A super cold start this morning saw the first proper frost of the autumn/winter, adding in the low November sun, it made for a picture perfect Poole Harbour day. Equally as picture perfect was the photo that was kindly sent to us today by Wendy Sargeant of the ‘Upton’ Dark-eyed (Slate-coloured) Junco which was seen in a garden within the Lytchett Bay recording area last week. Sadly, there’s still not been any sightings since, but it was due to Wendy’s quick thinking and fast photo skills which allowed for an ID to be concluded and a first for Poole Harbour to be confirmed. The photo shows the Junco feeding on seed (hence the thick looking bill) which it did on a handful of occasions on Monday and Tuesday of last week. As we said last week, there’s still a good chance this bird could be around so anyone in south Upton should keep an eye out just in case it’s doing a tour of the local area.

Enjoying the cold this morning was juvenile White-tailed Eagle G644 who was active in the Wareham Channel all morning, with 2 Great White Egret also there. The Red-throated Diver was off Jerry’s Point and off Middle Beach, Studland 2 Slavonian Grebe and 2 Common Scoter were feeding. A Barnacle Goose was with the Canada Goose flock at Swinheham, 4 Spoonbill were on the Brownsea Lagoon, 1 Spotted Redshank was at Lytchett Fields and a Red Kite flew over Middlebere.

Dark-eyed (Slate-coloured) Junco – South Upton – Wendy Sargeant

Red Kite – Middlebere – Mark Wright