 Goldfinch and 30 Willow ANDYWarblers. DAW

: Andy managed to trap a total of 498 birds of 27 species this year. He rings mostly at the Kingston Maurward College estate and other sites nearby in Martinstown where he rings the pulli of Swallow (31), Blue Tit (60) and Great Tit (16). Other species included 39 House Sparrow, 44 Blackcap, 28 Chiffchaff, 20 Willow Warbler and 8 Garden KEVINWarbler. SAYER

: I managed to trap 359 birds of 24 species in my Ferndown garden during 2012. Being adjacent to Parley Common helps me catch a few migrants but mainly I attract finches using feeders. The highlights were 72 Goldfinches, 49 Goldcrests, 41 Lesser Redpoll CHRISand 36 REYNOLDSSiskins.

: Chris managed to catch a total of 240 birds of 25 species at his sites at Sandbanks, Poole Park, Ensbury and his Ferndown garden. This included 81 Dunlin, 21 TONYSanderling TAYLOR and 5 Firecrests.

: Tony has informed me that in 2012 he ringed a total of 163 birds in his Spetisbury garden. This included 32 Swallow (all pulli), 30 House Sparrow, 26 Goldfinch DAVEand 19 STONE Blue Tits.

: Dave managed to ring 68 Mute Swans in 2012, all but one in Christchurch Harbour.

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.

Robert Walker

Sanderling Sandbanks March 2013 2012 Dorset Bird Report 155

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 155 07/09/2015 10:51 RECOVERIES AND CONTROLS Kevin Sayer

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia NETHERLANDS

8046366 Nestling 19.07.2006 Schiermonnikoog, Field record 09.11.2007 Brownsea Island Field record 14.03.2008 Poole Harbour Field record 11.01.2009 Ernesettle, Field record 11.01.2010 Yealm Estuary, Devon Field record 05.12.2010 River Lynher,Cornwall Field record 10.10.2011 Brownsea Island Field record 20.01.2013 Poole Harbour 636 Km, 6y 6mNETHERLANDS 1d

8048343 Nestling 02.06.2006 Schiermonnikoog, Field record 10.10.2006 Barnstaple, Devon Field record 02.04.2013 RSPB Lodmoor Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Z62471 First year 18.09.1988 Abbotsbury Swannery Field record 31.01.2011 Ford, Somerset Field record 09.01.2012 Ford, Somerset 68 Km, 23y 3m 22d

The BTO longevity record is 27 years 6 months and 27 days set in 2010. FRANCE W14563 Adult male 17.07.2004 Christchurch Shot dead 07.09.2012 Cosqueville, Manche, 118 Km, 8y 1m 21d Teal Anas crecca FRANCE

FS76786 First year 12.01.2009 Sarzeau, Morbihan, Shot dead 15.11.2011 352 Km, 2y 10m 3d Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

FRANCE GC21404 Adult male 08.10.2006 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Shot dead 30.01.2012 Saint-Joachim, 362 Km, 5y 3m 22d Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus SPAIN

7070249 Nestling 12.05.2004 Aznalcazar, Sevilla, Field record 19.02.2012 Wareham Common 1551 Km, 7y 9m 7d

156 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 156 07/09/2015 10:51 for Dorset . Only 43 birds have been found in the UK – 5 from France and 38 from Spain. This is the first

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus NORWAY

6221663 Nestling 01.07.2010 Trysil, Hedmark, Sick 03.10.2010 Portland Bill (In net or cage) 1511 Km, 3m 2d Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

FA78934 Adult 13.12.1999 Poole Park Unknown 22.04.2012 Poole 0Km, 12y 4m 9d

This beats the previous BTO longevity record of 11 y 3m 20d set in 1963. Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

FA78813 First year 30.10.1998 Poole Harbour Caught by ringer 17.09.2012 Heacham, Norfolk 295 Km, 13y 10m 18d

FA78756 Adult 07.02.1998 Poole Harbour Caught by ringer 24.03.2012 Brownsea Island Lagoon 2 Km, 14y 1m 17d Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

EW58107 Nestling 19.08.2008 Lockeridge, Wilts Field record 07.04.2013 West Bexington Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

EW43216 Nestling 29.05.2011 Orfordness, SuffolkNETHERLANDS Field record 13.09.2011 Brownsea IslandNETHERLANDS Field record 28.04.2012 Lauwersmeer, Field record 08.05.2012 Scheelhoek,

A colour-ringed bird fledged in the UK, winters in Dorset and goes to Holland to breed. We are now getting more records of colour-ringed Avocets. Most come from the breeding colonies on the Atlantic coast of France. Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria NETHERLANDS

1469259 Adult 27.10.2004 Wolddijk,Groningen, Dead 07.04.2012 Gussage St Michael, Wimborne 652 Km, 7y 5m 11d

2012 Dorset Bird Report 157

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 157 07/09/2015 10:51 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus SWEDEN

6428543 Nestling 20.05.2011 Sjotorp, Ostergotland, Field record 28.01.2012 Lodmoor, Weymouth (colour ringed) 1160 Km, 8m 8d Dunlin Calidris alpina SWEDEN

3468639 Second year 04.08.2004 Ottenby, Caught by ringer 23.12.2011 Poole Harbour Caught by ringer 21.12.2012 Poole Harbour 1359 Km, 8y 4m 17d POLAND

JT31400 Second year 28.07.2011 Ujscie Wisly, Swibno, Caught by ringer 23.11.2011 Poole Harbour 1469 Km, 3m 26d Sanderling Calidris alba NETHERLANDS

H321284 Adult 16.08.2012 Griend, (Y6WYWG) Field record 19.01.2013 Sandbanks, Poole Harbour Field record 18.03.2013 Sandbanks, Poole Harbour 568 Km, 156 days Redshank Tringa totanus SPAIN

