A proper winter day for those who joined us in braving the bitterly cold northerly winds on today’s cruise. The stunning winter birding scene rewarded our efforts with fine displays from birds of prey, an increase in open-water species and a nice sprinkling of Poole Harbour scarcities along the way. Marsh Harriers quartered closer and closer the boat as we meandered up the Wareham Channel and entered the mouth of the River Frome, 3 Great White Egret graced Swineham Gravel Pit (offering brilliant side-by-side comparisons to Little Egret on the deck and in flight), 6 Scaup and 6 Common Scoter offered marvellous views in South Deep, a Great Northern Diver showed well off Hamworthy pier and a Guillemot put in a star appearance in the Central Harbour. Elsewhere, 2 Goldeneye occupied Poole Park and a Sandwich Tern hunting around Parkstone Bay.

Common Scoter – South Deep, from Bird Boat – Rene Goad

Scaup – South Deep, from Bird Boat – Rene Goad