The Poole Harbour Status List

Transcription

1 The Poole Harbour Status List Mute Swan Status Breeding resident and winter visitor. Good Sites Seen sporadically around the harbour but Poole Park, Hatch Pond, Brands Bay, Little Sea, Ham Common, Arne, Middlebere, Swineham and Holes Bay are all good sites. Bewick s Swan Status Uncommon winter visitor. Once a regular winter visitor to the Frome Valley now only arrives in hard or severe winters. Good Sites Along the Frome Valley leading to Wareham water meadows and Bestwall Whooper Swan Status Rare winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites In the 60 s there were regular reports of birds over wintering on Little Sea, however, sightings are now mainly due to extreme weather conditions. Bestwall, Wareham Water Meadows and the harbour mouth are all potential sites Tundra Bean Goose Taiga Bean Goose Pink- footed Goose Status Rare winter visitor. Good Sites Middlebere and Wareham Water Meadows have the most records for this species White- fronted Goose Status Once annual, but now scarce winter visitor. Good Sites During periods of cold weather the best places to look are Bestwall, Arne, Keysworth and the Frome Valley. Greylag Goose Status Resident feral breeder and rare winter visitor Good Sites Poole Park has around birds throughout the year. Swineham GP, Wareham Water Meadows and Bestwall all host birds during the year. Brett had 3 birds with collar rings some years ago. Maybe worth mentioning those. Canada Goose Status Common reeding resident. Good Sites Poole Park has a healthy feral population. Middlebere late summer can host up to 200 birds with other large gatherings at Arne, Brownsea Island, Swineham, Greenland s Farm and Brands Bay.

2 Barnacle Goose Status Feral and scarce wild winter visitor Good Sites Lytchett Bay, Brands Bay and Middlebere have seen the most recent birds in the last 3 years. Bestwall and Swineham are worth checking in cold weather too. Dark- bellied Brent Goose Status Winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites Poole harbor is a Nationally important site for these geese. The Middlebere Channel and fields can host up to 1000 birds mid to late winter. The saltmarsh in front of the Shipstal hide at Arne also holds large numbers. Baiter Park allows good close views as long as there aren t too many dogs. Studland Bay hosts early returning birds in October. Pale- bellied Brent Goose Status Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites The first record of this taxa is five in Brands Bay They have also been seen at Middlebere, Shell Bay, Baiter and Brownsea. Small groups can be seen passing out in Poole Bay on migration during April. Black Brant Red- breasted Goose Egyptian Goose Status Feral visitor from out of county populations Good Places Could turn up anywhere, but Lytchett Bay, Middlebere and Swineham all hold records. Could become more regular with numbers rising in the Avon Valley. Ruddy Shelduck Status Rare feral wanderers and potential genuine vagrant. Good Sites Have been recorded more than once at Swineham, Holes Bay and Wareham Water Meadows. Shelduck Status Declining breeding resident and common winter visitor Good Sites Found throughout the Harbour, Check the Middlebere Channel in late summer for large crèches containing up to 30 birds. Numbers rise in October with birds returning from Germany with peak counts reaching up to 2000 birds. Mandarin Duck Status Small Feral Population. Good Sites Hatch Pond and Poole Park are the best places to check. Also been seen at Upton Country Park and Lytchett Bay. Breeds just outside the bouderies at Broadstone golf course and Merley. Wigeon Status Common winter visitor Best Sites As they arrive back in October numbers start to rise in many places around the Harbour. Arne Bay, Middlebere, Lytchett Bay, Holes Bay and Brands Bay all hold very large numbers especially in very cold weather.

3 American Wigeon Status Potential vagrant Good Sites One record of a bird on Brownsea 1987 and another (or the same) at Arne in 1990 were thought to be an escape.. Possibly over looked, well worth scanning those large Wigeon flocks in winter. Gadwall Status Scarce breeding resident and winter visitor Good Sites Hatch Pond and Swineham GP have breeding birds as well as wintering birds, whilst Holes Bay and Lytchett Bay and Little Sea are worth a look too. Teal Status Common winter visitor Good Sites Holes Bay, Arne Bay, Lytchett Bay, Brands Bay, Brownsea Lagoon and Middlebere all hold large numbers in winter. Common throughout the whole Harbour in winter with January and February seeing peak counts at some sites of over 2300 birds. Green- winged Teal Status- Vagrant to the harbour Good Sites Over two thirds of the county records are from Poole Harbour, with two thirds of these records occuring in Holes Bay. Other sites include Brands Bay and Newtons Bay.. Mallard Status Common breeding resident and winter visitor Good Sites Presumed to breed on wetlands everywhere. Common throughout the Harbour but as common around the world, the best place to see Mallard is in the Park, so Upton Country Park and Poole Park are a dead cert. Pintail Status Fairly common winter visitor Good Sites Poole Harbour holds nationally important numbers of Pintail. Little Sea and Newton s Bay used to be the best places but Arne Bay, Brands Bay and Holes Bay now hold most numbers. Maximum counts of up 200 can be seen in hard weather. Garganey Status Scarce passage migrant, has bred Good Sites Best chances of being seen are March to April on flooded areas such as Bestwall and Swineham and also August to September with the eclipse flocks of Teal at Brownsea, Middlebere and Lytchett Bay. Shoveler Status Winter visitor, has bred Good Sites Poole Harbour is a nationally important wintering area for this species. Little Sea used to be the hotspot but now Brownsea Lagoon, Holes Bay and Hatch Pond are more reliable. Red- crested Pochard Status Rare winter Visitor Good Sites Little Sea has the most records for this species but also Swineham GP and the Brownsea Lagoon have hosted birds.