3M009051 First year 13.02.2011 Fianteira,Pontevedra, Field record 27.04.2011 Seaforth NR, Liverpool Field record 02.10.2012 Brownsea Island Lagoon 1054 Km, 1y 7m 19d Woodcock Scolopax rusticola FRANCE

GY80620 First year 28.01.2008 Wiry-au-Mont, Somme, Freshy dead 29.12.2010 Corfe Castle 285 Km, 2y 11m 1d Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

FRANCE FH08987 Adult 19.06.2007 Portland Bill Shot dead 13.01.2013 Octeville-sur-Mer, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 212 Km, 5y 6m 24d

DB49983 First year female 01.12.2001 Brownsea Island Caught by ringer 31.08.2003 Leverton Outgate, Lincs Caught by ringer 18.09.2012 Friskney New Marsh, Lincs 304 Km, 10y 9m 17d

158 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 158 07/09/2015 10:51 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

FINLAND ET50452 Adult 05.12.1999 Poole Park Freshly dead 20.04.2012 Perttu,Kannus,Vaasa, 2123 Km, 12y 4m 15d LATVIA EW56282 Adult 29.11.2010 Poole Park Field record 03.04.2012 Riga, 1841 Km, 1y 4m 5d POLAND ET7002_ Adult 26.01.2011 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Field record 22.03.2012 Hryniewicze, Bialystok, Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 1778 Km, 1y 1m 25d FRANCE

FS95473 Nestling 29.06.2012 Polder Sebastopol,Vendee, Field record 09.09.2012 Lodmoor 410 Km, 2m 11dHUNGARY

382681 Nestling 31.05.2009 Orspuszta,Fejer, Field record 09.09.2012 Lodmoor 1594 Km, 3y 3m 9dNETHERLANDS

3726861 Nestling 22.06.2011 de Kreupel,Oost, Field record 05.09.2012 Lodmoor 581 Km, 1y 2m 14d Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

DE52049 Adult 17.08.2011 Ythan Estuary,Newburgh,Aberdeen Field record 09.09.2012 Lodmoor 744 Km, 1y 0m 23d DENMARK

7150366 Nestling 26.05.2012 Hirsholm,Frederikshavn, Caught by ringer 16.09.2012 Brownsea Island Lagoon 1114 Km, 3m 21d Woodlark Lullula arborea

TE41996 Nestling 11.04.2012 Hankley Common, Surrey Field record 20.01.2013 Solent Meads, Hengistbury Head

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 159 07/09/2015 10:51 Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Y346775 First year 14.08.2012 Llangorse Lake, Powys Caught by ringer 21.08.2012 Hengistbury Head 170 Km, 7d FRANCE Y684414 Juvenile 18.08.2012 Tidmoor, The Fleet Caught by ringer 04.09.2012 Lagunage,Rochefort, 532 Km, 17d

Two examples of a speedy southerly migration! Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

L902631 First year female 09.09.2011 Longham Lakes Caught by ringer 03.05.2012 Lundy Island 197 Kms, 237d

V589395 First-year male 11.10.2009 Mablethorpe, Lincs Caught by ringer 24.04.2012 Portland Bill 366 Kms, 2y 6m 13d

N987525 Full-grown male 09.04.2000 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 26.04.2001 Bardsey Island 297 Kms, 1y 0m 17d Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

L515828 First year 17.08.2011 Southampton Common Caught by ringer 10.08.2012 Longham Lakes 39 Kms, 359d Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

T648988 Adult male 31.12.2008 Parley Common Alive 08.01.2012 Parley Common (colour rings seen) 0 Km, 3y 0m 8d

This bird gets close to the BTO longevity record of 3y 8m 8d. I have kept looking for this bird but so far no more re-sightings. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

FRANCE EBA004 First year 21.09.2012 Durlston Country Park, Swanage Caught by ringer 28.09.2012 Sandouville, Seine-Maritime, 203 Kms, 0y 0m 7d FRANCE

2C9063 Full-grown 15.09.2011 Dannes, Pas de Calais, Caught by ringer 31.03.2012 Portland Bill 286 Kms, 0y 6m 16d 160 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 160 07/09/2015 10:51 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

EHL273 Full-grown 07.04.2012 Ryewater Nursery, Boys Hill Freshly dead 20.05.2012 Corsock, Castle Douglas, SCOTLAND 474 Kms, 0y 1m 13d

DBE110 Full-grown male 18.04.2010 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 12.04.2012 Lundy 172 Kms, 1y 11m 25d DRP303 Full-grown female 15.04.2011 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 21.07.2012 Cardiff Wetland Reserve, WALES 116 Kms, 1y 3m 6d PORTUGAL BNC495 Juvenile 24.07.2010 Radipole Lake, Weymouth Long dead 03.10.2012 Faro, 1573 Kms, 2y 2m 9dFRANCE

R66329 First year 27.08.2007 Marais D’yves, Yves, Caught by ringer 13.04.2012 New Barn Farm, Abbotsbury 526 Kms, 4y 7m 17d Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus FRANCE

647872 First year female 15.08.2010 Frossay, Loire-Atlantique, Caught by ringer 30.08.2012 Longham Lakes 393 Kms, 2y 15d CANARY ISLANDS L517544 First year 06.08.2011 Lytchett Bay Ring read in field 14.05.2012 Lanzarote, 2613 Kms, 9m 8d BELGIUM Y894110 First year 03.08.2012 Squire’s Down, Stalbridge Caught by ringer 21.08.2012 Lapscheure,West-Vlaan., 400 Kms, 18d

