A very mixed day with strong winds first thing that soon calmed down into a chilly day with a few showers. The first Great Northern Diver of the winter was spotted this morning in South Deep. This is later than we would usually expect for a first sighting, but the long-term calm weather may have delayed this with the overnight rain and winds possibly bringing this individual into the harbour to shelter. Also in South Deep the 1 adult drake Eider was off the houseboats in Bramble Bush Bay along with 1 Red-throated Diver off Goathorn. 2 Black-necked Grebe were in Poole Bay off Middle Beach this afternoon.

Really good counts on the Brownsea Lagoon at high tide this morning with 9 Spoonbill, c600 Avocet, c50 Grey Plover, c60 Bar-tailed Godwit, c1500 Dunlin, 15 Greenshank, 8 Sanderling, c30 Turnstone, plus lots of Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Wigeon, Shoveler and Gadwall. 2 Marsh Harrier were active at Swineham along with 1 Ruff amongst the Lapwing. In Lytchett Bay from Rock Lea View numbers of wintering birds are growing nicely with 74 Avocet, 211 Lapwing, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Green Sandpiper, 150 Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Dunlin and 2 Marsh Harrier.

Greenshank – Brownsea Lagoon – Paul Morton

Avocet – Brownsea Lagoon – Paul Morton