A cold steely grey morning gave way to a picture perfect autumn afternoon, as October moon, rusty skies and ever changing feelings faded to brisk, crisp sub zero temperatures. Autumn did its best to turn into winter today with the presence of a Great Grey Shrike on Slepe Heath but summer grappled back as the late Hobby dashed through Arne Moors for its second day. There was also a Hen Harrier in Middlebere, 1 Merlin and 4 Marsh Harrier over the Wareham Channel reed beds. A Ruddy Shelduck turned up on the Brownsea Lagoon mid afternoon although sadly the origins of these handsome birds are always questioned as feral populations occur here in the UK as well as through France. It seems a shame though to rule out genuine vagrancy when the time of year is correct and the bird acts in a wild manner. Regardless of its origins it’s not a bird we see in the harbour often and it’s a pleasure to have it here. A comedy moment at Lytchett Bay today when the sites first Pochard since Nov 2012 flew in and landed briefly before moving off but then was quickly followed 30 minuets later by a second….talk about waiting for buses! There were also 2-3 Red Kite over Lytchett Bay today with others over Stoborough and Hatch Pond. There were 5 Ruff on Lytchett Fields plus 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine and a few Swallow through. Ringing at Ballard was a little slower today, probably due to the early wind strength but the sites first Redwing was ringed along with 16 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and 1 Bullfinch. 

Pochard with Pintail – Lytchett Bay – Shaun Robson