A glorious still late autumn/early winter morning which didn’t let it’s self down all day, as a crisp, cold dusk saw us out. Lots of decent birds were around today with a Hawfinch and a Brambling over the Lower Piddle Valley where 12 Cattle Egret were also seen Wareham Common. An amazing Merlin chase was watched over Brands Bay with a Dunlin finally running out of luck after about a 3-4 minute chase. Out off Middle Beach this evening there were 12 Black-necked Grebe, 6 Common Scoter, 7+ Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Razorbill. A Great White Egret was off Goathorn Point and at the Houseboats 3 Sanderling (which have been scarce this winter so far) were feeding with 32 Turnstone. The Red-necked Grebe was seen near Pilots Point, Studland this morning hut not later in the day. A ringtail was seen at Middlebere. Merlin were also seen on Hartland and at Lytchett Fields where there were also 3 Water Pipit. In Holes Bay 4 Bearded Tit were in the reed beds near the Creekmoor Channel.

1st winter male Sparrowhawk – ringed in Piddle Valley this AM