There was a nice scattering of common migrants across the harbour with Spotted Flycatcher along the Arne Road, at Arne and Middlebere. At Lytchett Bay a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling. A Garden Warbler and 2 Common Whitethroat were reported along the Hartland Road. Swifts were still passing through in three’s and four’s but there seemed to be fewer Swallow and House Martin. There was a Hobby at Arne, 2 over Slepe Heath and 1-2 reported over Hartland. Cuckoo’s were calling at Studland, Hartland and Upton Heath. At Lytchett Fields there were 10 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 male Ruff, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Avocet, 1 Spotted Redshank calling over the bay, 145 Black-tailed Godwit and 5 Greenshank. With the full moon rising over clear sky’s last night too and the wind dropping right off it seemed perfect for our first venture out of the summer to listen to Nightjars and sure enough at around 9:15pm between 3-4 males started ‘churring’ at Arne, giving great if not brief views. We also saw Barn Owls at Arne, Middlebere and Swineham too. 

A perfect Nightjar night – Arne RSPB

Nightjar – Song of male – Arne RSPB – 10/05/17 @ 21:02 

 Grasshopper Warbler – Song of male – Lytchett Bay – 10/05/17 @ 8:50am