Definite highlight of today’s harbour sightings is the first report of a Great Northern Diver for the winter. Usually arriving late October/early November, the numbers will build over the next few weeks and start to drop off again in February/March. This first arrival was seen at Studland from Middle Beach, along with 10 Common Scoter. Also at Studland, the Snow Bunting were showing well again on Redhorn Quay this morning. In Whitley Bay, 25 Turnstone were feeding on the high-tide shoreline, as well as 11 Brent Geese on the water. During a ringing session at Lytchett Fields this morning, 2 Water Pipit and 1 Rock Pipit were ringed, as well as 1 male Merlin and 1 ringtail Hen Harrier reported in the area.

Merlin – Lytchett Fields – Ian Ballam