A nice sweep of sightings from right across the harbour today, with a number of sure-fire signs that winter isn’t that far away. The first Brent Geese were reported with 2 on the Brownsea Lagoon, 15 out on the sea at Middle beach and another 7 flying over Brands Bay. Also out in Brands Bay was a reasonably early Black-necked Grebe in full winter plumage along with 8 Great Crested Grebe.

Out in the harbour still a number of Sandwich Tern and to a lesser extent Common Tern can be seen fishing in the channels. 14 Spoonbill were out on Shipstal and a raft of 60+ Cormorant were feeding out in the mouth of Middlebere. 7 Pintail flew over Arne.

On the Brownsea Lagoon 150-200 Avocet, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Black and Bar-tailed Godwit, 300+ Oystercatcher and a handful of Dunlin.

At Lytchett Bay a detailed count included 1 Grey Plover, 118 Black-tailed godwit, 46 Redshank, 45 Curlew, 33 Dunlin, 12 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 4 Wigeon and a Kingfisher.

At Greenlands Farm 1 Wheatear, 4 Whinchat, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 1 Hobby, 1 Peregrine, 8 Mistle Thrush and about 40 grounded Meadow Pipit.

An eclipse drake Red Crested Pochard was on Creekmoor Ponds yesterday.

There’s still time to book onto the next ‘Birds of Poole Harbour’ walk where we’ll be exploring the Greenland’s Farm area. For more information and to book on follow this link –

http://www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/early-autumn-walk-greenlands-farm

Today also saw the first RSPB/Birds of Poole Harbour School birdboat  trip with Lytchett Matravers Primary school braving the weather for a fantastic first trip. For a trip overview follow this link –

http://www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/first-season-schools-bird-boat-–-26-sep-2013