Dorset - South Coast Migration Special

The long distance migration of birds is a truly remarkable feat and certainly one of the real wonders of the natural world. During this exciting and varied new weekend break this phenomenon will be at the forefront of our minds as we explore some of Dorset’s finest nature reserves watching for migrant birds and learning about them as we go. We shall watch from headlands, join a bird ringing session, visit an observatory, cruise across Poole harbour and also open some moth traps. All this will be coupled with some superb hospitality.

We will be based for our two nights at the beautiful Mortons House Hotel in the centre of historic Corfe Castle with this 16th century Elizabethan manor house lying within easy striking distance of our intended sites. Meeting at the hotel in the early afternoon we shall visit the nearby site of St Aldhelms head for our first exploration. The headland here is the most southerly point of the Purbeck peninsula and affords some stunning coastline and ocean views. We will enjoy a walk watching for migrants which may include Wheatear, Whinchat, migrant thrushes, and perhaps some birds moving over the sea before we return for a delicious dinner.

Across the nest two days we will enjoy a great range and variety of activities. At Durlston National Nature Reserve we shall join the local ringing group for a demonstration. Species caught may include warblers with Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps common, finches such as Brambling and Linnets and with birds moving anything can be found. We shall also open two moth traps here to see what we can find with this site very good for migrant moths as well as birds. A ferry across to Poole will provide us with wildfowl, waders and raptors with Spoonbill, Spotted Redshank, Brent Geese, Marsh Harrier and many more species possible.

We will also visit the wonderful Portland bird observatory and at this time many birds will be passing through on their way back into Europe and beyond. Anything is possible with Firecrests, Black Redstarts, Ring Ouzels or perhaps a Yellow-browed Warbler or Red-breasted Flycatcher. Birding at a site such as this can be very exciting indeed. We shall also visit sites including RSPB Radipole and Lodmoor with their vast reedbeds and wetlands.