Studland was productive this morning, with Brands Bay giving a count of 593 Dunlin, 14 Knot, 340 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Avocet, 255 Wigeon, 181 Pintail, 10 Shoveler, 14 Ringed Plover, 35 Grey Plover, 341 Teal and 10 Turnstone. From Jerry’s Point, 12 Great Crested Grebe and 36 Red-breasted Merganser were reported. Studland Bay was watched from Middle Beach, counting 4 Black-necked Grebe, as well as 3 Slavonian Grebe still. At the Lytchett Fields Feeding Station, 1 female Brambling was seen, making a change from the male that has been seen recently. 1 Purple Sandpiper was reported on one of the groynes at North Haven, just east of the Haven hotel.

Looking ahead to the rest this spring and summer, we’re pleased to be conducting a breeding raptors of Poole Harbour study to assess totals of some of the UK’s most protected bird species. For this survey, sensitivity is absolutely key, so if you are happy to report any display and nesting behaviour, please send us a private message or email us directly at info@birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk. Thank you!

Purple Sandpiper hidden amongst rocks – North Haven – Terry Elborn