January has been and gone and life in a new county has started well with 100 species recorded within a few days into the New Year. There are also plenty of opportunities to escape the relative masses and exploring the open spaces has kept my mind positive and focused!
I have kept in social media contact with Brett a Dorset bird-watching veteran. The first came in the form of a Pink Footed Goose at Weymouth Rugby Club which was amongst a flock of Canada Geese. The bird was re-found along The Fleet a few days later.
The Rosy Starling was still present on Portland but was clearly in molt which could be the reason it has decided to winter in these parts.
The Cirl Buntings at Wex Bexington were finally nailed which proved to be a challenge as both were females. They were phone-scoped but the images are poor.
Later on in the month a couple of Ring-Necked Duck had dropped into a established lake a few clicks from home providing another opportunity to secure another Dorset rarity.
Many species that I would have jumped around at seeing in Surrey are regular in Dorset Cattle Egret being a prime example of this. On the other end of the scale Ring-Necked Parakeet is only resident in the Studland area and they are not easy to connect with!
Another species which is also resident Hen Harrier and on this occasion I was quick on the camera to secure the moment at Middlebere.
I happened upon a handful of Spoonbill at Lychett Field RSPB one morning which was an unexpected bonus. This species moves around the Poole Harbour area seeking refuge on nearby pits and water meadows at high tide.
I have spent time watching my local area which hold a good number of wildfowl on the water meadows with Green Sandpipers wintering. The Long Tailed Duck is still in residence at Silverlake.
I added Egyptian Goose and Med Gulls during a very cold sleet filled morning on the water meadows.
As well as the many successes there are a few species that have eluded my grand count of 145 species which incidentally is my best UK January total. A Blackcap during Garden Bird Watch weekend completed this tally.
I have missed completing the daily write up but I have opted to complete my birding diary in the form of monthly highlights. Fishing and water-sports have been officially approved as accepted recreational activities during lock-down therefore the folk who hide behind their keyboards on social media need to re-address their focus and be more productive not destructive as others strive to survive these difficult times in the best way possible!
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