With a bright start to the day and a cold NW wind, it got a few birds moving, including another 5 Hawfinch which passed over Ballard Down early morning, along with 3 Crossbill, 15 Bullfinch and plenty of Lesser Redpoll. A Great White Egret was on Littlesea, Studland and from a school bird boat today a Velvet Scoter was out in central harbour with 50+ Spoonbill on Shipstal but lesser numbers of Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser in comparison to recent days, perhaps sheltering in quieter areas out of the wind. What was thought to be the same Hen Harrier was first seen over Shipstal Point, Arne and again later in the afternoon on Hartland. A full count was conducted on Brownsea by the DWT which included 295 Avocet, 15 Spotted Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 5 Knot, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 220 Black-tailed Godwit, 152 Grey Plover, 620 Dunlin, 3 Spoonbill, 1 Kingfisher, 134 Shoveler, 173 Wigeon, c500 Teal, 1 Pintail and 7 Brent Goose. A single Purple Sandpiper was back on the North Haven side of the harbour mouth on the sea ledge, with another (or the same) later on the Studland side. Holes Bay NE and SE saw 450+ Black-tailed Godwit, 500+ Wigeon, 1 Spotted Redshank and 2 Avocet. At Lytchett Bay a Merlin was on Otter Island, and out in Studland Bay viewed from Middle Beach a Great Northern Diver and 11 Black-necked Grebe were on the water. We also conducted another night survey at our study area in the Lower Frome Valley checking for returning Woodcock of which we only found 1, however we were able to catch and ring the bird which is a good start to the Woodcock season. Barn Owl and Tawny Owl were also heard. 

Purple Sandpiper – North Haven – Hamish Murray

Woodcock – Lower Frome Valley – Paul Morton

Velvet Scoter – Central Harbour – Marcus Lawson