Birding The Nothe
2005 Bird Report
Summary of sightings for each species in 2005
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Summary of the year
Many thanks to all who sent in records this year, including Geoff & Sheila Barlow (G&SB), Dave Chown (DC), Bob Ford (RF), James Lidster and the Dorset Bird Club website (DBC), James Lowther (JL), Phil Read (PR), Jon Stirling (JS), Stuart Taylor (ST) and to the Birdguides website for additional records.
An absolute record total of 130 species were noted this year - and there may be more Dorset Bird Report records to come - on 98 dates, 16 fewer recording dates than last year, though many more reports received more than made up for lack of coverage.Coverage was poorest in February, June, July and early August, and September, with good coverage in October helping to boost the species total.
There were no Ringed Plover records this year, no Little Tern for the first year ever, no Whinchat for the fourth year running, no Mistle Thrush for the second year running, no Grasshopper Warbler, no Lesser Whitethroat for the second year running, and no Wood Warbler. On the plus side, there were three first records - Barn Owl, Cetti's Warbler and Reed Bunting, an amazing seven second records: Gadwall, Moorhen, Golden Plover, Laughing Gull, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas's Warbler and Jay, four thirds: Canada Goose, Pheasant, Yellow-browed Warbler again, and Jay again, and six fourth records: Storm Petrel, Light-bellied Brent Goose, Buzzard, Hobby, Jay yet again, and Crossbill. In addition, long-stayers of both Green Woodpecker and Stonechat have not been seen here for about twenty years.
A late start in January was nonetheless productive, with the earliest ever Sandwich Tern on 11th, and the male Black Redstart and big Long-tailed Tit flock still present from 2004. The 13th saw the first January record of Redwing for three years, with the first Slavonian and Red-necked Grebes reported. An influx of 13 Razorbill on 30th were the most I've seen on site, and included the first I've heard calling here. February produced an early Meadow Pipit influx on 4th, with a record Feb. count of 13, and a similar influx of Pied Wagtails (record winter count of 19) on 9th. An unusual winter Grey Wagtail was noted on 11th.
March started quietly, but things picked up on 4th with a flyover Curlew and five Wigeon, while 8th produced the first site record of Little Grebe displaying and calling, in the harbour. A Redshank appeared on 9th, followed by an oiled Red-throated Diver in Newton's Cove on 10th. Shelduck first appeared on 12th with a record spring count of Greenfinch. Spring officially arrived on 16th with the first Wheatear, and, much more unusually, an accompanying Stonechat. A Kestrel in-off was another unusual spring record, perhaps after a minor influx of Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs. A Great Spotted Woodpecker on 18th was only the second spring record, quickly followed by the earliest record of Sand Martin on 19th. A Firecrest on 22nd was an excellent spring record, and spring really got going on 28th with the first Willow Warblers and a Swallow, the latter the first March record. The month ended well with another influx of migrants on 31st including the fifth record of Bullfinch.
April started fine, but no new species until a Buzzard was seen soaring towards the town centre on 5th, the fourth record of this locally increasing raptor. Next day in contrast near-gales and rain produced the first Kittiwake and Fulmar. The weather then turned cold and fine, with a White Wagtail present 8th-10th but few other migrants. A Reed Warbler - the sixth and earliest record - was reported on 12th. A Light-bellied Brent Goose flying east along with several seabirds on 19th was the fourth record.
May started with thick fog, a good tally of 39 spp. on 1st, including the first Swifts and the year's second Reed Warbler. A Hobby in off the sea,was the fourth record, and followed the same flight path as last year's which came just a day earlier. A record spring Swallow passage count was made on 8th - Swallows had a good spring, and even attempted to breed, in contrast to House Martins, which were practically non-existent in spring. A pair of Gadwall on 10th were only the second record; the first was also in May just last year. A Willow Warbler on 12th was, surprisingly, carrying nesting material, but was not seen thereafter.Three Spotted Flycatchers on 17th were a good number amongst a good spring tally, with the latest Wheatear on record. On 18th a couple of 'winter' duck species joined the year list - a female Eider and two Tufted Ducks were in the bay, the latter the first record not in winter, and the first multiple since 1985.
June was quiet as usual, but there were breeding records of Herring Gull - after a year's gap - and Long-tailed Tit, the first confirmed breeding record of the latter. A Canada Goose on 14th was the third record, while a Reed Warbler on the same date was a typical late passage bird.
In July, two Crossbills on 15th were only the third record, while return wader passage kicked in from 29th with Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Passage was slow to get going in August, with no real movement until 23rd, when Garden Warbler was a year-tick, and the long-staying Green Woodpecker was first noted.A remarkable 144 Greenfinches coming out of roost were the highest settled count - only one October passage count has been higher.Next day a SW blow produced a few seabirds including a year max eight Gannet, with a belated first Little Egret of the year on 26th. On 28th a gathering of about 60 House Martins on the fort walls was remarkable in what had been a poor summer for them. The month ended with an astonishing record flock of 17 Common Sandpipers - more than twice the previous record max.
September started with both Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit in quick succession, and the first Kingfisher on 14th. But 100 spp wasn't reached until 1st October, with an Arctic Tern settled on the shore of Newton's Cove - the bird was to stay for over a month, and was seen in company with a Little Gull on 3rd. Classic autumn visible migration got going on 4th, with a good finch passage including the year's first Siskin, with more volume the next day bringing Skylark and Redpoll. Finally on 6th, the year's first real goodie arrived in the shape of our second ever Yellow-browed Warbler by the cadet base, in almost exactly the same place as last year's. A Firecrest was about on 7th, but we had to wait until 14th for the next big passage day, with record counts of Chaffinch and Goldfinch, the first Brambling of the year, and a flock of Golden Plover, only the second record.
