As predicted, decent seabird passage could be enjoyed if appropriate cover was found. Hunkered down along Branksome Chine at first light, several Poole Harbour birders enjoyed. Four Great Northern Diver (including 3 in breeding plumage), 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Oystercatcher, 10 Ringed Plover, 20 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 62 Dunlin, 2 Kittiwake, 14 Fulmar, 51 Gannet, 104 Common Tern, 145 Sandwich Tern, 1 Shelduck, 7 Swift and 14 Swallow. Despite poor visibility for most of the time, the watch produced lovely views Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit, passing a a single flock, which coupled with plenty of terns and gannets feeding made for a very enjoyable morning. Another seawatch from midday (to 1.30pm) from up on Old Harry offered 1 Storm Petrel, 7 Manx Shearwater, 3 Great Northern Diver, 4 Fulmar, 17 Common Tern, 50+ Guillemot, 41 Gannet plenty of Swallow & House Martin in off. Swift were also picked up over Wareham Common and East of Bog Lane Green Space, with Cuckoo calling from the West.
Despite the cold, overcast start to the day, by lunchtime the harbour was basking in glorious spring sunshine…
Find out moreA pretty chilly day still, but with things due to warm up a bit later in the week,…
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