Sightings21/11/2021

Harbour Update – posted 21/11/21

A truly magical Wareham Channel and Harbour Cruise this morning. Early morning satellite tag data kindly shared by Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation confirmed that White-tailed Eagle G461 was still present in the harbour as our boat departed Poole Quay at 9AM, but would he show himself during the cruise?? Creeping up the Wareham Channel immediately offered stunning views of 4-5 Marsh Harrier, which elegantly patrolled reedbeds very close to the boat at times. Continuing along the River Frome towards Swineham floodplain yielded 9 Egyptian Geese and a large influx of Lapwing plus on the scrape were a few Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit. Heart rates then went through the roof as the White-tailed Eagle showed himself over the Wareham Channel, cruising above the skyline and illustrating its colossal size. The cruise went on to enjoy various raptor sightings with Red Kite logged high northeast, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and several Common Buzzard also seen throughout the event. A large flock of c.150 sinensis Cormorant were feeding off Ham Common before continuing around the back of the islands producing 6 Scaup andĀ 4 Common Scoter around South Deep, as well as a Great Northern Diver near the harbour mouth. Later in the day male White-tailed Eagle G461 was then seen cruising Brands Bay and was even perched up on Hartland Moor for a while. A perfect early winter cruise. Elsewhere, a Lytchett Bay ringing session trapped and ringed 10 Redwing, Firecrest and 4 Bearded Tit. On Holme Lane GP 2 PochardĀ were with decent numbers of Gadwall, Shoveler and a few Wigeon.

White-tailed Eagle – Wareham Channel Cruise – Alison Copland

Marsh Harrier – Swineham, from Bird Boat – Clare Slade

Marsh Harrier – Swineham, from Bird Boat – Clare Slade

Scaup, South Deep, from Bird Boat – Clare Slade

Marsh Harrier – Wareham Channel Cruise – Alison Copland

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