Well, Storm Austen has been in full force today, with heavy winds and rain making for tricky birding conditions, so much so we’ve had to cancel our scheduled safari cruises over the next couple of days. After the weather settles, who knows what might appear in harbour, having sheltered from the storm!? Highlights over the last couple of days include 1 Merlin seen from RSPB Coombe Heath today and 1 Hen Harrier hunting on Slepe. 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 White-tailed Eagle, 1 Peregrine, and 1 Great White Egret were seen at Middlebere yesterday. 2 Glossy Ibis flew low over Purbeck School heading towards the Frome Valley. 5 Swallow were seen battling into the wind in the Piddle Valley.

In other news, the BoPH team celebrated 3 wins at the Dorset Tourism Awards last night, winning the Gold Award for the Regenerative Tourism Award, Gold Award for Active and Learning Experience of the Year for our Poole Harbour Osprey Cruises, and the Winner of Winners Award! Thank you to everyone that supports us, we couldn’t do our work without you.

Hen Harrier – @wessexwildlife.bsky.social