16th October was a remarkable day for visible migration almost anywhere along the Dorset coast. Here the record was broken for Linnets, Goldfinches and Song Thrushes, while Stock Dove and Fieldfare were new for the year. But the best birds were four Jays - only the second record of this very scarce visitor to the Weymouth area. Another two Jays on 20th and a hen Pheasant on 21st - both third records - were somewhat eclipsed by news of a Barn Owl rescued from mobbing Crows by CEFAS staff on 19th - the first record, and the first new bird this year, to bring up 199 species. We only had a week to wait for our 200th - a Cetti's Warbler in the NE corner found on 26th. The Cetti's heralded what must go down as the best 10 days ever on The Nothe. A search for it the next day found, remarkably, another Yellow-browed Warbler in the same place - still only the third record, together with a record flock of at least 10 Crossbill over - the fourth record. The Yellow-browed showed well again the next day, as did 13 Brambling in the Tavern car park.
October 2005 proved to be a joint record month with 71 spp, but if October ended well, then November started amazingly! A record total of Woodpigeons on migration on 1st literally darkened the sky on occasions, and it was difficult to know whether to look up or down with the Cetti's still showing together with the Yellow-browed in the same corner, a record Brambling total, and record three Bullfinches. The next morning, SW winds pushed more birds into the north-east corner hotspot, and the Long-tailed Tit flock here included a superb Pallas's Warbler - the only one in the UK that day, and the second record for the site. The remnants of a US hurricane the next day pushed excitement to the limit as a 1st-winter Laughing Gull was found just below the town bridge (inside the recording area) in the morning, and birders rushing to see this individual were treated to both the Pallas's and Yellow-browed Warblers in the same field of view! As the wind subsided in the afternoon, it left two Leach's Petrels and a Storm Petrel in the bay - a wonderful combination of birds on the day-list for a 3rd November to remember.More fireworks on 5th November with two Long-tailed Duck briefly settled in Newton's Cove, the first for three years, and the first Black Redstart of the autumn. A Little Auk and two Grey Phalaropes on 6th were followed, incongruously, by only the second record of Moorhen on 8th, when the Laughing Gull was seen in its usual night-time roost spot outside the fish & chip shop! The juv Arctic Tern lingered to 11th, the latest record, while the Laughing Gull was last seen on 15th. After all this it was almost a relief to have a quiet end to the month, with only Red-breasted Merganser new for the year on 30th, breaking the preveious all-time record year-total of 127 spp.
However, the year hadn't finished with its surprises, and a Reed Bunting on 6th December was yet another first record for the site. Perhaps less good news to end the year, with a record total of 73 Carrion Crows counted on 18th.
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata: Just one oiled bird in Newton's Cove on 10 Mar in the early part of the year. Singles on six dates in autumn, one after gales on 8 Nov and then on 2, 5, and 19 -21 Dec (JS).
Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica : Two in Weymouth Bay on 9 Mar (reported on Birdguides).One Newton's Cove on 11 Dec (JL).
Great Northern Diver Gavia immer : In the early part of the year 28 bird-days, on 14 dates 11 Jan - 6 May, max 9 on 18 Mar. In the late winter period an excellent 42 bird-days on 14 dates 4 Nov - 30 Dec, max 8 (reported DBC) on 4 Dec. A record 70 bird-days in total, helped with a much above-average Nov-Dec showing and good reporting. Monthly maxima:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 8 |
Little Grebe in breeding plumage, 8 Mar
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis : Another excellent start to the year, with the first ever signs of breeding: 10 bird-days in the harbour on 4 dates from 11 Jan (when max 4), to 17 Apr. the latest ever spring record. Male seen displaying and 'whinnying' on 8 Mar. Again no records in late winter.
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena : An excellent year, with many more reports. In the early part of the year singles noted on 6 dates, 13 Jan - 15 Apr. In autumn one on 10 Sep (JS) was followed by two on 2 Nov, then an excellent series of records of a total of 17 bird-days on 13 dates, max three on 2 Dec (JS). 23 bird-days an excellent total, and the best for many years.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus : Lower numbers than usual again, especially in the early part of the year. Again seen late in spring and early in autumn. Noted 11 Jan - 18 May (latest spring date) and again from 23 Aug (juv in Newton's Cove) - the earliest autumn date on record. autumn. Max 5 on several spring dates. Monthly maxima (combined Weymouth Bay & Newton's Cove) as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Slavonian (Horned) Grebe Podiceps auritus : In Weymouth Bay a single on 12 Jan (RF) was followed by two on 16th (BG) with another two on 14 Feb (BG) In the late autumn one 5 - 6 Dec (JS), two on 11 Dec (DBC), two on 24 Dec (BG). 11 bird-days better than last year but still relatively low.
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis : Five summer-plumaged birds in Weymouth Bay on 4 Apr (JS).
Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis : Another disappointing year, with just seven bird-days, from a max three on 6 Apr in south-westerlies and rain, to 26 Aug, again recorded on five dates. Again no sign of 'prospecting' this year. Monthly maxima:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 3 | 2 | 1 |
European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus : One flying from Lodmoor into Weymouth Bay, after the gales, 3 Nov (DBC). The fourth record.
Leach's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa : Two in Weymouth Bay and one Newton's Cove 3 Nov with another on 8 Nov (JS).
