RSPB Arne Reserve 19th April 2008

 

When we arrived at Arne, it was raining and misty with a cold breeze blowing across the heathland. We dressed in our wet gear and set off in the Coombe Heath direction.

Many Willow Warblers & Chiffchaffs were singing from the trees. Walking across the heath a Stonechat and a Hobby were seen, but alas no Dartford Warblers.

We arrived at the hide overlooking Middlebere Lake. There were hundreds of Black-tailed Godwits, the most that I had ever seen together. Four were close to the hide and were resplendent in their red breeding plumage. Grey Plover, Dunlin and a single Avocet could be seen in the distance through the mist.

Whilst scanning round, a Marsh Harrier flew up the lake. A distant very white bird was seen flying towards us. At first it was thought to be an Egret but as it got closer we noticed that the neck was straight out. When even closer it was identified as a Spoonbill.

We left the hide to continue around the heath. From high above the lake two Spoonbills were seen landing in the lake, to fly off again after a short time.  

We returned to our cars for lunch. On the feeders in the car park, there were Great, Blue and Marsh Tits, Greenfinch, Chaffinch & a Nuthatch.

After lunch, we continued around the reserve. Through the wooded area, many Sika Deer were seen. At Shipstal Point, the tide was out allowing waders to feed; among these were Oystercatcher, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits and Curlew.

We continued to the hide overlooking Arne Bay, from where again the previous mentioned waders were seen. Whilst in this hide the mist started to lift, and the weather brightened a little. We returned through the farm & village to the car park for our journey home.

In spite of the weather, with it being too misty to see Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills beyond it and the Dartford Warblers keeping their heads down in the wind and an absence of the expected terns, the trip turned out to be a good one.  

 

Dave Jones