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.
Todays strong winds, which did finally ease, provided some decent sea watching this morning which saw a good…
Find out moreWith the strong winds today it was a case of one in, one out of scarce birds as…
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