Northern Gannet Sula bassana : A poor year, probably due to lack of coverage in the summer. One on 4 May was a late first for the year, then noted on just another three dates, with max 8 on 24 Aug in fresh SW winds, though the last, on 25 Oct, was the latest ever recorded. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 8 | 1 |
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo : Present all year; monthly maxima (Weymouth Bay/Newton's Cove)as follows. Nos lower in the summer and autumn, but with good maxima in Nov and Dec including a record max 27 on 2 Dec after SW gales.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 13 | 13 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 23 | 27 |
European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis : Noted in Weymouth Bay/Newton's Cove to 15 Apr - later than usual. Aemarkably early return of 13 on 26 Aug in not particularly special weather was followe by records from 1 Oct to end of year. Poorer numbers than usual in the early part of the year, but spectacular numbers after gales in Nov and Dec, with a record max 52, mostly flying out of Weymouth Bay, on 8 Nov. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 52 | 22 |
Little Egret Egretta garzetta :None until 26 Aug, then singles on a further nine dates to 30 Nov. 10 bird-days down on last year.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea : Numbers well down on previous years. Noted on 14 dates, 4 Feb to 6 Dec - about half the records that there were last year. Max two on 27 Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Mute Swan Cygnus olor : One in Newton's Cove on 22 Mar (JL); two in Weymouth Bay on 1 May; one off the Stone Pier in the gales of 3 Nov and a remarkable (for recent times) three on 6 Nov (RF); one on 6 Dec in Weymouth Bay: eight bird-days, an above-average year for recent times.
Canada Goose Branta canadensis : One flying west into the harbour on 14 Jun: the third record, just over a year after the second.
Brent Goose Branta bernicla : Eight W on 16 Mar was followed by a lone Light-bellied Brent Goose on 19 Apr, the latter only the fourth record of this race. The usual good series of records in October, with two on 16th, 10 W on 18th, 13 W on 25th, and 10 on 31st (JL). In late autumn four W on 10 Nov and one flying around the bay on 14 Dec. 49 bird-days in total: an excellent year.
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna : Three on 12 Mar were followed by records on just another 5 dates to 4 May, max four on 1 May. No land records in a very poor year. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope : Five W on 4 Mar were heading for Portland Harbour. A single over Weymouth Bay on 5 Oct.
Gadwall Anas strepera : A pair on and around the SE rocks on 10 May was the second record for the site - possibly the same pair as last year's first.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos : Seen to display, but no ducklings noted this year. Again, more records than usual in the early part of the year, from 11 Jan, but virtually diappeared through the summer and early autumn, with lower nos than usual in late autumn. Max 20 on 9 & 23 Mar. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 11 | 14 | 20 | 20 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula : A pair flying past the fort on 18 May: the first spring record.
Common Eider Somateria mollissima : A fem on 18 May was the only record.
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis : Two for a short time Newton's Cove, 5 Nov (PR), seen to fly off W.
Common Scoter Melanitta nigra : Another excellent year, though absent in Jan/Feb. Noted in Weymouth Bay on 18 dates 8 Mar - 24 Dec; not so many dates as last year, but higher nos in the latter part of the year. Max 40 on 6 Dec was the best count since Nov 1988 and a personal max. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 14 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 20 | 40 |
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator : Two drakes and a redhead flying round Weymouth Bay on 30 Nov were an unusual autumn record. None in the early part of the year.
(Eurasian) Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus : A good year again, with another record 21 bird-days, and the first evidence of breeding in the area. Noted 8 Feb - 29 Nov, with records of two together on four dates: 1 May, when display seen, 14 & 16 Oct, and 17 Nov, when two males were seen hunting in tandem.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Days noted | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo: One over the harbour and town at lunchtime, 5 Apr. The fourth record.
(Eurasian) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus :A fem. in off the sea on 18 Mar was the first spring record since 1999. Then a relatively good five autumn records, 5 - 20 Oct and 29 Nov. The October records could have been of the same bird, which was seen to perch on the fort on two days.
Merlin Falco columbarius : One over Newton's Cove on 20 Oct (DC). The fifth record.
Hobby Falco subbuteo : One in off the sea on almost exactly the same track as last year's bird, and just a day later, on 5 May: the fourth record.
Peregrine Falco peregrinus : Again a rather quiet year, with eight bird-days, and no multiples.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Days noted | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
(Common) Pheasant Phasianus colchicus : Recorded for the second year running - a fem on the top lawns noted on 18 Oct (JS) and 21 Oct: the third record.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: One on the harbour pontoons, 8 Nov. The second record, and noted for the third year in succession - was this the same bird as last winter's or is this species more regular in the harbour than the records suggest?
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra : A return to more normal nos, with two on 11 Jan and one on 10 Mar - just three bird-days.
(Eurasian) Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus : Numbers about the same as last year, with the usual March max - 8 on 10 Mar - equalled by 8 on 27 Sep. Less breeding activity though present throughout the summer, with piping display noted on 2 Mar. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 5 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
(European) Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria : Only a year after the first record, six flying north over the cadet base on 14 Oct were the second record.
Dunlin Calidris alpina : Three with the Turnstones on 2 Nov, with two in the same area by the pier on 10 Nov.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica : One heading SW over Newton's Cove on 6 Nov (JS). The first record for three years.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus : In spring, 23 bird-days on 4 dates, 14 Apr - 18 May, max 14 on 19 Apr. Just one on return passage, 29 Jul.
(Eurasian) Curlew Numenius arquata : One flying N on 4 Mar was the only record.
