Dorset weekend

[delia todd]

We're going to Dorset this weekend (Wareham). Is there much about? Have Arne on our visit list (are we likely to see Dartford Warbler there at this time of year?). Any other suggestions of places to visit.

D

[HelenB]

Have a look at my trip report on my website - URL below my signature. We visited several places in Dorset in 1998. Site map on the homepage.

Check out the following websites for locations and trip reports:

http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/ukengland.htm#Dorset (http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/ukengland.htm#Dorset)

http://www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/england_dorset.html

[paulsmwaters]

Have a look at my trip report on my website - URL below my signature. We visited several places in Dorset in 1998. Site map on the homepage.

Check out the following websites for locations and trip reports:

http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/ukengland.htm#Dorset (http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/ukengland.htm#Dorset)

http://www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/england_dorset.html
I have just visited your home page and looked at one or two of your trips, especially the Alaskan one. A real pleasure, Helen. Thanks for your memories. Fancy having humming birds so close. Oh well!

[Nigel G]

We're going to Dorset this weekend (Wareham). Is there much about? Have Arne on our visit list (are we likely to see Dartford Warbler there at this time of year?). Any other suggestions of places to visit.

D
Arne always has something to see and you might find Dartfords with a bit of luck - I did last month. If you particularly want Dartfords and have no luck at Arne try Canford Heath on the North edge of Poole.

Upton Country Park can be quite good for mudflats but shows best on a low tide which will be at 11.00 on Sat and 12.40 on Sun. Black tail Godwits garunteed and Avocets a probable (both also apply to Arne)

Durlston Country Park at Swanage offers good costal watching and is often on early migration routes but might be just a week or 2 too early still.

Finally a trip down to Portland is always worthwhile - sites include the harbour itself, Ferrybridge where the narrow causeway crosses onto Portland Bill and the Bill itself - check out the Bird Observatory website at www.portlandbirdobs.btinternet.co.uk

Hope you have a good trip

[devon.birder]

We're going to Dorset this weekend (Wareham). Is there much about? Have Arne on our visit list (are we likely to see Dartford Warbler there at this time of year?). Any other suggestions of places to visit.

D

You are quite likely to see Dartfords at Arne but Middlebere is a better bet. Take the minor road to the right just before you get to Arne and this road goes to Corfe. After a couple of miles or so look for cars parked on the verge on the left side of the road and this a very reliable place for Dartfords, you can sit in your car and see them. Afterwards walk down to the hide-about 20 minutes-and provided the tide is not in there is usually a good variety of waders there. Both Harriers and Barn Owl are also regular. Green-winged Teal today at Holes Bay, Poole. Best to park in Upton Country Park and walk down to the water and then keep going left until you reach Holes Bay. Spotted Redshank there today as well. Roger

[Stevie babe]

Studland Heath for Dartford Warblers

Take a look at Little sea near Studland

Radipole Lake (possible bittern) and Lodmoor in Weymouth

West Bexington, the Mere

regular Med Gulls in portland harbour at the moment

It's a very rich county for birds

Stevie

[stevo]

Durlston country park has recently had a wintering Firecrest by the gate just before you get to the lighthouse,also look out for the Fulmars which should be back on the cliffs by now.Portland bill has wintering Purple sandpipers on the rocks by the Obelisk.Hope this helps.

Cheers Steve.

[fr0sty]

Hi

Thinks are picking up here in Dorset (well better than they have been!)

Yesterday there was an increase in migrants over the portland area. I have listed some noteable birds / areas below:

RSPB Radipole (Weymouth) - Bittern Shows well usually from north hide, also likleyhood of yellow legged and med gull, bearded tit, cettis little egret.

RSPB Lodmoor (Weymouth) - Spoonbill (have been 2 of late), Scaup (up to 13 reported), Short eared owl (evening on fields behind reserve)

Ferrybridge (causeway to portland) in the fleet area you are likley to find med gulls and waders. Over on the harbourside there have recently been Great Northern Divers (distant towards the harbour wall), Redbreasted merganser, Red Necked Grebe.

Portland - Migrants have recently started moving with Buzzard and large numbers of lapwings yesterday. Also scoter off west cliffs and the resident peregrines and Ravens. Also reported Firecest.

Poole Harbour (Holes Bay) - reported green winged teal

I hope you find this info of use

Have a good trip

[Stevie babe]

You going to manage all this in one weekend????????????

[delia todd]

A weekend is never long enough, is it.

Thanks for all your advice, unfortunately a bit late for this trip, didn't know there were so many places to go but yippee I saw a Dartford Warbler at Arne :clap: :clap: :clap: at last.

You have all given me some great ideas for the next trip - there will be one!

There were hundreds of Avocet in Poole Harbour - anybody counted them?

D