A true wintery vibe today, with evidence that the strong NE breeze and overcast sky’s delivered birds both in and outside of the harbour. A fine male Black Redstart was in the main Sandbanks car park, most active in and around the Crazy Golf / children’s play area, with the added bonus of 2 Purple Sandpiper on the groynes the other side of the car park. On the sea it was obvious that Common Scoter had responded to the wind with a flock of 23 passing Sandbanks and a flock of 38 sat on the water in Studland Bay, with another 9 off Jerry’s Point. A Scaup also flew past Sandbanks heading towards the harbour entrance. The 2 Eider were off Baiter once again having gone missing for a couple of days, distantly out towards Brownsea and 1 Great Northern Diver and 2 Goldeneye were also off Jerry’s Point with 25+ Red-breasted Merganser. A White-tailed Eagle was causing chaos over the Brownsea Lagoon this morning, much to the delight of our School Bird Boat crowd who were in awe of the spectacle unfolding right in front of them. It was another Little Gull day with 4 at the harbour entrance, 1 off Jerry’s Point and 1 in Lytchett Bay. Also at Lytchett Bay were 3 Spoonbill, 1 Great White Egret and 1 Spotted Redshank. On Wareham Common 10+ Cattle Egret were feeding again.

Black Redstart – Sandbanks main car park – Ian Ballam

Purple Sandpiper – Sandbanks groyne – Ian Ballam