Despite the hot weather today, there was still plenty to see in the harbour. During our Carey Osprey Tours, we were watching with excitement as the chicks were very active, ‘helicoptering’ and strengthening their wing muscles, in preparation for fledging from this Friday! Even after fledging, the chicks are still active, particularly from now onwards and will remain close to the nest over the next few weeks, even coming back to feed at the nest in mid August. CJ7 and 022 will continue to bring in fish on to the nest for the four chicks, even when the chicks are exploring the local area. In the morning session, we had 1 Hobby quickly fly-past and 1 Spotted Flycatcher feeding on insects by the side of the viewing platform. Elsewhere in the harbour, the first Kingfisher of the Autumn was seen in Holes Bay as well as increasing numbers of waders including 89 Redshank, 65 Black-tailed Godwit, 31 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel heading south-west, 9 Teal, alongside 1 juvenile Peregrine. This bird was one of the young from the nest on the Holes Bay Asda in Poole, with the juveniles now seeming to be venturing further afield and gaining in confidence, whilst also practising their hunting skills. Despite their nationwide decline, it seems to be that Swifts are having a relatively good breeding year locally. A maximum count of 26 were reported over Christopher Crescent Way in Oakdale today.

Male Osprey chick 5R4 ‘helicoptering’ this afternoon