4 Pochard Status Winter visitor, has bred. Good Sites Formally a nationally important site for Pochard, their numbers have dropped from their wintering stronghold of Little Sea where around 600 used to spend the winter. In hard weather Poole Park, Hatch Pond and Holes bay hold recent records. Ring- necked Duck Status Vagrant to the Harbour Ferruginous Duck Status Vagrant to the Harbour Tufted Duck Status Winter visitor and uncommon resident Good Sites Little Sea used to have large wintering numbers, but the introduction of Carp in to the lake seems to have had an affect on duck numbers as a whole. Holes Bay, Hatch Pond, Poole Park and Brownsea are all reliable sites. Scaup Status Scarce winter visitor, occasional passage migrant Good Sites Little Sea again used to be the best place to see these with a winter maximum of 233 in Now only found in single figures with Swineham GP, and on the water in areas like Shipstal and off Goathorn being good places to look. Lesser Scaup Eider Status Fairly regular winter visitor Good Sites Tends to prefer staying around the harbour mouth. Brands Bay, Bramble Bush Bay and on the body of water looking across to Goathorn from South Haven Point. Long - tailed Duck Status Uncommon winter visitor Good Sites Check the large body of water in the middle of the Harbour viewed from Shipstal Point in December and January or try from an RSPB Bird Boat. Also in and around Brands Bay and Bramble Bush Bay out towards Goathorn Point. Common Scoter Status Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites Numbers used to reach around 100 birds out in Poole Bay during the 1950 s, but now only single figures of settled birds can be found. Out in Shell Bay and off Knoll and Middle beach are worth a look. Out in the center of the Harbour viewed from Shipstal Point too. Small flocks can be seen passing out in Poole Bay in spring. Velvet Scoter Status Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites Worth checking out on the sea if at any of the Studland beaches. Also gets recorded out in the harbour from Arne and around Brands Bay.

5 Goldeneye Status Regular winter visitor Good Sites Poole Harbour is a nationally important site for Goldeneye. Best places to see them are out on the open water viewed from Arne, Rockley Point, North/South Haven and Brands Bay. Evening roosts between Furzy Island and Round Island can hold up to 100 birds. Smew Status Scarce winter visitor Good Sites Massive decline in wintering numbers with the Wareham Channel often hosting birds in the 1950 s. Now it seems only extreme cold weather brings birds to the harbour with Swineham GP, Holes Bay and the Wareham Channel being good places to look. Red- breasted Merganser Status Common winter visitor Good Sites Poole Harbour hosts the largest wintering population outside of Scotland. Large rafts of these punk rockers can be seen loafing out on any body of water out in the Harbour. A great way to see them is from an RSPB bird boat. A large evening roost containing up to 300 birds can be seen in- between Furzey Island and Round Island mixing with Goldeneye and Great Crested Grebe. Goosander Status Scarce winter visitor Good Sites Another bird drawn in by extreme cold weather. Check the warmer waters of Holes Bay during a big freeze or the Swineham GP. Birds have also been recorded off Arne, Hamworthy beach, Lytchett Bay and the Holton shoreline. Ruddy Duck Status Very scarce winter visitor Good Sites Poole Park during a cold snap, along with Holes bay could be fruitful, but also recorded at Ham Common, Hatch Pond and Ridge. Red- legged Partridge Status Scarce resident breeder Good Sites Not an easy bird to see in the Harbour now, with occasional birds up on Ballard down and recent sightings at Arne, Soldiers Road and Ridge. Grey Partridge Status Rare passage migrant Good Sites Not many recent sightings, and the final stronghold was Greenland s Farm in the mid sixties. Quail Pheasant Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Breeds in most rural habitats around the harbour and is released annually. Golden Pheasant Status Breeding resident Good Sites Only found on Brownsea and Furzey Island. They can sometimes be visible at great distance from the mainland at Studland looking back on to the south side of Brownsea.

6 Red- throated Diver Status Annual winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites In the winter best places to look are out in Poole Bay, Shell Bay and Studland Bay with occasional inner harbor records at places like Brands Bay and even Holes Bay and Lytchett Bay. Passage birds move through Poole Bay in an easterly direction in the spring. Black- throated Diver Status - Scarce annual winter visitor Good Sites The least common of the three Divers, they can arrive and spend time in the bays outside the harbour mouth. Very rarely recorded in the inner harbour. Great Northern Diver Status Winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites The most common of the three Divers. Found inside and outside of the harbor. Outside they can be seen in Poole Bay from Branksome round to Old Harry, whilst inside the harbor they prefer the deep channels around Brownsea and the harbour mouth Pied- billed Grebe Little Grebe Status Resident breeding bird and winter visitor Good Sites Easiest seen in winter when fishing out in shallow channels in certain bays like Lytchett Bay, Holes Bay and the Wareham Channel. Breeding takes place on the Brownsea lagoon, Hatch Pond and Little Sea. Great Crested Grebe Status Resident breeding bird and winter visitor Good Sites Along with Red- breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe is one of the easiest birds to see in the winter with any body of water hosting good numbers with evening roosts between Furzey Island and Round Island holding up to 200 birds. Breeding now takes place at Hatch Pond and Swineham GP. Red- necked Grebe Status Scarce winter visitor Good Sites The rarest of the winter grebes, but can be found Just off Pilots Points, inside the harbour mouth or off the southern shores of Brownsea. Also just outside the harbour in Shell Bay and Poole Bay are worth checking. Slavonian Grebe Status Annual winter visitor Good Sites Poole Harbour hosts nationally important numbers of this species. The best places to look are in Studland Bay especially off the Studland beach café. Other good places are Shell Bay, Bramble Bush Bay and off Shipstal Point and to the east of Long Island. Black- necked Grebe Status Annual winter visitor Good Sites Poole Harbour hosts nationally important numbers of this species. By far the best place to watch is Studland Bay and Shell Bay with numbers reaching as many as 80 in Small groups do move in to the harbour with the body of water between Goathorn and Brownsea worth checking.

