There was still a bitterly cold easterly wind whipping across the harbour today, but on a few occasions the sun did attempt to come out. Although White-tailed Eagles already seem to be part of the Poole Harbour furniture these days, it’s always an amazing moment when one gets clocked flying over Poole Town Centre, which is what happened this afternoon when a juvenile was seen flying in over Poole and then Baiter Park, before heading towards the Wareham Channel. A Jack Snipe was flushed at Lytchett Bay this morning, at least 3 Black-throated Diver were still off Baiter/Evening Hill and up to 5 Spoonbill were in Middlebere. The Lytchett Matravers, St Mary’s Church Hawfinch seems to be quite flighty and not really hanging around that long, often opting to sit in the tops of surrounding trees. Off Jerry’s Point only a single Slavonian Grebe and Great Northern Diver could be found but it wasn’t exactly the best conditions. A few early Reed Bunting are making their way back on territory with the main bulk of the males ‘winter abrasion’ having now been completed, revealing their black hoods, with just a few brown flecks left on the heads.

Great Northern Diver – Jerry’s Point 

Male Reed Bunting – Swineham