December got off to a good start for anyone looking to make up for lost time during November. A Glossy Ibis flew up Middlebere mid afternoon, prompting speculation that it could well have been in the harbour since the influx a month ago, but having just hid very well! The Black Redstart was again in Wareham St Mary’s churchyard too. A stunning adult male Hen Harrier was seen just outside the area at Morden Bog and there were still 3 Scaup off Jerry’s Point along with a Great White Egret. A Red Kite drifted over Holton Lee and there were 6 Black-necked Grebe around the Studland Peninsular. Merlin were logged at Middlebere, Shipstal and Holton Lee. At Lytchett Fields 3 Marsh Harrier were active and there was a report of a White-fronted Goose in Poole Park yesterday which sadly didn’t stay very long and was gone by today.

Red-breasted Merganser – Bramble Bush Bay – Nick Gadenne