7 Fulmar Status Summer breeding visitor and passage migrant Good Sites Present through the breeding season around Old Harry, along the cliffs to Ballard Point. Regular passage bird out in Poole Bay. Cory s Shearwater Sooty Shearwater, possibly under recorded Manx Shearwater Status Annual spring/summer passage migrant Good Sites Recorded every year out in Poole Bay off Branksome during May and June with other records off Studland Bay. Balearic Shearwater Status Very scarce annual passage migrant, possibly under recorded Good Sites Almost all records are from Branksome Chine of birds passing out in Poole Bay Storm Petrel Status Scarce summer/autumn passage migrant Good Sites - South- easterly storms are best for driving Storm Petrels into Poole Bay, and occasionally into the harbour itself. Mostly recorded from Branksome Chine where birds can be watched lingering offshore, in high seas viewing is best achieved from Branksome Dene Chine which has a higher elevation. Leach s Storm Petrel Status Very rare autumn/winter passage migrant Good Sites Again, check Poole and Studland Bay during or just after a severe gale. Gannet Status Regular passage migrant Good Sites Can be seen fishing in Poole Bay throughout the summer in flocks of up to twenty birds. Can also be seen passing Branksome Chine and Old Harry in onshore winds from March to November. Cormorant Status Breeding resident and winter visitor Good Sites Breeding takes place on the cliffs of Ballard Down. This species is common at many sites around the harbour but numbers increase in autumn and winter with large rafts of up to 400 birds feeding birds in the deep channels off Shipstal, Brownsea and the Wareham Channel. Shag Status Resident local breeder Good Sites - Favoured feeding areas inside the harbour include the deep- water channel between Brownsea Island and Sandbanks and adjoining water, the northern part of Brands Bay, the deep water channel off Poole Quay and Hamworthy and the southern part of Holes Bay. Also on the marker buoys just outside the harbour mouth.

8 Bittern Status Increasing winter visitor Good Sites As Hatch Pond is included in the Poole Harbour boundaries this species is becoming easier to see with up to 4 birds regularly over wintering at this very urban site. Other sites worth keeping an eye out include Swineham and Middlebere. Little Bittern Night Heron Squacco Heron Cattle Egret Little Egret Status Breeding resident and winter visitor Good Sites Now common throughout the harbour these birds first bred in the UK for the first time ever in 1996 on Brownsea Island. There are now several colonies around the harbour, and you can t help but see these stunning little herons wherever you may be. Numbers rise in the winter with Arne and Middlebere seeing noticeable increases. Great White Egret Grey Heron Status Breeding resident Good Sites Common throughout the harbour, Brownsea used to host the largest heronry in Dorset. Unfortunately due to predation the numbers dropped and the colony moved on. Wareham Water Meadows, Swineham, Holes Bay, Lytchett Bay, Brownsea, Arne and Middlebere and Upton CP all record Grey Heron regularly. Purple Heron Black Stork Good Sites Middlebere has over 50% of all county records for this species! White Stork Good Sites Nearly 100% of all Poole Harbour records are from around the Arne peninsular. Glossy Ibis

9 Spoonbill Status Regular winter visitor and passage migrant. Has over summered Good Sites Without a doubt the best places to see Spoonbill is on the Brownsea Lagoon and in the Middlebere Channel depending on the tide. A harbour maximum of 28 in October 2011 was an incredible site with 15 over wintering. The sand spit from Shipstal hide is always a good spot along with the warmer waters of Holes Bay in severe cold weather. When are they going to breed? Honey Buzzard Status Very scarce passage migrant Good Sites Could potentially pass over anywhere but the Arne/Middlebere area has a quite a few records along with a handful of sightings in and around the Lytchett Bay/Holton Lee area. Red Kite Status Increasing spring/ summer passage migrant Good Sites With populations ever growing in the north of the country this species has become a much more regular sight in the harbour with at least 5-10 sightings each year. Birds can be seen drifting into the harbour mouth heading over Brownsea towards Middlebere and then off over Arne heading inland. Marsh Harrier Status Regular winter visitor, has bred. Good Sites Back in the 1940 s Poole Habour used to have 60% of the entire UK breeding population of Marsh Harrier. By the 1960 s there were none. There are still no breeding birds but up to 8 birds now over winter with Middlebere, Lytchett Bay, Holton Shore and the Wareham Channel receiving most sightings. Hen Harrier Status Annual winter visitor Good Sites Numbers have declined over the last 10 years when winter roosts of up to 8 birds were recorded. Now a maximum of 3-4 birds spend the winter patrolling up and down the southern edges of the harbour with Middlebere being the best place to spot them. Montagu s Harrier Status Very rare spring/summer passage migrant Good Sites As a bird of open heathland and moors it s not surprising most sightings come from the west of the Harbour in and around the Arne/Middlebere area ranging all the way down to Studland and Godlingston. Goshawk Status Very rare passage migrant Good Sites There seems to be no real pattern regarding Goshawk in the harbour but the Arne/Wareham channel area has had it s fair share of sightings. Sparrowhawk Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Encountered in most places around the harbour. Sparrowhawk are frequently viewed at point blank range taking small birds off the feeders at Arne. Lytchett Bay, Middlebere, Holton Lee, Upton Heath and the urban areas of Poole are all regular sites.

