On the 16th I opted for Ower on the south side of Poole Harbour. Things had changed a lot since my last visit in March. Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Marsh Tits and Siskins, although all still present, were far less conspicuous, whilst the air was filled with the sound of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. Of course there was no sign of my main target, whose name I shall now refrain from uttering until I actually see one!
Ower copse
The banks of the stream are carpeted in Primroses.
The Wytch area of Poole Harbour, the site of Europe's largest on-shore oil field.
I then headed for Middlebere on the way back. An Osprey had been seen the previous day. Ospreys predilection for this area has led to the RSPB erecting dummy nests in the hope that a migrant pair will stop and join the party. This hasn’t happened yet, but it’s become a reliable site for them in autumn and sometimes in spring as well.
Very little was showing from the hide but along the access lane whilst watching a singing Chiffchaff, a Dartford warbler appeared right next to me allowing a great photo opportunity.
Singing Chiffchaff. I thought I'd 'go large' on these three images.
A very obliging Dartford Warbler.
Garden moluscicides have led to big losses in the Song Thrush population, but this year they seem to be everywhere. lets hope a recovery is underway.
Finally I called in at Lytchett Bay, where I finally got a glimpse of a Reed Warbler but not much else.
Last year the farmer left a wide 'conservation margin' around this field which proved excellent for buntings and finches in the autumn. This year its been ploughed right up to the hedge.
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