Odds and sods reported today including 127 Magpie going into roost at Hatch Pond, which is always a sight to see. At Poole Park there was a drake Goldeneye close in giving good photo opportunities. There was a full Brownsea Lagoon count conducted which retuned 9 Spoonbill, 940 Avocet, 2200+ Dunlin, 37 Knot, 110 Grey Plover, 5 Spotted Redshank, 13 Greenshank and 10+ Bar-tailed Godwit. There was a Short-eared Owl out hunting over Arne Moors, viewed from Slepe Heath and there were 6 Marsh Harrier out scattered around the Wareham Channel, where we’ve sadly learnt that their normal roost site seems to have been permanently disturbed by Wildfowling activity. At least they’re still present, that’s one thing but lets hope they can re-find a new, safe and quieter location to roost through the winter.

Goldeneye – Poole Park – Ian Ballam