A spontaneous Osprey Watch Event at Holes Bay this morning was a great success with many people enjoying views of an Osprey successfully hunting over the Bay. After serval failed attempts the bird caught a fish and carried its prey to feed on Pergins Island. Feeding flocks of Curlew, Black–tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Redshank were also seen along with numerous Great Crested Grebe and Kingfisher sightings. Studland Bay has logged the first returning Black–necked Grebe for the winter. Two individuals were recorded as well as 5 Brent Geese and 35 Mediterranean Gull.

Brownsea Lagoon offered wonderful views of feeding waders including 19 Curlew, c36 Black–tailed Godwit, 7 Avocet, 1 Merlin on the tern islands and a Peregrine. The Grey Plover are now frequenting Arne after arriving on Brownsea Lagoon late-September. Other species recorded on the reserve included Curlew, Lapwing, Avocet, Redshank, Dartford Warbler, and several passage Swallows. A female Goshawk was logged over Wareham Channel, coming in from the Frome over to Giggers Island. A large female was recorded over Slepe Heath recently on the 13^th September. A pair of Marsh Harrier were also observed over Gigger’s Island. The Swineham Cattle Egret was still present at Gravel Pits today and the juvenile Spotted Redshank was again observed on Lytchett Fields.

Due to the success of our Pop Up Osprey Watch along the Holes Bay cycle path, c700m north of Asda this morning we plan to run it again tomorrow from 9am to 12pm. We will have scopes on binoculars set up ready so please join us if you can!

Merlin – Brownsea Lagoon – Derek Morgan