An early start today as I met up with friends and headed down to Poole to catch an 8am boat for a tour of Poole Harbour. Setting off from the quay in Poole we did a headed west picking out a Great Northern Diver, several Great Crested Grebes and a couple of sub-adult Shags. Around us there were good numbers of Mediterranean Gulls and a few Sandwich Terns.
A female Marsh Harrier was spotted over one of the smaller islands in the harbour before we headed up the River Frome as far as Wareham, along the way we had singing Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler, both additions to my year list (which obviously I don't keep) and several calling Cetti's Warblers. A single Wheatear was noted and a Kingfisher provided a splash of colour.
Retracing our steps we headed back towards the harbour proper and along the way I was lucky enough to spot a ringtail Hen Harrier and managed to get everyone else on to it. My first Hen Harrier for five years and a real highlight of the trip. We continued sailing around to the south of Poole Harbour and in to Wych Channel where a single Dark-bellied Brent Goose was noted and one of two Common Sandpipers was present.
As we returned to Poole quay two more Great Northern Divers were found. We were on the water for three hours and were lucky enough to avoid any rain, but it was rather chilly! A great trip and I'd recommend it to any one.
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