VISITORS to a Purbeck nature reserve have witnessed five majestic ospreys in the area at the same time - an unprecedented number this early in the season.

The stunning birds of prey were spotted at Arne on Wednesday and stayed in the area until Saturday, when they are thought to have headed across the channel to continue their migration through France and Spain into North Africa, and on to their wintering grounds south of the Sahara.

The birds, which have a wingspan of up to two metres, take their time, stopping at favourite feeding sites along the way – sometimes for a week or so - completing the journey in around 45 days.

Joe Stockwell, Arne information assistant, said: "Poole Harbour is is a rich food source so they tend to hang around before jumping across the Channel, but to get so many in mid-August is really exciting."

The inclement weather is the likely reason, explained Joe, as as they birds will usually circle high enough to see France over the water before setting out - but bad weather and poor visibility stalls the journey.

As they tend to travel alone and follow their own paths, it is unusual to see so many in the same area at one time. The most ever seen at Arne during the same period is six.

"Four were seen at one time all in the same area which is almost unheard of," said Joe. "To see three sat in one tree was a sight I won't forget for a long time."

These excellent fishermen, they have been spotted catching mullet in the harbour waters to the delight of bird watchers in the hides at RSPB reserve.

"Pretty much as soon as the first reported sighting comes in there will be a rise in birder numbers, " added Joe. "And when we mentioned five there was a much bigger rise in visitors. They are a big draw and people love to come and see them."

They will continue to be spotted here until at least mid-September, added Joe. The birds, most likely to have been bred in England and Scotland, will return to our shores in the Spring to breed.

Arne continues to try to attract a breeding pair, even using life-size osprey models in man-made eyries to help draw them to nest around Poole Harbour. The nearest nesting ground is Rutland Water at Leicestershire.