The rain set back in today which meant the Surf Scoter didn’t fancy leaving anytime soon, so spent a second day in Brands Bay happily feeding out in the deep water channel. Past Dorset records of this species have included individuals that have stayed for a number of weeks, so we’ll see how long this bird decides to holiday in the harbour. Here are a selection of photos that have kindly been sent to us by local birders.

   Surf Scoter – Ian Ballam Surf Scoter – Steve Smith

Also in Brands Bay at least 4 Great Northern Diver, 30+ Great Crested Grebe, 2 Black-necked Grebe and 20+ Red-breasted Merganser.

Out in Studland Bay another 3 Great Northern Diver were present.

On Baiter 2 Sandwich Tern were present and a small gathering on Brent Geese are starting to build with 21 birds feeding on the field.

A wet and cold school bird boat ventured out at 10am, but was rewarded with a Brownsea Lagoon packed with birds. With around 500 Avocet, 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spoonbill, 200 Oystercatcher, 200 Dunlin plus the usual Redshank, Turnstone, Greenshank, Shoveler, Teal, Little Egret, Knot, Grey Plover and a Peregrine.

Out in the harbour the Scaup was still present and 23 Spoonbill out on Shipstal Point.