We were wondering whether it would happen, but today it did with the current long-staying male Osprey ‘511’ residing in the harbour into November. He was first seen hunting in the Wareham Channel, and was later in Middlebere eating a fish. This is an incredibly rare occurrence, although this same individual did something similar last year, but ended up leaving on October 28th. It was odd he didn’t leave over last weekend as the weather was stunning, and perfect for him to disperse. Maybe we’re just about to see the first UK over-wintering Osprey ever? Probably not, as he’ll have an established over-wintering site somewhere, but you never know?! Yesterday’s Barnacle Goose that was in Brands Bay arrived in to Swineham with it’s Canada Goose chums this morning where there were also 2 Ruff, 3 Great White Egret, c40 Cattle Egret on Keysworth, a Peregrine over Gigger’s, 3-4 Marsh Harrier at Swineham, 5 Black-necked Grebe in the Wareham Channel and a Golden Plover went over with c50 Lapwing. There were 21 Red-breasted Merganser in South Deep, the White-tailed Eagle pair were in the SE of the harbour in and around Brands Bay/Goathorn and then later over Middlebere and 3 Kingfisher were along Poole Quay. In Lytchett Bay a Common Sandpiper and a Spotted Redshank were logged.

Osprey ‘511’ – Middlebere – Kate Plater