Poole Harbour Guide 2011 - Poole Harbour Commissioners

The birdlife of Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour is ideal for bird watching.
There are large Nature Reserves on its
southern shore at Studland and Arne. On the
northern shore nature reserves have been
established at Ham Common and Parkstone
Bay. A bird watching hide has been provided
by local RSPB Members Group at Upton
Country Park. Good views of birds can also
be had from Baiter Park, Whitecliff,
Hamworthy Park and Sandbanks.
These illustrations show some of the
birds that may be seen in the
Harbour. Some feed on the open
mud; the waders using their long beaks to
probe into the mud for food. Ducks and
geese are more likely to be seen in the open
water, although Brent Geese may feed on
nearby grassland, including playing fields.
The Harbour is on an important migration
route. Some birds, like the Brent Goose, are
only found in winter – leaving in the spring to
breed further north. Others, such as the
Sandwich Tern, breed here in the summer
but fly south for the winter.
Poole Harbour Guide ~ 2011