Even though it was bitterly cold once again today, spring officially started today (in a bird sense) with the first African migrant of the spring having arrived, with a Northern Wheatear seen in Northwick, Avon. This is pretty early, but with the first ones typically occurring in the first week of March, it’s only a couple of weeks early and highlights that spring migrants are on the way. The end of this week is set to see a strong southerly winds that arrive from southern Europe which means we could also see the first Sand or House martin arrive over the weekend or perhaps even a Swallow. A similar weather system last year delivered a Swallow at Studland on February 9th and another at Radipole on Feb 17th, and a House Martin in West Morden on Feb 18th!

There was a Black Redstart on roofs behind the LUSH shop in Old Town Poole, and a Red Kite cruised over Poole Quay. There was another Red Kite at Sunnyside Farm and 1 (or the same) over Ballard. Just 1 Black-throated Diver was seen off Baiter this morning, 7 Cattle Egret were on Wareham Common and 6 Spoonbill were at Shipstal, RSPB Arne. Med Gulls are well and truly arriving now with Holes Bay seeing a record total today consisting of 154 individuals.