Common Redshank Tringa totanus : Singles on 9 Mar and 2 Sep.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos : A reasonable spring passage, with 8 bird-days on 4 dates 5 - 20 Apr, max four on 15 Apr. Return passage good, with 19 bird-days including a remarkable record max flock of 17 (seen flying all together at times) on the south rocks and Newton's Cove, 31 Aug, and singles on 29 Jul and 16 Aug. 27 bird-days in total. Time will tell, but, on past form, this is likely to be one of the largest flocks seen in the county in 2005, again empahasising the importance of this as a passage site for this species.
(Ruddy) Turnstone Arenaria interpres : A very poor start to the year, but numbers picked up in the autumn and early winter, although the presence was sporadic. The birds are still mainly using the pier area, and have not returned to the south shore following the seawall works there in 2002/3. A max of 24 on 25 Oct was about the usual max, though not at the usual time, with the last birds noted on 13 Jun, the latest ever recorded in spring, and return from 23 Aug, with numbers building up unusually quickly in autumn. Monthly maxima as follows. with last year and 2002 for comparison.
| 2005 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 2 | 3 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 15 | 24 | 18 | 9 |
| 2004 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 23 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 8 |
| 2002 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 25 | 24 | 25 | 29 | 12 | 1 | 9 | 17 | 1 | 7 |
Grey
(Red) Phalarope Phalaropus fulicaria : Noted for the second year running after
a 20-year gap, with an excellent series of records after the post-hurricane
storms in early November.One flew W on 4 Nov, followed by two in Newton's
Cove for a short time on 6 Nov, and another by the Pleasure Pier on
8 Nov (JS).
Grey Phalaropes in Newton's Cove, 6 Nov 2005 (Photo: Jon Stirling)
Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jaeger) Stercorarius parasiticus : One in the bay on 30 Sep (JS).
Gull records: as most visits are in the morning, and most gulls come to the winter roosts in the late afternoon, many gulls are missed. Roosts of several thousand gulls still take place in Weymouth Bay most days in winter.
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus : Noted five dates in Jan, max 10 on 1 Jan (BG),and three on 10 Mar (JS). A 2nd summer on the south shore on 23 Aug (G & SB) was the only summer record, with late year records from 18 Oct in Newton's Cove (JS), on nine dates to 23 Dec, max nine on 30 Oct . Monthly maxima as follows:
| 2005 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 10 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla : The rarity event of the year in the recording area! A first-winter on the pontoons in Weymouth Harbour, 3 Nov 2005, was originally found by Bob Groves on his way to work, and confirmed by Dave Chown. It was seen to fly off towards Radipole Lake, where it spent most days of its stay. It returned to roost on its favoured pontoon (outside the fish and chip shop!), and in the harbour for several nights, usually visible by street-light. It was last seen in Weymouth Bay on 15 Nov.The second record for the site, the last being a long-stayer in 1969. BB rarity.
The Laughing Gull by street-light on its pontoon, 8 Nov 2005 (Photo: James Lidster)
Little Gull Larus minutus : An ad was in the bay on 3 Oct. Three in Newton's Cove on 6 Nov (JS).
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus : Noted daily to 8 Apr, then seen on three dates until 12 on 5 May. Return from 29 Jul (poor coverage in Jun/Jul) with daily records to the end of the year. Again the usual spring gap, with no sign of breeding locally. No roost counts this year.
Common (Mew) Gull Larus canus : Noted 13 dates in the early part of the year with the last an on 19 Apr. No roost counts this year. Noted again from 3 Oct, on 11 dates until 6 Dec.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus : First noted on 20 Mar, with five flying NE. Then just two singles on 5 & 17 April. More than usual in autumn, with one or two on six dates 24 Aug - 2 Nov, and three on 10 Nov. Monthly maxima:
| 2005 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Herring Gull Larus argentatus : Recorded daily. After a year's gap, bred on the Coastguard Cottages again this year. Birds were seen bringing nesting material on 17 Apr, with chicks noted on 13 Jun, and two fledged juvs.on 23 Aug.
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus : Noted throughout the year in similar nos to last year. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 5 | 13 | 21 | 21 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 |
(Black-legged) Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla: 10 past the pier on 6 Apr in strong SW winds, followed by one on 19 Apr. An unseasonal juv.on 24 Aug was also driven into the bay by SW winds.
.Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis : One in Newton's Cove on 11 Jan was the earliest on record, followed by records 17 Mar - 8 Nov, without a noticeable spring gap. Max 26 on 19 Apr, the best spring max.for three years. Juvs first seen on 29 Jul. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 4 | 26 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 1 |
Common Tern Sterna hirundo : Late in arriving again, on 1 May, and noted from then until 3 Nov, with juvs from the breeding colony on Lodmoor noted from 29 Jul. Max 34 on 5 May. Once again numbers dropped dramatically in August, with only sporadic singles in Sep & Oct, and a late juv in the gales of 3 Nov missed being the latest record by a day. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 34 | 13 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisea : An excellent series of records in autumn were possibly of just one long-staying juv. First seen on 1 Oct in Newton's Cove, on the rocks - the first seen to land on site.Then noted on a total of 12 dates to the last record on 11 Nov (JS), the latest on record.
Roseate Tern Sterna dougalli : One flying east in Weymouth Bay, 16 Apr (reported BG).
Little Auk Alle alle : Singles reported in Weymouth Bay on 6 & 7 Nov (BG)
Common Guillemot Uria aalge : More records than usual outside the breeding season, but a surprising absence in summer. Max 6 on 2 Nov after the first batch of storms. Noted 22 days, with 38 bird-days. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
Razorbill Alca torda : As usual, records were outside the breeding season, at both ends of the year. 26 bird-days on 8 dates, 13 Jan to the relatively late date of 6 Apr, with a remarkable record max 13 on 30 Jan including several birds calling on the sea. Then a complete bsence in summe and early autumn was followed by a poor 11 bird-days on 6 dates 1 Nov - 18 Dec . A total of 37 bird-days. Monthly maxima:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 13 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia : Present all year.
