While the spotlight of the nation has left Arne for the time being, the wildlife here certainly has not. It's increased!
The coming of winter not only brings a chill to the air but thousands of birds too with Poole Harbour playing host to the largest wintering flock of avocet in the country, brent geese, various grebe's, divers and ducks and even birds of prey such as hen harrier and merlin. All these can and have been seen from Arne in recent weeks and will only increase the deeper we are into winter. It's a fantastic time to visit the reserve and if you're desperate to experience everything there is to find make sure to come along on our regular Discover Arne walks, every Wednesday morning, 10am-12pm. You may even have the pleasure of seeing some of the reserve we keep closed for conservation!
Here's an up to date list of the best wildlife spotted over the past few weeks:
Brambling - 6 on Coombe Heath
Great white egret - Shipstal Point
Black-necked grebe - Shipstal Point
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail on Coombe Heath
Avocet - 1000+ Middlebere Channel
Spotted Redshank - Middlebere Channel
Spoonbill - 34 at Shipstal Point
Kingfisher - Regularly at the Raptor Hide
Great northern diver - Shipstal Point
Red-breasted merganser - Shipstal point
Goldeneye - Shipstal point
Yogi Bear