Status

Resident

Site And Records Information

Sad to see such a decline in this species but the RSPB webcam in April, May and June gives a great insight to a Poole Harbour nest. Other breeding sites include Studland Heath, Greenland’s Farm and Slepe Heath. Individuals can be encountered anywhere within the harbour but Slepe Heath, Hartland Moor, Lytchett Fields, Greenlands Farm and Ballard are all good sites.

There is sometimes evidence of passage  in October with a maximum of 6 in the air at Ballard Down on 6th October 1996.

In spring 2019, Birds of Poole Harbour erected 15 Kestrel boxes around the harbour to help boost the local Poole Harbour breeding population. Sadly, the spring of 2020 was hit by the Covid 19  lockdown meaning we couldn’t check many boxes, however breeding was confirmed in the Piddle Valley with 5 chicks fledging from one of our boxes.

Status

Resident

Site And Records Information

Breeds up the river valleys that feed in to Poole Harbour and then they head down to coastal spots during autumn and winter. Lytchett Bay, Holton Pools Holes Bay and the mouth of the River Frome are all good spot to check in early autumn (Aug and sept). Can be encountered at any quiet back water or creek like Middlebere, Arne, Swineham, Brownsea and Little Sea when post breeding dispersal takes place. During the winter they even occur regularly at urban sites like Poole Park, Poole Quay and Holes Bay.

Status

Erratic, but Regular Coastal Species

Site And Records Information

Although they don’t breed within the boundaries, Kittiwake are regularly seen passing out in Poole Bay if looking from Branksome Chine and Studland, more so in Autumn gales. There are a few inner harbour records on Brownsea and Lytchett Bay. The harbour maximum is 509 south in Studland Bay on 20th October 1980.

Status

Passage Migrant & Winter Visitor

Site And Records Information

Never really numerous in Poole Harbour at any time but most easily seen on Brownsea Lagoon or in Brands Bay from August to October. Recently started to use Middlebere fairly frequently as well as Holes Bay with a flock of c50 present during the winter of 2020/21. Although not as numerous in the winter there are semi-recent counts of 146 in Dec 2001 and 100 in Jan 2001. During the winter of 2011/12 the harbour maximum was only 12. Summer plumaged Knot can also appear on the Brownsea Lagoon during spring migration and also on Lytchett Fields during both spring and autumn migration.

Status

Vagrant