10 Buzzard Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Easily seen wherever you are in the Harbour, even thermalling high above the urban areas to the east of the harbour. Lytchett Bay, Arne, Ballard, Studland, Hartland Moor and Middlebere host Buzzard daily. Rough- legged Buzzard Osprey Status Regular spring/autumn passage migrant Good Sites Seen more so in the autumn these birds can hang around for up to two weeks at a time in August to September. Best time to see Osprey is from the last two weeks of August until mid September. An early morning watch from Rockley viewpoint can produce 1-2 birds hunting in the Wareham Channel. Middlebere and Arne are other top spots with Lytchett Bay, Brands Bay and Wytch Lake seeing regular birds in the autumn. It s not uncommon to encounter 3 birds at the same time during peak migration. Kestrel Status Declining breeding resident Good Sites Sad to see such a decline in this species but the fantastic RSPB webcam in April and May gives a great insight and view to a Poole Harbour nest. Other breeding sites include Holes Bay, Studland Heath, Greenland s Farm, Wytch and the Upton Dual Carriageway area. Individuals can be encountered anywhere within the harbour. Red- footed Falcon Status Vagrant to the Harbour Merlin Status Regular Passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites The Middlebere and Hartland Moor area is best for these birds mid winter, but on passage can be picked up in several places like Ballard, Studland, Godlingston and Bestwall. Hobby Status Summer breeding resident and passage migrant Good Sites Usually very active when they return mid April hunting over the bogs and meadows of Middlebere, Bestwall, Swineham and along the Arne approach road. Breeds on local heathland surrounding the harbour with Arne and Hartland Moor being good places to look mid summer. Gyr Falcon Peregrine Falcon Status Scarce breeding resident and regular winter visitor Good Sites Can be easily encountered anywhere in the harbour from October to March with 5-6 Birds (possibly more) making the most of the abundant food source. Anywhere with large concentrations of waders and wildfowl will attract Peregrine like the Brownsea lagoon, Middlebere, Holes Bay, Lytchett Bay, Brands Bay Arne Bay and the Wareham Channel.

11 Water Rail Status Breeding resident Good Sites A tricky bird to see due to it s shy nature, but a recent survey proved that there were many more breeding pairs than first thought. Patients is a virtue and sitting and watching the edge of any reedbed around the harbour should eventually produce Water Rail. Best located by familiarizing yourself with their call. Spotted Crake Status Very rare passage migrant Good Sites Historic records show two good areas for this species. Unfortunately one area is a private site but the other site is the Brownsea Island lagoon. Lesser records of one s and two s have been recorded at Lytchett Bay, Studland and Little Sea. Corncrake Status A vagrant to the harbour Moorhen Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Breeds in Poole Park, Little Sea, Upton Country park, Brownsea Island, Hatch Pond and many other sites throughout the harbour. Coot Status Breeding resident and winter visitor Good Sites Breeds at certain sites like Hatch Pond, Little Sea and Swineham. Numbers can swell during the winter with many birds at Poole Park, but can remain very scarce in certain areas throughout the harbour, for example Lytchett Bay only has two records in the last ten years. Common Crane Oystercatcher Status Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites A very frequent bird, can often be seen feeding on any mudflat or shingle beach around the harbour. Large gatherings of up to can be viewed on the shingle bank at Shipstal with large roosts on the Brownsea lagoon at high tide. Feeding also takes place on the Baiter Park football pitches despite many dogs. Black- winged Stilt Avocet Status Increasing winter visitor Good Sites A great success story with numbers rising from 25 to almost 2000 in just 30 years. These numbers exceed the threshold for international importance, (700) and the harbour is now the most important British wintering site with over 40% of the UK population. By far the best spots are the Brownsea lagoon on a high tide with almost the entire wintering flock in one roost, and the Middlebere Channel mid tide November to February with around 500 feeding all along the channel. Other feeding areas include Lytchett Bay, Holes Bay and Arne bay. Stone Curlew

12 Collared Pratincole Little- ringed Plover Status Spring and (less so) autumn passage migrant, very rare breeder Good Sites Bred on the private Arne clay pit site in The Lytchett Bay pools field is still a good spring site along with Brownsea. Ringed Plover Status Passage migrant and declining winter visitor? Good Sites Used to be a scarce breeder, but now only occurs in very small numbers on passage and in winter. The shoreline at Shell Bay and Studland beach before the dogs arrive can be good for Ringed Plover, along with the Hamworthy shoreline. Other than those sites the Brownsea lagoon during migration season is the only other hotspot. Kentish Plover Dotterel Golden Plover Status Irregular winter visitor Good Sites Sporadic in it s appearances around the harbour, the fields around Bestwall and Swineham are usually the best places to look as they hang out with Lapwing. Some passage does occur with records over Ballard and Studland. Grey Plover Status Winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites 80% of Dorset s wintering population occur in Poole Harbour. Large roosts of up to occur on the Brownsea Lagoon at high tide, with favored feeding areas being along the southern and western shores of the harbour such as Brands Bay, Fitzworth and Holton Shore. On passage birds appear in the Middlebere Channel fairly often. Sociable Plover Lapwing Status Declining breeding resident and winter visitor Good Sites In winter vast flocks can occur of up to 2000 birds especially during extreme cold weather. They quite often commute between the mudflats at Middlebere and the fields behind. Other smaller flocks occur around the harbour in Lytchett Bay, Brands Bay and on the fields around Bestwall and Swineham. Knot Status Passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Most easily seen on Brownsea or in Brands Bay from August to October. Recently started to use Middlebere fairly frequently.

