A singing Cirl Bunting at Glebelands above Studland was the major highlight from today: a scarce species for the harbour and one we certainly hope to see increasing in the coming years! Just over the other side of the ridge at Ballard Down the first Whitethroat of the year was also recorded. Signs of spring were also notable on our Spring Safari Cruise this morning with 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Swallow and 3 Reed Warbler all seen or heard along the River Frome. Other trip highlights were the White-tailed Eagle pair, 3 Marsh Harriers and 1 Goshawk all in the Wareham Channel, 4 Great Northern Diver in the central harbour, Sandwich Terns constantly diving and calling around the boat throughout, and a Wheatear on the sea wall of the Brownsea Lagoon. The latter also played host once again to the Forster’s Tern for the majority of the day.

Common Sandpiper – Wareham Channel, Spring Safari Cruise – Alison Copland