Yesterdays fine weather obviously got some mid-winter movement underway with 3 new arrivals into the harbour this morning. Firstly a Velvet Scoter was seen entering the harbour at dawn with 3 Great Northern Diver where it then spent the rest of the day off Jerry’s Point way out in south deep. Then, a Long-tailed Duck was found whilst the Velvet Scoter was being watched which was again, in South Deep, but more towards Green Island. Then, this afternoon a Red-necked Grebe was found off Shipstal Beach, Arne. Three great new birds which if stay until after the new year will be excellent additions to anyone starting a New Year list. Also of Shipstal were 28 Spoonbill and off Jerry’s Point 3 Black-necked Grebe and a Slavonian Grebe were logged with another Slavonian Grebe in Studland Bay. A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen in Middlebere and an adult male Hen Harrier was seen briefly at Swineham.

Velvet Scoter – Jerry’s Point, Studland – OTBT birder (Twitter – @BirderOtbt)