AH8819 Adult female 19.05.2012 Jersey Bird Observatory Caught by ringer 10.08.2012 Squire’s Down, Stalbridge 195 Kms, 2m 22d FRANCE L780649 Adult 18.05.2011 Portland Bill FRANCE Caught by ringer 29.07.2011 Trunvel, Finistere, Caught by ringer 17.08.2011 Trunvel, Finistere, 324 Kms, 2m 29d FRANCE Y834664 First year 21.08.2012 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 23.08.2012 Hourtin, Dordogne, 646 Kms, 2 days

The majority of autumn-ringed birds migrate south down the Atlantic coast of France on the way to their wintering grounds. Getting all the way to the Dordogne in just 2 days must be some sort of record! 2012 Dorset Bird Report 161

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 161 07/09/2015 10:51 Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

FRANCE Y330351 First year 30.08.2011 Abbotsbury Swannery Caught by ringer 06.08.2012 Noyant, Soulaire-Et-Bourg, 376 Kms, 11m 7d AK0566 First year 01.08.2010 la Claire Mere, Guernsey Caught by ringer 07.05.2012 Portland Bill Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti 120 Kms, 1y 9m 6d

Y315041 Un-aged female 04.09.2011 Titchfield Haven, Hampshire Caught by ringer 28.09.2012 Longham Lakes Caught by ringer 10.10.2012 Longham Lakes 47 Kms, 1y 24d & 36d Goldcrest Regulus regulus

CJY642 First year male 15.03.2012 Bardsey Island, Gwynedd Caught by ringer 20.10.2012 Hengistbury Head 308 Kms, 0y 6m 28d

ENB369 Adult male 06.10.2012 Portland Bill Found dead 09.02.2013 Belvedere, Greater London 212 Kms, 0y 4m 3d Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla GERMANY

V19871 Full-grown male 28.09.2012 Hamburg-Reitbrook, Caught by ringer 04.11.2012 Portland Bill 919Kms, 0y 1m 7d Starling Sturnus vulgaris

BELARUS LC13062 First year 03.12.2010 Stinsford Freshly dead 15.05.2012 Ivanovo, Brest, (cat) 2923 Kms, 1y 5m 12dNETHERLANDS

K311963 First year female 09.11.1968 Kennemerduinen, Unknown 13.02.2012 Winterborne Came (ring only) 518 Kms, 43y 3m 4d

RA94313 First year 02.06.1986 Beaminster Unknown 03.05.2012 Lwr Westwater Farm,Axminster,Devon (ring only) 20 Kms, 25y 11m 1d

For the last two my guess is that metal detectors have been at work here.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 162 07/09/2015 10:51 Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

SWEDEN LA08238 Adult male 12.02.2011 Squire’s Down, Stalbridge Freshly dead 09.07.2012 Lillpitevagen, Norrbotten, (cat) 2098 Kms, 1y 4m 27d Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

PORTUGAL RF43518 Second year 25.03.2012 Portland Bill Shot 13.01.2013 Brinches, Beja,

The 3rd mid-winter recovery of a Portland-ringed migrant in Portugal, there are also 2 mid- winter recoveries in Spain and another in Algeria. Robin Erithacus rubecula NORWAY

EF56673 Adult 22.10.2012 Revtangen, Klepp, Rogaland, Freshly dead 25.11.2012 Christchurch (cat) 1005 Kms, 0y 1m 3d

P901451 Nestling 25.04.2008 Kingston Lacy Freshly dead 10.07.2012 Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire 50 Kms, 4y 2m 15d Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

V760441 Nestling male 09.06.2010 Llethr Woods, Llanwrthwl, Powys Caught by ringer 31.03.2012 Portland Bill 205 Kms, 1y 9m 22d

Y148037 Nestling female 09.06.2011 near Rhos-Y-Meirch, Knighton, Powys Caught by ringer 03.05.2012 Portland Bill 205 Kms, 0y 10m 27d Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

L025370 Nestling 03.06.2010 Pen Rhiw Farm, Powys Caught by ringer 31.03.2012 Portland Bill Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba 155 Kms, 1y 9m 28d

L976434 Adult male 08.08.2012 East Kilbride, Starthclyde Alive 13.12.2012 Thorncombe (colour rings seen) 559 Kms, 0y 4m 5d NETHERLANDS L055836 First-year male 20.02.2010 Weymouth Caught by ringer 21.03.2011 Overveen, 527 Km, 1y 1m 1d

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 163 07/09/2015 10:51 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

L780466 First-year female 28.04.2011 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 19.10.2012 South Walney,Barrow-in-Furness 395 Km, 1y 5m 21d Siskin Carduelis spinus

L516510 Adult female 26.02.2011 Northmoor Estate, Wareham Caught by ringer 12.08.2012 Braytown, near Wool 8 Km, 1y 5m 17d

Y715823 Second-year female 02.06.2012 Braytown, near Wool Caught by ringer 09.08.2012 Sway, 46 Km, 0y 2m 7d

We know that our wintering birds breed mostly in either northern British Isles or Scandinavia. I have always been intrigued as to where our local breeding birds go in winter. The first record would indicate they don’t go too far.Does the second record indicate a post- breeding dispersal back to the continent? Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

D145166 First-year 20.10.2012 Orlestone Forest, Kent Caught by ringer 24.10.2012 Portland Bill 239 Km, 0y 0m 4d

L794164 First-year male 27.12.2010 West Horsley, Surrey Caught by ringer 15.11.2012 Ferndown Reed Bunting Emberiza schoenicius 113 Km, 1y 10m 19d

L781673 First-year female 13.10.2011 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 15.03.2012 South Milton Ley, Devon 103 Km, 0y 5m 2d

X695884 First year 02.11.2009 Portland Bill Caught by ringer 07.04.2012 Lower Parting, Gloucester 151 Kms, 2y 5m 5d

