A private charter harbour cruise this AM was packed with raptor sightings, with an adult Osprey making a catch in the Wareham Channel, shortly followed by a juvenile circling high over the channel, along with a Marsh Harrier and a Kestrel. As well as another Marsh Harrier sighting over Gigger’s Island, a juvenile Peregrine gave us a close flyover as we passed by Hamworthy pier. The raptor-fest continued at Coombe Heath, with another Marsh Harrier seen, as well as 2 Hobby, a Sparrowhawk and 2 Buzzard, one of which was a stunning pale morph. Also seen at Coombe Heath were 2 Great White Egret and a Wheatear. Elsewhere, the 2 Little Stint and 2 Ruff were still present at Lytchett Fields this morning. From the Stone Bench looking into Holes Bay, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Greenshank were present. This afternoon it seemed there was a strong hirundine movement with big numbers of Swallow and House Martin passing over with a few Sand Martin too.

Pale morph Buzzard – Coombe Heath – Kate Plater

Great White Egret – Coombe Heath – Alison Copland