Vis Mig at Durlston

Our group met at Durlston Country Park early, though not bright as it was still dark, at 7a.m.  We didn't need to walk far, just to Long Meadow a few metres away!  It started very quiet, then the Tawny Owls suddenly and loudly started up, with their well known "Twit-Twoo" calls, with about 4 birds calling and the odd "Keewik" call being thrown in, then a more distant bird could be heard when the others quieten momentarily.  This lasted for about 10 minutes or so.   The Robins were now calling and some in full song, then Blackbird and Wren as it became lighter.  We could hear a Raven before it came into view, followed by two noisily interacting with each other as they flew along the edge of the wood.   

David and Nick then spotted a Sparrowhawk low over the trees, a male which then flew higher and higher gaining quite a lot of height.  It then proceeded to give a powerful display over the wood and field, even over our heads, that was a bit of a neck breaker!  It carried on displaying over quite a large area, rising into the air then stooping down and back up again.  It was a terrific display and we had two further Sparrowhawks during this period.

Migrating Linnet flock 

Now we were starting to see some visible migration of passerines, Goldfinch started us off with just a few small groups, then 'Alba' Wagtails and then Linnets.  However the Linnets starting coming through in larger groups than the Goldfinch, which seemed to be more tightly packed together.  All figures are at the end.  A few Skylarks and Meadow Pipits, then four Redwings but the Starlings were probably local birds.  Five Swallows flew low over the field and it was quite a bit later before we saw a few more.  More finches with Greenfinch and Chaffinch, then a lonesome Goldcrest and Jay flew over.

By 10 a.m. it was beginning to slow so much that we decided to have a little walk over the park, first catching up with Shaun and Ian from Stour Ringing Group.  They were having a quiet morning with the mist nets, though Shaun very kindly showed the group a re-trapped Goldcrest.

Visible Migration totals:
Goldfinch 227
'Alba' Wagtails 40
Linnet  698
Skylark  8
Redwing  4
Swallow  11
Greenfich  36
Chaffinch  9
Goldcrest 1
Jay  1

Nick had also taken his parabolic microphone and recorder and was able to add 14 Song Thrush a Reed Bunting and a Golden Plover to our tally though none were seen as they must have been above the cloud and out of sight.