The Invisible Botaurus and Dancing Harriers of Lodmoor

 June 14th: Journeyed to the extensive freshwater/brackish reedbeds of Lodmoor, with the primary objection of trying to see the Bittern ( Botaurus stellaris).The day was clear with blue sky and some cloud, warm but with a nice breeze. Though the dense Phragmites presented an almost impenetrable barrier to the eye.

The Dense Phragmites

I positioned myself for several hours at the margin of the marsh scanning with the utmost diligence. Not a reed stirred to betray the birds presence . Yet the trip was not without reward, even if the depths of marsh remained a closed book. The sky above was a theater  of magnificent animation, three Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) engaged in an exquisite aerial display of dancing and looping through the heavens with a buoyancy that defies description. At one time the ponderous form of a Buzzard ( Buteo Buteo) patrolled over the reeds.

Above the Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

Buzzard ( Buteo Buteo)

 While a solitary Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia); that most peculiar and specialised of waders was sleeping on the the Postbox Pool with the occasional preen.

Spoonbill ( Platalea leucorodia)

Finding myself entirely satisfied even though I did not see the bird, I rested by the path having my lunch while listening to the rhythmic sighing of the wind through the reeds a melody that has played unaltered since prehistoric times.

I was frequently distracted by flashes of vibrant predatory life close to hand. The magnificent Norfolk Hawker dragonflies ( Aeshna isoceles) with there bright green eye and coppery bodies hawked aggressively along the margin of the reeds. It was a joy watch this dragonfly . Historically confined to the eastern fens making its home in Dorset. I retraced my steps back to the car thoroughly satisfied with the beautiful struggle of existence that quietly goes on in Dorset.

Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isoceles) Also known as the Green-eyed Hawker

# Spoonbill 147

A Surprise Wildlife Encounter

 On May 30th, South West Lakes Trust held an open day at my local patch, Longham Lakes. My good friend and I volunteered to lead wildlife walks around the larger of the two lakes. Technically reservoirs, the smaller one, known as North Lake, was completed in 2002 and opened for fishing in 2009. Then in 2010, the larger South Lake was filled, quickly becoming a haven for wildlife. I began calling it my local patch in 2017 when I decided to see how many birds I could record between January 1st and December 31st. That year, I counted 112 different species simply by walking the gravel paths around the lake.

Before the event opened to the public, we took a preliminary walk to plan what we could show groups joining the tours. The lake was alive with Painted Ladies, a few dragonflies, plenty of Common Blue Damselflies, and some Banded Damselflies, things looked promising. Near the end of the walk, I spotted something unexpected. As we rounded a corner among the daisies, I noticed a large, coarse, hairy creature. It seemed too big and too grey for the rabbits usually seen around the area. Raising my binoculars, I was astonished to see a badger! What an incredible moment to watch this marvelous animal feeding peacefully among the daisies; I was thrilled.

Badger the 1st in 9 years of Patch Watching

Unfortunately, the badger was no longer in view when we led the first group of nine around South Lake. The group, like the others, was friendly and keen to see what we could find. Our first stop was on the causeway, where we spotted two Oystercatchers with two chicks, hopefully able to survive the many Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. As with the other groups, they were thrilled to see the Greylags and Egyptian Geese with their goslings, and some were especially pleased to spot the 20 spikes of Southern Marsh Orchids and Bird’s-foot Trefoil.  

Our last walk was at 3 pm, the fourth circuit around South Lake, bringing the day’s total to about 4.8 to 5 miles walked. It was a lovely day spent with wonderful company, sharing wildlife sightings and birdsong. Songs from the Blackcap, Cetti’s Warbler, and Song Thrush were well received, as some had heard these calls before but didn’t know what they were. It was a joy to explain that the scratchy call from the reeds came from a small bird called the Reed Warbler, which had flown from Africa across part of the Sahara Desert to breed here. A fabulous day, and hopefully some went home with a greater appreciation of the birdlife and wildlife around Longham, and how important places like Longham Lakes are.  

