Not surprising that most birding was rained off today, however, amazingly, data from the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation showed that there were 3 White-tailed Eagles back in the harbour again, the 3-year old G466 and two 2-year olds G801 and G486. They really seem to like decent weather and with these two sunny days we’ve had over the weekend, they obviously fancied a move about and come back to whats fast becoming one of their favourite areas on the south coast! A sea watch from Branksome Chine produced 4 adult Little Gull and 1 Black-throated Diver. For many years a Magpie roost has gathered at Hatch Pond during the winter and this evening Ian Ballam logged 184. At Baiter the first adult male Goldeneye of the winter was just off shore and there was an adult male Red-breasted Merganser on the main Poole Park lake. Other bits and bobs included a Black-necked Grebe in the harbour mouth, 7 Spoonbill on Brownsea and 5 at Shipstal Point, Arne. A Black Redstart has been on the roof of the Middlebere Barn over the last couple of days.

Finally, we started our Winter Safari series of boat trips a few weeks ago and they have started off with a bang, with a whole range of great birds seen during the trips including White-tailed Eagles, multiple Marsh Harrier, Eider ducks, Great Northern and Red-throated Divers, Spoonbills, masses of Avocets, godwits and Brent Geese, plus a whole load more. We’re hosting roughly 2 trips per week between now and the end of February, so if you want a chance to see and learn about the riches of the harbour, why not book on and join us. Our next trip is this coming Wednesday, November 23rd at 9am. We’re averaging between 50-60 species per trip so there’s a great chance to see and learn something new. To book, click HERE – https://www.birdsofpooleharbourbookings.co.uk/event/winter-safari

Grey Plover – Studland – Mark Wright

Ringed Plover – Studland – Mark Wright