It’s been 4 years in the making, but we finally have a new Spoonbill record for the harbour, with a total of 84 individuals counted on the Brownsea Lagoon this morning. The previous highest record was in 2018, when 80 birds were counted. There seems to have been a decent breeding season this year, not only in the UK but also on the continent, likely contributing to this record. 1 individual Spoonbill was also sighted in Lytchett Bay this morning, potentially taking the total to 85. Noting specific details of timings is so important when co-ordinating counts across the harbour to get an accurate count. It will be interesting to see how many individuals are logged this weekend during the next WeBS count of the season, with a harbour-wide co-ordinated count of all wetland species.

From Coombe Heath this morning, 3 Spoonbill were also counted amongst growing numbers of Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. There was also plenty of raptor activity, including the highlight of a ringtail Hen Harrier, along with Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Kestrel seen. Elsewhere, sightings of note included 1 Little Stint still present at Lytchett Fields.

We also have our first Low Tide Cruise of the season coming up this Saturday, and there are still spaces available. With numbers of wildfowl and waders rising each day, as well as record numbers of Spoonbill, it should be great. You can find tickets here.

Spoonbill – Middlebere Channel from Coombe Heath – Kate Plater