An official account of all species that have been recorded and reported by birdwatchers and naturalists in the Poole Harbour area since records began.

The data for this list has been extracted from various sources, but George Greens 'The Birds of Dorset', Mansel-Pleydell's Birds of Dorsetshire, Naylor’s reference manual of rare birds and the back catalogue of Dorset bird reports have provided most information. Data is currently still being researched and records will be updated accordingly.

You can view this information in two different ways. Our alphabetical list provides information on the status of each species within the harbour, finder dates and names, photos and favoured locations. By clicking on the Systematic List button you will be presented the full Poole Harbour systematic list which includes status of species, pending records and historical accounts.

To date, 333 species have occurred and have been accepted within the Birds of Poole Harbour boundaries. A further 11 distinct subspecies have also been seen. In addition, we have two species/subspecies which have been recorded, but are awaiting acceptance by the appropriate records panel.

There are a handful of historical records, for which there is currently insufficient information to allow their inclusion onto the Poole Harbour list, but are believed to be genuine records. They are listed at the end of the list.

Finally, there are a number of feral or escaped species that have been recorded within the Birds of Poole Harbour boundaries. They are included for completeness, but are not included on the Poole Harbour list.

We would be interested in hearing details of any species that do not appeared on this list.

The Birds of Poole Harbour systematic list is a PDF which you can view by clicking on the button below. It was last updated on December 2019.

Full Poole Harbour Systematic List
 

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Kestrel

Latin Name

Falco tinnunculus

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.


Call 01202 641 003