After yesterday’s weather, we anticipated a movement of Great Northern Diver into the harbour, but none were picked up during our cruise this morning. In Bramble Bush Bay at Studland, however, 3 Black-necked Grebe were present, along with 5+ Common Scoter and 12+ Red-breasted Merganser. The 6 Scaup were still present, this time off the Brownsea shoreline amongst groups of Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe. Other highlights included 1 Razorbill just off the boat in the central harbour, as well as at least 1 Guillemot in the North Channel. There were also 10+ Spoonbill roosting at Shipstal Point. The Marsh Harriers at Swineham put on a display, with 3 seen at the same time, though we expect 4 to 5 individuals were seen during the course of the cruise. Elsewhere, 3 Lesser Redpoll were seen amongst a flock of Goldfinch off Soldiers Road this evening, as well as a Merlin seen on Hartland Moor. In Poole Park, 1 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Goldeneye were also reported this morning.

Goldeneye – Poole Park – Ian Ballam