Our Poole town birding walk experienced all weathers this morning. A drained Poole Park was carpeted with Black-headed Gulls amongst several Common Gull, Little Egret and numerous Redshank feeding near the islands. The boating lake also saw an increase in Red-breasted Merganser to 2 drakes and a female. Singles of Shelduck, Black-tailed Godwit, Water Rail and Rock Pipit were also recorded. Baiter Park offered superb views of Dark-bellied Brent Goose battling the winds alongside feeding Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit.

Quartering Marsh Harriers were recorded at Middlebere and Holton Lee. Middlebere also featured singles of Peregrine, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier (hunting over Slepe Moor) and a Firecrest by the sewage plant. An inundated Holton Pools held 1 Water Pipit, 1 Greenshank, 112 Redshank, 3 Shelduck, 1 Green Sandpiper, 21 Lapwing and a Snipe.

Poole Park (Drained)

Holton Pools Inundated (high tide) – Gary Hayman