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 164 07/09/2015 10:51 DORSET BIRD REPORT 2012 - RINGING TOTALS pre- Species 2009 2010 2011 2012 Totals 2009 8616 247 279 96

Mute Swan 11 1526 9390870 Canada Goose 835 25 13 Shelduck 29311 29511 Gadwall 12 Teal 365760 5 3 367760 Wigeon 19 27 Mallard 320649 153 151 355649 Shoveler PochardEider 501 501 1 1

Garganey Pintail 357 24 24 7 357467 Tufted Duck 3990 13 1 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 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 421 12 4 9 2 448 Storm Petrel 0 1 1 Leach’s Petrel Gannet 51 1 52 Cormorant 10 1 1 12 Shag 2 2 Bittern Little Egret 36 36 Grey Heron 18 11 14 479 Sparrowhawk 41364 7 236 82 Buzzard 1 5 1 Rough-legged Buzzard 287 22 12 16 Kestrel 2 58 1 395 Merlin 2 1 263 Hobby 23 2012 Dorset Bird Report 165

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Peregrine 5 1 6 2 2725 Water Rail 26320 20 Spotted Crake Corncrake 4873 4 4993 Moorhen 976 145 3 26 Coot 2 342 26 1512 1065 Oystercatcher 1542 28 1584 Avocet 1510 4310 Little Ringed Plover 2 7 4 2 268 Ringed Plover 2534 4 Dotterel 48 2 1 1 Grey Plover 2 7 529 Golden Plover 440 10 41 9 Lapwing 247 2 2 165 505272 Knot 28 2 20 215 74 Sanderling 3 Little Stint 251 251 Pectoral Sandpiper 10 10 Purple Sandpiper 119 1 120 Curlew Sandpiper 10878 47 47 146 11248 Dunlin 1 130 1 Buff-breasted Sandpiper Ruff 1342 16 4 13 Jack Snipe 2 3 117665 Snipe 1123 3518 1311 123 71 Woodcock 3076 2 Black-tailed Godwit 261 75 12 83 Bar-tailed Godwit 240 13 2 1 283244 Common Sandpiper 21 4 2 27 Green Sandpiper 8 8 Wood Sandpiper 729 2 Curlew 731 Whimbrel 157 1 157 Greenshank 5510 5610 Spotted Redshank

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 166 07/09/2015 10:51 Pre- Species 2009 2010 2011 2012 Totals 2009 782 7 16 4 809

Redshank 46 1 1 1 49 Turnstone Grey Phalarope 13 13 Kittiwake 5 6 24 24 5 Black-headed Gull 32321 34 33201 Little Gull 7 7 Mediterranean Gull 7 1 8 Common Gull 10 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull 882 41 1008 Herring Gull 46 43 5 3784 186 Great Black-backed Gull 48 12 56 60 Little Tern 4 4 Black Tern 172 2 6 Sandwich Tern 969 4 13 183 Common Tern 4 31 10054 Roseate Tern 2 2 Arctic Tern 12 1 Guillemot 7 137 Razorbill 1 1 Little Auk 1 1 Puffin 278 27 4 7 Stock Dove 44 25 42 341747 Woodpigeon 552268 8 5114 58 12 Collared Dove 1 131 31560 Turtle Dove 58 2 1 2 60 Cuckoo 551 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 44 41 Barn Owl 3651 45 34 5291 Scops Owl 266 7 9 14 Little Owl 59 4 9 301140 Tawny Owl 11316 5 16 Long-eared Owl 1 4 Short-eared Owl 9263 21 1041 NightjarSwift 466 258 1 31 38 475

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Pallid Swift 710 22 12 27 19 790 Kingfisher 2 2 Hoopoe 78 1 1 2 2 84 Wryneck 242 4 7 Green Woodpecker 27 5 5 263 Great Spotted Woodpecker 34411 39 38 52 50011 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 0 1 1 Short-toed Lark 29 2 Woodlark 1 22 8 2 120831 Skylark 108121175 8 11129 Sand Martin 420 58 138786 1212113 Swallow 36091 605128 39114 House Martin 300032 137 115 506 308892 Blyth’s Pipit Tawny Pipit 31 31 Olive-backed Pipit 694 10 16 774 Tree Pipit 4073 226 51 201 6469 Meadow Pipit 5334 44 26 30116 2 446 Rock Pipit 35816 16 Water Pipit 18 47 482 14272 Yellow Wagtail 13432 1 8 2932 1 Grey Wagtail 763 781 292 775 Pied/WhiteDipper Wagtail 7830 795 352 10050 15 287 15 Wren 124300 367 389 323 13796 Waxwing 1 3 31 Brown Thrasher 466 497 622 Dunnock 109301 504 130191 Alpine Accentor 696 1004 Robin 1635942 6151 631 19305 Bluethroat 2 432 Thrush Nightingale 2 10 Nightingale 126300 2 2 2 312 Black Redstart 883 78 90 135 Redstart 3398 56 3710

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 168 07/09/2015 10:51 pre- Species 2009 2010 2011 2012 Totals 2009 610 17 9 10

