Another day, another series of harbour highlights including another new bird for the harbour this winter/early spring in the shape of a Water Pipit at Swineham, photographed from our Winter Safari Cruise this AM. Typically a few over-winter around Lytchett Bay/Swineham, but despite much searching, none have been logged yet this year until today, and this could be a spring passage migrant thats just passing through on it’s way south.

There was also great excitement at Carey Secret Garden mid-morning when we were initially alerted by Herring Gull alarm calls and saw male White-tailed Eagle G463 passing over, when all of a sudden we then heard Common Cranes calling before all three then started circling together. This is such a perfect example of species recovery in action and a huge well done and congratulations to everyone involved in making these projects reality. This is an encounter that probably hasn’t been seen in the UK for several centuries, but now it’s happening….its real. Species recovery has the ability to positively impact eco-systems, economies and both physical and mental health. Let’s all work smarter to make these types of experiences a possibility for EVERYONE, no matter where you are in the country.

Other exciting encounters today included the Forster’s Tern giving point blank views in Poole Park after lunch, but it was quite unsettled having first been seen in the harbour entrance this morning, then commuting back and fourth between Baiter and Poole Park on and off. Whilst in Poole Park it offered exceptional photography opportunities as highlighted by Mark Wrights (quite frankly) ridiculously great photos below.

Spring arrivals continue with Chiffchaff now singing at multiple sites and at Swineham tonight, despite no Bittern leaving, there were 24 Sand Martin bombing about. The 10 Glossy Ibis were still on Wareham Common, there were 20 Cattle Egret at Holmebridge and 17 on Wareham Common. Off Middle Beach there were 3 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver and 5 Common Scoter. 

Common Crane and White-tailed Eagle soaring over Carey Secret Garden, Lower Piddle Valley this morning.

Water Pipit – Swineham/River Frome from this AM’s Winter Safari – Joe Parker 

Forster’s Tern – Poole Park – Mark Wright

Forster’s Tern – Poole Park – Mark Wright