It was only a matter of time, but today saw the Poole Harbour Spoonbill flock reach 53 (possibly 55) birds, breaking last year’s British record of 49. All 53 were gathered on Shipstal Point , Arne on the high tide and there is still another few weeks for the flock size to potentially grow. There are a minimum of 7 ringed birds in amongst the flock so if anyone manages to get good photos or views of the colour rings then please email them to us at info@birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk

Ringing records from last year’s birds showed that we have Dutch, German, Belgium and French ringed Spoonbill visiting us. Another big surprise this afternoon came when a Hawfinch settled at the top of an Oak in the Arne car park for a short while before flying off north. The first ‘urban’ Yellow-browed Warbler was also found this morning with a bird calling away in Broadstone in private gardens near Dunyeats Road. On Brownsea there were 10 Spotted Redshank, c450 Avocet, 2 Hobby and 2 Spoonbill (possibly additional birds to the Arne flock). A sea watch from Branksome produced 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Gannet, 2 Brent Geese and 5 Sandwich Tern.