Being a Monday, there were fewer rare birds found today, but the long staying gems were pinned down early doors with the Red-spotted Bluethroat seen at Swineham this morning and the Hartland Stud Hoopoe still favouring the field next to the entrance of the ‘Kitchen Cafe’. A small number of common migrants were grounded and saw 1 each of Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Common Whitethroat, plus 6 Blackcap in the PCW Drain and in the Lower Piddle Valley at the Carey ringing station there was a good return with 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Blackcap and a pair of Lesser Redpoll ringed, plus a pair of Goosander flew over Wareham Common at first light. Also, a first milestone of this 2026 Spring season with the first fledged Robin to be out and about. Later this afternoon the Forster’s Tern was reported off ‘Blue Lagoon’, near Evening Hill. On Brownsea 3 Spoonbill were still present and a few new Common Sandpiper were recorded with individuals in Lytchett Bay and Holes Bay, plus a Ruff was also in Holes Bay.

Sedge Warbler – First to be ringed at Carey ringing station this year – Ed Betteridge

(Lesser) Redpoll ringed at Carey ringing station  – Ed Betteridge

Goosander pair over Wareham Common early this AM – Ed Betteridge

1st fledged Robin of 2026 at Carey Ringing Station