Nationally, Spring has really ‘sprung’ into action already, despite only being March 23rd, with a mass of early migrants coming through. The country has seen multiple Sedge Warbler arrive already, plus quite a few Yellow Wagtail too. There seems to have been a big ‘dump’ of Hoopoes with c50 in western Britain and multiple Osprey are back early. The harbour saw it’s own early arriver today, with the years first Common Whitethroat on Upton Heath. Another amazing (re)find today was the returning Forster’s Tern, which is now back for it’s 3rd year in a row. Today it was seen flying up and down Middlebere a few times and will no doubt stick around for a few more days/weeks? Male Osprey 022 visited his nest site a few times, as did 2 Red Kite which were giving him a bit of grief. But with no CJ7 yet, he was also logged on other harbour nest platforms, probably checking out any local competition. Another un-ringed Osprey was seen along the southern shores near Middlebere this afternoon, but didn’t visit any nest platforms. Along the Middlebere track there was 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Wheatear and a Woodlark was singing overhead. This morning 2 Red Kite and 2 White-tailed Eagles were over Stoborough and 2 White-tailed Eagle were over Corfe Mullen. A single Swallow flew over Scotland Farm, a Yellow Wagtail was over the Frome and 2 Spoonbill were in Middlebere. The Spotted Redshank was in Holes Bay again, there were quite a few small parties of Bearded Tit off Swineham Point and a Black Redstart (yesterdays?) was seen around the Middlebere cottages again.
Male Osprey 022 touring the harbour, visiting other nest platforms today, including here at Middlebere
Returning Forster’s Tern for it’s 3rd year – Middlebere – Mark Wright
One of 2 Red Kite causing mischief at the osprey nest this morning