Holiday base

We camped at “The Lookout” park just outside Wareham. This is a high grade sight with central heated shower blocks and a well stocked shop with plenty of wine available!

Sites Visited

The “Lookout” is ideally situated to visit reserves in Dorset such as RSPB Arne, Lodmoor, Radipole and coastal bird hotspots like Durlston Country Park and Portland Bill.

Weather

A windy start, but after this a very warm week with a moderate North easterly.

Sites

1. RSPB Arne

This reserve is only four miles from the campsite, and should be on every birders visit list. We spent two mornings birding here. It is best to arrive early as the car park quickly fills up. We were fortunate to see a young Smooth snake (spotted by Lynne) cross the path in front of us. On the birdwatching trail Marsh Tit was soon spotted, and a Dartford Warbler popped up on the heather. From the view point and Hide an Osprey put on an impressive performance; indeed it was thought the a second bird was also in the area, Waders were very evident, they included a count of 27 Greenshank, with over 100 Black tailed Godwit,3 Avocets, and 10 Knot; Whimbrel gave good comparisons with large numbers of Curlew.

2. RSPB Lodmoor

This is a super reserve good at all times of the year. It is situated on the approach road into Weymouth from Wareham. A tip is to park on the north side of the reserve. It is free here and easy to park! Cetti’s Warbler are common here. A glimpse of a Kingfisher started off the visit, while a Ruddy Duck swam close to the reeds. A Sparrowhawk disturbed the young Common Tern (they breed here); overhead migrants included Sand and House Martin plus many Swallows. Snipe and Common Sandpiper basked in the sun ,while several Bearded Tits “pinged” in the reed beds. It is easy to accumulate a list of over 50 species on this reserve and close up views on many of them!.

3. Durlston Country Park

Three visits to this park produced many birds, but the best day was the morning of September 6^th . The exciting spectacle of migration was in full flow. Every bush was alive with migrants. Whitethroats were everywhere; we lost count of the numbers, but to say 100+ was a underestimate;6 Lesser Whitethroats were seen; there were also 15 Redstart , 30 Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were estimated; 4 Garden Warblers and 3 Spotted Flycatchers added to the list. Overhead Swallows were flying at a rate of 500+ a hour. Feeding with cattle in a nearby field was a flock of 12 Yellow Wagtails. A fleeting glimpse of a streaked warbler was confirmed as a Grasshopper Warbler. A large warbler was spotted skulking in the elderberry bushes, and after some time it revealed itself as a first year Barred Warbler!

Birds of Prey overhead included Peregrine and 5 Ravens put in a appearance.

Resident birds seen at the Country Park included Stonechat ,Yellowhammer and Rock Pipit.

SUMMARY

Although bird watching did not take up everyday (mostly) in the mornings, a total of 110 species was a good amount for the week.

Derek Lister

September 2006