Whinchat 1888 475 24 28 2040651 Stonechat 616 11 19 53 Wheatear 1 75 37 7581 Pied Wheatear 1 1 Desert Wheatear 1 1 Grey-cheeked Thrush 1 144 Ring Ouzel 20002135 3 661 5 22807 Blackbird 568 653 11 92310 Fieldfare 695 3 21156 207 8408775 Song Thrush 7564 15387 244 273182 4604 Redwing 3937 1 6 1544 Mistle Thrush 317 66 5 1098333 Cetti’s Warbler 9151 56 36 25 1 Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler 108 182 1612 Grasshopper Warbler 12534 31 38 4 Savi’s Warbler 227 1 Aquatic Warbler 1194 1940 5 80614233 Sedge Warbler 730330 23881 2059 1 Paddyfield Warbler 4 1 Blyth’s Reed Warbler 19 1 1 215 Marsh Warbler 1060 690 Reed Warbler 332552 580 1213 367982 Great Reed Warbler Eastern Olivaceous Warbler 34 34 Booted Warbler 1 1 Syke’s Warbler 46 1 1 48 Icterine Warbler 119 1 4 1 128 Melodious Warbler 27782 3 1221 1626 Blackcap 6802 837 1952264 33418 Garden Warbler 26 103 131 163 2 746328 Barred Warbler 1602 48 76 61 1826 Lesser Whitethroat 1 39 1 Orphean Warbler 1 1 Asian Desert Warbler 274 420 901 14102 Whitethroat 11936 571

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 169 07/09/2015 10:51 pre- Species 2009 2010 2011 2012 Totals 2009 907 79 6 12 1019

Dartford Warbler 9 1 151 11 Subalpine Warbler Greenish Warbler 51 51 Arctic Warbler 11 2 Pallas’s Warbler 41 1 1 6 1349 Yellow-browed Warbler 2 1 Hume’s Leaf Warbler 9 1 103 Radde’s Warbler 4 1 Dusky Warbler 5 Western Bonelli’s Warbler 1483 2 3 Wood Warbler 28683 153 Chiffchaff 362892 1750 2035 2845 457872 Iberian Chiffchaff 1496 2996 77478 Willow Warbler 67563 110 2438261 2985289 Goldcrest 191951429 28 28 65561 20510 Firecrest 3366 69 102 72 1579 Spotted Flycatcher 4145 4454 Red-breasted Flycatcher 31 22 8 40 162931 Pied Flycatcher 1534 9 4025 17 4 Bearded Tit 1384 292 1454 Long-tailed Tit 5526 2117293 2086308 1490233 466946652 Blue Tit 38403 1192 25981281 1244 887 20069 Great Tit 154652287 119 71 124 Coal Tit 162 134 2735162 Willow Tit 769 16 28 17 6 Marsh Tit 66 836820 Nuthatch 1010598 51 28 5326 5214 1109 Treecreeper 7 311 1 1 10 Golden Oriole 2 2 Isabelline Shrike 16 1 17 Red-backed Shrike Woodchat Shrike 20713 6 11 13 Jay 219 5 123 9 16 232261 Magpie 271 205 18 8 6 Jackdaw 323

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 170 07/09/2015 10:51 pre- Species 2009 2010 2011 2012 Totals 2009 76 1 11 94

Rook 78 31 2 31 82 Carrion Crow Raven 3 40 146 121 114 141663 Starling 13745 406 12141 House Sparrow 10543241 398 44 4366 358 Tree Sparrow 9601 43 1022 12091334 Chaffinch 3272 97 5658 57612 Brambling 5128 1 1 63110 Serin 28791 760 804 999 Greenfinch 803887 1498 32157 Goldfinch 22748659 172658 68 1340 130422992 Siskin 19190 421 404215 263 22666 Linnet 2 1303 1348 2 TwiteRedpoll sp 48 1 8 57 27 21 122 811

Lesser Redpoll 5361 1 1 1 105 4 Mealy Redpoll 1 6 Crossbill 65 1 7 Common Rosefinch 87 167 128 Bullfinch 33966 95 38736 Hawfinch 2 2 Northern Parula 1 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 1 Dark-eyed Junco Lapland Bunting 3 26 26 20 28 3 Yellowhammer 23236 24236 Cirl Bunting 6 1 1 1 9 Ortolan Bunting 10 1 1 12 Little Bunting 10074 177 Reed Bunting 1 132 253 396 110321 Black-headed Bunting 1 TotalsCorn Bunting 7001761455 18727 25307 27045 28133 7993881456 Number of Species 242

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 171 07/09/2015 10:51 Partial cDNA sequence of cyt b gene from a Weymouth Siberian Chiffchaff is identical to that from a Siberian Chiffchaff from the Yenesei River, Western Siberia.

Martin Collinson and Ian Dodd* * author for correspondence: [email protected] Introduction Phylloscopus collybita

The Chiffchaff is a common leaf warbler that breeds and winters both in the West Palearctic region and further afield (1). In Britain there is a small but significant winter population that tends to be concentrated along the counties of thecollybita south coast.abietinus The taxonomytristis of Chiffchaff subspecies is complex and has been discussed in detail elsewhere (2, 3, 4). The particular taxa that are of concern in Britain in winter are , and and geographically (at least in the breeding season) these three forms can be consideredtristis to reflect a broadabietinus west to east distribution, although it is also recognised that there are intergrade forms. In recent years there has been a growing realisation that it is possibly rather than that is the major ‘north-eastern’ taxon wintering in Britain and there is a need for further clarity. The present paper detailscyt bthe occurrence of a Siberian Chiffchaff trapped in the Weymouth area of Dorset that tristisdemonstrates, for the first time in the UK, 100% identity in a partial cDNA sequence of the gene with a bird Resultstrapped andon the Discussion Yenesei River in Western Siberia and allocated to the form.

Lavatera arborea On the 5th January 2013 an over-wintering putative Siberian Chiffchaff was discovered feeding in Tree Mallow in a residential garden in the Littlesea area of Weymouth. The bird was trapped in a mist-net shortly afterwards and it was ringed, processed, photographed (Fig.1) and then released. While the bird was in the hand it made a few calls, one of which was recorded and later transformed to a sonogram (Fig 2). A few body feathers were shed during the ringing process and these were retained in a clean envelope for DNA analysis. After release the bird was photographed in a near-by tree (Fig.3). A ringed putative Siberian Chiffchaff was seen again on 14th January in the same garden. The bird was not trapped but it seems likely that it was the same bird.

