With the discovery of Poole Harbours 6th Temminck’s Stint on the Lower Piddle Floods yesterday, which led to us to discussing the benefits of newly ‘flushed’ wetlands only yesterday on our sightings blog, it was quite astonishing to hear that the very same wet area this morning managed to produce something even more incredible. Local birder Rob Johnson, who was up early to try and re-find yesterdays Temminck’s Stint couldn’t believe his eyes when the stint had been replaced by a plover, and not just any old plover. Poole Harbours second only ever American Golden Plover! Not only that, but it wasn’t just a plain autumn juvenile, but instead a stonking full adult summer plumaged individual. Sadly it only stuck around for 20 minutes before disappearing off, and couldn’t be re-found for the rest of the day. However, with Poole Harbour being so vast, there’s a chance it could still be around somewhere, so it would be worth keeping an eye out in all the good wader spots over the next few days. Sadly the Temminck’s Stint couldn’t be re-found either but compensation came in the form of 1 Little Gull, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 White-tailed Eagle. This afternoon a wandering Osprey came and visited the nest site and settled in nearby trees which sent our male 022 into displaying frenzy as he began skydancing for well over 10 minutes. We’re not sure who the bird was, or whether it was ringed, but it soon up’ed and left, and headed back towards the harbour. Also over the nest site in the Piddle Valley today were 2 Red Kite and 1 Hobby. 

American Golden Plover – Lower Piddle Floods – Rob Johnson

Male Osprey 022 displaying over nest site to intruding visiting Osprey – Alison Copland