Our second School Bird Boat of the winter took place this morning and they were lucky enough to see an Osprey circling right over the boat off Shipstal Point, Arne. A further 3 Osprey were also recorded over at Lytchett Bay so potentially 4 in the area currently. Also spotted from the boat was a flock of 55 Spoonbill at Middlebere and a Red–breasted Merganser in South Deep. Also, at Lytchett Bay, a ringing session this morning produced small movements of Goldcrest, Reed Bunting, Blackcap and Cetti’s Warbler. Lytchett Fields also recorded singles of Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Redshank and Black–tailed Godwit, along with 2 Greenshank.

A good variety of wader species were logged at Brownsea Lagoon this morning with 83 Avocet, c80 Black–tailed Godwit, c12 Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin and 1 Spoonbill. Wildfowl numbers are still high with Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler and Teal recorded. A Peregrine spent most of the day sat on the back wall of the lagoon surveying the area for unsuspecting prey.

Sunnyside produced a single Firecrest, whilst at the Quay several Swallow flew right over our office. Middlebere was also bustling with c350 Black–tailed Godwit, c150 Avocet, c50 Redshank, a Great White Egret, Lapwing, Teal and Wigeon. A Sparrowhawk was logged at PCW Drain and a Marsh Harrier was seen at Holton Pools in the afternoon.

Sparrowhawk – PC World Drain – Ian Ballam