What a fascinating day, starting off with a Poole Harbour rarity when a male Golden Oriole was found at Rempstone. It was singing for about a minute before it alighted and flew off towards Arne. Then, an Osprey which was almost certainly the bird that was initially seen coming off the sea at St Aldhams Head appeared to visit CJ7 and 022’s nest site, giving CJ7 cause for concern as she mantled low on the nest. Frustratingly the new arrival never landed on the nest cam, and all we saw was it flying off NW out of view. Even more amazingly was an adult male Hen Harrier that was seen flying over Arne Moors, near the Arne Road, viewed from Slepe Heath, which powered on west towards Ridge. A June Hen Harrier is equally as rare as a Golden Oriole!! From Slepe Heath 2 Osprey were out in the Wareham Channel too and a Cuckoo was calling. This evening female Osprey CJ7 and male 022 returned to the nest after a couple of days absent, with 022 catching another decent sized Bass, and failing miserably to share with CJ7. Another Red Kite was seen over Parkstone and the Poole Peregrines were very active again today around the Barclays building. With these warm muggy nights the Nightjars have now found their vibe and have been incredibly active on the local heaths and a Great White Egret was in the Lower Frome valley mid-morning.

Dartford Warbler – RSPB Arne – Alison Copland

CJ7 mantling when visiting Osprey approached