 One of the better spikes of Southern Marsh Orchid

One of the very many Painted Lady's seen

One of hundreds of Common Blue Damselfly

Black-tailed Skimmer

other dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies seen

Emperor Dragonfly

Lesser Emperor-possible

Banded Damselflies

Green- veined White

Common Blue

Red Admiral

 

Lunch Time News Flash

 May 20th,  

I had just sat down in my car to have lunch at work, and one bite into my delicious cheese and pickle sandwich, my phone burst into life. Swiping to answer, I saw it was my good friend George Green and instantly thought, “What’s he seen now?” I answered with, “Hello, George,” and he replied, “Red-footed Falcon on the heath!” My first thought was, “Oh bugger, I’m at work.” George explained where the bird was and told me to give him a ring if I came up later so he could meet me. My mind raced would it still be there at 5 p.m., or should I go now? “Sod it,” I said to myself, “I’ve got to go now while I’m on lunch break.” Off I went, racing to the location but driving carefully.  

After parking the car, I ran down the track, past the house and gate. I paused when I heard a Curlew calling, spotting it in the sky as it chased a Buzzard out of the area. Picking up my pace again, I rounded the corner and saw George, who signaled for me to slow down. “The bird still here?” I asked. “Right in front of you, in the dead tree,” came the reply. Lifting my binoculars, I saw him ; a magnificent male Red-footed Falcon, in full view. I wished I had my camera. I’ve seen RF Falcons before, but never a male, and what a stunner he was, with shades of blue-grey. After soaking in the sight and chatting with George, I figured it was time to get back to work.  

Unfortunately, on May 21st,  

I recently read some upsetting news on Facebook about people leaving the paths to see the RF Falcon, and I’m very disappointed in those who’ve wandered off the paths. Yesterday afternoon, I had great views of the bird perched on a dead tree, all from the path. Having known the heath and its birds for many years, I urge everyone to stick to the paths. Part of me feels like suppressing such news, even if it made me unpopular, but I also want people to enjoy seeing birds as I have from reports by others. The heath is deeply special to me in many ways.

Red-footed Falcon pictures by George Green

                                                         Red-footed Falcon ©George Green

 Red-footed Falcon ©George Green

# 143 Red-footed Falcon

Birding in May

I’ve been trying to think of a title for my new blog, which is really a mix of my birding adventures in May. A bit about me—recently I read an Instagram post from someone at Birds of Poole Harbour, describing how she grew up as a young birder without knowing anyone who shared her passion, and how discovering the BTO changed everything for her. It took me back to my own childhood in Birmingham in the 70s, when I was fascinated by birds but knew no one else who was. I’d wander through fields and along canals near home, chasing butterflies and catching red-breasted sticklebacks, dragonfly larvae, and caddis-type creatures. I didn’t have binoculars back then, and my only bird book (which I still have) was Garden and Field Birds, a 10th birthday gift from my mum, brother, and sister. I soon learned to identify Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, and in summer, Swifts, Swallows, and House Martins, though I still wonder what more I might have known. In 1978, Mum, my sister, and I moved to Dorset. Starting a new school and making friends was daunting, and again, no one I knew was into birds or wildlife; though fishing was popular. Then came an embarrassing moment at school around 1979 or 1980. Gazing out the window, as I often did, wishing I was outside, I spotted a large bird flying toward the building. As it got closer, I could make out its shape but couldn’t identify it. Excitedly, I blurted, “Miss, there’s a stork flying over the playground! I need to phone the RSPB!” I was told off for staring out the window and informed that storks don’t come to this country, while classmates teased me with silly comments. Later, I read in the Evening Echo about a White Stork sighted near Ringwood. After that, I stepped back from birding for a while, spending more time fishing with friends, though I still loved spotting kingfishers, coots, and moorhens.

My first bird book

Jumping ahead to 2011, I gave up fishing as birds began to draw me in again. This time, with the internet at my fingertips, I discovered Blashford Lakes, the BTO, and the Dorset Bird Club, all of which boosted my confidence. It wasn’t until I found the Birds of Poole Harbour that my confidence truly grew, thanks to bird walks led by Paul Morton. Paul would guide small groups across heathland and around the harbour, sharing his knowledge about the area and its wildlife. It was thanks to him that I saw my first Great Northern Diver, a bird I never thought I’d spot in Dorset. I’ve had quite a few firsts on those walks, but one I’ll never forget was a day on Morden Bog in May 2014 what an experience.  

