Red Phalarope

Charmouth, Dorset

I've not seen a Red Phalarope for a few years, so a Juvenile just 30 minutes or so away was too tempting. I arrived at the Bridge near the mouth of the River Char to a crowd of non birders. A lot of questions later (I think I had managed to tell half the people in the area) admirers were aware of what it was, where it was from and where it was going. I didn't mind one bit as it was lovely to get people who were genuinely interested and appreciated the little grey bird. The bird was rather showy and a times was just a few feet away. 

Red Phalarope (Juvenile)

Red Phalarope (Juvenile)

Red Phalarope (Juvenile)

Little Auk and Black-necked Grebe

Harbour, Weymouth, Dorset 

Another day off and another lure. Little Auk is not a species you really get to enjoy down south. They are usually flybys or a distant speck on the sea. So I had to give this bird a go. I opted to set up opposite the lifeboat station. There were a number of birders on both sides eagerly waiting. After around 20 minutes a Whistle came from the opposite side and signals pointing a little further up the harbour. I walked the couple of hundred metres and could see the tiny thing in-between 2 yellow boats. Quick bin views confirmed and I was soon getting great scope views. The best views I have ever had and what a buzz.

Little Auk 

Little Auk 

Little Auk 

Little Auk 

Sandsfoot, Weymouth, Dorset 

With the Little Auk safely in the bag. I decided to see if I could spot the Black-necked Grebes from the sailing club. I did one scan with no luck and another birder turned up and on his first scan picked them up. I assume they had popped up from a feeding session. Non the less, we enjoyed pretty decent views of 4 birds. Also on site were numerous Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe. All done by lunchtime, I decided to head home. One happy chap.

Black-necked Grebe 

Whiskered Tern

Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset 

Whiskered Tern is a bird I've missed on 3 occasions which really is a bitter pill to Swallow. So the fact that the individual at the swannery has hung around for a number of days now was to tempting to pass up. So after work today I set off in hope. I arrived to hear that the bird had flown off. Wad this to be dip number 4? But after 5 minutes I caught sight of the bird coming in from the right and past the hide and out of sight. OK, I've seen it but I want more I thought. After another few minutes the bird popped back into the lagoon and gave stonking close views. I was too awe struck to even think of photos as I enjoyed close scope views and watched it move further out of the lagoon. Perhaps I should invest in a camera? Also on site were a number of Common Tern, Sandwich Tern and a Black Swan. 

On the walk back to the beach car park (I didn't pay much attention on the way out) were 2 Northern Wheatear, 2 Eurasian Reed Bunting, and 2 Common Reed Warbler. I did think about going for the Tawny Pipit at Cogden but I was pushed for time and as much as it's a cracking bird, I have seen a few before. 

Long-billed Dowitcher

Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Me and my mate Pete set off to look at would be only my second Long-billed Dowitcher. My first sighting was also at Lodmoor, as was my only sighting of Short-billed Dowitcher. Finding this bird was so easy. It was asleep just a couple of hundred yards away from the Reserve entrance. It woke up after a few minutes and gave great views. Unfortunately, my phone camera sensor is kaput. So I could only manage this crappy record shot. The only other bird of note was a Ruff.

Long-billed Dowitcher 

Portland Bill, Dorset
We moved on to the quarry in search of the Eurasian Wryneck bit despite a bit of a stakeout, it was nowhere to be seen. It was a similar story for the Lapland Bunting. Around the area though, were double figures of Northern Wheatear and singles of Whinchat and White Wagtail.

No Savi’s Warbler

Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset
Me and my mate Pete had a trip to Dorset today. We popped here first in the pouring rain in the hope of a Little Tern. No joy and there was nothing else on offer.

Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset 
We moved here to get some shelter at the bandstand. On arrival we were treated to really nice views of a Male Northern Wheatear in the car park. A look on the first scrape gave us our first of the year Common Tern with 2 individuals. Not a lot else on offer except 2 Common Snipe, a few Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and a single Common Sandpiper. However, as we were in the car park about to leave I picked out a strange call and got on to a Hirundine type bird as it flew straight over head and was able to confirm a Red-rumped Swallow. I was very pleased with myself for getting that firstly on call. It didn’t seem to stick around as it kept going north at pace.

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
We had a look here for the Savi’s Warbler but the weather was atrocious and we struck out even after staking out the bandstand area (we were informed this was the best place) We were treated to 2 Western Marsh Harrier, plenty of Eurasian Reed Warbler and Cetti’s Warbler. As we had a cuppa in the visitors centre another Common Sandpiper was pottering about on the island.