Stock Dove Columba oenas : In autumn, a few identified flying over in parallel with the big Woodpigeon influx, but not in the numbers seen in 2003, followed by a rather extended series of stragglers. Noted on seven dates from 16 Oct to 6 Dec, 47 bird-days, max 27 on 1 Nov.
Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus : Bred, with up to ten singing males, an increase over last year's six. Despite this, generally lower numbers in spring. The real influx had to wait until the autumn, with a good October max of 111 on 16th totally eclipsed by a staggering record max 3420 counted in the first two hours of 1 Nov, a day when there were plenty of other distractions, so this is almost certainly an under-count. The birds literally darkened the sky at times, and were all heading south towards Portland, which also experienced record nos that day. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 35 | 33 | 48 | 43 | 38 | 22 | 17 | 25 | 20 | 111 | 3420 | 36 |
(Eurasian) Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto : A consolidation year, with numbers Jan-Apr and Nov-Dec slightly down on last year, though summer numbers slightly higher. Max 16 on 28 Mar. Bred again, with up to six singing males. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 6 | 11 | 16 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 11 |
Barn Owl Tyto alba : One was rescued from mobbing Carrion Crows in the CEFAS car park on 18 Oct (per JL). The first record.
Common Swift Apus apus : Noted 1 May - 13 Jun on 8 dates, max 12 on 5 May.Lack of coverage in July meant no usual return peak.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis : Singles on seven dates 14 Sep - 10 Nov. An average year.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major : One on 18 Mar was the second spring record (first on 17 Mar 2003).
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis : A juv on 23 Aug was followed by a series of records of what was presumably the same bird through October. On 28 Oct an ad male was seen - perhaps the juv moulted into ad. plumage. This was then seen until 8 Dec (JL). An excellent year, and the first long-staying bird (or birds) since the 70s.
(Eurasian) Sky Lark Alauda arvensis : Noted four dates 5 Oct - 4 Nov, max 17 on 16 Oct, a day of heavy visible passage. 34 bird-days in total - the best for four years.
(European) Sand Martin Riparia riparia : The first on 19 Mar was the earliest on record, followed by two on 20 Mar. In autumn just one on 26 Aug. Four bird-days is about average in recent years.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica : Probably bred on site, within the fort, for the first time, with birds noted singing there on 18 May, and records throughout the summer. Juvs first noted on 16 Aug. The first on 28 Mar was the earliest on record. A very poor Aprilwas followed by an excellent spring passage in May, with max 65 noted heading N & E on 8 May. Return passage in contrast rather poor compared with recent years, with max 38 on 2 Sep. Last on 18 Oct. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 2 | 65 | 5 | 6 | 35 | 38 | 29 |
(Common) House Martin Delichon urbica : A big contrast to the above species, with a really dreadful spring, with no records at all until one on 8 May - a date with the peak of Swallow passage. Breeding activity not noted until 14 Jun, when birds were seen gathering mud. Juvs noted on 16 Aug, so breeding did probably take place locally if belatedly. Again in contrast to Swallow, a good autumn passage with a gathering of 60 noted settling on the fort and other buildings in the area on 28 Aug. Last on 3 Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 2 | 1 | 60 | 1 | 1 |
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis : Just one single on 2 Sep was the only record.
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis : Just one wintering bird in January was followed by an early arrival of 13 on 4 February, with spring passage under way in early Mar, with a good spring max 37 on 19 Mar, and the last on 6 Apr. Autumn passage from 27 Sep, with the usual October max 118 flying over N in an hour and a half on 14 Oct amongst good vis. mig. Birds almost continuously present until the end of the year, with still up to 10 unusually present in Dec. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 13 | 37 | 3 | 2 | 118 | 9 | 10 |
Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus : Present throughout the year,and probably bred:a singing male noted on a number of dates in sprin, with a bird carrying nesting material on 20 Apr. Numbers in the early part of the year at the same low levels as during the last two years, but there was a slight recovery during the autumn, with the usual Nov max of 13 on 10 Nov. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 3 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 6 |
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava : Three flew north on 2 Sep - another poor year.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea : Back to the normal pattern with just one record in the early part of the year, on 7 Feb (JL). Autumn records from 23 Aug, with records on 13 dates to 30 Nov, max 4 on 7 Oct. 19 bird-days on 14 dates, a very poor year. Monthly maxima as follows.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli: Noted in all mnths except Jun, with no sign of breeding. A definite spring passage noted in Feb & Mar, max 18 on the early date of 9 Feb - Meadow Pipits were also present in numbers a few days earlier. Autumn pasage also began early, with a late summer max 22 on 26 Aug. Numbers were lower in Sep, followed by the usual Oct max 62 in an hour and a half on 14 Oct - the same date as the Meadow Pipit max.Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 8 | 18 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 22 | 9 | 62 | 18 | 8 |
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes : Resident, breeds. 12 singing males counted on 14 Apr. Numbers slightly down on last year's record counts, but still relatively high, and with numbers holding up well in the autumn. Max 16 on 23 Mar. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 9 | 10 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 8 | 14 | 10 | 13 |
Hedge Accentor (Dunnock) Prunella modularis : Resident, breeds. An average max of 10 singing males noted, but on the very early date of 9 Feb. Generally an increase on last year, especially in the early part of the year, but no sign of any autumn passage. Ads seen carrying nesting material on 1 May, carrying food on 18 May, and juvs seen on 29 Jul. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 11 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 7 |
(European) Robin Erithacus rubecula : Resident, breeds. The higher than usual breeding nos continue for a second year year with 10 singing males (12 in 2004, 7 in 2002, 4 in 2003, c5 in 2001 and 2000) noted on 1 Feb - like the above species, a very early peak date. Adults carrying food noted on 1 May and first juvs again seen late, on 17 May. Counts a bit lower than last year in almost all months, except for the usual autumn influx, which started early with 20 on 28 Aug, with max 31 at about the usual time, on 7 Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 15 | 14 | 13 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 20 | 14 | 31 | 23 | 9 |
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros : At the start of the year nine bird-days, were all of the same ad. male, from 1 Jan to 19 Mar. Better In the late year, with 18 bird-days on 14 dates, 7 Oct (earliest autumn date) (JS) - 20 Dec, max three on 9 Nov (JS), involving a male and at least two fem/imms. 27 bird-days equalling last year's excellent showing.
