Sightings30/01/2025

Harbour Update – 30/01/25

It was all about the raptors today. Not surprising considering the weather, as sunny, slightly mild days in January often get birds of prey up and running, and it seems the sun did the job today. In Middlebere there was a sub-adult Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Goshawk and 1 Marsh Harrier. During the course of the day 4 different White-tailed Eagles were moving between the harbour and the coast, with sightings over Middlebere and 2 sat out in Brands Bay this afternoon. A Short-eared Owl was over Slepe Heath this evening and seemed to track over towards Arne Moors, and for most of the day Common Buzzards started to actively display over traditional sites. This evening an incredible 232 Magpies came into the Hatch Pond roost which was quite a sight, seeing them all sat in a flock on the western edge before they then dropped down deep into cover as it got dark. Off Shipstal there were 3 Black-necked Grebe and a Cattle Egret was in fields along the Arne to Corfe back road. The Long-tailed Duck was off Jerry’s Point this morning along with 1 Black-necked Grebe and 1 Slavonian Grebe. Out off Middle Beach 3 Common Scoter remain with 2 Black-necked Grebe and 1 Great Northern Diver. There was a minimum of 3 Cattle Egret on Wareham Common, near the mill and 14 Spoonbill were on Shipstal Point. Finally, having not been reported for several days (perhaps people have had enough of it now), the Snow Bunting was still on Hamworthy Beach/Park this afternoon.

Some of the 232 Magpies gathering in pre-roost at Hatch Pond before dropping down into deeper cover after dark

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