We’ve had a nice range of sightings with the sun and blue skies out today. Reports from Studland this morning included 4 Great Northern diver in Shell Bay, along with 1 Slavonian Grebe and 26 Brent Geese. 1 Siberian Chiffchaff was also seen from South Haven, as well as 28 Linnet heading North. Later in the morning, 4 Great Northern Diver, 2 Slavonian Grebe and 3 Common Scoter were seen in between Redhorn and Jerry’s Point. At Middlebere, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Merlin (f), 1 Kestrel, 3 Spotted Redshank and c.450 Avocet were present. The White-tailed Eagle G461 was seen in flight from Lytchett Fields and Ham Common, seemingly dropping down to Holton Lee this morning. The nice range of raptor sightings continued at Swineham, with 1 Hen Harrier and 1 Marsh Harrier reported, as well as 1 Goosander and 2 Great White Egret amongst the highlights. In Middlebere, a rare occurrence of an adult Goshawk which ploughed through around midday. And even rarer, it was photographed too! An stunning and rarely recorded bird in the harbour. There was 1 Purple Sandpiper was reported on the Sandbanks groynes amongst Sanderling this morning. Finally, we hosted our penultimate public ringing demo last night and caught a record 12 Jack Snipe, 9 of which were new and 3 were previously ringed earlier this winter (October 2021). Also logged were 5 Woodcock (with 1 caught) and plenty of Common Snipe (with 1 ringed).
Purple Sandpiper – Sandbanks – Andy (@nikodogtwite on Twitter)
So cold! Mid-week was delightful with even a hint of spring warmth, but today was proper chilly. Cold…
Find out moreAnother beautiful February day, although the slight NE wind added an edgy chill. There was both a male…
Find out more© 2025 Birds of Poole Harbour Registered Charity No. 1152615