Today was a classic autumn day with a good range of autumn passage migrants and newly arrived winter arrivals. The day began with a visible-migration session up at the Glebelands end of Ballard where quite a bit was on the move despite the strong westerly wind. Highlights included 1 Woodlark, 18 Crossbill, 3 (probably more) Brambling, 102 Siskin, 144 Linnet, 280 Chaffinch and 2 Peregrine causing small groups of Wood Pigeon hassle. Another vis-mig session was carried out at South Haven too where it was slightly quieter with 10 Crossbill the highlights but also a Black-throated Diver entered the harbour at dawn as did 58 Shag and 7 Red-breasted Merganser. On the Wareham to Stoborough causeway the 2 Cattle Egret were on the east side next to the road. On Slepe (and then Hartland) a freshly arrived adult female Hen Harrier was quartering over the heath where a Merlin was logged at dusk along with a Short-eared Owl out near Arne Moors too. On the Brownsea Lagoon there was a Great White Egret, 30 Spoonbill, 1 Peregrine and c400 Avocet. In the Lower Piddle Valley near Wareham train station a flock of 46 Lesser Redpoll were feeding in an Alder Tree which is a good count considering they’ve been non-existent this autumn. In Middlebere the separated over wintering flocks of both Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit have almost reached peak counts with c500 of each this afternoon. At the mouth of the Middlebere track a flock of 56 Fieldfare were moving through the area.
Crossbills – Calls of Autumn Migrants at Dawn – Glebelands, Ballard 23/10/18 @ 08:37
Woodlark – Call of Autumn Migrant at Dawn – Glebelands, Ballard 23/10/18 @ 08:52
A calm, tranquil and slightly quiet day today. Best described as….’settled’!! Best came this morning when 54 Cattle…
Find out moreThere was lots of good birding to be had today with quality throughout the day. The day started…
Find out more© 2024 Birds of Poole Harbour Registered Charity No. 1152615