So, what’s my point? Without people like Paul and the Birds of Poole Harbour, the Dorset Bird community offering help with IDs and encouragement, I’m not sure where I’d be. For any young and aspiring birders or birdwatchers out there, I would say get involved with the BTO youth programs and the Birds of Poole Harbour youth events. It’s a fantastic time to be a young naturalist, with so many resources available, and I hope it only gets better from here!

  

A Bird Walk

On May 9th, 2026, I joined a good friend for a bird walk around our local heathland. It’s not my first time helping with such walks and won’t be the last, with a Nightjar walk coming up soon and a wildlife walk at Longham Lakes on May 30th. We met at Whitesheet car park at 9:30 a.m. for a leisurely stroll, keeping an eye out for birds and plants. Right after leaving the car park, we heard a Blackcap singing and Goldcrests calling, spotting two of them flitting about in a pine tree. Further along, we came across a Lapwing, which sprang into action to chase a low-flying Buzzard. George mentioned a good spot ahead for Tree Pipits, and sure enough, one perched atop a small birch began singing. Just as I hoped it might parachute down, it did so, landing on a dead tree stump. Along the way we also noted Jay, Whitethroat, Skylark, and while some heard a Nightjar and a Woodlark, I unfortunately missed them. We spotted Lesser and Greater Stitchwort, Tormentil, and Speedwell Germander. A Chiffchaff was heard, and the sight of two Dartford Warblers in a dispute, topped off by the call of a Cuckoo, made for a truly delightful walk.

Tree Pipit

May 16th 2026

Durlston Country Park

I visited Durlston with my son to see the Guillemots and Razorbills, and they didn’t disappoint. There were around 100 Guillemots, with rafts of them on the water and many more packed onto the ledges it seemed there was barely enough room for them all. Among them, the Razorbills stood out with their dark black backs and stout bills. We stayed for a while, watching and listening, as Fulmars glided in and out from the cliff face on stiff wings; a real delight to see. Reaching the lighthouse and gully, we soon heard singing Whitethroats and spotted another target bird for the County List, the Rock Pipit. Four Swallows came in off the sea just before drizzle moved in from the west, and two Gannets headed west into the mist; an adult followed closely by what I took to be a second-year bird. With little else spotted, we hiked back up the road to the sounds of Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, and more Whitethroats, heading for the car and home after another pleasant walk.

Whitethroat

Guillemots on the ledge

Razorbill

Two Razorbill with Guillemots

# 137; Tree Pipit

#138;  Jay

# 139; Garden Warbler

# 140 ; Razorbill

# 141; Rock Pipit

# 142; Hobby 17th May Longham Lakes

   

White Spikes and Reedbeds

 A Winning Day at Lodmoor and Beyond

I had planned a trip to Weymouth this weekend, hoping to see Sword-leaved Helleborines. Nature doesn’t often grant second chances, but today it did. After arriving too late last year to catch Dorset’s only Sword-leaved Helleborines, I returned on May 3rd, 2026, with fingers crossed, and they were in full bloom. Eight beautiful spikes stood proudly under the beech tree, and they did not disappoint.

Sword-leaved Helleborine

Bennett's Water Gardens

After seeing the Helleborines, I had to decide whether to head to Portland for the reported Turtle Dove or make my way to Lodmoor in hope of spotting the recent Bonaparte’s Gull. I chose Lodmoor, thinking it would add more sightings to my Dorset County List, which it probably did, even if it was only three extra birds. Not knowing Portland well, apart from the Bill area, I would have been unsure where to go or if I’d find the Turtle Dove.

The first birds I saw at Lodmoor were a screaming party of Swifts, wonderful to watch as they darted through the sky. Their lifestyle is incredible, spending almost their entire lives in the air and only landing to breed. Walking along the track and stopping at various viewpoints, I soon ticked off the first of my three new birds when a Common Tern came screaming past. Further along, I reached Tern Island, where the cacophony of Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls was a delight to hear and watch. Before long, I spotted my second new bird: three stunning Bar-tailed Godwits, one in its breeding colours. It was slightly too far for a decent photo, but the colours were wonderful through the scope. I made my way to the old bandstand to scan the Black-headed Gulls for the Bonaparte’s Gull, but despite staying for a while, I couldn’t pick it out. Another birder told me it might have gone off into Weymouth Bay. The final new bird was a Whitethroat singing from the top of a bush, though it flew off just as I pressed the shutter. It was a wonderful afternoon; simply being out in the midst of nature is great for the mind.

