Another lamping session in the Lower Frome Valley saw at least 6 Jack Snipe (but none ringed) and c30 Common Snipe (with 1 ringed). The Great Grey Shrike was seen again on Canford Heath early doors. In Poole Harbour west there are now 3 different Hen Harrier, 2 males and a female with at least 1 Merlin on Hartland.  At Lytchett Fields, there were 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Pipit, 1 Grey Plover and the Lesser Yellowlegs. On the Brownsea Lagoon the Spoonbill count today was 35 along with 3 Firecrest in the woods near the Mac Hide. During our night recording sessions the rate of thrush passage continued to be strong with Redwing, Blackbirds, Fieldfare and Song Thrush still passing right the way through the night and surprise sounds included a late Common Sandpiper (or over-winterer)? and our first night recorded Lapwing from our listening station with one flying over and around Poole Town centre for several minuets.  Holes Bay north, which has to be one of the best urban birding sites around looked incredible on both the low and high tides today with a whopping count of around 1200 Wigeon and only slightly fewer Teal whilst up to 10 Great Crested Grebe and a single Red-breasted Merganser were feeding in Holes Bay south. 

Common Snipe – Lower Frome Valley – Paul Morton