The weather was slightly better today and hopes were high that yesterdays Red-necked Grebe would re-appear after only being seen briefly from our Winter Safari yesterday afternoon before more wind and rain set in. Much searching was carried out around the Studland peninsular but sadly it initially looks as if its ‘Smewed off’ and disappeared for now. Theres every chance it could be elsewhere in the harbour so when the water settles a bit, hopefully it will get re-found. Whilst searching for the Red-necked Grebe incidental sightings included 7 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Black-necked Grebe, 218 Pintail, 10 Goldeneye,  2 Great Northern Diver and 1 Razorbill were between Jerry’s Point and Brands Bay. A White-tailed Eagle is in Brands Bay this afternoon, 10 Spoonbill and 1 Spotted Redshank were in Lytchett Bay. There were 35 Russian White-fronted Goose moving between Ridge and Middlebere, 2 Purple Sandpiper were on the groynes at North haven, Sandbanks and 1 Siberian Chiffchaff was at the PCW drain, Holes Bay.

Red-necked Grebe in the murk yesterday from our Winter Safari Cruise – Megan Boardman

Red-necked Grebe in the murk yesterday from our Winter Safari Cruise – Megan Boardman