The weather was warm and sunny for a few days last week so a trip down to Arne seemed like a good idea. So on Tuesday 26th February I took a trip down with a friend to see what was about. We went fairly early before too many people got there; as it was a lovely day we were sure there would be a few later in the day.

We walked towards Shipstal beach and it was very quiet, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. There was plenty of birdlife about in the tops of the trees but not always easy to recognise when the sun is bright and the birds are in silhouette. As we got near the beach we suddenly spotted some Sika Stags in the woodland, I wasn’t sure when they lose their antlers but was pleased to see them with a full set!

On the other side of the path there were quite a number of Sika Hinds some with last years babies, the little Stag below only had small antlers, not yet mature.

We carried on towards Shipstal where there were more Gorse bushes and it was more open. I spotted a bird flitting over the Gorse and went in pursuit. I had an inking it was a Dartford Warbler and I was right. It landed on a Gorse bush and I managed to get a picture before it soon disappeared.

We walked along the edge of the cliff, the tide was out and there were a number of Waders feeding on the edge of the water but fairly quiet.

We climbed to the top view point and again I spotted movement and there were two Dartford Warblers in the Gorse, again I managed to get some images, they didn’t stay still for long and then some people came along and unfortunately disturbed them. It was so nice to see the birds.

We did a circular walk back to the Car Park spotting birds as we went, although it was fairly quiet. Time for a cup of tea and a bun in the RSPB Cafe before heading home after a successful morning.