13 Sanderling Status Passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Never really occurs in large numbers. Winter flocks of around usually feed in around pilots point and then roosting in Bramble Bush Bay if the beach is too busy. They also feed along the shoreline of Shell Bay down to the Harbour mouth and just off the sea wall at Brownsea. Little Stint Status Autumn passage migrant Good Sites - Normally an autumn passage bird best seen on Brownsea lagoon with a maximum of 17 in Usually only in ones and twos with other sites including Lytchett Bay, Holton Shore, Middlebere and Swineham. Temminks Stint Baird s Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Buff Breasted Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper Status Autumn passage migrant Good Sites - Most reliably seen on Brownsea lagoon in September when small numbers of juveniles move through. Larger flocks containing birds have occurred in the past with Middlebere being one of the better mainland sites. Very rarely occurs as a spring passage bird. Purple Sandpiper Status Winter visitor (in small numbers) Good Sites - Best seen in winter in two s and three s at the harbour mouth feeding on the weed on the Sandbanks ferry steps, or roosting on the groynes. Also roosts on the rocks at Pilots point and on the exposed training bank. Dunlin Status Common winter visitor Good Sites - Dunlin is an abundant wader in the winter and small parties summer here. In January 2002 Poole harbour again held over 90% of the counties birds and had over 6000 birds and this has now continued for nearly a decade. These numbers qualify Poole harbour as an area of national importance for Dunlin,(5300 being the threshold). Pilots Point on a high tide during the week may allow you to see the whole wintering flock which is quite a sight. Ruff Status Irregular winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites - Occurs in small numbers at Bestwall, Wareham meadows, Swineham and Middlebere. In cold winters they can turn up in anywhere even ice skating on Poole Park lake!

14 Jack Snipe Status Scarce but annual winter visitor Good Sites Traditionally flushed from under your feet during the winter months whilst you re looking up at the skies. Sunnyside Farm, Wareham Water Meadows, Lytchett Bay, Swineham and Arne all have semi- regular reports each winter. Snipe Status Scarce breeding resident, regular winter visitor Good Sites Any of the wet heathland and water meadows bordering the harbour hold Snipe in the winter. Large flocks of up to used to be frequent but now most sites hold around birds with numbers rising in extreme cold weather. Great Snipe Long- billed Dowitcher Woodcock Status Scarce breeding resident and regular winter visitor Good Sites Like Nightjar, these birds are most active at dusk. Birds are frequently seen flying from the woodland at Soldiers Road, across the Arne road and out on to the Arne moors normally about 20 minutes before total darkness. Black- tailed Godwit Status Winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites Poole Harbour is an internationally important site for Black- tailed Godwit. With harbour counts exceeding 2000 it makes them an easily seeable bird in many of the bays and water meadows. Middlebere holds around mid winter as does the Brownsea lagoon. Other large flocks can be found in Brands Bay, Lytchett Bay, Holes Bay and Arne Bay. Also found on the water meadows and fields of Bestwall and Swineham all the way up to East Stoke! Bar- tailed Godwit Status Winter visitor and passage migrant. Good Sites Nowhere near as common as Black- tailed Godwit, but still reliably seen feeding or roosting on the mud off shore road, moving to Brownsea if disturbed by windsurfers or bait diggers. Average totals of with birds frequenting the shores of Furzey, Middlebere and Arne through the winter. Obvious passage can be observed out in Poole Bay during April with birds heading back to their breeding grounds. Whimbrel Status Spring and autumn passage migrant Good Sites Large flocks of Whimbrel used to stop off in certain parts of the harbour with counts of up to 200 being quite common out on Wareham moors. Birds now filter through in much smaller numbers on their way north with Holes Bay, Lytchett Bay, Brands Bay and Arne occasionally reaching double figures.

15 Curlew Status Resident and winter visitor Good Sites Common throughout the harbour, especially during the winter. Large gatherings of up to 300 birds can be seen from the RSPB hide at Shipstal. Harbour maximums can reach up to 2000 with an almost equal spread throughout the southern and western bays. Spotted Redshank Status Passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites The north- east corner of Holes Bay has become an almost traditional wintering site now with at least two each winter, also the Brownsea Island lagoon October to March can hold up to five birds. Birds on passage can turn up anywhere with Middlebere, Brands Bay and Arne Bay holding birds. Redshank Status Declining breeding resident and regular winter visitor Good Sites Otherwise known as the Wardens of the Marsh due to their habit of patrolling every creek, channel and mudlflat in the harbour. Winter counts rise to almost 2000 with pretty much the whole harbour seeing decent sized flocks. Greenshank Status Passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites The Brownsea lagoon, Lytchett Bay and Middlebere remain the best sites. Green Sandpiper Status Passage migrant Good Sites The lush wet fields around parts of the harbour host good numbers of Green Sandpiper on passage. A maximum count of fourteen at Sunnyside Farm in August 2011 was a great record, also Lytchett Bay, Wareham Water Meadows and the pool in front of the harrier hide at Middlebere. Wood Sandpiper Status Passage migrant Good Sites Although probably annual, Wood Sandpiper can be quite hard to catch up with. Birds have appeared in the past at Lytchett Bay, Sunnyside Farm, Brownsea lagoon, Swineham and Bestwall. Terek Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Status Passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Birds start to arrive during the summer with the Brownsea lagoon and Holes Bay being hotspots. Birds also use the sewage works at Lytchett Bay to feed. Also found at Brands Bay, Middlebere and Swineham. Turnstone Status Winter visitor Good Sites This is the only species where Baiter beach is a main site with around feeding throughout the winter. Can also be encountered at very close range on the Quay at Poole where they feed on bread crumbs like Sparrows! Wilsons Phalarope Red Necked Phalarope

