It seems things are getting better and brighter by the day, with the next few days looking to be even better. March has started with a bang, and today saw the first 2 Dorset Northern Wheatears of the year with individuals at Kimmeridge and Lodmoor, meaning the first Poole Harbour record isn’t too far away. The good news today was that the Forster’s Tern re-appeared, in pretty much the same spot it was re-found on Saturday. It was sat on a mooring buoy in Parkstone Bay this afternoon about 15:30, before heading off to hunt along the Baiter, Whitecliff and Lilliput shorelines before then heading off towards Brownsea about 16:30. There was also an incredible chorus of Mediterranean Gulls, most of which were in full summer plumage, with 163 in Parkstone Bay alone and around 250-300 spread across the northern shores. As (is currently) usual the Glossy Ibis flock were on Wareham Common pretty much all day and the 53 Cattle Egret were moving around the NW fringes of Wareham (Worgret and Wareham Common). Out in Brands Bay/Jerry’s Point there were still 3 Great Northern Diver, 10 Black-necked Grebe, a Spotted Redshank was out in Lytchett Bay and a male Merlin was out near RSPB Arne Moors.

The Wareham Cattle Egret flock – Worgret/Wareham Common – Annabel Sharpe

Forster’s Tern – Baiter (on Saturday) – Joe Parker