Poole Harbour

26 Nov - An early morning look at Poole Harbour before the BTO conference at the University. An atmospheric sunrise over Lytchett Fields, and better views of the Lesser Yellowlegs that is now wintering - more delicate build and thinner bill than the accompanying Redshanks, with bright yellow legs! Also present, Greenshanks, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint with the Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwits and Snipe. A female Marsh Harrier was perched in an oak above the reedbed in the mist, and 2 Kingfishers flashed past. I also had time for a quick look at Sandbanks, where a Great Northern Diver and a Black-necked Grebe were off the promontary together with a few Red-breasted Mergansers and Brent Geese.. A distant view of Brownsea lagoon did not reveal any Spoonbills, but several hundred Avocet were roosting in a tight flock. A first-winter Med Gull flew past, and the final addition to the early morning list was a flock of Sanderlings and Ringed Plover on Studland beach. A successful early morning foray, followed by some enthusiastic and knowledgeable speakers at the BTO regional conference. Worth the early start!