There was no sign of yesterday’s putative American Wigeon at Brand’s Bay, however only half of the 600+ strong flock present the previous day remained. Could the bird still be in the harbour?! The Holes Bay wigeon flock would certainly be worthy of a thorough grilling. Other records from the Studland Peninsula included 4 Scaup, 4 Great Northern Diver, 3 Slavonian Grebe, 36 Goldeneye and a Great White Egret from Redhorn Quay. Little Sea hosted 11 Pintail, 1 (Eurasian) Wigeon, 10 Shoveler and a small mix of gulls, and a female Merlin was spotted en route.

To the north of the harbour, staff photographed a Water Pipit on Holton Pools. Please note that the site remains closed to the public. Be sure to check for any colour-rings when observing a potential Water Pipit. The Common Sandpiper remained at Holes Bay, feeding south of the PC World Drain outlet. Poor visibility during a high tide roost count logged 50 Curlew, c.150 Avocet, 100 Black-tailed Godwit and 500 Wigeon. A Great Northern Diver was off the Hamworthy shoreline and the Lytchett Bay Cattle Egret was observed again late afternoon, along with a male Merlin.

Water Pipit – Holton Pools (site closed) – Tony Furnell

Lockdown Birding: Poole Park & Baiter Park