Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve

Hengistbury  Head  14/04/12

Despite travelling down under black clouds and a brief torrential downpour, we arrived early in the car park to find the sun trying to struggle through the clouds. The tantalising smell of sizzling bacon from the Café tempted 2 other early arrivals to sample some breakfast fare, but we just settled for hot chocolates! After several more of our group arrived, we set off towards the beach accompanied by Swallows swooping low overhead and a Skylark vying for attention. A quick sea scan yielded a few Great Black-Backed Gulls and a lone Cormorant, but the Nature Reserve field allowed us superb views of a Cuckoo, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit and Linnets.

A gentle plod up the hill was  halted when  Martin heard  a Whitethroat  call and  with all eyes trained on the bushes, it was eventually spotted nearby.  After this respite, we  trudged up the steep  path to the top of the cliffs and were rewarded with stunning views across to Stanpit Marsh and Christchurch harbour. From our lofty viewpoint, we could pick out Canada and Brent Geese, numerous different Gulls, Curlew, Redshank, Shelduck and a small group of Black-Tailed Godwit in their smart summer plumage, together with Mallard, Coot and Little Egret. Retracing our footsteps downhill to take the lower track to the headland, Redstarts could be seen flitting around in the lower branches and on the ground, whilst a Greenfinch was perched above them. Along the wooded section, Jays could be heard and seen as well as a noisy Blackcap. On reaching the headland, another sea scan produced 3 Shelduck on a fly past and two canoeists.

To avoid being mown down by the land train, we took the path through the woods, so obtaining excellent close up views of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Blue and Great Tit. Further on, a series of ‘odd noises’ indicated we were close to the heronry and parent birds were seen flying towards the nests. In the undergrowth nearby, a Wren and Blackcap were seen and in the adjacent field, a Green Woodpecker foraged for food.

As it started raining, it seemed the only sensible thing to do was to retire to the Café for lunch. In total, 53
Species were seen/heard by a very satisfied group of 13 people.

Thanks to Gerry Studd for leading.

Click here for a map of Hengistbury Head. (SZ163911)

Click here for information about Hengistbury Head.

Click here for a map of Beaulieu Road Station. (SU347063)

Click here for information about Beaulieu Road Station.

Click here for list of birds seen