After being rained off on our last visit to RSPB Arne, we headed back to this wonderful reserve again on a hot sunny day. We explored a different part of the reserve, the first part of our walk took us through woodland where we watched a Spotted Flycatcher doing what flycatchers do. A little further along the path we heard a Firecrest calling and after a bit of scanning spotted a beautiful male Firecrest in a holly bush, wow! A really beautiful gem of a bird and one that showed off so well. What a treat to see Firecrests at two locations on this trip.
We then reached the edge of Poole Harbour where a wonderful hide overlooks the estuary and marshes and immediately saw two Ospreys! These magnificent raptors soared over the area allowing us plenty of time to enjoy them and share them with others who joined us in the hide. The tide was flooding the creek just in front of us and we watched Spoonbill, Black-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, Dunlin, and Ringed Plover amongst other waders, A coomon seal hauled out on a bank allowing us great views. A Peregrine Falcon powered over the marsh, stopping at waders but seemed to miss each time. This was soon followed by three Ospreys! These birds again stayed in view for a long time and we watched them soaring in the same air space as a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel!
We walked back across a beautiful heathland, glorious with the heather in bloom, and watched three Dartford Warbler feeding in the gorse – what a wonderful treat. We also enjoyed watching Stonechats, Tree and Meadow Pipits, three moe Osprey sightings, two Common Buzzards, a sand lizard and beautiful views across the harbour and heathland. What a fantastic reserve this is!