It seems the harbour managed to avoid the worst of the weather today with torrential rain just north of us this morning, whilst the harbour even bathed in brief sunlight and warmth. Our Autumn Safari jammed in on great views of female White-tailed Eagle G466 who was perched up in Brands Bay but decided to go off hunting just as we passed, giving great flight views just off the side of the boat, before she then u-turned and flew back past us again. We then later had nice views of male White-tailed Eagle G463 sat out on the gull islands. The Brownsea Lagoon was busy due to the high tide and saw 61 Spoonbill, c300 Avocet, c40 Dunlin, c150 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Bar-tailed Godwit, 13 Greenshank and 5 Knot. A Kingfisher was on the sea wall of Poole Quay with other individuals seen on the Brownsea sea wall and Goat Horn Quay. At Swineham 3 different Marsh Harrier were logged and on the Stilt Pools at Swineham c80 Shoveler, c100 Teal and c150 Black-tailed Godwit. There were Great White Egrets in Middlebere and Lytchett Bay with 1 Spotted Redshank at Lytchett Fields. A Black-necked Grebe was out off Jerry’s Point and c20 dark-bellied Brent Geese were in Middlebere. At Wareham Common 10 Cattle Egret were feeding with cows and 29 Swallow were out on the floodplain there feeding.

Black-tailed Godwits and Teal – Swineham Pools