This morning’s boat enjoyed no less than 8 Ospreys, including breeding male 022, with activity concentrated around the Wareham Channel. It was had to know where to look at times with activity in all directions, and added interest from Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier and Common Seal. This flurry of Osprey activity likely included our chick 5H1, who was seen practice fishing over the Middlebere Channel. This is brilliant news as she is gaining confidence, exploring the harbour and honing in those important fishing skills. The morning trip was also treated to flight and perched views and White-tailed Eagle G801 along the Arne Peninsula. The afternoon cruise departed the Quay at 1pm and didn’t take long to catch up on the action with a Peregrine relentlessly mobbing an Osprey as soon as we entered the Wareham Channel, later followed by two more birds circling high over the Keysworth shoreline, as well lovely views of Kestrels, Spoonbill and mobile Hobby. It was also great to see the new Ham Common Viewpoint crowded with groups using the new lookout through the day! The raptor fest continued across the harbour, with Lytchett Bay also picking up Goshawk, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and White-tailed Eagle. Elsewhere, Hartland Moor picked up a few migrants with c.10 Yellow Wagtail and a single Whinchat. Common Sandpiper were logged across the harbour fringes, including individuals at Poole Quay, Arne shoreline and Holes Bay SE.

Poole Harbour Osprey chick 5H1 – Middlebere Channel  – Kate PlaterWhite-tailed Eagle – taken from Osprey Cruise – Mark WrightOsprey – taken from Osprey Cruise – Mark Wright

Male Osprey 022 – taken from Osprey Cruise – Mark Wright