The big news for the past few days are the two rare sandpipers over at Lodmoor, blown off course from America after Storm Aileen. Both vagrants have been sighted today, so are still around for the time being. The Least Sandpiper was first seen last Sunday and is the first record for Dorset. On Monday the Stilt Sandpiper was first spotted and is the second record for Dorset. The first record for Dorset was also at Lodmoor. Local birder Tim White captured these images on his visit. A Green Sandpiper and the Common Sandpiper are also about as well as a Great White Egret who has made Lodmoor his home over the past fortnight.
Sandpiper images copyright: Tim White
It's been a beautiful morning over at Radipole Lake. Plenty of butterflies fluttering around the reserve. Many are feeding on the blackberries in the hedgerows like the comma below. This butterfly was most amenable today allowing plenty of time for snaps while the wings were closed showing its distinctive comma marking and then opening the wings in all their golden glory.
Peacock butterflies were also in abundance on the Hemp Agrimony flowers taking in the plant's nectar. Small Tortoiseshell and Small White butterflies are about on the reserve today.
The Ivy is now coming into flower and is proving a popular feeding source with the Red Admiral butterflies. As many as ten were counted hovering and fluttering high among the flowers near the Discovery Centre.
Brilliant views of the Kingfisher today from the Discovery Centre window and a large flock of 70+ Mediterranean Gulls briefly landed on the island this afternoon. The Hooded Merganser also motored by and a solitary Black Tailed Godwit rested on the island. A flock of Goldfinches were chirping in the trees near the Viewing Shelter and a large number of Long Tailed Tits were busy in the trees around the boardwalk. Meanwhile Cetti's Warblers were making themselves heard in the reed beds. Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard and Tufted Ducks are out on the lakes.
For all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
E-mail: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org/radipolelake