Today was a day of honest, energy-sapping endeavour spent 'putting the Buddleia verges to bed' with brush cutters and elbow greace; but as so often Radipole offered up her finest as more than ample reward. Damon, (our erstwhile Estate Worker then Arne's Estate worker, now Dorset's Estate Worker) James and Jude (Arne based residential volunteers) came over to lend their essential assistance and productivity was as high as our collective heart rates!
At the end of an industrious morning - en route back to base - James and I stopped at the Buddleia shelter and within seconds were rewarded with almost unbelievable flight views of a bittern. It was in flight for at least a couple of minutes before putting down in a ditch momentarily before again taking flight, eventually deciding upon an afternoons fishing in Island Pool. For a period of about a minute there was a marsh harrier in fairly close attendance which made an impressive double act. The bittern represented my first of the winter and James' very first so we were both justifiably chuffed to say the least. We had staggered our lunch break so unfortunately Jude and Damon missed out but neither James nor I were in the least bit gloating... and no doubt other opportunities will arise for them as the winter deepens.
A Radipole bittern in flight (Pete Coe).
Closing the hide this evening with Luke, Chris (our latest residential volunteer) and Allan we were all hopeful of further bittern, but, alas it wasn't to be... but bearded tits and two otters - again the first of the winter - much more than compensated. I still can't express what a thrill it is to see otters on Radipole. Luke and I were in total agreement that seeing Blandford's resident otters on the Stour in broad daylight didn't compare to these snached glimpses in poor light on our patch. It was just a pity that they didn't put in an appearance for last nights otter event, but that is what wildlife watching is all about - we'd get bored if it was at all predictable!
A Radipole Otter (Bob Ford).
Excellent and such superb photo's.
Seize the day!