Spring has arrived at the Weymouth Wetlands. The reed beds and hedgerows are full of birdsong, Cetti's Warblers, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs, Reed Warblers, Reed Buntings all adding their vocals to the sounds of a Radipole Lake Spring. The Marsh Harriers are sky dancing, Bearded Tits have been seen frequently flying low over the reedbeds. Mute Swans are nest building and a pair of Great Crested Grebes are building their nest near the duck feeding platform.
Around the reserve, the Blackthorn is in full flower, Hawthorn trees are well into blossom, some early Cow Parsley is in bloom. Butterflies are being seen more frequently now, our butterfly surveyors reported Peacocks, Red Admirals, Brimstone, Commas, Small Whites, Speckled Woods and Orange Tips all on the wing. The Cuckoo Flower (aka Lady's Smock or Milkmaids) is starting to flower along the paths and is the Orange Tip Butterfly's food plant for their caterpillars.
End of March/beginning of April saw a significant increase in migrant birds. Sand Martins area among those who have arrived with 30 being seen at Radipole and over 50 at Lodmoor on 31st March. Warblers, House Martins, Swallows and Blackcaps have also been sighted. An Osprey was around at Radipole Lake for a few days from 29th March.
The Ring Neck Duck so often seen in the channel was seen outside the Discovery Centre window to the delight of visitors who have very good views.
Easter Events at Radipole Lake
Easter Crafts
Come and join us this Easter for some egg-tastic kids crafts at RSPB Radipole Lake. No need to book, just turn up on the day between 10 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. and get creative! Prices for each individual craft is listed below:
Friday 19th April:
Easter Bunny Mobile - £2
Easter Bunny Mask - £1.50
Sunday 21st April:
Easter Wreath - £1
Easter Chick & Egg Magnet - £1.50
Easter Trail
Bring the kids down to Radipole lake over the Easter Weekend, follow our Easter Trail around the reserve (50p per child) and win a chocolate egg. The event runs throughout the weekend between 10:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. each day and all the usual activities like pond dipping, backpack hire etc. will also be available.
See more events on our Facebook Page: @ Weymouth Wetlands
For more information and all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
Email: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org./radipolelake