Saturday 18th April - Hengistbury Head

 

This month’s outdoor trip was a joint RSPB/Bath Nats to Hengistbury Head. 33 people came and once at the coach drop off point we had a comfort break before all assembling. At this point we were overlooking mainly a bushy and grass area here Starlings, Woodpigeon and Carrion Crows were all noted. Walking closer to the fence line a Swallow whizzed by and a Black Headed Gull also seen. Sand Martins in small groups flew through for most of the day, Mute Swans were seen in Christchurch Harbour on a sand bar with several Cormorants. We then heard the call of Sandwich Terns when 2 flew over and a Blackbird flew into a bush. As we stood looking 2 large waders flew in and landed in the long grass  which we took as being Curlews but on seeing a photograph that Andrew had taken we realised they were 2 Whimbrel. As we walked on a Great Black Back Gull was seen in flight, then another call was heard which we recognised as a Whitethroat which we found singing from the top of a bush and a Dunnock sang from another bush. House Sparrows were in and out of wall hung nest boxes and our 1^st butterfly of the day was found a Peacock. Little Egrets scouring the grass was our next new species and a pair of Mallard were in a water filled ditch. A Grey Heron flew high over and a Kestrel hovered over the grassland with a pair of Magpies close by. A Red Fox was then seen so close for such shy animal.

Red Fox courtesy of Jessica Farr 

Lesser Black Back Gull flew over the harbour and a Common Sandpiper was on a shingle shoreline. Our next sighting was a lovely Brimstone butterfly. We then started to walk through a treelined area where we found  singing Willow Warbler and Robin. For some reason I looked skyward only to see a White-Tailed Eagle flying over the trees. At this point I was lagging a little behind the group but soon caught them up and was told 2 eagles had flown in and landed on a tree on a sandbank in the harbour. 

White Tailed Eagle courtesy of
Jessica Farr 

Anne had her telescope set up on them so we all had great views. We stayed a long time admiring these smart eagles then 2 more were spotted circling the harbour gradually drifting off west. 

White Tailed Eagle courtesy of Andrew Harrison

Moving on the next new sighting was a single Redshank followed closely by a singing Blackcap. We had now reached the beach huts with a large pool of water in front of them and here were a dozen or more Black Tailed Godwits feeding. 

Black Tailed Godwit courtesy of
Jessica Farr

Walking to the beach Long Tailed Tits called from a tree. We all found a rock to sit on and eat our lunch and have a well-earned rest. Walking back after lunch the Godwits had been joined by a single Shelduck. Herring Gull were over the harbour and from the small woodland hide we added Great Tit and Chaffinch and as we neared the end of the walk and day a Greenfinch called from the top of a bush and Canada Geese were in the harbour.

I think everyone would agree that we all had a fantastic day with good weather putting the icing on the cake.