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus : One male in spring, on 8 Apr (GB). Just one in autumn - f/imm on 19 Aug (JL). A disappointing showing for the third year running.
(Common) Stonechat Saxicola torquata : A fem. arrived with Wheaears on the SE rocks on 16 Mar, and soon moved on. In autumn another f/imm was first seen in the same area on 29 Nov and lingered on the south shore and along Newton's Cove until at least 18 Dec, reappearing in early 2006. A welcome return after a year's absence. Two records an excellent showing in recent years, with a long-staying bird like the second not seen since the early 80s.
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First
Wheatear of the year on the south-east rocks, 16 March 2005
|
A
Stonechat briefly rests on one of the benches, 16 March 2005
|
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe : Three m..on 16 Mar were followed by a f. on 15 Apr and a probable Greenland Wheatear (fem) on 18 May - five bird-days in spring. Another very poor autumn, with singles on just two dates : 23 Aug & 1 Oct. Seven bird-days the lowest total of the last five years (42 in 2001; 32 in 2002; 8 in 2003, 10 in 2004).
(Common) Blackbird Turdus merula: Resident, breeds. A protracted breeding season, with birds carrying food from 10 Apr right through to 14 Jun. Usual numbers in the early part of the year, but a real autumn passage noted, with a joint record max 32 on 16 Oct, a day when several were seen to fly over with other thrushes. High numbers persisted through to December. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 17 | 20 | 23 | 17 | 22 | 21 | 7 | 13 | 8 | 32 | 23 | 26 |
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris : Back to normal this year, with just four bird-days, all in autumn, with singles on 16 Oct (the earliest in autumn) & 27 Oct and two on 29 Nov.
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos : Resident, breeds (up to three singing males). Slightly lower than usual nos in the first part of the year. Birds carrying food on 8 May. No records during the moult : 24 Aug - 27 Sep. A remarkable autumn passage on 16 Oct with record max c120 counted flying over in an hour together with Redwings. Monthly maxima as follows :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | c120 | 8 | 5 |
Redwing Turdus iliacus : A good start to the year with a single on 13 Jan followed by another on 12 Mar and three on 18 Mar. In autumn, the remarkable pasage day of 16 Oct saw c60 over in an hour. This was followed by records on another nine dates to 2 Dec, max 12 on 2 Nov. Total of 96 bird-days makes this the best year since 1985.
Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti: One in scrub in the NE corner by the harbour, occasionally singing, 26 Oct - 1 Nov (JS et al.). The first record for the site.
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus : Two on 1 May were followed by single males singing on 6 & 8 May. Four bird-days in spring the best for three years.
(Eurasian) Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus : A superb year, with singles on four dates: 12 Apr (JL), the earliest on record, 1 & 8 May and 14 Jun. These four double the total number of records to date.
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis : A very poor spring, with just three bird-days : 9 May (JL), m. on 12 May and f. on 18 May. One on 23 Aug was the only autumn record. Four bird-days the lowest total for many years. (15 in 2000; 21 in 2001; 12 in 2002; 6 in 2003; 6 in 2004). This may relate to the extensive removal of scrub in the spring, but may also be part of a wider trend.
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin : No spring records at all, with just one in autumn on 23 Aug - just one bird-day is the worst for many years. (28 in 2000; 16 in 2001; 13 in 2002; 4 in 2003; 3 in 2004). As for Whitethroat, this may relate to scrub-removal, or may be part of a general trend.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla : No overwintering records. Spring passage 30 Mar - 13 May, with 16 bird-days on 9 dates, max 3 on 1 May. Autumn records 7 Oct - 6 Nov with singles on 6 dates. 22 bird-days the poorest for at least six years and counter to the increasing trend of recent years - similar comments to the other Sylvia warblers apply. (38 in 2000; 31 in 2001; 42 in 2002; 28 in 2003; 44 in 2004).
