In certain, sheltered areas spring seems to be trying to take a hold, despite the wind and frequent rain taking control in the more exposed areas. A good example was at the top end of the PC World drain this AM where c15 Common Chiffchaff present and 4-5 of them in full song. Also present were 2 Siberian Chiffchaff and a male Blackcap sub-singing. Also 1 Firecrest, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Jay’s a 1 Sparrowhawk. A School Bird Boat also headed out today and saw 4 Great Northern Diver, 2 Common Scoter (off Jerry’s Point), 6 Black-necked Grebe (central harbour), 8 Spoonbill (Shipstal). The Water Rail was again showing well on the edge of one of the islands on the main Poole Park boating lake. There were another 3 Blackcap in an Upton Garden and in the lower Frome Valley there was 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin and 2 Marsh Harrier. 8 Spoonbill were on Shipstal Point, Arne.

Blackcap – PC World Drain – Ian Ballam