We decided to travel a little further afield today, and drove down to the RSPB reserve at Arne in south Dorset. We arrived at about 12.30pm and walked straight out to Shipstal Point where we had a packed lunch.
Walking through the woodland we heard numerous birds, but despite the lack of leaves, not many were that obliging. As we reached the beach we could see several Sika Deer feeding on the salt marsh, and resting on a sandbank we had great views of a Common Seal. At least twenty Goldeneye were on the sea in Poole Harbour and there were several Great Crested Grebes and Red-breasted Mergansers.
The circular walk took as back to the car and by the RSPB visitor centre we saw several Blue, Long-tailed, Great, Coal and Marsh Tits on the feeders, a few Nuthatches were about and a Bank Vole was scampering to the fallen food looking for an easy meal.
We then walked out from the opposite side of the car park and across to the hide and viewing screen across Coombe Heath. From here we could see a host of waders and wildfowl, including over a hundred Avocets, several Dunlin, Redshank and Curlew, and a single Knot. There were also several Teal, Wigeon and Shelduck and a large flock of Dark-bellied Brent Geese. From the hide we managed to find a Spoonbill feeding in a channel.
As we walked back to the car we could hear a Dartford Warbler calling, but it remained elusive and we failed to see it.
As it was still fairly early we drove on to Middlebere Farm. Ellie decided to wait in the car as I walked out to the Harrier Hide. Unfortunately, there was not a lot about, just a few Curlew and Teal and a Little Grebe. However, I did see a Hare feeding in a field.
On the way back to the car, several Meadow Pipits flew over. We headed off home soon after 4pm after a lovely day out.
UK list for 2010 now at 128 species.
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