Portland Harbour, Dorset
We popped here as we were tired of the rain and it’s got decent shelter in the right conditions. It was nice to take a breather from the wind and rain but all that was on offer were 2 Common Sandpiper. This species seemed to turn up everywhere today. Although the weather was clearing up we both decided that we had had enough of feeling soaked through so headed home.

Dorset Delivers Again

A cracking “fill your boots” day out in Dorset.

Portland Harbour, Dorset 
First stop off in search of Loons and Grebes. It was rather quiet here but eventually a Black-throated Loon showed distantly. The only other bird of note was a Common Murre.

Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth, Dorset 
My next stop proved better with a Common Loon, Horned Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Black-necked Grebe.

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset 
My main targets here were the Ring-necked Duck and Bearded Reedling. After two circuits of the Buddleia Loop I was giving up hope of the later but just near the visitor centre I heard the distinctive call and there were a Male and Female at real close quarters. They were often slightly obscured and due to the breeze, never ventured right to the top of the reeds. I absolutely adore this species and wish I could see them more often. A quick look of the pontoons along the main road gave me the other target bird. Mission complete! Also on site were good numbers of Common Pochard, Gadwall and Tufted Duck. I was surprised not to get a Mediterranean Gull though!

Bearded Reedling (Male)

Bearded Reedling (Female)

Bearded Reedling (Female)

Bearded Reedling (Female)

Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset 
Next stop off was for the Lesser Yellowlegs. I got straight on to this cracking bird and had nice close views for a few minutes but it flew off before a photo opportunity. Also onsite was a Male Western Marsh Harrier, Ruff and good numbers of Common Snipe.

Ruff

Maiden Castle, Dorchester, Dorset
I couldn’t resist stopping off here for Corn Bunting and the place didn’t disappoint as I got straight on to a group of circa 20 birds.

Lyme Regis, Dorset 
A final stop off to look for the apart showy Common Eider and boy is it showy. The bird was outside the harbour and gave nice views. I couldn’t locate any Purple Sandpiper or the earlier reported Black Redstart in the Bowling Green area.

Common Eider (Male)

50% Target Species Obtained In Dorset

Me and my mate Pete headed off to the Weymouth amd Portland areas today with 4 targets in mind. Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pallid Swift and Franklin’s Gull. With Franklin’s Gull being a lifer bird for me.

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
We arrived and firstly scanned the car park as there were good numbers of Gull species still hanging around. A good few scans showed that the Franklin’s Gull wasn’t in the group but there were a couple of Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull in amongst the large numbers of Black-headed Gull and numerous European Herring Gull. We decided that we would come back later in the afternoon, as this is when it had been reported. We then went for the next bird, a Ring-necked Duck. The best place to view wasn’t in the reserve so we walked along the road to the tennis courts, where there is a viewing pontoon. Within a few minutes, the bird (a 1st winter Male) showed beautifully for a while and it came in very close. In fact, my best views of this species.

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Chesil Cove, Portland, Dorset
With a report of the Pallid Swift we set off to take a look. This isn’t a lifer bird (so no pressure there) but it would constitute only my second UK record. We put an hour or so in with no luck. Sods law, the bird kept getting reported in the afternoon. Whilst we were staking the place out, there were 2 extremely distant Black Redstart that you could just pick out in the scope.

Portland Harbour, Dorset 
We decided to have our packed lunch at the harbour and give it a Scan in the hope of a Grebe or Loon species but the best on offer were a few Red-breasted Merganser.

Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset
It seemed rude not to stop here for a quick look and there had been a reported (Black) Brant Goose. On arrival, Pete got a close Female Black Redstart and a scan produced high numbers of Red-breasted Merganser. There were only 6 Brant Goose in view and not one was a (Black) Brant Goose

Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Next, we had a look for the Lesser Yellowlegs. An initial walk up the west side of the reserve failed to produce the bird but on the way back it had dropped in and was associating with a Ruff. I never tire of seeing Lesser Yellowlegs and got really enjoyable views. The Ruff was in odd plumage and was equally enjoyable

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Ruff

Ruff

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
Late afternoon, we headed back for a final look for the Franklin’s Gull. Many Gulls kept dropping in and leaving. Again, a few Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull but sadly no lifer bird for me today.

