There were more signs of return autumn passage over the last couple of days with the first returning Common Sandpiper seen at Swineham. There was also another Little Ringed Plover at Lytchett Fields with the date suggesting it’s an early mover rather than a local bird. Off Swineham Point, the over-summering female Marsh Harrier has remained very active in the area, but the male that showed interest in her a few weeks ago has sadly moved on. There are several post breeding flocks of Jackdaws (and other corvids) forming at the moment at different locations with large groups of c500 noted over Upton, c400 over Lytchett Matravers and c300 over Wareham, all active at both dawn and dusk, entering and leaving roost sites. Nightjar are still thrilling the crowds with birds really enjoying this warm weather and doing circuits of various heathlands at dusk, wowing those of us that venture out to go and see them. At Holme Lane GP there were 13 Egyptian Geese and 5 Little Grebe.

Common Tern – Poole Harbour – Clare Slade