Over the last few years, Purple Sandpiper have been few and far between, however, finally, 2 were found today at North Haven, roosting on the third groyne north from the harbour entrance. Another great find today was the first Velvet Scoter of this winter period which was seen from Middle Beach distantly out in Studland Bay. 1 White-tailed Eagle flew over Wareham Common towards the harbour this morning, flushing 9 Cattle Egret. The Black-throated Diver was showing well again in Holes Bay South today. 3 Great Northern Diver were also seen off the Brownsea lagoon sea wall. Wader counts on Lagoon were lower this morning, but decent numbers of Bar-tailed Godwit, with 79 seen, with 9 Grey Plover, 9 Sanderling and 6 Greenshank amongst the other species counted. A higher count of 89 Bar-tailed Godwit were at Whitley Lake this morning and interestingly, 1 adult Peregrine was seen back on the “Barclays” building today. 1 Spoonbill was feeding in Lytchett Bay this morning and there was 1 Slavonian Grebe and 2 Black-necked Grebe off Jerry’s Point. This evening, c.143 Gannet were counted during a sea watch from North Haven. Plus….the Waxwings are getting closer! There were 15+ in Southampton today. Our prediction is we’ll see some next week…..maybe.

Black-throated Diver – Holes Bay South – Tony Furnell