Earlier in the week a Red-breasted Goose was reported in Middlebere but unfortunately flew off before the news broke, however it was re-found on todays Poole Harbour WeBS count out on the mud off Fitzworth Point with a Brent flock. This is a private access area, however the fields visible from Shipstal Point, Arne and Middlebere would all be worth checking as the flock often moves around. (Many thanks Steve Smith for photos – http://birdingpooleharbourandbeyond.blogspot.co.uk/ ) At Lytchett Bay 2 Little Ringed Plover were present for most of the morning before the rising tide flushed them off. At Holton Lee a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was found on the NE edge of the site, also there a Willow Warbler, 20+ Med Gull, 2 Dartford Warbler and a soaring group of 9 Common Buzzard. The Surf Scoter was in Brands Bay again with a Spoonbill and there was a Great Northern Diver in wing moult off Middle Beach. Brownsea saw an incredible count of 1950 Black-tailed Godwit roosting which is one of the highest counts for some time. Also on Brownsea 63 Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank and 1 Little Ringed Plover. At Swineham 4 Bearded Tit were present also 1 male Goldeneye on the GP and 2 Marsh Harrier present. 2 Eider were just outside the harbour mouth and Sandwich Terns are building in numbers.

Little Ringed Plover – Lytchett Bay – Ian Ballam