The Fleet

Out to the tank traps first light, no sign of Bufflehead. Did see a Merlin being chased by a Peregrine over the sea.

Went to New Barn Road north of Abbotsbury to make sure it hadnt been seen from there.

First escapes of the day!

Bufflehead re-located at Langton Herring.

Record shot. You can just about make out the purple sheen on the top of its head. Spent most of its time in the company of Mergs and was not always welcome. Spent some time diving and was nearly always the furthest bird away.

Only showed its right leg when I was there but there was no ring on that. Wings also looked in pretty good shape when it occasionally opened them. Seems like a good candidate with the timing also spot on.

Didnt realise how tiny these birds are

The Hoodie's credentials have taken a bit of a battering since its arrival, but despite it hanging around and learning to come to bread still think this doesn't rule out a genuine bird.

Hatch Pond

Female assuming the postion

Shore Road

Rather small looking 1st year Med

There were also 51 other Meds on the water, the vast majority sum plum adults that have been moving into the area recently and will soon by breeding.

Upton CP + Holton Lee

Snipe sitting out the high spring tide at Upton CP. All look pretty standard

2nd W Lesser Black-back showing off its underwing

Although I am generally anti-hide, there are some good shots to be had at this one at Holton Lee.

Didnt come quite as close as Nuthatches

Wareham Forest

Holes / Baiter

Highlights of a 7 hour survey in the south west corner of Holes Bay

Feeling a bit deflated now

Off to Baiter which is always more productive in bad weather, for one it keeps everybody indoors.

About 10 RP were taking advantage of the low disturbance and soggy conditions, pulling up worms.

Could only manage a blurred shot of that

Few different plumages of RP on show

Even more of a rarity here than RP. This Dunlin was ringed but couldnt make anything out on it.

Colour ringed Brent.

Portsea, Langstone Harbour

Bit of a turn up here today. A Black Brant and a Pale-bellied Brent with c350 Db Brent. Didnt hang around and soon flew off west. Havent heard of one here before but am assuming it is the Gosport bird having a wander.

Had to settle for coolpix/scope shots today.

Nice view of extent of neck band

Pale-bellied

Both birds