RSPB Arne, Dorset 18th & 19th April - Dartfords etc

We paid two visits to Arne one a short afternoon visit only to return the next day at 8:30 in the morning for a full day of exploring the area.  We were able to cover both the walks across Coombe Heath and the Shipstral Trails both areas stunning in their own way.  Sika Deer were seen all across the reserve and we had some great views.  A beautiful vixen came really close to us in the car park. As usual we had some great views of Siskin and Nuthatch from the feeders.  Quite a few Dartford Warblers were seen never keeping still long enough for a good shot.  Not too many photo opportunities but a good amount of wildlife was seen and observed.  This together with the stunning views and unique pine tree and heathland coastal environment makes Arne a special place to visit.

Highlights for Arne were Siskin, Nuthatch, Mistle Thrush, Black tailed Godwits, SandwichTern, Dartford Warbler, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Brent Goose, Whimbrel, Redshank, Great black backed Gull, Raven, Fox, Sika Deer and an undentified lizard.

This vixen surprised us by getting close in the car park

               

               

                   Probably the same vixen seen the following day in the field

   Nuthatch 

               

                  Siskin in fine colour

    Sika Deer protecting the 'white one'

                

                   

              

    Sika - not native but beautiful deer to see

                

                   Mistle Thrush

    The early bird gets the worm

               

                  Corfu Castle view

    Dartford Warbler

               

                  Dartford Warbler a fleeting view 

  Wood ants - quite a few huge nests across the reserve

               

                  Sandwich Tern

   Whimbrel

               

                   Whimbrel from the hide

   The beautiful Wren

               

                  Mistle Thrush

Sand Bay - our local patch 14/2/16 & 16/2/16

Sand Bay is only 10 minutes drive away from us and is a coastal area with tidal mud flats and a sandy beach that has been taken over by areas of vegetation which in turn provides a great haven for both flora and fauna. We had heard that a pair of Dartford Warblers were in residence so we decided to take a trip on a beautiful sunny morning. It did not take long for us to find the Dartfords feeding on the Sea Buckthorn - wow! What great little birds always on the move, occasionally chasing Stonechats and difficult to photo! 

Plenty of other birds to be seen and get great views of including Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Chiffchaff, Herring Gull, B H Gul, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Shelduck, House Sparrow, Linnet, Collard Dove, Starling & Pied Wagtail. 

Amazing to find so much in one area both wildlife and beautiful scenery. A superb place to visit if you can ignore the many dog walkers. The birds however seemed to have got use to both the dogs and their owners! 

   House Sparrow - good numbers along the beach vegetation

               

                  Dartford Warbler balancing in the Sea Buckthorn 

   Typical Dartford pose

                

   

          Eyeing up the berries!

 

    Often lurking in the undergrowth!

          

                 Occasionally the Dartfords would chase the Stonechats and ten sometimes perch                         

                 on the fence

    

Stonechat female 

           

                  Stonechat

    Not too often you see a Stonechat on the ground

              

                  Linnet

   Linnet - good numbers along the shore

Reed Bunting