Wow, what a day to be out. We circumnavigated the whole harbour, prepping for the launch of a project that we’ll be announcing on April 1^st.  But until then, lets just talk about the birds. There was a great mix of species out there today with winter, spring and summer all represented in one way or another. It began at Swineham GP where the harbours first Willow Warbler was singing down by the gravel pit, just as the over-wintering White-fronted Goose passed overhead and landed on the pit. Also on Swineham were 4 Pochard, 6 Great Crested Grebe and 4 Little Grebe. At Holmebridge a Grey Wagtail was in full song and at Harland Stud a single Wheatear was out on the fields. A rare visit to Old Harry and Ballard returned 3 Swallow in off the sea, 4 Rock Pipit (2 singing) and a small party of Linnet. At Challow Hill, Corfe, a Blackcap was singing as were 2 at the PC World drain. Chiffchaff continue to be ‘well heard’ around the harbour, certainly in any wooded area. At the end of the day a vigil from Slepe Heath was carried out with much success. It began with 2 Swallow passing through and a few Sand Martin, when it was noted a female Marsh Harrier was soaring high above the Wareham Channel who was then joined by a female Hen Harrier. Both soared for several minutes together before then going their own separate ways. Then within a few seconds an Osprey drifted in from the SW and was instantly hassled by gulls. However, unperturbed it carried on regardless and caught a fish only 10 minutes later before then heading towards Arne and was soon lost to view. On Brownsea today 3 Spoonbill now resided and c20 Sandwich Tern were settled. Up On Hartland a small scattering of Fieldfare remained despite the warm temperatures and Meadow Pipit seemed to be on the move for most of the day. At Hatch Pond the first Great Crested Grebe chicks of the year hatched.

Blackthorn in full spring flower – Old Harry

April 1st spoiler