Well, as 2023 finally draws to a close, our Birds of Poole Harbour team would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone that’s helped, followed, supported and/or donated towards our work. This year has been our best ever in terms of income generated through our events and charitable activities and it’s been a thrill to see such an increase in audience size with folk getting excited and enthused by a whole range of topics and species. Whether it’s Ospreys, White-tailed Eagles, Swifts, Bearded Tits or the humble Blackbird, there’s been a real buzz around the harbour this year, with pretty much every corner of the area now being closely monitored during the entire course of the year. As a result, a whole range of great birds have been found including the Bramble Bush Bay Spotted Sandpiper and the over-summering Forster’s Tern, both new to the harbour. We’ve got a whole lot more planned for 2024 and with a re-enforced team, we should be a lot more active both out in the landscape and online, so make sure to follow all our updates and social posts to see what and how you can get involved this coming year.

So, for the final time this year, sightings for today included 2 Green Sandpiper on Wareham Common, a male Hen Harrier at Lytchett Fields, a White-tailed Eagle was in the Wareham Channel and there were up to 6 Great Northern Diver around the Studland Peninsular this morning.

With the sun now set, and 2024 just about to appear, why not watch this stunning video made by one of our volunteers Alison Copland, which highlights the story of our Osprey family this summer, and which will hopefully get you all geed up for a big 2024. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Osprey season 2023 – By Alison Copland