Spring migrant birds (continually updated)

[simoncurson]

I shall keep you posted on what spring migrants have started to arrive on this message board and it would be great if you let me know if you see any spring migrants.
In the first half of March look out for the first Wheatears, Sand Martins, Sandwich Terns and even Black Redstarts and Ring Ousels.
Simon Curson

2nd March -there was 1 Sand Martin over the flooded fields at the Avon Causeway today!!
Also Chiffchaffs are singing in a few places, but these are likely to be over wintering birds.

3rd March - there was a Ring Ousel today at Chandlers Ford - a very early record.

[simoncurson]

The first Wheatears in the south were seen yesterday at Portland, 6 of them!!! This is pretty early, but with the nice sunny weather keep your eyes peeled, especially if the wind turns southerly.
At hengistbury in the past few days a few Chiffchaff and Blackcap have been seen - these are likely to be migrants as the numbers of wintering birds in this area is known and these were extras. I heard a Blackcap singing in next doors garden this morning.
A few more Sand Martin have been seen too.

Let me know if you see any other migrants (where are those elusive Ring Ousels!!!).

Simon Curson

[simoncurson]

Migrants are now trickling in. Wheatear, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, a few Black Redstart and some Sand Martins have been seen along the coast. Also now is the time for checking Pied Wagtails seen along the coast for White Wagtail (the continental race of our Pied).
Simon Curson (11th March)

[simoncurson]

16th March 2007
Chiffchaffs and Sand Martins are now being sen in many places and quite a lot of Wheatear along the coast. A few White Wagtails are being seen (3 at Stanpit yesterday) and a few Ring Ousel (one at Portland Bill yesterday).
Also the very first Swallows and House Martins have been seen at Radipole Lake along with a Marsh Harrier and a Whimbrel was seen at Farlington.
Simon Curson

[simoncurson]

18th March
Chiffchaffs have been singing in quite a lot of places for a week or so now.
A few Wheatears are around and 3 House Martins were seen at Poole Harbour. However migration has slowed, and will probably continue to slow, while the weather is cold with north winds.
2 Garganey were at Titchfield Haven today, so keep your eyes open on any marshy ground.
Let us know of anything you see.
Simon Curson

[simoncurson]

21st March.
The cold weather has slowed migration down, but a trickle of Wheatears are still arriving (some at Portland yesterday) and Sand Martins and 2 Garganey were at Titchfield Haven yesterday.

[markbissett]

Visited Farlington Marshes today and saw two chiffchaff and 30+ meadow pipit which seem to have arrived in large numbers to add to the resident population.

[simoncurson]

26th March

Loads of Meadow Pipits arrived at Portland this morning as well as some Chiffchaffs and a few Wheatear (see main report in What you have missed' section)

Also 2 Garganey at Lodmoor yesterday and 2 Osprey yesterday - 1 at Normandy near Lymington and 1 over Acres Down on the New Forest.
Simon Curson