Today was the second ever Hen Harrier Day, an event that brings like-minded people together who want to see change in the way our uplands are managed and the protection of our birds of prey increased. All in all there were six events held right across the country, and ours was held at the wonderful Arne RSPB reserve. Last year the event in the south was at the RSPB Radipole reserve and attract 30 people (a good effort for a first attempt in the pouring rain), this year 150 people their way to Arne to show their support. You may ask why host an event in the south, when the issue is predominantly in the north? Well, every winter, Poole Harbour and the south coast in general sees Hen Harriers arrive from the north and we know this due to some satellite tagging and leg ring recovery data we have received. So, if Hen Harriers disappear in the north, they’ll disappear here too. All in all it was a great event and well organised by the hen Harrier south team. A huge thanks must go to RSPB Arne for hosting the event and lets hope that the pressure that is getting applied right across the county allows us to see some change some time soon. Coincidentally, 2015 is said to be the best breeding year for Hen Harriers in five years with six pairs and 18 fledged young.

Bird news from today included the BLACK STORK, which was seen in the Wytch Lake again early morning but was later seen circling high and drifting off west over Middlebere just before lunch time (seconds after the Hen Harrier event had just finished). Also at Wytch Lake 2 Tree Pipit over, 1 Marsh Harrier and a Spotted Flycatcher. RSPB Lytchett Fields was looking good again with a juv Ruff, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher and good numbers of Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Lapwing. At Middlebere there was 1 Spoonbill, 1 Whitethroat, 8 Yellow-legged Gull, 26 Little Egret, 3 Green Sandpiper, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and a number of newly fledged Swallow and Sand Martin. 

There was also a great example of RIDICULOUS parking at in Slough Lane Lytchett Bay. This wasn’t necessarily a birder,  but Just to remind anyone visiting RSPB Lytchett Fields, there is strictly NO PARKING along the lane, especially not half way across an access gate that large Wessex Water tankers need access to 24 hours a day. Many Thanks