What a cracker of a day! A crisp winter sun sat low in the sky and a cold, biting wind made hats and scarves a necessity, which weirdly was a welcome treat with all the mild weather we’ve been getting. That said it seemed people were just out enjoying the sun today as reported sightings were few and far between. Highlights included 15 Cattle Egret along Nutcrack Lane, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Black-necked Grebe and a Sandwich Tern in Brands Bay. The ringtail Hen Harrier was seen over Slepe Heath and in Middlebere. At Swineham there was a Common Redstart (another lost and confused late autumn migrant) and 2 Egyptian Geese. There was also a Black Redstart along the Middlebere track. In Poole Park on the main boating lake the Mandarin Duck was near the Café and there were 5 Goldeneye. At Arne 36 Spoonbill were on Shipstal Point. Just outside the area the Great Grey Shrike was at Morden Bog.

Pintail – Upton CP ‘Stone Bench’ – John Pick