Fig. 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, Weymouth 05.01.2013

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 172 07/09/2015 10:51 Fig. 2 Sonogram of Siberian Chiffchaff Fig. 3 Siberian Chiffchaff

The following biometrics were taken: wing 64 mm (suggesting a male), weight 7.8g and 2nd primary = 8. The coloration and markings of the bird were as depicted in Fig.1 and the photo is believed to be a good representation of the actual bird; however it is interesting to note the olive tinge to some of the mantle feathers and a hint of yellow in the hind supercilium, features that fall into what has been referred to as the ‘fulvescens trait’(3). The sonogram call at 3 s both in general pitch level and in the decline in pitch is not typical of a Siberian Chiffchaff, at least as far as the authors have been able to ascertain. DNA analysis of a sample taken from one of the feathers was successful. Using the 2550F/2781R primers for PCR (5) it was confirmed that the bird was male. The PCR protocol described in Helbig et al. (6) was used to isolate the cyt b gene, and 665 bp were sequenced and compared with all chiffchaff taxa using BLAST (http://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and came out unambiguously as tristis, with 100% identity to tristis Z73482.1 (Genbank Accession No.) from the Mirnoye Biological Station,Yenisey River, western Siberia. The result was 1-3 bp different from other Siberian Chiffchaffs sequenced from Britain and Ireland and 14 bp different from any abietinus or nominate (collybita) birds.

We thank Martin Cade for assistance with presentation of the sonogram and Brett Spencer for the photographs.

1. Cramp, S (ed.) (1992) The Birds of the Western Palearctic Vol. VI. p.612-639.

2. Clement, P., Helbig, J. and Small, B. (1998) Brit. Birds 91: 361-376.

3. Dean, A., Bradshaw, C., Martin, J., Stoddart, A., and Walbridge, G. (2010) Brit. Birds 103: 320-338.

4. de Knijff, P., van der Spek, V. and Fischer, J. (2012) Dutch Birding 34: 386-392.

5. Fridolfsson AK and Ellegren H (1999) J Avian Biology 30: 116-121.

6. Helbig, A.H., Seibold, I., Martens, J. & Wink, M. (1995) J Avian Biol 26: 139-153.

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DBR2012 Master Text.indd 175 07/09/2015 10:52 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 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 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 SY997768 44 Sovell Down ST985107 89 Baiter Park SZ020901 45 Swineham GP & Point SY937879 176 Dorset Bird Report 2012

DBR2012 Master Text.indd 176 07/09/2015 10:52 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 SY 698718 SZ 0097 Acton SY 989784 Broadstone SZ 0095 Affpuddle SY 805936 Broadstone GC SZ 0288 Alderholt SU 1112 Brockington SU 019107 SZ 029880 Alners Gorse ST 737103 Brownsea Island Alweston ST 664143 Brownsea Lagoon 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 SZ 1497 Avalanche Rd (& Hump) SY 686705 Burleston SY 776942 Avon Causeway 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 ST 576155 Burton Mere SY 508879 SZ 022904 Badbury Rings ST 9603 Bushey SY 979834 Baiter Park Butterstreet Cove SY 6379 Ballard Down SZ 381 Canford SZ 0398 SZ 041986 Bardolf Farm SY 763952 Canford Heath SZ 032983 Bardolf WM SY 7694 Canford Magna GC Barleycrates Lane SY 685710 Cashmoor ST 9713 SZ 112947 Batcombe Walk ST 6303 Castle Cove SY 676775 Beacon Hill Landfill SY 973950 Castlepoint, Bournemouth Beaminster ST 4701 Cerne Abbas ST 685011 SZ 0496 Beaminster Down ST 4903 Chafey’s Lake SY 6680 Bearwood 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 SZ 007767 Black Hill, Holton Heath SY 946910 Chaston Farm ST 718057 Blackers Hole Cheselbourne SY 7699 Blacknor SY 677714 Chesil Beach SY 57/68 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 SZ 11/1291 Chickerell Hive Point SY 637791 SZ 126942 Bourne Valley SZ 0693 Chilcombe SY 527910 Bournemouth Hospital Child Okeford ST 8312 Bovington Camp SY 8388 Christchurch Harbour SU 1791 Bowleaze Cove SY 703819 Church Hill ST 715035 Boys Hill ST 673102 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 SZ 0689 Branksome SZ 0592 Colehill SU 0201 Branksome Chine Compton Abbas ST 869185 Brenscombe Hill SY 986819 Briantspuddle SY 8193 Bride Valley SY4789/SY5888 Bride Valley Fish Farm SY 521899 2012 Dorset Bird Report 177