16 Grey Phalarope Status Autumn/winter visitor (during/after strong storms) Good Sites Watching Poole Bay from Branksome or Studland after a strong gale could produce birds on the water or flying by. They do get recorded in the harbour with records at Baiter, Brownsea, Holes bay, Lytchett Bay and Middlebere. Pomarine Skua Status Scarce spring/autumn passage migrant Good Sites A sea watch from Branksome or any of the Studland beaches during May with a strong on- shore wind could push birds close in to the beaches. Arctic Skua Status Passage migrant Good Sites The most common of the four Skuas with ones and twos seen if the winds are strong enough in spring summer or autumn, normally in Poole Bay off Branksome or Studland. The best way to see Arctic Skuas is to be at Branksome between eight and ten on a spring or autumn morning with force five to six on shore winds and scan. Birds are normally passing or sometimes will sit on the water. Does get recorded in the harbour with individuals recorded on Brownsea, in Middlebere and over the RSPB Arne car park! Long- tailed Skua Status A vagrant to the harbour Great Skua Status Spring/autumn passage migrant Good Sites Like the other Skuas, watching the outer harbour bays in strong on- shore winds should eventually produce a Great Skua. Very rarely recorded in the harbour itself. Mediterranean Gull Status Increasing breeding resident Good Sites Once a very scarce breeder numbers have now soared with almost over 100 pairs breeding in the harbour. In the spring and summer they can be identified by their load cat like meow as they fly to and from feeding sites. Their flight line takes them over the north- west of the harbour with Lytchett Bay and the Wareham channel seeing most records. Little Gull Status Spring/autumn passage migrant Good Sites Birds often come into the harbour for shelter and can stay for long periods. Swineham GP, Lytchett Bay and the harbour mouth are all well worth checking, especially during adverse weather. Sabine s Gull Black- headed Gull Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Probably one of the most numerous birds in the harbour. Can be encountered on any habitat at any time of year. Large breeding flock of about 6000 pairs off the Holton shore. Ring- billed Gull

17 Common Gull Status Scarce resident and regular winter visitor Good Sites - Numbers build up again through the autumn starting in October and increasing towards December. Otherwise present all year in the harbour in tens rather than thousands, with less records from May to July. The Wareham channel, Poole Park and Holes Bay on a low tide hold good numbers in the winter. Lesser Black- backed gull Status Scarce breeder, common passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Can be encountered in most places around the harbour during the winter, but Holes Bay on a low tide in the winter is a great place to watch gulls as they fly to and from the Kerry Food s factory. Lesser Black- backed Gull (Intermedius) Herring Gull (argenteus) Status Declining breeding resident and common winter visitor Good Sites The last 50 years has seen a huge decline in breeding numbers where it was said that Brownsea Island used to host nests in the 1960 s and then only three nests in 2000! Still easy to see in most places around the harbour, with Poole Quay being a good place to look as they hunt down free chips! Herring Gull (argentatus) American Herring Gull Yellow- legged Gull Status Rare breeding bird and regular late summer visitor Good Sites - Poole Harbour is the best site in the county and one of the best in the country to see this gull. Britain s first attempt at breeding occurred on Brownsea from where they only successfully raised two young in 1997 and again in Kerry Foods on the edge of Holes Bay is the best known site with up to ten birds present throughout the winter months and by May at least 40 birds, mainly sexually immature 1 st and 2 nd summers, are present. Iceland Gull Status Very rare winter visitor Good Sites Typical behavior of white winged gulls is to fly in over Studland and on to Little Sea where they wash and then join larger gulls roosting in Brands Bay. Saying this there have been reports from all over the harbour with Kerry Foods at Holes Bay being a popular spot. Glaucous Gull Status Very rare winter visitor Good Sites Little Sea at Studland holds most records but they remain a hard bird to find. Possibly under recorded.

18 Great Black- backed Gull Status Resident breeding bird Good Sites Breeds on Brownsea and on Ballard Down. Can be encountered at most places around the harbour with the Holes Bay area attracting good numbers in winter Kittiwake Status Resident Good Sites Although they don t breed within the boundaries, Kittiwake are regularly seen passing out in Poole Bay from looking from Branksome Chine and Studland, more so in Autumn gales. A few in harbour records on Brownsea and Lytchett Bay. Gull- billed Tern Caspian Tern Sandwich Tern Status Regular summer breeder and over- winterer Good Sites Breeds on the Brownsea lagoon with great views from the hides. Seen sporadically around the harbour with birds keeping nearer the harbour mouth as they go out and feed. In recent years birds have been over- wintering with a count of eleven in the Wareham channel December Roseate Tern Status Spring/autumn passage migrant, has bred Good Sites The Brownsea lagoon and harbour mouth are best for Roseate Tern as they feed and mix in with the breeding and migrating Terns. Common Tern Status Summer breeding migrant Good Sites Yet again, Brownsea is the only breeding site in the harbour for Common Tern. They outnumber the Sandwich Tern but both can be seen heading out of the harbour mouth to feed amonst the swimmers and yachty s Arctic Tern Status Rare but annual passage migrant Good Sites Majority of reports relate to 1 st year birds heading west in the autumn out in Poole Bay. Have been recorded inside the harbour, mainly on the Brownsea lagoon Whiskered Tern Little Tern Status Sporadic passage migrant Good Sites This species is highly erratic in the harbour. The Brownsea lagoon holds the harbour record of 105 in August 1983, but majority of sightings are of ones and twos. Can be seen passing out in Poole Bay in small flocks April- May from Branksome. Black Tern Status Scarce annual passage migrant Good Sites Usually at least one or two turn up with Brownsea being a favored stop off point. Larger groups can occur with possible flocks of up to birs as proven in the records at Studland and Holes Bay.

