Dorset - Arne RSPB - Winter Wonderland!

The Arne RSPB Reserve is entering another exciting period with the BBC Winter watch team returning to film at the site. A small part of the reserve is closed off to the public but there was still plenty to see on a chilly winters day. The weather was generally overcast with an ENE wind which felt icy cold in open areas.

The day began at the visitor centre with my eyes fixed on the feeders situated within the confines of the entrance to the reserve. A Nuthatch, male Siskin, Coal Tit, Blue and Great Tit featured amongst Chaffinch, Robin, Dunnock that were commuting from the surrounding trees to visit the feeders.

On the arrival of Guy and Jim the first port of call was Shipstal Point a mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfare where the tide was on the turn. This saw a general movement of shorebirds (waders) and wildfowl along the channels.

There were good numbers of Oystercatcher along the shoreline to Long Island. A Spoonbill was observed in flight along the channel. A few Red-breasted Mergansers including a pair arrived and fed in the channel.

 

Dark-bellied Brent Geese moved onto the salt-marsh to graze. Shelduck, Redshank and Dunlin were noted along the shoreline. A Grey Plover in non-breeding plumage made a short visit to one of the small bays adjacent to the beach.

Avocet numbers increased in the area with an amazing flight display of small groups of birds as they negotiated the channel. Some birds stopping to feed in the receding water.

A small flock of Curlew flew along the channel with Teal some birds stopping to feed along the Shipstal Beach shoreline. Wigeon were noted along the far banks with some flying between feeding zones.

Early afternoon we moved down to Coombe Heath in search of heathland birds and to view Middlebere Channel. Male and female Stonechat monitored our route perching up on gorse and shrubs as we made our way along the path. A Dartford Warbler was seen in flight between areas of scrub but did not show again. A lone Meadow Pipit was seen in flight.

 

The tide was out leaving a channel of water that winded across from near the hide at Middlebere. A group of Spoonbill was feeding sweeping their bill from side to side as they moved through the water. Mallard were numerous in this area.

On the return to the entrance a Treecreeper was observed in a mixed tit flock at the top of the small hill opposite the Café.

 

The penultimate stop of the day was at the Reserve Café before a final look at the feeders at the reserve entrance. As we departed the sky darkened resulting in a flurry of snowfall. A good day in the field with great company. I look forward our next outing.

Forty two species were logged for details see the following eBird list