Autumn presses on with a doubling of Green Sandpiper at Lytchett fields this AM with not one but two present! They were joined by 3 Little Ringed Plover and an early Curlew. A Quail was heard mid afternoon up near Old Harry just off the SW coast footpath but not heard again. The first Spoonbill of the autumn also arrived back on the Brownsea Lagoon. A Red Kite drifted over Wareham and both Osprey CJ7 and 022 were seen out and about over the Wareham Channel, viewed from Hyde’s Heath, Arne. 2 Spotted Flycatcher were seen at Greenland’s Farm and up on Ballard 4 Common Whitethroat were in full song still this AM. We were discussing this morning how late some species may breed this summer, especially those that can have 2-3 broods. The reason being is that we’ve noticed Woodlark are still in full song at some sites and with not many young birds having been logged so far this spring/summer many birds must now be trying like fury to start bringing off some fledglings as soon as possible. The Egyptian Geese were still at Swineham scrapes and Bearded Tit were heard in the reed beds off the point proving breeding at this site.

Paul Morton

Common Whitethroat – Ballard Down