South Dorset by Land & Sea (Day Trip)

Summary

Dorset in mid-winter is an excellent location to find a host of birds and other marine-life. In fact, it's hard to fully appreciate the abundance from just the land, which is why this new Day Trip includes half of the day on the water, where wintering divers (all three species), grebes (chiefly Black-necked) and ducks (possibly Long-tailed) can be closely approached, either in Portland Harbour, or just off the Jurassic coastline. Out on the exposed rocks, Grey Seals are commonly encountered, and occasionally, Bottlenose Dolphins frequent the inner harbour. 

After lunch, we will drive in convoy to two of the south coast's premier birdwatching locations, Lodmoor and Radipole. Despite their close proximity to one another, they harbour varying species, but throughout the afternoon, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers will hopefully be spotted, amongst a plethora of wader and duck species. Expect excellent views of Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, and perhaps, a Spoonbill or Great White Egret. 

Meeting time at Weymouth Harbour will be at 8.30am for an 8.40am sailing and the day will expect to finish at dusk. 

This Day Trip will be expertly led by Tom Brereton. 

• Possibility of Bottlenose Dolphins
• Wintering Great Northern & Black-throated Divers
• Black-necked and possibly Red-necked Grebes too
• Marsh Harrier roost
• Bearded Tits and a host of waders at Lodmoor and Radipole
• Led by Tom Brereton