It’s really turning out to be a phenomenal year for Ospreys in the harbour, and today was a ‘who’s who’ of visiting Ospreys. Right across the harbour birds that were either directly related to our translocation project or products of our translocation project were present, most amazingly with a surprise appearance from our male at our Nest 2 site ‘374’. He and his mate (1H1) wanted to breed in the harbour but weren’t allowed due to local male 022, so set up shop just north of the harbour last year. They’ve now had two successful breeding seasons, despite rarely visiting the harbour, and in fact, his visit today was the first time he’s actually been seen within Poole Harbour since 2024! Also today, 2-year old male 5H6 who returned this spring for the fist time, but hadn’t been seen since July suddenly turned up in the Wareham Channel this morning. Also present were 5RI, 5H3, 022, CJ7 and all four of this years offspring. It was the full dynasty today and it looked spectacular, especially for our guests on board both of todays trips. To top it off we also had stunning views of both male and female White-tailed Eagles G466 and G463 who were also active in the Wareham Channel. The Brownsea Lagoon Spoonbill crowd has now grown to 32, and there were 13 Avocet, 80 Ringed Plover, 30 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover. A Great White Egret at Hatch Pond was great to see, there were Spotted Redshank at Brands Bay (with a Ruff) and another at Lytchett Fields. Ringing-wise 12 Grasshopper Warbler, 11 Tree Pipit and 1 Whinchat were ringed in the Lower Piddle Valley.

Male Osprey 374 from our ‘Nest 2 site’ fishing in Holes Bay this AM – Alison Copland

Male Osprey 5H6 on our RSPB Arne ‘tree cam’ this AM having not been seen since July

Female White-tailed Eagle G466 over our Osprey Crusie this morning – Mike Gaston