August 2009
49 species so far this monthGannet
Cormorant
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Shelduck
Sparrowhawk
Hobby
Buzzard
Oystercatcher
Whimbrel
Mediterranean Gull >
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull >
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Tern >
Sandwich Tern >
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Tawny Owl
Swift
Swallow
House Martin
Tree Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Wren
Dunnock >
Robin
Wheatear
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Whitethroat
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Long-tailed Tit
Coal Tit
Blue Tit >
Great Tit
Treecreeper
Magpie
Jackdaw >
Rook
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow >
Chaffinch >
Greenfinch
Goldfinch >
Linnet
August 1st
A wet morning helped to get August off to a good start with superb views of a Treecreeper at Rodwell Halt. At the very southern end of the trail a group of Gannets visible just beyond the crest of Chesil Beach at Ferrybridge were the first I've seen from the trail. Nearby 2 Shelduck flew over and a couple of Whimbrel were flying across the harbour, bringing a great morning's birding to a close.
August 8th
The first Tree Pipit of the autumn was heard calling high over Downclose this morning, and the Treecreeper was at Rodwell Halt again. 2 Med Gulls (an adult and a juvenile) were with a flock of BH Gulls hawking flying ants at Smallmouth. Other migrants included several juv Willow Warblers at various points along the trail. Apart from the birds the trail was alive with butterflies with literally hundreds of Painted Ladies and laarge numbers of Common Blues, Small Whites, Large Whites, Gatekeepers and Speckled Woods. Red Admiral, Comma, Wall and Meadow Brown were also about but in smaller numbers.
August 10th
Med Gull numbers are beginning to build up in the harbour with an adult and at least 3 juvs off Sandsfoot. A Tawny Owl was calling from the trail near Newstead Road at 0800 this morning.
August 14th
The first Wheatears of the autumn were on the shore below the Downclose embankment this morning. Many more Sparrowhawk sightings recently including 2 over Old Castle Road this morning.
August 30th
A large female Hobby dashed through the northern section of the trail this afternoon, probably chasing House Martins.
August 31st
Late this night a male Tawny Owl was calling from somewhere south of Newstead Road.