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Well not literally but its amazing what families are turning up at our pond dipping platform this sunny summer. The ponds are simply heaving with wildlife and as well as the aptly named water boatman comically scooting around, the slow but beautifully formed pond snails who are great at cleaning up the algae and diving beetles with their amazing breathing bubble that they clutch to them, absorbing the air through their body. They have also been finding the super fantastic water scorpions and water stick insects, no prizes for guessing what they look like! These are ambush predators at their best. They have the equivalent of snorkels up their bottom which they stick out of the water allowing them to breathe and stay hiding in one place under water, looking out for prey. How cool is that! This year people have been finding common newt tadpoles with outrageous frilly feelers at the sides of their head as well as lots of stickleback fish and dragonfly and damselfly nymphs. Its a truly remarkable world down there so why not come over and get dipping and see what you can discover. Pond dipping is available 7 days a week from 10 am-4 pm.
Pond dipping Jesper Mattias (rspb-images.com)
The marsh harrier story continues with we think 6 young fledged and on the wing from the 2 harrier nests (let us know if you have seen more together!) at Radipole Lake and Lodmoor, which is a fantastic result. Lodmoor as ever has been attracting the unusual with 3 great white egrets and a hoopoe during last week. The weather may still be sultry during the day but get out early morning and it feels like autumn is on the way and certainly the autumn migration is well under way at Lodmoor with wading birds like 3 types of sandpiper; green, common and wood, black-tailed godwits, dunlin, lapwing and redshank all busily feeding. Now’s the time to get to know your waders or just appreciate the shear beauty and elegance of these birds.
Dunlin Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Upcoming events
Outdoor Storytelling
Tuesdays in August 5, 12, 19 and 26
11 am -12 noon
Bring the little ones up to our outdoor storytelling area and be entertained by our volunteer storytellers. Bring a picnic if you like or treat yourself to some goodies from the Discovery Centre before you head off.
Free – no booking required
Buggymania
Fridays in August 8, 15, 22 and 29
1 pm-2 pm
An hour of bug related fun. There will be different things to do each week.
Free – no booking required.