Common Tern

Brick Red Colour of the Bar-tailed Godwit

A Wonderful Bar-tailed Godwit

# 134 Common Tern  

# 135 Bar-tailed Godwit  

# 136 Whitethroat  

Other birds spotted  today included Oystercatchers, Shelduck, five Dunlin, Swifts, Swallows, and many more. As I was wrapping up and heading to the car, a Marsh Harrier was a delight to watch, gliding low over the reeds. A Great White Egret in its summer plumage was also a beautiful sight.

Something Different- Ballooning

 During the week, I got a WhatsApp message from my brother-in-law asking if I’d be up for crewing (following, tracking, and retrieving the balloon). Of course, I said yes and was happy to help. The launch was set for the evening of April 25th from the Barley Mow, which has a great adjacent field for balloon takeoffs.

I arrived at the designated time and waited for my sister Sarah and her husband Shaun to arrive. I was expecting to crew, but when they showed up with a couple of their friends, Shaun asked if I’d like to go up. I instantly agreed, having been up before and knowing how incredible it feels to be 1,500 feet above the ground, floating quietly with the occasional roar of the propane flame.

As we prepped the balloon, a large crowd from the pub gathered to watch. There were gasps of “ah” and “wow” as the cold air filled the envelope and the balloon began to take shape. Shaun lit the burners, filling it with hot air, and soon the basket was in position for me and Shaun’s friend to climb aboard. A few more blasts from the burners, and it was time to release the quick release and we were off, heading toward the Horton Inn area.

The views that evening were stunning, stretching to the Isle of Wight, Poole Harbour, the Purbecks, and the surrounding countryside. While keeping an eye out for power lines, I also scanned for wildlife and spotted deer, pheasants, and hares.

Eventually, it was time to land. Shaun, the pilot, found a suitable field just as the wind was dropping, but a hedge of trees blocked our approach. It was touch and go as the burners roared into overdrive to lift us above the trees. It was a relief when we cleared the top, close enough that I could touch the highest branches with my hand.

Getting the Balloon ready

Getting ready for take off

Up we go

The burner going for more lift

A View of the Barley Mow

Side of the Balloon with the Moon 

Looking up into the Balloon

The Burners 

Horton Tower

A view of the countryside

 

Third Time a Charm

 Saturday 18th, 2026.

After seeing so many beautiful photos of the Red Spotted Bluethroat during the week, I decided I’d get up early to try and see it for myself. So, I was up at 6 a.m., washed, had breakfast, and headed to Wareham for the third time. I managed to grab the last parking spot near the Rugby Club and began the fairly long walk down to the gravel pits. On the way, I chatted with a couple of people heading back who told me the bird had been showing well, but there were already over 15 people queued along the narrow path, and it was only about 7:20! My excitement dipped a little after hearing that. When I reached the dirt track at the start of the GPs, I met a couple with a Welsh accent who asked if I was going to see the bird. They’d come from Tenby and made a weekend of it, planning to visit Arne later.

The weather was lovely, and it was pleasant walking down the track and along the river, surrounded by birdsong. As I rounded a corner, my heart sank a bit seeing all the people ahead, I’m not keen on big crowds. Still, some folks moved and I found myself near the front, though not quite there, as a few photographers were lying on the path with others kneeling behind them. Turns out they’d been there since 5:30 that morning.

Then a gap opened, and through my binoculars I had an incredible view of a small, robin-sized bird with long legs, a vivid blue throat and breast, and a bright red spot. What a stunning little bird , and a fantastic lifer! I snapped a couple of rough record shots; maybe I could’ve done better if I’d stayed put, but having seen it, and with so many others waiting for their turn, I thought it best to make room.

