Last week I was lucky and had some time off work, and as it was nice weather i made the most of it!
Along with a couple of work mates we headed for the Dorset RSPB reserves. First stop was Portland bill to see if any migrants were coming through, unfortunately the wind in the wrong direction so we didn’t see much on that front. However, looking out to sea we did see plenty of Gannets and Fulmars, and a first for me, was a small pod of Razorbills. After that we headed off in search of a Hoopoe which was reported the day before. All of the reports said to look around the beach huts; even with three of us we were drawing a blank. After talking to some birders they pointed us in the right direction and soon after we were treated to really close views of the Hoopoe.
Images G. Williams
In the Afternoon we set off for Radipole Lake to say hello to the team there and to look round the reserve. Great views of the Hooded Merganser from the shop window, around the site were plenty of Pochard and Great crested Grebes, also a returning Chiffchaff. From there we went to the RSPB Lodmoor reserve in search of Spoonbills, and we weren’t disappointed. One was feeding in the shallows, while the other bird was having a good preen. After all the excitement of the day and with the light fading small groups of starlings started to appear over the reed beds, after some time, quite a large flock had come together giving us a lovely display of twists and turns as the sun set on a grand day out.
Gareth Williams