Mudeford Quay

[Catherine]

Christchurch Harbour is a great place to watch birds and other wildlife throughout most of the year. The Avon and the Stour meet in a huge lagoon which forms a natural harbour, and in winter, many interesting species shelter on Stanpit reserve on one side.

There may be fewer species to watch at the harbour mouth at Mudeford Quay, but the acrobatics of Black-headed Gulls are always interesting to see as they crowd greedily to feed.

There isn't just a 'pecking order', but also a 'perching' one here, as House Sparrows and Starlings cling to the lobster pots on the harbour, and other gulls perch in higher stages - until you get to the Greater Black-backed Gulls on the tallest chimneys of the old buildings there!

There were many Oystercatchers at the edge of the water, two Cormorants were diving near the harbour entrance to catch fish on their way upstream, and a pair of little Pied Wagtails trotted around the quayside, searching for any food they could get!

There were no Dolphins in the harbour area this week, but the Gulls entertained us well enough as they fought for fish and crabs in the swirling (and very dangerous) currents at the harbour mouth..

[rolf]

Excellent Catherine, looks like a good spot and super photos. Must visit when I next come down that way.

[Catherine]

Thanks for your kind words, Rolf, although I was sorry that it was such a dull day and that was reflected in the photos.

The stretch of water which passes between the quayside and the long, beach-hut lined sandbank which joins on to Hengistbury Head is called The Run. Not only is the water fast-flowing, but in the rush to join the sea, the strait is really dangerous and peppered with small whirlpools and a great deal of turbulence.

Mudeford Quay car park (paying) was the site of a battle between customs officers and smugglers in the late 18th century, and the old, listed buildings you see in the photos are now holiday lets. The Haven Inn and adjacent café are popular for tourists and are open all year, with fresh fish always on the menu. We bought one huge haddock from the Fish Stall, and had it for tea on Friday night - delicious!

Of course, it's more user-friendly in summer when there is more life around - and yachts and more fishing boats ply to and fro through The Run. You may remember these pics of a Dolphin I took from there a year or so ago!

Worthwhile visiting this spot before/after a visit to Stanpit Nature Reserve which is close by (See this thread - second pic to see how near it is http://www.thamesvalleybirds.co.uk/p...ch-dorset.html), or by taking the ferry across The Run to the sandbank and walking along it to Hengistbury Head nature reserve..

[Catherine]

Went over to Mudeford on Monday as it was easier for Glen to feel involved than it would have been at Keyhaven - and he could see everything from the car!

First of all, pics of the area - view towards The Needles, landing and buying fish on the quayside, and views of the Customs house and Christchurch Harbour....

[Catherine]

Secondly, varied species at Mudeford;

[Catherine]

And lastly, Starlings - The Mudeford Mob!

[Catherine]

Oh, and if you had binoculars you could have seen this tall ship, the Tenacious, on the horizon. It had sailed from Southampton the day before. The second pic was the best zoom I could get!

[rolf]

Excellent Catherine, love the Mudeford photos, very atmospheric and some great Starling portraits, shows them at their striking best.