A misty start to the day made birding challenging across much of the harbour. Nonetheless, there were plenty of highlights from our first two Winter Safari Cruises of the season, including 2 Eider off Baiter through the day, 3 Common Scoter still present in the Central Harbour, 2 Great Northern Diver along Blood Alley (off southern Brownsea shoreline), White-tailed Eagle on Green Island and the southern shorelines, plus Kingfisher, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, close views of Spoonbill and nice to see numbers of Great Crested Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser and Brent Goose starting to increase.

Elsewhere Great White Egret, Green Sandpiper and Marsh Harrier were all present at Swineham, and 10 Cattle Egret could be seen close to the Wareham Bypass. And winter thrush numbers continue to build with approximately 200 Redwing and 5 Fieldfare present at dawn at Lytchett Fields this morning. Green Woodpecker on Brownsea Island notable given local decline.

Eiders – Main channel off Baiter Park from a Winter Safari Cruise – Mark Wright

Common Scoter – Winter Safari Cruise – Mark Wright

Atmospheric day with thick fog rolling in and subduing activity, but didn’t deter a Woodlark in full song Hartland Moor. A count from Brand’s Bay at dusk produced 35 Great Crested Grebe, 27 Red-breasted Merganser and a minimum count of 240 Avocet. 2 Sandwich Tern at Poole Park, while most UK breeders have left for the coast of West Africa, these individuals are likely from a more northerly population that may overwinter.

Little Egret – Wilson (https://bsky.app/profile/00mrwilson00.bsky.social)