… Actually it was quite exciting; I refer instead to the mode of transport, which was bipedal in nature, and took me from Tuckton bridge to Hengistbury, through Wick fields, at the thoroughly unrespectable birding time of 8:15. A nice selection of summer migrants (and the resident Cetti’s warblers exploding away unseen in the undergrowth) kept me amused: Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat were all singing, and Sandwich terns screeched overhead.

Once I got to Hengistbury Head, I joined the CHOGers at the Coastguard Station, which turned out to be a good move, as I was there in time to see a male Hen Harrier heading high out to sea (presumably a New Forest or similar wintering bird on its way back to breeding grounds on the continent). Med Gulls were very much in evidence, mostly picked up by call, and all of them seemed to be paired up. The locals also gave me lots of tips about birding around Christchurch: lots to look forward to this summer, including Nightjars on my doorstep!

Of moderate interest on the walk back: a Jay flying over Wick fields, and Treecreeper in the woods by the Stour.

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