Finally, 2 Hen Harrier in the harbour today – sighted in and around Middlebere! And it turned out to be a fine day on the raptor front as 4 Marsh Harrier were observed between Arne Moors and Keysworth shore, a female Merlin was perched in birches below Great Knoll on Hartland and at least one (possibly two) Short-eared Owl were seen from Lytchett Bay View during a watch this morning.

An impressive 56 species were recorded during the Lytchett Bay View watch including a sub adult male Marsh Harrier, 375 Wigeon, 328 Teal, 5 Brent Goose, 185 Canada Goose, 9 Mute Swan, 2 Gadwall, 58 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (first of the winter in the Bay), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 104 Avocet, 78 Oystercatcher, 46 Lapwing, 28 Curlew, 253 Black-tailed Godwit, 31 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 2 Greenshank and 132 Redshank. Crikey! Lytchett Fields also held 2 Water Pipit.

A Great Bustard flew over Studland towards Old Harry earlier this afternoon.

A short stint at the Raptor screen, Arne rewarded views of Marsh Harrier and Kingfisher and Fieldfare. Brownsea Lagoon was teeming with activity and the webcams provided views of abundant Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Brent Goose and various wildfowl.