The ferocious thunderstorm and down pour that the whole of Poole experienced last night was a welcome relief for many plants and animals as the rain drenched everything in its path. All the dried out cracked bare patches of dirt are now lovely wet, muddy pools that look perfect for attracting waders such as Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint and possibly even Pectoral Sandpiper…wishful thinking I know, but they have all appeared in the UK over the last couple of days, so why not?

Over the last few days, a number of exciting birds are begging to pass through the harbour in drips and drabs. Over the centre of Poole yesterday a Honey Buzzard was seen carrying what looked like part of a wasp nest. At Lytchett Bay a Wood Sandpiper went over calling with 7 Green Sandpiper, also there 5 Snipe, 3 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 8 Sedge Warbler and 8 Teal. Some exciting news from Brownsea where it was confirmed that Teal had bred this summer, not a common sight in Dorset. Also on Brownsea 2 Roseate Terns again made an appearance, 6 Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin. An Osprey keeps popping up at various locations around the harbour so keep a look out for a large bird of prey out fishing on open bodies of water. Already large flocks of 500+ Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow are gathering at reed bed sites around the harbour to feed and roost before heading south.