Calm and bitterly cold conditions today gave the harbour a rather subdued feeling, with seemingly few birds on the move. The primary exception were the wetland species, with good numbers of Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Curlew, Teal, Pintail and Brent Geese all still present and feeding across much of the southern harbour on the afternoon low tide. Brownsea Lagoon also continues to hold good numbers of Avocet, plus a single Spoonbill this morning. In the south west corner of Holes Bay was a Spotted Redshank, along with 2 Water Rail, 1 Snipe and several Black-tailed Godwit. A few other winter visitors were also still to be found, with a small flock of 12 Redwing feeding among the livestock at Sunnyside Farm. That said, signs of early spring are certainly in the air, with at least 2 Red Kite seen circling over the Wareham Channel. Here Marsh Harrier were also active, and further inland at Norden a White-tailed Eagle was spotted soaring overhead.

March normally heralds the start of quieter @WeBS_UK counts, but not today. Still really good numbers of Blackwit, Avocet, Curlew, Teal, Pintail and Brent Geese along southern shores of the harbour. Bonus Red Kite and Marsh Harrier overhead @DorsetBirdClub pic.twitter.com/rFlkLB9oLX

— birdsofpooleharbour (@harbourbirds) March 5, 2023