Once again, a very European vibe today, despite yesterdays cold, SW wind persisting. The Red-spotted Bluethroat showed a bit better today, but remained elusive along the enclosed track at the eastern end of Swineham GP. The Hoopoe from yesterday was still feeding in the same area at Hartland Stud, below the pine block just to the south of the entrance track of ‘The Kitchen’ cafe. And if Bluethroats and Hoopoes weren’t enough, then to top it off 2 Common Crane were seen touring high above the NW fringes of the harbour, first being seen over Holton Heath train station, then a bit later over Swineham GP. Equally rare was the finding of a male Pied Flycatcher in Kingswood, just above the Studland Road. Over the last 10 years, Hoopoe have been commoner than Spring Pied Flycatchers! Other birds of note were the 2 Whinchat from yesterday still present on Hartland Moor, at the tope end of Soldiers Road near the pick your own farm, 3 Reed Warbler were at Swineham with good numbers of Sand Martin were over the gravel pit early morning and the 3 Glossy Ibis were seen there this AM too and this afternoon the Forster’s Tern was reported off Shipstal Point, RSPB Arne.

1st of 2 Common Crane to pass over Keysworth this afternoon

2nd of 2 Common Crane to pass over Keysworth this afternoon a few minutes later

Red-spotted Bluethroat – Swineham – Peter Moore

Hoopoe – Hartland Stud – Peter Moore