One of the best vantage points to scour the open, central areas of Poole Harbour in on the cliff top at Shipstal Beach, Arne. We say cliff top, its only around 20m high but gives a great view out across to Long Island and beyond, as well as a decent perspective of Arne Bay. During December, January and February these areas can be really productive and there’s a chance any open water species could drop in ranging from Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter or Red-necked Grebe. Today, it was a Slavonian Grebe that was giving great views just off Shipstal Beach and in calm water made viewing all the more enjoyable. Also logged from there this AM was 1 Great Northern Diver, 12 Goldeneye, 25 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Great Crested Grebe, 27 Spoonbill and 1 Peregrine. Along Holme Lane there was a minimum of 8 Cattle Egret. At the PC World Drain there were 7 collybita Chiffchaff with again one singing. In Lytchett Bay there were 11 Spoonbill feeding on the low tide plus 130+ Avocet and 19 Red-breasted Merganser.

Slavonian Grebe – Shipstal Beach, Arne – Paul Morton 

Slavonian Grebe – Shipstal Beach, Arne – Paul Morton