The importance of the harbour as a stopover and wintering site for raptors was demonstrated once again this morning, with a new record count of 31 Marsh Harrier emerging from roost sites in the western reaches (a target species for tomorrow’s Winter Safari Cruise)! One White-tailed Eagle was also present. Big movements of Cormorants have been reported across the harbour and the surrounding area today, likely to be more birds arriving from the continent to overwinter. Just beyond the harbour entrance in Studland Bay there was one female-type Eider, along with 7 Black-necked Grebe, 9 Common Scoter, 1 Great Northern Diver and 1 Red-throated Diver. A further 3 Black-necked Grebe were also present off Jerry’s Point. Passerine reports were much thinner on the ground today, but the Black Redstart was spotted again and photographed on the barn roof at Middlebere.

Black Redstart – Middlebere – Aidan Brown (@aidanjb118)