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Compton Valence SY 593932 Fitzworth SY 992867 Coombe Heath SY 975867 Flaghead Chine SZ 053887 Coombe Hill ST 775025 Fleetsbridge SZ 010933 Coombe Valley SY 6983/84 Fontmell Down ST 884176 Corfe Castle SY 9682 Forde Abbey ST 359050 Corfe Common SY 9580/81 Forston SY 6695 Corfe Hills SY 9996 Fortuneswell SY 6873 Corfe Mullen SY 9798 Foxholes, The Fleet SY 652778 Corfe River Meadows SY 9684 Frampton SY 6295 Corscombe Cross ST 5105 French’s Farm SY 968930 Coward’s Marsh SZ 1595 Frome Whitfield SY 6991 Cranborne SU 0514 Furzehill SU 0102 Cranborne Common SU 104112 Furzey Island SZ 00/0187 Creech Heath SY 9283 Gad Cliff SY 882795 Creekmoor Ponds SY 999939 Gallows Hill SY 844911 Critchel Down ST 961101 Garston Wood SU 002190 Critchel Lake SY 9907 Gillingham ST 8026/27 SZ 169918 Crossways SY 76/7788 Glebelands SZ 0381 SZ 0182 Crouch Hill, Stanpit Goathill ST 675172 Culverwell SY 982690 Godlingston Heath Dancing Ledge SY 997768 Golden Cap SY 407923 Deadmoor Common ST 7511 Golden Springs SY 8290 SZ 0197 Dean ST 9715 Gore Heath SY 9291 Delph Woods 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 SZ 0184 Dorchester SY 68/69 Great Ovens Hill SY 925903 Dorey’s Farm Pond SY 911850 Greenlands Farm Down Farm, Blandford ST 993148 Grimstone SY 6494 SZ 0196 Dudmoor Farm SZ 150960 Grove Point SY 706722 Dunyeat’s Heath Grove Stadium SY 698726 SZ 0277 SZ 0377 /78 Gussage All Saints SU 0010 Durlston CP / Head Gussage St Andrew ST 986145 East Almer SY 924991 Gussage St Michael ST 9811 East Bexington SY 550858 Hambledon Hill ST 8412 East Fleet SY 635800 Ham Common SY 9790/9890 East Holme SY 8986 Hammoon ST 8114 East Knighton SY 8084 Handfast Point/Old Harry SZ 055825 East Lulworth SY 8692 Handley Cross SU 011166 East Parley SZ 105975 Hardy’s Monument SY 613876 East Stoke SY 8786 Harpitts Lake ST 784242 East Stoke Fen SY 864866 Hartgrove ST 8318 East Stour ST 8023 Hartland Moor SY 9585 East Weare SY 7073 Hatch Pond SZ 013938 Easton SY 6971 Haven Hotel, Poole SZ 0387 Eccliffe ST 798254 Hazelebury Bryan ST 745085 Edmonsham SU 0611 Hedbury Quarry SY 992768 SZ 1790 Eggardon Hill SY 5494 Henbury Plantation SY 9697 Eight Kings Quarry SY 688699 Hengistbury Head SZ 0178 Enmore Green ST 8523 Herbury Gore SY 6180/81 Eyebridge ST 995000 Herston SZ 0799 Farrington ST 8415 Hethfelton SY 851883 SZ 2194 Ferndown Common High Hall nr. Wimborne SU 001027 Ferrybridge SY 667762 Highcliffe Fifehead Magdalen ST 779214 Higher Bockhampton SY 7292 Fifehead Wood ST 774215 Higher Hyde SY 851902

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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 SZ 1297 Hungry Hill SY 529974 Martin Down SY 5791 Iford Hurn Martinstown SY 6488 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 SZ 116929 SZ 020980 Kingcombe ST 741002 Melcombe Bingham ST 7602 King’s Park, Bournemouth Merley 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 SZ 0080 King’s Wood, Purbeck SZ 000815 Monkton-up-Wimborne SU 0113 Knitson 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 SZ 0078 Langton Herring SY 6182 Morden Park Corner SY 9093 SZ 1892 Langton Matravers Moreton SY 8089 Lankham Bottom SY 6099 Mudeford 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 SZ 004840 Lillington ST 629127 Newton Bay SZ 0085 Littlebredy SY 5889 Newton Heath SZ 002811 Little Sea, Studland SZ 0384/85 Newton’s Cove SY 684782 Littlesea, The Fleet SY 645781 Nine Barrow Down 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 SZ 062981 Longburton ST 6611 Nottington SY 6682 Longham Lakes Oakers Wood SY 8091 Louds Mill SF SY 7190 Oborne ST 6518 Lower Bockhampton SY 7290 Okeford Fitzpaine ST 806109 Lower Parkstone SZ 0391 Organford SY 939924 Lulworth Cove SY 8279 Osmington SY 7283 Lulworth Ranges SY 8370/9082 Ower Bay SY 9986 Lydlinch ST 7413 Ower Quay SY 997862 Lydlinch Common ST 7313 Pallington SY 789912

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SZ 0290 Pamphill ST 9900 Rodwell SY 6778 SZ 0997 Parkstone Bay Ryewater ST 667108 SZ 066828 Parley Court Farm Saltern’s Marsh SY 9686 PC World, Poole Sandbanks SZ 03/0487 Pennsylvania Castle SY 6971 Sandford Heath SY 9389 SZ 040786 Pentridge SU 0317 Sandsfoot Castle SY 674773 Peveril Point 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 SZ 08 Plush ST 7102 Sherborne ST 6678 Poole Bay Sherborne Lake ST 64/6516 Poole Harbour SY 9988 Sherford Bridge SY 919927 SZ 011902 Poole Park SZ 0290/91 Shillingstone ST 825110 Poole Quay 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 SZ 1491 SY 741841 South Poorton SY 519978 Preston SY 7083 Southbourne SZ 162924 Preston Beach SY 6880-6981 Southover, Frampton SY 6294 Priory Marsh 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 SZ 197929 Redcliff Point SY 713816 Stanpit Marsh SZ 16/1792 Redhill LNR SZ 087954 Steamer Point 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 SZ 040840 ST3202-ST4904 Stubhampton ST 9113 SZ 040826 River Frome SY9487-ST5704 Studland Bay River Lim SY3492–SY3196 Studland Beach River Wey River Stour SZ1692-ST 7731 Studland Village SZ 0382 SY 6780-6685 Sturminster Marshall ST 9400 Rodden SY 611842 Sturminster Marshall GP SY 9599 Rodden Hive SY 604821 ST 7814

