This morning we took a survey boat out around the harbour to try and gage totals of open water species and were thrilled to see Goldeneye numbers had reached 49 which is the highest count this winter after a very poor start, although we should be nearer the 100 mark at this time of year. Other totals included 3 Great Northern Diver, with one off Baiter, one near the harbour mouth and another in the North Channel. Red-breasted Merganser totals also seemed to have increased with c200 around the harbour and c75 Great Crested Grebe. Only 8 Black-necked Grebe were logged but it was assumed the rest were out in Studland Bay, on Shipstal, 18 Spoonbill were roosting. The ringtail Hen Harrier quartered along the Keysworth shoreline and 2 Marsh Harrier rose out of Giggers Island at Dawn. The White-fronted Goose was out on Bestwall with the Greylag flock, the Little Owl was seen at Holton Lee and a Barn Owl was seen at Middlebere. The Mandarin was still in Poole Park and the Black Redstart was along Pearce Avenue on the shoreline. A Great White Egret was on Redhorn Point, Brands Bay and 3 Cattle Egret were along Holme Lane. Firecrests were at Arne, Upton CP and Holes Bay. In Middlebere the impressive sight of c500 Avocet, c300 Lapwing, c500 Wigeon and Teal, c400 Brent Geese plus Grey Plover, Dunlin and 2 Spoonbill was still to be had and at Lytchett Bay a Spotted Redshank was present, a species that’s exceptionally scarce this winter.
Great Northern Diver – Near the harbour mouth – Paul Morton
Siskin – Holton Lee – John Pick
Spring seems to be creeping along with more displaying and nest building birds today, including multiple Raven pairs/territories…
Find out moreAlthough you couldn’t see further than 100m for much of the day, there were birds to be found…
Find out more© 2025 Birds of Poole Harbour Registered Charity No. 1152615