There was a proper autumnal chill and dampness in the air today which delivered a few oddities around the harbour. A Golden Plover (always scarce in the harbour) was at Lytchett Fields along with a Cattle Egret, 1 Whinchat, a flock of 15 Raven, 1 Sanderling, 1 Spotted Redshank, 7 Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 1 Hobby and 1 Marsh Harrier. At Middlebere a Gannet flew in from the Wareham Channel direction and then settled on the water. Never a good sign sadly, with this being the second to settle in the harbour in as many weeks with one sickly looking individual in Brands Bay a couple of weeks ago. In the Wareham Channel this morning 6 Marsh Harrier left the west harbour roost and 3 Osprey were active hunting with other Ospreys logged in Holes Bay, Middlebere and Brands Bay. Also in Brands Bay were a good selection of early winter and passage birds with 203 Teal, 3 Pintail, 12 Wigeon, 3 Brent Geese (over-summering individuals), 206 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Sanderling, 25 Dunlin, 10 Knot, 4 Curlew Sandpiper and 1 Whimbrel.

Golden Plover – Lytchett Fields – Ian Ballam