The good weather last weekend brought out the visitors as well as the birds that they had come to see.

The wardens report that it was really nice to have a winter event like this on the reserve and great to see so many people enjoying it so a big 'thank you' to everyone who came along.

Hen Harriers were abundant on Saturday but a bit more elusive on Sunday, however visitors did see marsh harriers hunting on both days.

Peregrines, merlins, buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks were all seen too. One of the main stars of the show was the short eared owl that showed off over Coombe heath on both days!

It had been seen a number of times around 4pm over the last couple of weeks but over this weekend it decided to put in a couple of special matinee performances!

If you weren’t able to make that event you could book to come along to our special 'Winter birds at Arne' event on the 21 January for a guided walk to see all of the birds that spend the winter on the salt marshes on the reserve.

The walk takes place between 10am - 1pm and there is a charge of £3 for members, £6 for non-members and no charge for children.

Based on information supplied by .