With stunning heathland to explore, we started at Wareham forest (Sherford Bridge), a potential spot for some of the rarer species, many of which sadly remained elusive! We were treated to a scold or two from the Dartford Warbler however and had excellent views of pair-bonding Ravens on a pylon. There was potential sighting of Crossbill (which had been teasing some members with their call) high up in the evergreens further on, but they were too quick to get a scope on, as were some possible Redpoll seen by some of the group at the beginning of the walk. Definite sightings of a Treecreeper and Nuthatch didn’t disappoint however with their arboreal gymnastics as well as winter Thrushes, Coal Tit & Goldcrest amongst others. After a lunch-stop it was on to Middlebere Farm hide to gain one of the closest views of a female Marsh Harrier that many had had, which attempted a pass at a Teal before putting up a field’s worth of Lapwing. The last call of the day was Arne RSPB reserve. Pushed for time we passed the busy bird feeders (woodland birds galore) to walk to the Viewpoint overlooking Poole Harbour which afforded distant views of Avocet, a couple of flying Mergansers, waders and geese before John, to everyone’s surprise, spotted a male Hen Harrier disturbing some of the water birds! Day two was sea & estuary watching on either side of the Studland peninsula. Highlights included a Grebe master-class with Jane spotting a Red-necked Grebe amongst the Black-necked as well as a Great Northern Diver, more flying Mergansers, Brent Geese & waders. A Razorbill was also spotted making frequent dives. Knoll beach produced some Great Crested Grebes and a good comparison between Black-headed & Mediterranean gull. There were more Mediterranean gulls at the Littlesea hide. With a few more ducks & water birds added to the list we moved on to Brand’s Bay hide. With the tide going out the exposed mud encouraged the waders to come closer and views of Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover (just spotted amongst the Dunlin), Oystercatcher, Curlew, Pintail, Redshank & Wigeon were worth the breeze. A lunch stop at Middle Beach was rewarded with a Sandwich Tern (somewhat appropriately!), before we headed inland to Waddock Cross Watercress Beds. A quick scan unearthed a Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail & several Pipits, with Sue finding a wintering Chiffchaff. 80 species (+ two possibles) later and ten happy wind-swept BOC members headed for home. Many thanks for another excellent winter weekend, and thanks to Jane for leading.
Emma Davis