Sightings were pretty thin on the ground today, but with weather like we’ve had, no one can be blamed for a reluctance to venture out.

In the early morning there were 5 Great Northern Diver, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Scaup, 7 Goldeneye, 1 Black-necked Grebe, 27 Red-breasted  Merganser, 31 Oystercatcher, and 3 Redshank viewable from Jerry’s Point, along with 2 Long-tailed Ducks off the Brownsea shore. In addition, 17 Knot and a sizeable passage of Dunlin were also noted moving past into Brand’s Bay.

Closer to midday, the northern sector of Holes Bay held 950 Wigeon, 130 Shoveler, 59 Curlew, 125 Black-tailed Godwit, 36 Avocet, 5 Knot, approximately 30 Dunlin, alongside the usual abundance of Redshank, Teal, and Pintail expected at this time of year.

Conditions look much clearer and cooler for tomorrow, with a northerly wind. Could this potentially blow in some additional winter visitors…?

Red-breasted Merganser – Poole Park – Ian Ballam