The winter work program for wildlife continues at great pace with the creation of a massive (check out the picture!) scrape at the northern end of Radipole Lake for waders. Only completed a couple of weeks ago it has already attracted grey heron, common sandpiper, flocks of black-headed gulls and loafing ducks. The next step is to link the scrape to the public trails and install a viewing area.
Scrape near North hide. Mark Singleton, RSPB
Also seen around the nature reserve in the last few weeks have been fantastic views of bittern, kingfishers, marsh harrier and lots of bearded tits. Extra special comes in the form of a female long-tailed duck in winter plumage which arrived on the 21 October and is still around now. It has been visible from the Discovery Centre window on numerous occasions, how very convenient! While munching on ploughman’s and wonderful cake and sipping coffee its amazing what you see from this huge picture window. Its a great place to watch wildlife on cold wet days and the cake's not bad either!
Long-tailed duck pictures. Luke Phillips, RSPB
Another much rarer visitor has been a white-winged black tern, this young bird seems to have been wandering around the south coast and popped into Radipole briefly before heading off again realising that it should be elsewhere!
Over at Lodmoor people have been enjoying the winter evenings of starling antics as a few thousand flock together and put on an aerial display to rival any air show.
Last week a great bustard was spotted flying over presumably one from the reintroduction programme on Salisbury Plain. People have also been enjoying views of marsh harrier, bittern and bearded tits.
Up coming events
Christmas Crafts for Grown-ups at Wild Weymouth Discovery Centre.
Fri 28, 11 am-1 pm
Try your hand at making something to decorate your home this Christmas. £3 per adult. Booking essential on 01305 778313.
Christmas Crafts for Children at Wild Weymouth Discovery Centre.
Sat 29 & Sun 30, between 11 am-3 pm
We’ll be using natural materials to make something a
little bit different for Christmas. Free.