Another stunning but very cold day in the harbour today with easterly winds making for a chilly but none the less successful Year-list Kickstarter Cruise. Great Northern Diver were again showing in good numbers with views all across the harbour including just off Poole Quay for a total of at least 14 throughout the harbour. The Wareham channel was very busy with an  element of low-tide providing views of c200 Dunlin, c150 Avocet, c100 Lapwing, c30 Grey Plover and 1 lone Spoonbill on the Gull Islands. At least 4 Marsh Harrier were over Keysworth and Swineham with 2 Pochard being on the gravel pit at Swineham. A real highlight of the trip were the great views of Goldeneye all round the harbour including 3 in the Wareham Channel and at least 8 others around South Deep.

Elsewhere in the harbour the Black-throated Diver was still showing well in Holes Bay this morning. 2 Great White Egret flew over Wareham Common along with 2 Goosander on the River Piddle here. The Black Redstart was still showing well today at Studland to the East of the Pig Inn viewable from the coastal footpath. 1 Slavonian Grebe was still in Brands Bay along with 50 Grey Plover, 420 Pintail, 300+ Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Knot and 17 Common Snipe.

Black Redstart – Studland – Rob Johnson