A slow day for sightings today, perhaps the slightly volatile weather had something to do with it…? That said, it seems lots of people did head out to enjoy the 3 Tundra Bean Geese which were still present and giving fabulous views in the field to the east of Longmeadow Lane and north of the A35, adjacent to the Upton Gateway Roundabout. It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying these rare visitors, especially at such an urban site! Bean Goose sightings are roughly a once-per-decade phenomenon in Poole Harbour, and on average only around 300 individuals winter in the UK each year (typically at more eastern sites) so it’s a great privilege to see these birds.

Elsewhere, 100 Oystercatcher and 20 Brent Geese were foraging in a flock together on Baiter Park. And in the south of the harbour 2 Great Norther Diver, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 10 Turnstone, Red-breasted Merganser, Redshank, and a large flock of Brent Geese were seen off Jerry’s Point.

Brent Geese – Jerry’s Point – Jared Watt