Loads going on today, so we’ll just crack on with a full round up. From our Winter Safari Cruise this AM we logged 3 Red-throated Diver across the harbour and a minimum of 8 Great Northern Diver. At Swineham there were 4 Marsh Harrier and 3 Spoonbill were in the Wareham Channel feeding. The 3 Eider, including the adult male were out in central harbour and the lagoon looked good with lots of waders and winter duck. Today was also the Poole Harbour WeBS count and produced plenty of goodies including 1 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter off Jerry’s Point. In Studland Bay there were 6 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Eider and 6 Common Scoter. There were 3 Great White Egret on Swineham GP with 1 also (possibly one of the Swineham 3) on Wareham Common, plus another under the bridge that spits Holes Bay north and south. A Black Brant was in Newton Bay, a few Goldeneye appeared with individuals in Poole Park, off Baiter and 3 in central harbour. There were 2 White-tailed Eagle in and around the Wareham Channel late afternoon and a Merlin was sat on the post to the far right of Rock Lea viewpoint.

Marsh Harrier – Swineham – John Thorpe