There was a real mix of Summer, Autumn and Winter today and some cracking birds to be seen. With the wind swinging round to the south, it seemed to have halted a whole range of birds in their tracks, making them utilise the harbour for the day. The best of the day included a Short-eared Owl which was getting harassed by a crow along the RSPB Arne shoreline, a Bittern flew across the Stilt Pools at Swineham mid-morning, a Black-necked Grebe was settled in the Wareham Channel, the first dark-bellied Brent Goose of the autumn flew in over Brownsea, there were 3 Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Ruff on the Curlew Pools at Swineham, 2 Great White Egret in Middlebere and it seems as if the Spoonbill flock has now broken 100+ with 93 on the Brownsea Lagoon, and an uncountable flock of c15 at Shipstal Point at the same time. This is certainly the largest group in the UK currently. Other new arrivals included 16 Knot and 5 Grey Plover on the Brownsea Lagoon, both of which hae been notable in their absence the last few weeks plus 1 Curlew Sandpiper, and 2 Ring Ouzel were along the Middlebere track. The Avocet flock on Brownsea is now at about c300, Swallow and House Martin were still moving south during the course of the day, 3 Marsh Harrier were at Swineham and a Merlin was seen at Middlebere.

Male White-tailed Eagle G463 – Wareham Channel from this AM’s Autumn Safari – Chris Herbert

Male Marsh Harrier – RSPB Arne Moors from this AM’s Autumn Safari – Chris Herbert

Female Grey Seal  from this AM’s Autumn Safari – Chris Herbert