We’re currently waiting for Wood Pigeons here in Poole harbour, an odd thing to be waiting thing I’m sure you’ll agree and you may be thinking why not just look out in our gardens? There are plenty there? Well, that is true, but what we’re actually waiting for is the big Wood Pigeon migration that takes place every year in early to mid November when tens of thousands pass along the south coast but mostly concentrated over the Poole and Christchurch Harbour area. To give you an example on November 7^th 2010 a whopping 160,000+ Wood Pigeon migrated over Poole Harbour in a single morning! So as you can understand, although this is a very common species to witness this type of migration is quite something. There has already been some big passage in central England as birds move south and we’re hoping that they get to us over the coming days. When they do start moving in big numbers they pass high over the Sandbanks peninsular across over Brownsea and carry on west. At Arne today there were 28 Spoonbill out on Shipstal and both Lesser Redpoll and Brambling in the Arne car park. In Middlebere two late Curlew Sandpiper were with Dunlin along with 700+ Avocet and 600+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Sandpiper and several passes of ringtail Hen Harriers from the National Trust hide and along the approach lane Redwing, Fieldfare, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were seen. Up on Hartland a Merlin was seen dashing across the heath. At Holes Bay a late Wheatear was on the cycle path near the PC World outflow along with a Kingfisher there too and in Lytchett Bay 2 Spoonbill were feeding on the low tide. There was still a late bit of passage with a Woodlark over a view point in Poole Harbour north. 

IMPORTANT Lytchett Fields temporary closure notice –

RSPB is suspending public access to the Lytchett Fields Reserve due to the risks present from unauthorised cattle being present. RSPB regrets any inconvenience caused and access will be re-opened as soon as the unauthorised trespass has been removed. Access to other areas of Lytchett Bay remain open.

Spoonbill – Lytchett Bay – Shaun Robson

Little Egret – Middlebere – Keith Rawling