(Eurasian) Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita : Noted three dates in the early winter, 1 Jan (2), 16 Jan (2), 11 Feb. Spring passage from 2 Mar, max 5 on 16 & 22 Mar, with up to three singing males present to 1 May, and one to 17 May, although unlike last year not noted in the summer. A single on 23 Aug was followed by the main autumn passage from 2 Sep, max 10 on 4 & 14 Oct, with birds continually present to the end of the year. 46 bird-days Jan - Jun; 148 bird-days Aug - Dec - a total of 194 bird-days making another good year, but still much lower than last year's record. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 3 |
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus : Spring passage 28 Mar - 12 May, on which date a bird was seen carrying nesting material. However, there was no further sign of breeding. 38 bird-days on 12 dates a low number, without any 'falls' noted. (46 in 2000;126 in 2001; 97 in 2002; 31 in 2003; 64 in 2004). Max 6 on several dates. Return passage noted from 16 Aug, with a very poor 13 bird-days (64 in 2000; 59 in 2001; 36 in 2002; 39 in 2003; 43 in 2004) on 3 dates until 28 Aug, with no records at all in Sep. 51 bird-days a very poor overall total. Monthly maxima:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 6 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus: An amazing year, in line with the national influx, with at least two individuals involved, and noted on at least eight dates.The first was with a Long-tailed Tit flock by the cadet base on 6 Oct, and seen again on 7 Oct (JS), with this or possibly another bird in the nearby Tavern Lawn trees on 10 Oct. A duller and less mobile individual was first seen in the north-east corner on 27 Oct, and was seen again along the north slopes on several dates until 3 Nov, when it was seen to associate with the Pallas's (JS, DC et al). The second and third records for the site.
Pallas's
Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus
:
The most exciting non-rarity find of the year, this was first seen on
2 Nov with a Long-tailed Tit flock in the NE corner. It was seen there
and along the north slopes on 2 and 3 Nov, when it was seen together
with the Yellow-browed (JS, DC et al). Despite
the influx of the latter species, Pallas's Warblers were quite scarce
in 2005, and this individual was in fact the only one to be reported
in the UK on 2 Nov. The second
record for
the site.
Goldcrest Regulus regulus : Back to more normal numbers this year, with just the odd single in Feb, floowed by an early spring opassage in march, with max 12 on 16 Mar. The last in spring on 15 Apr, then no records until 16 Aug, with a subdued autumn passage, but a few then present until the end oif the year. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 1 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus : Again noted on spring passage with an individual noted 20-22 Mar. Then just five in autumn: one on 27 Sep (JS) was the earliest record in autumn, with two on 7 Oct, one on 18 Oct (JL), and the last on 14 Nov (JS). Nine bird-days on eight dates - similar nos to the past two years.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata : A relatively good spring with six bird-days: one on 9 May, two on 12th and three on 17th. (5 bird-days in 2000; 3 in 2001; 1 in 2002; 4 in 2003; 4 in 2004). The autumn was less good with just four on 19 Aug (JL) (6 bird-days in 2000; 16 in 2001; 5 in 2002; 5 in 2003; 0 in 2004). Total of 10 bird-days.
(European) Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca : Any records of this species are good these days, with one on 15 Sep (JS) a welcome return after last year's blank.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus : The wintering flock from 2004 lingered until 11 Jan (max 21), with a gap before a return in Feb/Mar with birds present throughout the spring. Bred again, probably on site, with a nesting bird (with abraded tail) seen in the NE corner on 18 May. Juvs seen in June. There was a gap in summer and early autumn until the usual flock of up to a dozen arrived on 6 Oct (and brought a Yellow-browed Warbler with them!) and were present until 18 Dec.The flock continued to host rarities, with at least one more Yellow-browed and a Pallas's Warbler with them in late Oct/early Nov. Monthly maxima :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 21 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
Coal Tit Parus ater: No records in the ealy part of the year until a male singing on 15 Apr. A single on 28 Aug was followed by the usual October records, max two on several dates, with the last on 5 Nov. 15 bird-days in total is the lowest for three years. (19 in 2000; 11 in 2001; 33 in 2002; 56 in 2003; 32 in 2004).
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus : A resident breeding species. Numbers good in spring (max 17 on 9 Mar), with birds seen with nesting material on 3 Apr, and feeding young on 1 May. Juvs seen in Jun. Nos lower than usual in autumn, but picked up at the end of the year. Monthly maxima:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 10 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 9 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 |
Great Tit Parus major : A resident breeding species - up to three singing males. Numbers generally lower than last year, with low nos in autumn, and no evidence of autumn passage. Max seven on 16 Mar.Monthly maxima :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 6 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Eurasian
Jay Garrulus glandarius
:
One of the more remarkable events in a remarkable
year was the autumn influx of Jays. Indeed I had almost dismissed my
record from 1 Jan 1982 as a figment of the imagination, but with at
least one bird lingering in the area until the end of 2005, this now
seems an entirely likely and acceptable record. On the Nothe itself
were four on 16
Oct, with two there on 20 Oct and one on 8 Nov (JS), all on the Newton's
Cove side.
To put these in context, they are the second,
third, and
fourth records
from the site!
(Black-billed) Magpie Pica pica : Breeding evidence noted for the third year running, this time in the Holm Oaks above the landslip: birds seen with nesting material on 4 May. Just two birds were regularly present most of the year - a decrease on recent years. Monthly maxima :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
(Eurasian) Jackdaw Corvus monedula : A dramatic autumn influx led to birds joining the resident Carrion Crow flock for several weeks, and the 129 bird-days the highest total 1982, in complete contrast to last year's record low (21 in 2000; 28 in 2001; 57 in 2002; 46 in 2003; 5 in 2004). An unusual winter record of two on 11 Jan was followed by a gap until four on 6 May. The autumn influx started with four on 4 Oct and peaked with a remarkable 74 over on 16 Oct (54 in an hour), a day of spectacular visible migration. Birds were then seen most days until 8 Nov, often settled and together with the Carrion Crow flock, with the last single on 14 Dec.
Rook Corvus frugilegus : Just three bird-days in spring: two on 2 Mar with one on 14 Apr, all flying over. In autumn 11 bird-days with six on 16 Oct, a single on 22 Oct and two on 1 & 4 Nov. Total 14 bird-days; an average year (8 in 2000; 5 in 2001; 34 in 2002; 23 in 2003; 9 in 2004).
