What a weekend. It seems we had it all…gale force winds, torrential rain, sleet and stunning sunshine. It certainly didn’t put the birds off with a good selection from across the weekend, starting with….
Friday 15th was a mixed day weather wise but a fair bit of coverage. Middlebere was counted where an incredible 1050 Black-tailed Godwit returned, also there, only 4 Avocet 1 ringtail Hen Harrier 29 Wigeon and 103 Dunlin. There were 3 Spoonbill back on the Brownsea Lagoon.
Saturday 16th was again a tale of two half’s where strong winds and heavy rain eased by mid morning leaving a very spring like day to appear. In turn this produced the harbours first Wheatear on Stoborough Heath, also in the area around Soldiers Road a ringtail Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Chiffchaff and Woodlark in full song, 3 Dartford Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper, 100+ Fieldfare, 2 Raven, 10 Redwing, and a Kestrel. A male Hen Harrier was hunting over near Keysworth and a Sandwich Tern was off Baiter again.
Sunday 17th was a total surprise as the weather forecast predicted rain all day, however by 2pm a warm sun burnt through to provide a stunning sunset. A Hen Harrier survey commenced at various watch points around the harbour with the only birds being a male over Arne moors and a ringtail on Hartland Moor. Both Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl were out hunting over the moors with another Barn Owl at Lytchett Bay. Also at Lytchett Bay 40 Brent Geese, 9 Gadwall, 11 Med Gull and 40 Black-tailed Godwit.
What started off as a promising day, with overcast sky’s and an easterly air flow, soon descended into…
Find out moreDespite the rain, which ended up lasting aaaallllllll day, there was still plenty of great birding top be…
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