31 January to 2nd February – Poole Harbour Leader: Nick Page

21 of us left Bristol heading to Poole Harbour. Our first stop was Upton Park which is a council owned public space with a walled garden, woodland and a view over Holes Bay. Here we saw Avocet, Pintail and Snipe among other wetland and woodland species. On to Hamworthy Park to see the long-staying Snow Bunting. We found it hopping about on the sea-front path oblivious to the onlooking birders but less tolerant of loose dogs. Finally, a short stop at Ham Common near Rockly Sands caravan park where we saw Common Scoter in the distance. The first stop on Saturday was Jerry’s Point at Studland. We saw Brent Goose, Shag, Great Northern Diver, Great – crested Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Spoonbill and Grey Plover. Many Red-breasted Mergansers provided some colour. We spent most of the day at RSPB Arne. The Shipstal trail gave us more looks at Pintail, Avocet, Spoonbill, Red-breasted Merganser and several Black-necked Grebes. The feeders around the car park and visitors centre had Coal Tit, Siskin and many other visiting birds. After lunch we did the Coombe Heath loop where we saw Ruff, and a White-tailed Eagle graced the skies before gliding off towards Corfe. There was a distinct lack of small birds on the heath, but there was a small group of Meadow Pipit. The conditions also put off most of the raptors, except one Kestrel. On Sunday we joined the excellent Birds of Poole Harbour Safari boat trip. This allowed us to explore much of the harbour from Poole Quay, and then round the islands. Sightings included Marsh Harrier, several Great Northern Divers, five Black-necked Grebes, and many waders including Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Knot and Sanderling. Stonechat and Kingfisher added some passerine interest. A Ruddy Shelduck (of dubious provenance) was seen flying with a Shelduck.On the way home at Bonsley Common, we saw Skylark, Linnet, winter thrushes, Yellowhammer and Woodlark. We found a large Chaffinch flock containing several Brambling s which were tricky to separate in poor light but some members of the group picked them out. The trip list ended on 103 species, plus the Ruddy Shelduck. A full list of birds is viewable on this link. Many thanks to Alastair for his advice, help with this write up, and for leading on Friday; to Peter and Jeremy for driving the minibus, and to all who came along and made my first BOC trip so enjoyable. (Thanks to Nick for leading) Nick Page