We’re looking forward to a possible return of one of our 2019 Osprey chicks over the coming weeks, however having seen the weather forecast for early May, any late returning Osprey are probably best staying put for as long as possible with icy cold conditions set to move in from the Arctic by the 6^th of May. Not ideal at all for any spring migrant or summer breeder. Hopefully the these arctic systems will shift soon into May but until then, its worth keeping a pair of gloves in car! That said, there has been a marked increase of Reed Warbler in the Frome Valley with 41 counted this morning along with 35 Cetti’s Warbler, 10 Sedge Warbler 10 Chiffchaff and 2 Swift were over the gravel pit with 1 Greenshank and 2 Redshank on the Stilt Pools. At Lytchett fields there were 23 Whimbrel with 5 Greenshank, 7 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plover and a Marsh Harrier flew over there too. An Osprey was out over the Wareham Channel this evening but CJ7 was off the nest so it could well have been her but another seen over Wimborne this morning too suggesting non-breeders are still/now passing through. A Late Wigeon was in Holes Bay and a Red Kite passed over Middlebere plus 2-3 Hobby were over Hartland. Over Wareham around c500 Med Gull passed back and fourth over the course of the day and at the PCW Drain there were 3 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler and a Peregrine was over Poole Quay. Finally there were 2 Wheatear on Hartland Stud.

Wheatear – Hartland – Nicholas Williams