Lytchett Bay saw a fair deal of today’s action, clocking up a very respectable range of raptors with appearances from White-tailed Eagle, ringtail Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel – all seen from the excellent new Rock Lea Viewpoint. While the Bay also enjoyed views of a Firecrest near Lytchett Pools. Turning to the other embayment to the north of the harbour, Holes Bay featured 978 Black-tailed Godwit and 239 Avocet roosting on high tide in the north sectors while a further 2 Avocet were feeding in the SE corner. Studland received good coverage with singles of Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter all logged from Jerry’s Point, accompanied by 2 Black-necked and 16 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Goldeneye, 31 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 overwintering Sandwich Tern. A high tide visit to Brand’s Bay offered nice mix of ducks among the 90 Lapwing, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit and 15 Dunlin. Shell Bay, Studland Bay and South Haven added an additional 2 Slavonian Grebe, 6 Black-necked Grebe and 3 Great Crested Grebe. Off Old Harry this evening 2 Great Northern Diver were feeding, in Middlebere 23 Spoonbill were roosting and a Razorbill was off Baiter Beach.

White-tailed Eagle G812 – Lytchett Bay – Paul Sutton

Sanderling (right) and Dunlin (left) – Shell Bay – @PlushieTumRs