Although we were welcomed by another dawn of thick fog, it was a heavenly surprise when stepping onto one of the heathlands in Poole Harbour north, as two singing Woodlark were dueting with one another through the silence of the fog. This once rare, but now increasing heathland species becomes very vocal at this time of year with their sweet descending notes ringing out across the flowing gorse. Its not only the Woodlark that are now getting going, you may have noticed that Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock and Wren are all now adding to the increased volume at dawn and in areas where Chiffchaff over-winter such as the Norden Sewage works, their familiar summer song can be a welcome treat on cold February morning. The weather for next week is to remain settled, mild and dry so why not get out to try and listen to hear as many different song types as you can. In February, the songs are not always as full or as crystalised as they will be a bit later on in the spring but it’s certainly a welcome sign that spring is just a matter of weeks away.  By visiting different habitats you’ll increase the variety of different songs you can hear so why not start off in the Woodland areas of Upton CP listening to Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker whilst out on the heaths Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Linnet will all be warming up for the months ahead. At Lytchett Heath, the Bearded Tits were vocal in the reedbeds at the end of the heath and Dartford Warbler were just about making a silhouette on top of the gorse through the fog. At Upton CP a Firecrest was in scrub in front of the house and the Smew was still in Holes Bay NE. At Arne there were 17 Spoonbill on Shipstal Point and around the reserve Redpoll and Siskin were busy toing and froing in some Alders.  The Lesser Yellowlegs was in Lytchett Bay again and the Starling murmurations is still going strong at Shell Bay, Studland. 

Woodlark song – Heathland, Poole Harbour north – 16/02/ 17 @ 08:23