A much brighter day allowed for some more sightings in the harbour today. Lots of areas underwater at the moment after all the heavy rain and on the flooded fields at Holmebridge today were 10 Cattle Egret as well as 1 Marsh Harrier. 1 adult male Hen Harrier headed over Arne Moors this morning. Off Jerry’s Point, Studland were 2 Slavonian Grebe, 2 female Eider and 2 Black-necked Grebe and between Jerry’s Point and Redhorn Quay were 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 31 Great-crested Grebe, 4 Goldeneye and the 1 female Long-tailed Duck again. In Brands Bay, the highest count of the Autumn/Winter so far for Lapwing of 74 as well as 18 Knot and 5 Common Snipe. Also at Studland, off Middle Beach were 3 Black-necked Grebe. Holes Bay is still holding huge numbers of birds including, c1840 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Knot, 700 Wigeon, 300 Teal, 200 Dunlin, 80 Redshank and 90 Pintail. Lastly, as the light faded, 15 Woodcock came out of roost around Wareham Common late this afternoon as well as 1 Barn Owl.

Slavonian Grebe – Jerry’s Point, Studland – Clive Hargrave

Red-breasted Merganser – Jerry’s Point, Studland – Clive Hargrave