Autumn is well and truly here! Days are getting shorter and somewhat cooler which means birds are on the move big time. Wader numbers are continuing grow with Black-tailed Godwit now the most numerous wader. There are probably over 800 around the Arne peninsular at the moment. Dunlin numbers are on the up and this is a good time of year to scan through carefully as there could be something a little more exciting amongst the flock such as a Curlew Sandpiper or a Little Stint. A group of 4 Curlew Sandpiper were seen for a couple of days recently in the Middlebeare Channel which is by far the best place to check out the waders. The first Brent Good appeared in the harbour this morning which will be the first of many.
Ospreys are still featuring in our daily sightings but numbers are starting to slope off. The next week or two could be your chance to see your final Osprey of 2015. The new raptor trail which I’m sure some of you have explored already is still open and will be for at least the next couple of months. Hobby and Marsh Harrier are being seen regularly from this trail.
Marsh Harrier by Luke Phillips
Spoonbill number are also growing. 15 yesterday from Shipstal Hide plus over 20 on Brownsea Island yesterday takes the harbour total over 30. Won’t be long before we’ll find out whether the harbour record of 49 will be broken?!
Spoonbill by Keith Rogers.
This mornings stroll from the office to the visitor hut revealed that Meadow Pipits are starting their migration on mass. This species can be seen in their hundreds passing over during the next few weeks. Listen out for their sweeping calls overhead.
Meadow Pipit by Luke Phillips
Swallows are also moving in numbers as are Siskin. Large numbers have gone through so far this year. They’ve had a good breeding season by the looks of it!
Also around the visitor hut this morning were our Firecrests. These have been a real feature of the car park in past winters. Hopefully this year will be a good one!
To finish just a quick note to say that there are still a few places on this Saturdays 50th anniversary event which starts at 11am with a guided walk around all the best bits of Arne followed by talks from various people including our Director of Conservation, Dr Martin Harper. There’ll also be birthday cake, drinks and a buffet supplied by the Salt Pig in Wareham who do incredible grub! Give us a ring on 01929 553360. Cost is £20 per person which includes all refreshments and buffet lunch.