Spent Sunday morning at Hengistbury Head.. The first time I have been there birding. Got there just before dawn, to be greeted by the continuing North/ East Winds, a slightly denser layer of cloud cover, and occasional showers. Weather seemed almost perfect for migrant hunting.
Plenty of Migration overhead with mainly Meadow Pipits, Swallows and House Martins. A bit of variety with a few small groups of Siskins, about 10 Redpoll, and a single Crossbill. 2 Sparrowhawks were hunting over the woods. On the ground were lots of Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and Tits. After about 15 minutes scouring a particularly lively patch of light woodland which was crawling with Chiff Chaffs found a really smart Firecrest. It seemed to just appear out of nowhere, and gave superb views for about 10 minutes.
Headed into Wick Fields next. More Chiffchaffs, Cetti's and a distant Water Rail calling, and then a point blank, split second glimpse of a Ring Ouzel whizz past into some dense bushes, calling noisily.. the primaries were strikingly silver, but unfortunately I couldn't find him again despite waiting a good few minutes. Hindsight, I suspect he carried on flying and I was watching an empty bush! Also saw a pretty smart Lesser Whitethroat.
Didn't seem to be too many other Birders there, but wouldn't be surprised if some other decent migrants are found there today. Shame it is just across the border in Dorset!
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