A very different feeling out on the water today with a strong north-easterly wind through which 9 Osprey were battling to hunt (with varying success) in the Wareham and Middlebere Channels. Such a strong migratory tailwind appeared to prompt a big ‘clear out’ however, and by the afternoon only three individuals could be found. No doubt these departing females will quickly be replaced by more juveniles and males as they also leave the breeding grounds and begin their journey south, so there should be no shortage of sightings on our remaining few Osprey Cruises. Tickets are selling out fast so be sure to book a place here.

Highlights from our cruises today (besides the Ospreys) were a very distant Honey Buzzard over Holton Heath, 3 Hobby over Arne, two colour-ringed Curlew in the mouth of the Frome (T6 & T8), and a suspected juvenile Cuckoo on the Keysworth shoreline, where young female White-tailed Eagle G801 also put in appearance after spending the morning in Lytchett Bay.

Wareham Common hosted its first 1 Lesser Whitethroat of the year, alongside 2 Common Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Yellow Wagtail with the cattle, and 13 Reed Bunting along the river Piddle along with 14 Stonechat. The western end of Hartland Moor was also busy with migrants including 4 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat, 5 Willow Warbler, singles of Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher, at least 15 Stonechat and 28 Swallow, as well as 2 Woodlark.

Osprey & cruise in the Wareham Channel – Hydes Heath – Alison Copland

Colour-ringed Curlew (T8) – Wareham Channel – Simon Kidner

White-tailed Eagle G801 – Wareham Channel – Ian Drain