The weather has remained somewhat up and down since the last sightings blog during our Big Garden Birdwatch, which we hope you’ve now submitted your results! This week has seen some rather stunning wintery mornings at Arne with frost covering the gorse and heather which is in stark contrast to today’s rather damp weather. However, whatever the weather the birds and other wildlife are still here to be enjoyed. Over the coming few weeks many of the wintering waders will start to move on as the spring approaches. If you’re keen to see the Avocets we reckon you’ve only got a couple of weeks to make the most of them before they head off to their continental breeding grounds.
Very high tides this week has been particularly spectacular as all the saltmarshes have been covered in water. Wigeon and Teal have been present in large numbers from Shipstal Hide and can be quite mobile when tide pushes them in close to the edges.
Spoonbills are still around a good numbers. Up to 20 are seen most days at Shipstal Point which is also where a stunning male Merlin has been seen on a number of occasions including yesterday. Check out the posts out from the hide. Other raptors such as Hen and Marsh Harrier are still frequent with up to 7 Marsh Harriers around the Poole Harbour area at the moment. The seasonal Raptor Trail will be closing at the end of February so yet another reason to head to Arne soon. The hide will re-open in the autumn.
Water Voles have been seen regular again at Shipstal Ponds and visitors have been getting some very close encounters. Paul Dibden got this great picture a few weeks ago!
As usual, daily sightings appear on our twitter page which you can find at www.twitter.com/rspbarne . Do check it out!