What a cracking day to be out on the water, although it was an interesting atmosphere to start with for our Winter Safari Cruise with the cold heavy fog over the south of the harbour today. As the fog lifted, Brownsea Lagoon was mostly frozen, with the usual large flock of Black-tailed Godwit roosting elsewhere – likely contributing to the 2000+ Black-tailed Godwit seen in Holes Bay this morning, along with 200 Avocet. There were still plenty of birds using the lagoon, including around 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 200 Avocet, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 40 Oystercatcher, 20 Curlew, 6 Sanderling, 10 Turnstone, 30 Wigeon, 10 Teal and 2 Grey Plover present. Many of the open water birds had moved into the central harbour and Wareham Channel, with 120 Red-breasted Merganser and 40 Great Crested Grebe around. 1 Black-necked Grebe provided stunning views near Redhorn. A further 7 Black-necked Grebe were also reported from Middle Beach today. In the Wareham Channel, at least 2 Marsh Harrier were seen, along with the highlight of a ringtail Hen Harrier over Arne Moors. The recent clear skies and full moon has definitely seen a departure of some species, with notably low numbers of Goldeneye logged with just 6 in the Wareham Channel. Later in the afternoon, 3 White-tailed Eagle were active in the Wareham Channel which is frustrating to say the least considering we had a boat trip this morning and didn’t see them! There’s always next time. The Barclays Peregrines were up on the ledge again and seen dropping down onto the nesting tray.

Fog over Poole Harbour – Poole Quay – David White