A real eclectic mix of species today from across the harbour. Most amazingly was a late Osprey which was seen over Brands Bay mid morning. Looking at the forecast we doubt it will leave tomorrow but the conditions on Wednesday and Thursday will be ideal for it to ‘catch up’. Talking of conditions, Wednesday could end up being a Woodpigeon morning. If so, keep an out on airspace above Evening Hill towards Brownsea anytime from 6:30am onwards. Last year they moved en mass on Nov 6^th but when the weather conditions are good they just go, and looking at the forecast Wednesday or Thursday look like the ideal morning. There were good numbers of Great Northern Diver around today with 7 off Jerry’s Point, 1 in Shell Bay and 1 over Lytchett Bay. There were 3 Scaup, 6 Common Scoter, 4 Black-necked Grebe, 11 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Goldeneye off Jerry’s Point too, also 1 Merlin and 1 Great White Egret in Brands Bay. There were c400 Med Gull of South Beach which is an excellent winter total and off Middle Beach a Little Gull and 2 Black-necked Grebe. At Shipstal 34 Spoonbill were roosting and there was Purple Sandpiper seen at the Sandbanks slip way today which is the first this year and for quite some time! In Middlebere the Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit flock remained and c25 of the Spoonbill were there too.

Great Northern Diver – Jerry’s Point