The day began bright, calm and still, but by 10am a cold NW wind had picked up and an overcast chilly sky had descended over the harbour. The day began with a Bittern on Arne Moors, which then flew over towards Swineham GP. Out from Middle Beach, Studland 7 Black-necked Grebe were feeding as were 2 Great Crested Grebe and 1 female type Common Scoter. At Swineham 10-15 Chiffchaff were on the main island out on the gravel pits, a Firecrest was along the access track, 2 Marsh Harrier were off Swineham Point with 3 Bearded Tit and 10+ Rock Pipit. Of note on the main gravel pit its self were 35 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe and 1 Kingfisher. Today only a single ringtail Hen Harrier was seen with the male from the last couple of days being a no-show. A Brambling was in an Upton garden. Firecrests were again seen in the Arne car park and Merlin seemed pretty busy in Middlebere. On the high tide there were c400 Avocet roosting at Middlebere and on Shipstal 40+ Spoonbill.

Brambling – Upton – Shaun Robson