That’s more like it! Bright sunshine and a gorgeous blue sky. Although the forecast of thick fog this AM hampered any survey plans with other work arrangements made instead…doh!

Oh well, at least some people were out enjoying the birds and the sun! With the cold weather setting in again it forced 3 Spoonbill back into Lytchett Bay along with a decent count of 328 Lapwing on the fields, plus 1 Peregrine and Marsh Harrier in the area too. Raptors consisted of 2 different ringtail Hen Harrier and an adult male was seen yesterday too, mostly in the mouth of the Wareham Channel area, plus up to 6 different Marsh Harrier are still around including an adult male still being about. Off Baiter there were 2 Great Northern Diver but it was quiet off Jerry’s Point with mainly just Great Crested Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver, 12 Goldeneye and a single Sanderling. At Holton Pools there were 2 Greenshank and 1 Peregrine with Stonechat and Dartford Warbler both active out on the heath. At Studland several Firecrest were along the peninsular at Knoll beach and Shell Bay. Off Shell beach 4 Black-necked Grebe were feeding with another 8 off Middle Beach. At dusk 19 Little Egret and 1 Cattle Egret flew over Lytchett Bay heading into roost.

We’re also starting a new ‘EYE D’ quiz on our website and social media leading up to Xmas to try and help with identifying birds up close. So, to explain a bit for and for the first days challenge visit the QUIZ WEBPAGE HERE.

Grey Plover – Bramble Bush Bay – Nick Gadenne