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Suckthumb Quarry SY 686708 Walditch SY 485925 Sugar Hill SY 883924 Wareham SY 91/9288 Sutton Bingham Res ST 549110 Wareham Common SY 9087 Sutton Hill ST 882160 Wareham Forest SY 9092 Sutton Waldron ST 887160 Wareham Moors SY 9287 Swanage SZ 02/0378/79 Warmwell Heath SY 7586 Swanage Bay SZ 0379 Warmwell Quarry SY 7588 Swanworth Quarry SY 969782 West Bay SY 4690 Swineham GP SY 932880 West Bexington SY 525868 Swineham Point SY 944878 West Chaldon SY 777828 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 SZ 0898 Tarrant Gunville ST 9212 West Moors Plantation SU 0903 Tarrant Hinton ST 9310 West Parley 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 SZ 160920 Thornicombe ST 870032 Whitecliff SZ 0390 SZ 167912 Three Legged Cross SU 0805 Wick Throop Heath SY 820918 Wick Hams 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 SZ 140960 SZ 1696 SY 686726 Win Green ST 9417 SZ 128948 Town Common Winkton SZ 0278 Townsend Winspit SY 9776 Townsend Reserve Winterborne Came SY 704884 Trickett’s Cross SF SU100005 Winterborne Herringston SY 6887 SZ 1492 Tripps Farm ST 687161 Winterborne Houghton ST 8104 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 SZ 0181 Two Mile Copse SY 674821 Woodley Down ST 93179 Ulwell 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 SY 9777 Verne Common SY 692740 Wyke Down SU 0015 SU 0808 Wyke Regis SY 6677 Waddock Cross SY 799910 Wytch Causeway SY 981852 SY 6971 Wytch Lake SY 9886

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Abbotsbury Swannery Cadogan P Elborn T Abrahams R Campbell J Elliot JM Acornley R Carley T Ellis J Adamcik T Carpenter R England P Adams J Carter G Evans J Alexander I Chainey C Everitt J Allen J Chapleo C Farr T Alway F Chappell L Fenegan I Andrews MS Chapple B Flynn P Armstrong GJ CHOG Foot D Arnold N Chown DJ Ford RA Baker P Churchill R Forrest P Bale JV Clarke S Forster M Bale R Claydon W Fowler D Ball D Coe PA Fowler N Ball K Coleman M Frampton O Ballam I Coller M Francis J Balmer T Collins N Freney K Bandfield D Constantine Ma Gale J Barclay I Constantine Mo Gardner IC Barlow GF Conway T GerryGartshore S N Barrett AJ Cooke D Gayer R Barrett GC Cottrell C Barrett P Couzens D Gibbons M Bartlett D Cox R GiffordGibson NR Barton M Cross M Gifford J BirdBelcher D RT Croton N Bellamy JRW Crowter P GodfreyGilham R D Croxson D Gleason R BirdGuides Cuff P Bishop G Dadds J Goodwin T Bissell L Darke M GrevesGould M D Blake R Davies J Green GP Blood V Davis S Groves SA Boarder J DoddDibben I P Grinter A Boswell R DoddDixon SR Boswell S Hadrill P Bown W Hammick J Braithwaite T Dorset Wildlife Trust Hansford G BrettBray BE Down J Harris P BrewerBreeze S S Down M Harris PM Brodie ES Downton T Harris R Dowty M Hastings R Drake P Hayden A Brown A Dresh C Hazell J Brummitt R DyerDunk D A Hearn S BTO BirdTrack DyerDurlston R Country Park Heawood R Budden MD Helliar D Bunker D Hetherington P Butcher S Dymock A Hewitt R Cade182 MDorset Bird Report 2012 Edge A Hill A

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Hoar N Morton P Sheffield JM Hooker T Moses S Sherran S Hopper N Mould R Simmonds S Horobin P Murray H Simpson S Howell J Nairn I Sitjar A Howell R Neilson A Smith A Hughes D Nicklin RS Smith DN Hull J Nolan S Smith SF Hull N Norman S Smith SW Jackson P Obray J Snook N James RMR Painter M Southworth I & J Jeffrey M Parnell C Spencer B Johnson S PBOParr K Squire T Joicey D Patrick C Standfield P Jones DA Stanley IM Jones J Peacock M Steedman B Jones M Pearce A Stokes M Keevill A Peart RH Taylor AM Kennard A Peverett C Taylor DH Kennardy T Phillips J Taylor J Kidner S Phillips L Taylor L Kingman D Pierce C Taylor R Kirk I Poore M Tebbs M Lane KE Powne JD Telfer N Lawson M Puffett T Thain C Leadbetter D Pugh A Thompson P Leevers P Pyke L Thorpe T Leishman S Quinney A Tilley J Levey P Quintrell N Tilsley J Lewis IM Randall C Tims G Liley D ReeseRaper AM Tims R Lister P Rare Bird Alert Tomlinson N LLoyd S Tooth ND Lockwood J Rendell P Trew M Lowther J Rendle P Trundle R Malins J Richards CE Tucker K Mallett K Robson S Upton G Mannering J Rochester M Urch N Manson P Rogers C Wade T Mantripp K RoseRogers A G Walbridge A Massey MJ Rogers P Walbridge D McCarthy J Walbridge G Mears A Ross J Walls S Miles R Rowland C Wareham D Milner C RSPB Weymouth Warrick T Mitchell JR Russell T Waterman P Mockler M Rysiok G Watts BH Moore P Saunders D & P Weaver S Morris R Saville V Webb R Morrison S Sayer K Wheatcroft A Morse M Shaw T 2012 WhitbyDorset Bird C & Report G 183

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White B & H White C White D White G White P White T Wilcox C Wilkes K Williams M Williams P WoodfordWilson M E Wood Homer HG Woods N Woodruff J

Worton D Wright JF Wright S Wright SJ Wyeth C

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