Without doubt, the best news today was that Black Redstart were confirmed to have bred in Poole Town, a species we’ve been trying to pin down for ages. They’re a regular autumn migrant through the harbour, certainly through October but breeding records are incredibly rare, with only a few pairs located each year across the whole of Dorset. They used to breed on the old Poole power station and in areas like Heckford Park, St Johns Road but todays pair were near Poole Quay. It’s likely there’s more out there….they just need to be found!

The 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese were still in Brands Bay, female White-tailed Eagle G318 was again seen in the Wareham Channel briefly and 2 Hobby were over Slepe Heath.

juvenile Black Redstart – Old Town Poole – Michell Collier

juvenile and adult male Black Redstart – Old Town Poole – Michell Collier