19 White- winged Black Tern Guillemot Status Winter visitor Good Sites Small numbers of around 5-10 over winter in the harbour, usually hanging around the harbour mouth but do come up as far as Poole Quay giving great views. Razorbill Status Winter visitor Good Sites Like Guillemot, small numbers occur during the winter but tend to stay near the harbour mouth and don t venture into the inner harbour. Black Guillemot Little Auk Status Storm driven winter visitor Good Sites A good amount of records in and around the harbour mouth usually in November and December. Has been recorded as far in as Poole Quay with two birds giving excellent views (in 1956!). Also pass sit in Studland and Poole Bay after strong winds. Puffin Good Sites There aren t any!! Probably the most sought after common bird in Poole Harbour with only about five records since records began. Probable migration out in Poole Bay during the Spring. Pallas s Sandgrouse Feral Pigeon Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Common in and around the urban areas in the north of the harbour. Poole Quay, Poole High Street and Poole Park. Surprisingly rare on the southern shores. Stock Dove Status Regular breeding resident Good Sites Fairly common around most of the harbour where they breed in large parks and gardens. A large flock of around birds historically spent the winter in and around the Arne/Middlebere area, but has not been seen for a few years. Wood Pigeon Status Common breeding resident and passage migrant Good Sites Evident around the entire harbour, Wood Pigeon is a bird you can t fail to see. However, to make the most of these plump Pigeons you may want to watch the mass Wood Pigeon migration that takes place across the harbour usually in early November. A stunning 161,275 were counted flying across on the morning of November the 10 th 2010.

20 Collared Dove Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Breeds in rural and urban areas around the harbour, and very common in parks and gardens. Large flocks have occurred with 57 at Poole Park on 24 th October Turtle Dove Status Very rare passage migrant Good Sites Suspected to have never been common in the harbour, Turtle Dove only show up very sporadically. Ballard Down and the top of Glebelands are good historical sites. Ring- necked Parakeet Status Introduced breeding resident Good Sites Breeding is restricted to the Studland area where numbers have risen and fallen over the last 20 years. With a maximum of twelve in 1996, nowerdays only three or four can now be seen around the Bankes Arms area. Cuckoo Status Declining breeding summer visitor Good Sites Normally arrives mid to late April, the heathlands around the west of the harbour are good sites such as Coombe Heath (Arne), Middlebere, Stoborough Heath, Hartland Moor and Godlingston Heath. Yellow- billed Cuckoo Barn Owl Status Scarce breeding resident Good Sites Bred recently at Arne and Middlebere, but can occur anywhere around the harbour in the winter. Little Owl Status Very scarce resident, formally bred Good Sites No reliable sites anymore. Formally bred near Middlebere and Lytchett Bay but neither site has recorded breeding in recent years. Also used to breed at Arne a decade ago. Most likey chance of seeing one in the harbour is to encounter a migrating bird from further afield prospecting new breeding sites! Tawny Owl Status Breeding resident Good Sites Found throughout the harbour, recent breeding sites include Lytchett Bay, Arne, Lytchett Minster, Stoborough, Studland, Brownsea. Long - eared Owl Status Very rare winter visitor, has bred Good Sites Formally bred at Arne and near Studland back in the early 1900 s, now only shows up very rarely at random sites. Short eared Owl Status Uncommon winter visitor

21 Good Sites Middlebere, Swineham, Bestwall and Hartland Moor have all held birds in the last few winters. Common Nighthawk Nightjar Status Regular breeding summer visitor Good Sites Any heathland surrounding the harbour will hold good numbers of Nightjar. Arne, Godlingston, Studland, and Hartland Moor are all top sites with 10+ pairs at each site. Swift Status Declining breeding summer visitor, common passage migrant Good Sites Once common in large numbers above Old Town Poole and Wareham, now seen in much smaller numbers. Large groups of up to 500 birds can be seen feeding above Swineham GP and Wareham water meadows on passage. Little Swift Alpine Swift Kingfisher Status Breeding resident Good Sites Lytchett Bay, Holes Bay and River Frome are all good spots, but can be encountered at Arne, Swineham, Brownsea and Little Sea when post breeding dispersal takes place. European Bee- eater Roller Hoopoe Wryneck Green Woodpecker Status Common breeding resident Good Sites The Green Woodpeckers laughing yaffle can be heard in any rural area around the harbour. Arne, Upton House, Sleepe, Lytchett Bay and Studland all hold good numbers. Great Spotted Woodpecker Status Common breeding resident Good Sites Any wooded area will hold Great Spotted Woodpecker, even in the urban east of the harbour. Arne tends to have 4-5 Breeding pairs each year with Lytchett Bay, Upton Country Park, Studland, Ridge, Swineham and many other areas recording breeding birds.

22 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Status Very rare breeding resident Good Sites Formally bred at Arne, Ower, Brownsea and Upton Country Park now only breeds very sporadically at a private site in the west of the harbour. Most likely to be encountered in late February and March when drumming males can be heard. Woodlark Status Breeding resident and passage migrant Good Sites Birds start their stunning descending calls in early February and can be heard ringing out across many heathlands such as Arne, Stoborough, Grange, Studland, Holton and Godlingston. On passage they can be seen during the Vis Mig (Visible Migration) season passing over head at Glebelands, Ballard and North/South Haven. Skylark Status Breeding resident and winter visitor Good Sites Breeds at Studnad, Wareham water meadows, Hartland Moor and some of the other heathland. Can be encountered in large numbers during cold weather with records of over 200 birds passing over Brownsea, Arne, Studland and a whopping 10,000 seen flying west over Poole Bay on December 31 st 1961! Shore Lark Status Extremely rare winter visitor Good Sites Only a handful of records from around the Studland area and one sighting of a pair on the Brownsea lagoon in December Sand Martin Status Declining breeding summer visitor and common passage migrant Good Sites Mainly encountered as a passage bird with large gatherings over Swineham GP in late Summer. Arrives in early- mid March. Swallow Status Common summer breeding resident and passage migrant Good Sites Breeds all around the harbour with Arne, Upton Country Park, Studland, Lytchett Bay, Ridge and Middlebere being regular sites. On passage large roosts of up to 10,000 have been recorded roosting in Poole Harbour reedbeds, but is more regular. Red- rumped Swallow House Martin Status Declining breeding summer visitor and common passage migrant Good Sites Sporadic breeding sites around the harbour. Passage migrants arrive mid April and pass through feeding over the many moors and fields around the harbour. Tawny Pipit Tree Pipit Status Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant

