Today saw a stiff NE wind to begin with which eased off and swung around to the SW by late afternoon. The east in the wind early doors provided good lift for migrating birds throughout the day as hundreds (if not thousands) of Swallow  arrived in through the harbour from the south which were joined by Sand Martin and to a lesser extent Swift but strangely no House Martin.  A ringtail harrier seen at distance over Swineham/Keysworth was initially thought to be a Montagu’s Harrier, however it was later found out over Arne Moors and was confirmed to be ringtail Hen Harrier, a really late Poole Harbour record. There were a minimum of 5 Hobby between Slepe Heath and Arne with Tree Pipits also at the former site. At Lytchett Fields the Grasshopper Warbler that was found along Slogh Lane as still singing suggesting its on territory whilst out on the fields there were 2 Grey Plover, one in full summer plumage, 6+ Greenshank, 5 Ringed Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Wheatear with a Red Kite also over Holton Lee. Middlebere was also busy with 1 Spoonbill (the first in quite a while), 5 Ringed Plover, 50+ Grey Plover, 250+ Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 summer plumaged Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, c40 Knot and 300+ Dunlin.

Hen Harrier – Arne Road – Nick Hopper

Hen Harrier – Arne Road – Nick Hopper

Grasshopper Warbler – Lytchett Bay – Ian Ballam