Arne RSPB - Mon 25 May

A trip down to south Dorset today and it was blisteringly hot, with the temperature up around 30°C. A walk out towards Shipstal Point was mainly under the trees, but was also very devoid of birds, with a small number of Bar-tailed Godwits being the pick.

We that took a walk out onto Coombe Heath, where I did see a couple of Dartford Warblers to provide some much needed interest.

All and all it was a lovely day out, though the heat was stifling.

Sutton Bingham - Sun 17 May

Not much opportunity to visit the patch over recent weeks, and the few visits I have made have been very unproductive other than a Hobby on 7 May and a lone Swift passing through before gathering rain clouds on 14 May.

Today there wasn't much of note other than two pairs of Mute Swans, which is a rare occurrence at Sutton Bingham these days. The long-staying pair were still at the southern end but a second pair were present in the north-east corner too this afternoon, so felt that must be worthy of a mention.

Sutton Bingham year list for 2026 now at 90 species.