23 Good Sites Once a wide spread breeding bird, it is now very much localized to only a few sites. Arne, Stoborough, Grange and Holton Lee. Regularly seen as an autumn passage bird as it lets out a thin high pitched szeeet as they fly high overhead early in the morning. Meadow Pipit Status Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Breeds on all the local heathland with good numbers at Arne, Studland and Godlingston. Numbers fluctuate in the winter especially out on open heathland where numerous groups of 30+ birds spend the winter feeding together. Rock Pipit Status Resident Good Sites Breeds up on Ballard Down, but not very numerous throughout the rest of the harbour. Sporadically turns up in places like Baiter, Holes Bay, Studland etc. Water Pipit Status Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites - Wareham water meadows and the Wytch causeway are the most reliable sites. Worth checking any wet marshy field during the winter. Yellow Wagtail Status Passage migrant- more so in the Autumn Good Sites Passes through in small numbers during the spring with any fields containing cattle being a target. In the autumn large flocks of 100+ roost in the reed beds around Lytchett Bay, Swineham, Wareham Water Meadows and Holton Lee, with birds feeding up on insects again around fields containing cattle. Blue- headed Wagtail Ashy- headed Wagtail Grey Wagtail Status Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Breeds at Lytchett Bay, Keysworth, Corfe Castle, Wareham Quay and Poole Park and probably many other sites. Numbers swell ever so slightly in the winter. White Wagtail Status Regular passage migrant Good Sites Probably under recorded but passage is evident in spring and winter with birds recorded at South Haven, Godlingston, Arne, Wareham Water Meadows, Lytchett Bay, Upton Country Park and Branksome. Pied Wagtail Status Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor

24 Good Sites Breeds throughout the whole harbour but more obvious in autumn and winter when large flocks congregate to roost in Poole Town Centre, Poole Park, Poole Grammar School and other urban sites around the harbour. Waxwing Status Irregular winter visitor Good Sites It seems every 4-5 years the UK gets large irruptions on Waxwing which coincides with Poole Harbour sightings. Within the boundaries the Poole Sainsbury s car park was a real hit with 100 birds feeding on the Rowan. Lytchett Bay, Upton and Hamworthy all recorded birds. Broadstone, Canford Heath and Parkston are all favoured feeding zones. Dipper Good Sites Formally bred in the early 1900 s this is now (along with Puffin) a highly sought after Poole Habour bird. Possible places would be around the Frome Valley and the Corfe Valley. Wren Status Common resident Good Sites An abundant species throughout the harbour found in any woodland, garden, scrub, heathland even reed bed habitat. Dunnock Status Common resident Good Sites - An abundant species throughout the harbour found in any woodland, garden, scrub, heathland habitat. Robin Status Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites - An abundant species throughout the harbour found in any woodland, garden, scrub, heathland habitat. Numbers rise in the winter with birds moving from the north of the UK, plus some continental birds. Nightingale Status Very scarce passage migrant, formally bred. Good Sites Very unreliable. Usually at least one record every few years. In recent years birds have been heard and seen at Upton Country Park, Ham Common and Lytchett Bay. The Corfe valley was a breeding stronghold. Bluethroat Black Redstart Status Annual passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Knoll/Middlebeach area in the late autumn along with Ballard and occassionally Holes Bay. Other regular reports at Arne, Ridge and Middlebere.

25 Common Redstart Status Regular passage migrant, has bred Good Sites Seen more so in the autumn with the Middlebere approach track, Sunnyside Farm and Arne peninsular reporting good numbers, but can turn up anywhere from late August to late September. Spring passage less obvious but Ballard being a reliable site. Whinchat Status Regular passage migrant Good Sites Only recorded on passage from April through to September. Ballard down in September is a hotspot, with other regular sightings at Greenlands Farm, Studland, Arne, SunnySide Farm and Lytchett Bay. Stonechat Status Resident Good Sites More than 50% of the counties breeding birds used to be based in the harbour. Breeding sites include Studland Heath, Stoborough Heath, Arne, Upton Heath and Godlingston. Wheatear Status Regular passage migrant, has bred Good Sites Arrives from mid March onwards and can pass through on a broad front across the harbour meaning they can turn up anywhere. Falls of 10+ birds can occur at Arne, Lytchett Bay, Ballard Down, Studland, Sunnyside, Bestwall and other sites. Autumn passage is strong too with most places hosting Wheatear at some point. Black- eared Wheatear Desert Wheatear Ring Ouzel Status Scarce passage migrant and occasional winter visitor Good Sites Most reliable on Ballard Down just north of Glebelands. Birds also annually reported from Greenlands Farm and Arne. Studland, Brownsea, Lytchett Bay and Ham Common all hold records. Blackbird Status Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Good Sites Common throughout the harbour with numbers rising especially during hard weather. South Haven is a good spot to watch migrating Blackbirds. Fieldfare Status Winter visitor and passage migrant Good Sites Soldiers Road, Upton Country Park, Arne, Bestwall, Upton Heath, anywhere with large fields for them to feed in. Cold weather movements can occur with flocks of 20,000+ birds being reported flying over the harbour. Song Thrush Status Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor