Sightings05/12/2019

Harbour Update – posted 05/12/19

No Marsh Harrier were seen to leave roost across west Poole Harbour this morning. To compensate, the best was the female Hen Harrier on an Arne Moors – Swineham hunting circuit in the afternoon. A visit to Wareham Forest to search for the recent Great Grey Shrike this morning was unsuccessful but redeemed with a stunning male Hen Harrier flying east towards Woolsbarrow Fort.

A watch from Jerry’s Point at low tide produced 2 Slavonian Grebe, feeding separately. Further along, Middle Beach offered 10 Common Scoter and 9 Black-necked Grebe offshore. The Arable/Approach Field hedgerow at Lytchett Fields held 3 Firecrest in a Holly. 

Last night saw the most recent instalment of our new Winter Ringing Demonstrations in partnership with Stour Ringing Group. The evening produced a superb haul of 6 Jack Snipe, 3 Common Snipe & 1 Woodcock ringed whilst sharing conservation stories. All three species were in the hand at the same time, offering a unique opportunity to compare and learn about these rarely observed nocturnal feeders. To add to the excitement, one of the Jack Snipe seen yesterday was a retrap originally caught in March 2017 in the exact same field, continuing to prove winter site fidelity of these hardy little migrants. Jack Snipe breeding range extends from north-eastern Europe to eastern Siberia. Their arrival here takes place from mid-September onwards, with numbers peaking in October and November. Hard-weather movements can provide further influxes during the winter. For an exclusive opportunity to learn about and see these wonderful nocturnal feeders follow the link below for our full programme this winter.

https://www.birdsofpooleharbourbookings.co.uk/event/sunnyside-winter-ringing-demo

The next demo on December 18th is already fully booked. However, spaces currently remain 8th & 22nd January and 5th Feb & 26th Feb 2020. Don’t miss out!

Woodcock – Sunnyside Ringing Demo

Jack Snipe – Sunnyside Ringing Demo

Jack Snipe in the hand – Sunnyside Ringing Demonstration

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