Lifer Red Spotted Blue Throat

After spotting the Blue Throat, I headed over to Middlebere for a wonderful walk across the heath and down the track to the Middlebere hide, taking a slow meander to refamiliarize myself with the area. The sunny, warm morning was alive with birdsong from Chaffinches, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, and Willow Warblers along the track, and on the heathland, Meadow Pipits, Blackbirds, and Dartford Warblers added to the chorus. As I made my way to the hide, I was hoping to see a bird I hadn’t encountered in a while—not for lack of presence, but because I hadn’t sought it out around the Poole Harbour area. Secretly, I’d been wishing one would turn up at my local patch, Longham Lakes, but one can dream. The Ring Ouzel didn’t make an appearance, but I did add three more birds to my county list: Willow Warbler, Cuckoo; my first sighting of the season, and a wonderful Sedge Warbler singing openly in the brambles behind the old barn by the National Trust Cottages. Unfortunately, my camera battery died on the way down the track, so the only photos I managed were of a Meadow Pipit, an Orange Tip, and a Speckled Wood.

Meadow Pipit

Orange Tip female  I think

Speckled Wood

As the late afternoon set in, I began heading home but decided to stop by a field I know that once had plenty of Green-winged Orchids (Anacamptis morio). Walking through the first field, which used to hold hundreds, it was disappointing to find none in flower or even rosettes. Passing through the open gateway into the next field, I noticed a patch of purple in the middle and found some small Green-winged Orchids, though only about 30 of these wonderful flowers.  

With the weather starting to warm up, I’ll be sharing more photos on my blog of my other interests, like orchids, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, and possibly some moths. 

Green-winged Orchids also known as Green-veined Orchid

 

# 127 Red-spotted Blue Throat = Lifer

# 128 Sedge Warbler

# 129 Willow Warbler

# 130 Cuckoo

Decisions Right or Wrong

 Friday 10th April; On Friday afternoon after work, I decided to head to Swineham GP in search of the elusive Red-spotted Bluethroat. Was it a good decision or a bad one? What even makes a decision good or bad when birding? Being a Friday, I knew getting from Ferndown to Wareham would be a nightmare—and it was. I also knew the bird hadn’t been seen since 11:20 a.m., so what possessed me to set off at 1:30 p.m.? Not only would it have been a mega lifer for me, but it would’ve added a bird to my county list. This turned out to be my first wrong call of the weekend, as the traffic ate up precious time, leaving me with only about an hour and a half before I had to leave to beat the homeward rush. I didn’t see the bird I came for, but I did add two new species: Reed Warbler and Sandwich Tern. Was it a good late afternoon? It was nice to see these birds, bump up the list, and spend time with fellow birders I knew. Still, in the end, given the traffic, perhaps it wasn’t the best choice.

Saturday 11th April; I made the same mistake of going in the afternoon. Why a mistake? Well, the day before, reports of the Bluethroat had come only in the early morning, with no sightings in the afternoon. So why repeat it? Was it the lure of a lifer or just wanting it on the county list, rather than appreciating it for being a beautiful migrant bird? Honestly, I think it was mainly for the list. I spent another two hours waiting for the bird to show, which it didn’t, though I did manage to tick off two more species: House Martin and Bearded Reedling. On the way home, news broke of a Hoopoe near Hartland Moor, but I didn’t see the update until I was already home and couldn’t go out again due to other commitments.

Sunday 12th April; I think maybe I should have arranged the family walk for Saturday instead of Sunday. I could have gone out after tea this evening instead of writing this blog, but I was torn. With work in the morning, I figured it was best to rest after a week of nine-hour shifts beside a noisy machine, thinking about coordinates, inputting data, and lifting heavy metal pieces all day—it’s both mentally and physically draining. I’m starting to think I’m not cut out for going all out, because in the end it came down to whether I wanted to go out just to tick off a bird for the sake of a number. It’s a lot of effort, and I can’t imagine how birders or twitchers manage to chase around the country—it must be exhausting and stressful. The idea of constant travel for birds is losing its appeal, as I enjoy wandering my local patches or visiting a few familiar spots now and then. Still, I’ve seen some amazing birds, including ones I might never have spotted without making the effort. In the end, maybe there’s no right or wrong choice—just a decision, whatever it brings.

# Reed Warbler 123

# Sandwich Tern 124

# House Martin 125

# Bearded Reedling 126

A western Marsh Harrier in its 3rd Calendar Year

Cuckoo Flower

Wood Anemone

Blue Bells