Carrion Crow Corvus corone : Breeding resident, with numbers once again consistently higher than last year's totals throughout the year. Yet again, there was a new record max 73 on 18 Dec - how high can numbers go? With locals apparently deliberately feeding crows daily, the sky seems to be the limit. Monthly maxima :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 54 | 43 | 34 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 23 | 45 | 58 | 73 |
Common Raven Corvus corax : One over on 2 Feb (JL) followed by one on 26 Mar,and two on 2 Sep. Five bird-days is the best for three years but not as good as the totals in 2002 and 2000 - it is perhaps surprising that records of this species are not increasing given the increase in Dorset and the region generally.
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris : Resident breeding species, with pairs nesting on the Nothe Fort. Numbers back down to average after last year's highs, with max 56 on 3 Oct.However, there were encouragingly higher-than-usual numbers at the end of the year. Monthly maxima as follows:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 27 | 24 | 40 | 27 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 53 | 13 | 56 | 28 | 45 |
House Sparrow Passer domesticus : Resident breeding bird, with many pairs nesting in the Nothe Fort itself, and several in houses on site and nearby. Seemingly in decline. This is one of the most difficult species to count, with flocks often skulking in dense cover. Numbers lower in most months (only the Mar/Apr numbers were higher than last year), with a post-breeding peak of 36 on 14 Jun even lower than last year's. Monthly maxima for the last three years:
| 2005 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 15 | 25 | 27 | 17 | 27 | 36 | 26 | 20 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 18 |
| 2004 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 26 | 23 | 18 | 16 | 28 | 57 | 59 | 24 | 18 | 22 | 15 | 18 |
| 2003 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 29 | 45 | 37 | 30 | 25 | 21 | 19 | 69 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 12 |
(European) Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs : Resident breeding species, with up to four singing males through the spring. Numbers continue their inexorable decline during most of the year. Autumns have been good in recent years, but the count of 539 in 90 mins on 14 Oct was a record, by a long way. Monthly maxima for the past five years:
| 2005 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 8 | 8 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 539 | 26 | 10 |
| 2004 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 9 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 31 | 93 | 11 | 7 |
| 2003 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 11 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 49 | 134 | 9 |
| 2002 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 17 | 15 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 15 | 19 | 218 | 17 | 5 |
| 2001 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 11 | 20 | 20 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 7 | 20 | 21 | 39 | 21 | 9 |
Brambling
Fringilla montifringilla : A superb year, with
many flying over, and several settling, some even staying put for a
day or more. One on 14 Oct was followed by three on 16th - both days
of big passage. Two settled on 25th were followed by eight on 26th (JS),
one on 27th, 13 settling in the Tavern Lawn sycamores on 28th, and a
record 17 over on 1 Nov. Then singles on 9 and 16 Nov, with the final
one on 7 Dec. 48 bird-days makes another record year, well over the
previous record 28 bird-days in 2003.
(European) Greenfinch Carduelis chloris : Resident breeding species, with up to 10 singing males in April. Numbers a bit lower in the early part of the year, except for a good 50 on 12 Mar - perhaps an indication of spring passage. However increasing numbers were coming out of roost in late summer, with a three-year max and peak of 144 on 23 Aug, and higher numbers than at any time in the last three years on several dates in Sep, Oct and Dec. Although birds were on the move on the big passage days, most of the high counts came out of roosts, and are an indication that numbers of this species are still on the increase here. Monthly maxima :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 30 | 34 | 50 | 30 | 31 | 28 | 21 | 144 | 87 | 85 | 60 | 76 |
(European) Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis : Singing males on a number of dates, and present much later than usual in spring, but no proof of breeding. A slow start to the year, with no records until 1 Feb. Records until 13 Jun, then a gap until 27 Sep, except for a single bird on 16 Aug. Autumn passage peaked on 14 & 16 Oct, with maxima of 267and 269 per hour respectively - a record max count. Monthly maxima :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 3 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 269 | 7 | 11 |
(Eurasian) Siskin Carduelis spinus : A superb year, with many amidst the spectacular visible migrations of October. Six on 4 Oct were the first, with records on another six days in Oct, max a record 34 over in an hour on the epic migration day of 16 Oct. In Nov there were singles on 2nd & 7th, while in Dec there were a remarkable seven on 6th and the final single on 14th - the first ever records in December. 63 bird-days is a record year.
(Eurasian) Linnet Carduelis cannabina : No sign of breeding this year, but there is a clear gap between birds lingering in spring and summer, and the much larger nos on autumn migration: the first lot have been gone for several weeks before the autumn brigade arrives. First two on 31 Mar, then present regulary to 14 Jun, max four 13 Jun. A single on 23 Aug was thereafter the only record until autumn migration kicked in on 4 Oct - a remarkably similar pattern to Goldfinch. The record max of 302 in an hour on 16 Oct was over four times the previous record! Last single on 16 Nov. Monthly maxima :
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 302 | 10 |
Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret : One on 5 Oct, three on 14 Oct and two on 16 Oct, then two on 10 Nov with the last single on 16 Nov - all flying over. Nine bird days on five dates: a good year, with and the fourth year running with records.
Common (Red) Crossbill Loxia curvirostra : A flock of at least 10 flying east, 27 Oct. The fourth record, and record max.
(Eurasian) Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula : A male on 31 Mar, then record max three on 1 Nov. The first year with more than one record.
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus: One on the main south shore scrub clump on 6 Dec; called for c 1 min, then flew off west. A long-expected first record for the site, but on an unexpectedly late date.