With all this calm weather it’s made watching areas of open water and counting birds much easier. Out from Shipstal Point, Arne 25 Spoonbill, 10 Black-necked Grebe and 1 Slavonian Grebe were logged. Out in Studland Bay there were 15 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Great Crested Grebe. From Jerry’s Point, Studland 5 Great Northern Diver were logged off the southern Brownsea shoreline. Some of the Cattle Egret flock (10) moved back to Nutcrack Lane whilst there were 5 along Holme Lane. Merlin were reported from Middlebere and Hartland and there were 2 different Short-eared Owl hunting with one on Slepe Heath whilst another was out at Swineham Point. The White-fronted Goose was still at Bestwall with the Greylag flock. With the still weather and warm sun its got plenty of Song Thrush on the go with numerous birds in full song around the harbour and species such as Dunnock and Great Tit have even begun to think its spring. However the longer term forecast looks as if cold weather sets back in by the end of January so enjoy this early snippet of spring while it lasts.