Today I led an RSPB public bird boat, which despite the forecast was a huge success. With a bright winter sun bearing down and a brisk westerly wind whipping in we headed out from Poole Quay at 10:30. We headed straight for Arne and Shipstal Beach where we were treated to 35+ Spoonbill on Shipstal Point and 2 Common Seal right next to the boat. The salt marsh was full on Teal, Wigeon, Curlew the odd Little Egret and Brent Goose. We then went round the back of all this islands and encountered the usual Cormorant and Shag as well as good numbers of Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe and Canada Geese. Kingfishers were seen on both the Brownsea and Furzey Island Quays but surprise of the morning had to go to a Swallow that flew around the Brownsea Quay and our boat for a short period. The Lagoon looked wonderful with Avocet, Black and Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Knot, Greenshank, Redshank, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon and Grey Heron all present and a Great Northern Diver just off the sea wall. Add 2 Common Scoter and a Black Redstart on the roof of my office when I returned and I have to say the trip was a big success. Poole Park is still looking good with feeding Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Little Egret right next to the wall and a large Greenfinch roost in Poole Park of around 150-200 birds.

With the extremely popular response to our BoPH/RSPB Dorset Discovery Winter tour we have decided to start advertising our up and coming Spring Tour too. You can find details of it HERE

Finally please take a minute to look at and sign this Marine Conservation Zone Plan which includes protecting both Studland Bay and areas of Poole Bay.

http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/mcz