Mew Gull

Mediterranean Gull

European Herring Gull

Dorset Tree Sparrow And A Self Found Black Redstart

Portland Bill, Dorset  
Me and my mate Pete had a day in Dorset today. Our first stop was the bird obs to get the lowdown on the reported Eurasian Tree Sparrow. I had seen on yesterdays blog that there were 2 but today there was an increase to 3 birds. We were advised that the obs quarry was the best place to look. We had brief flight views of 2 individuals but an hour or so stake out didn’t produce any other views. The Little Owl was playing ball either so we decided to head off. We had parked near the Pulpit Inn and on the way back I was pleased to self find a Black Redstart. A rather showy bird and we enjoyed prolonged views of the bird. We popped in to the obs to ensure it made the day list and headed off.

Black Redstart 

Meadow Pipit  

Common Linnet

Red Hot Poker    

Wild Celery     

English Stonecrop      

Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset 
Next stop was to take in the Little Terns and they didn’t disappoint. I was impressed with the numbers too. I’ve visited this site for a few years now and today’s tally was the highest I can recall there. Let’s hope their breeding season is a success.

Little Tern    

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset 
This was our last site and the target species was Bearded Reedling. On arrival we stopped in the visitor centre for some food and refreshments. As ever we both still had our bins to hand and were glad we did as there was a 2 cycle Yellow-legged Gull on one of the posts in the lagoon. It didn’t hang around too long though. We also enjoyed close views of a Common Tern feeding. There were good numbers of Common Swift, Barn Swallow and Common House Martin with a couple of Sand Martin thrown into the mix. Around the reserve were lots of Eurasian Reed Warbler and several Cetti’s Warbler.

Domestic Duck   

Eurasian Coot and young   

Great Crested Grebe      

European Greenfinch    

Yellow Flag Iris   

Heracleum moellendorffii 

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Some Great Stuff In Dorset

Me and my good pal Pete had a road trip to Dorset today in search of that star Spring migration bird.

Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset
Our first stop off was the lagoon at Ferrybridge in search of Little Tern. We scoped every boat, buoy and the shingle beach opposite but couldn't locate any Little Tern. Its very strange as they are usually in on the 19th like clockwork. I only know that date as I spoke to an RSPB person on site last year. There was however a single Common Tern and several Sandwich Tern to keep us occupied.

Common Tern 

Sandwich Tern

The Bill, Portland, Dorset
We moved on to the observatory to pop in and ask the low down of the morning. on arrival we noticed a group of birders opposite the observatory and looking in to the crown estate field. So we immediately went over to see what they were all looking at. Steph Murphy and her other half were there (Sorry I cannot recall his name) and we were told that Whinchat was the answer. The bird however was very distant. I got scope views but they were rather shocking. Someone also mentioned that there was Common Redstart in the same area. After a quick catch up with Steph and co we decided to relocate to the free car parking area near the cottage and look from there. We were glad we did as we got close views of the Whinchat, a Male and Female Common Redstart, several Northern Wheatear (mainly Males but a few Females) and a fly through Common Swift.

We then walked across the slope field to the Auk colony. on route were a few Meadow Pipit, Common Linnet, Eurasian Skylark and a nice Tree Pipit. The Auks showed nicely at times, mainly Common Murre but a few Razorbill were on offer too. A single Northern Fulmar patrolled the cliffs and a single Northern Gannet was feeding in the distance.

I fancied a look in the quarry before moving on and on the way back across the slope fields a Eurasian Skylark gave nice views whilst feeding. It was lovely to enjoy these views as I normally only get fleeting flybys or display flight views. We got to the quarry and searched a little while but there was no sign of the Little Owl. There was actually very little in the quarry, with a Common Chiffchaff and a Common Wood Pigeon being the only birds in there. I was hoping for a Common Whitethroat as its a prime stop off location for a tired bird but no joy.

Whinchat (Male)

Whinchat (Male) 

Northern Wheatear (Male)

Northern Wheatear (Female) 

Common Redstart (Male)

Common Murre 

Razorbill

Razorbill 

European Shag

European Shag 

Eurasian Skylark

Eurasian Skylark

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
Our last stop in Dorset. we hoped that the weather would favour Bearded Reedling. After having slowly completed the Budleia Loop we had struck out. The best bird being seen was a Cetti's Warbler. on the way back and on the bridge near the visitors centre we both started hearing a Warbler sing. First impressions were a Eurasian Reed Warbler but the song changed. I fully appreciate that Reed Warbler species can mimic but this bird was amazing! I picked out Blue Tit, Chaffinch and House Sparrow within the first round of singing. The call changed and changed, it was quite amazing! Now my understanding is that Marsh Warbler are the more talented singers, so I was hoping this bird would revel itself. Needless to say it didn't. Shame as I would have loved to see the bird making such mesmerising tunes. Other wildlife of note were in the variety of Butterflies. The following species where seen. Brimstone, Peacock, Small White and Large White.