After a very slow start to 2014, at least one Bittern is now being seen at Radipole Lake. However, Lodmoor doesn’t appear to have a resident Bittern this winter so far. This is almost certainly down to the rather mild temperatures we’ve been experiencing so far this year. Bitterns migrate to the UK to escape the cold weather on the continent but perhaps they haven’t made the journey yet as the real cold weather hasn’t really happened. Other Dorset Bittern hotspots such as hatch pond in Poole have yet to get any Bitterns. Things might change in the next few weeks if the weathers going to change.

Back at Radipole the Bittern hasn’t exactly been showy but at least on Tuesday it wasn’t too tricky to see. Lots of people managed some brilliant photos, some of which are in our Gallery. Me on the other hand only managed one shot of it as it flew off up the reserve.

 

Not bad but could do better....

Also just a quick note to say that we had three male Marsh Harriers at Radipole yesterday! They put on quite a show at the North Hide for a few lucky visitors!