West High Down and Headon Warren Dotterel Honey B

Day 3 with the bro....

We anticipated this as the 'big' day, not just in terms of the weather conditions - with SSE forecast - but the time we planned to spend in the field, which was dawn til dusk. We got to West High down about 7am at first light. Most noticeable immediately were mipits moving over in fairly biggish numbers on a broad front. This was continuous as we made our way along southern most fence line. Other species, especially on the deck, were few and far between along there, more than likely due to strength of the wind. 

We worked our way to the Needles headland and had some nammit there and took in the view, after which we carried on round to coastguard cottages. This was when things started getting interesting: Graham suddenly stopped and gave me that intense look of he was hearing something? It then called again. And again. It was definitely wader-like, but we were unsure at that stage. Even so, Graham was thinking dotterel. He got on the bird in flight and then got me on to it; from here on we were glued to it. it seemed to be unsure what to do moving east and west over the solent, but after a while it suddenly was heading in our direction. We tracked it flying just east of the cottages, but due to the steep incline, we didn't know if it had gone completely over and south, or if it had pitched in and landed. There was only way to find out...

Just about hear it calling - the dotterel

We then walked in the direction of where we last lost sight of it. As we walked up the hill I suddenly glanced left of me and pointed and said Graham! There it was. On the deck, allowing us great views.

Short vid of the dotterel

So we left the dotterel and made our way back along the headland and headed for Alum bay chine. It initially seemed pretty quiet there. Bird wise anyway. the tourists were definitely having a good day. Our plan was to get up on headon warren; the day before both yellow browed warbler and red backed shrike had been reported in the area. Along the footpath we came upon quite a few chiffs flitting about, along with some long tailed tits, the kind of flock that would attract a YB warbler; sure enough we heard one calling.

Eventually I saw what must have been some of it; i could see the rear end of it at least and the wing bars. Also underparts were whitish. But it went out of sight. So we persevered and Graham got a whole view it. It just wasn't giving us much though, given that they can be very vocal.

The day was warming up. A lunch break was definitely earned. So we sat in the perfect spot and took in the view whilst munching away. Whilst sat down Graham exclaimed and pointed: just to north of us a raptor swooped upwards and was being harangued by ravens: it was a honey buzzard! Our second of the week. We watched it circle and take a mobbing. It was last seen disappearing across the sea due west of us.

dark juv honey buzzard