Well, it seems that being March 22nd was quite a good omen, as our male Osprey 022 arrived back today, three days earlier than he’s ever been back before. This is a great moment, and all being well, heralds the start of the 2025 Osprey season. Female CJ7 arrived back on March 26th last year, but with 022 arriving early, we could easily see CJ7 arrive back over the next couple of days. It seems he caught his first fish of the the year in Middlebere, and was seen flying past our Spring Safari cruise this morning, before making his way to his nest site. Welcome back matey, and here’s looking forward to another great season. There was loads going on today, with a female type Black Redstart on the Middlebere cottages, this evening 2 different Short-eared Owls were logged with 1 on RSPB Arne Moors and another on Slepe Heath. There were 2 White-tailed Eagles in the Wareham Channel this morning, 3 Bearded Tit were at Swineham and 7 Spoonbill were in Middlebere. Over Swineham GP several Sand Martin were feeding, the Willow Warbler from yesterday was still singing in Broadstone, 2 male Northern Wheatear were on Hartland Stud and several Red Kite passed over during the day.

Male Osprey 022 hunting in Middlebere – Mark Wright

Black Redstart –  Middlebere – Mark Wright