Spring is well and truly here with lots of nice birds around. Highlights from the last few days include…

Wednesday 17^th April had 15 Whimbrel in Shell Bay, along with 2 Common Sandpiper in the area. At Lytchett Bay the Bittern was seen again along with the Red-throated Diver where a sparse scattering of migrants included Blackcap, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler and 9 Whimbrel roosted up on the Turlin Shore.

Thursday 18^th April was a wild and windy day, where birds were certainly keeping low. However Reed Warbler were seen back at Upton CP. At the PC World drain there was 6 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 20+ Willow Warbler and 10+ Chiffchaff. In and around Swineham the usual suspects of Cetti’s Warbler, Swallow, House Martin, Great spotted Woodpecker and a few wildfowl out on the lake. There was a report that a Nightingale was back on territory near Corfe. At Lytchett Bay there was a 1^st year Little Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper and the Red-throated Diver put in appearance.

Friday 19^th of April was a real treat when Poole Harbours first Subalpine Warbler was discovered at the east end of the PC World drain. Unfortunately it was only seen by 2 lucky observers and wasn’t seen since. Also in the area a Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, lots of Blackcap and Willow Warbler. At Middlebere there were 3 Spoonbill, 9 Wheatear at Greenland’s Farm and 3 at Soldiers Road. On Brownsea 53 Avocets, 5 Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper. A Nightingale was singing at Corfe again this evening.