If there’s one species of bird which Radipole is famous for it must be the Bearded Tit. Not a day goes by that a visitor doesn’t come into the Discovery Centre and ask us about them.
Back last winter you may remember us mentioning some reed cutting in preparation for thatching the roof of the Discovery Centre. New reed growth often results in a healthy crop of seed heads, which are a favourite food of our little bearded friends. The reed bed adjacent to the North hide board walk was one of the areas cut, which as you may expect, now looks rather lush. The Bearded Tits have discovered this and have moved in en mass.
A very brief look this morning revealed at least 15 and we were only there for a short length of time. So if you’re keen for a good view, get yourself up there soon! Ten minutes effort got me these few photos, which I thought were ok.
They have been so confiding recently that a local birdwatcher, one of our volunteer hide openers, managed to film several video clips. Check out this link:
http://dorsetwalks.com/blog/12-12-09.php
Other stuff about recently includes the regular Marsh Harriers at both Radipole and Lodmoor, Bitterns likewise plus growing numbers of wildfowl. Water Pipits have featured on the sightings board a few times in the last week but they aren’t easy to find! Like the Bearded Tits, the Reed Buntings have also been feasting on the seed heads as this photo perfectly demonstrates.
Don't our Beardies make good photo's, good to know they are out in numbers too.
Seize the day!