Dragonflies and a Squally Shower

A breezy sunny morning Radipole Lake.  Not many birds about but the Mallards were on our duck feeding platform, Cormorants, Grey Herons, Great Crested Grebe, Gadwall and Mallard on the lake in front of the Discovery Centre. Still some young chicks about, our volunteer Martin Jones-Gill snapped a lovely pic of a mother Coot feeding her chick.

Late summer dragonflies were battling it out with the breeze.  The Migrant Hawker managed to settle on a leaf briefly.

This Black Tailed Chaser landed on the path long enough for Martin to take a snap.

Coot and Dragonfly Photo Credit: RSPB Volunteer, Martin Jones-Gill

At about 11:00 the morning sunshine started to fade and the blue sky started to turn dark grey with rain laden clouds, gentle rain started to fall.  The Mute Swan family quickly paddled to the concrete bridge to shelter from the oncoming shower.

The skies grew much darker and the rain got heavier. Those of us wandering around the reserve made a quick dash to the Viewing Shelter.  The rain started to lash down in earnest.

The Mallards resigned to their fate as the rain buffeted them about on the lake.  Clouds of House Martins gathered swooping across the sky chasing the insects and a Swift passed through.

After 15 minutes or so the heavy shower started to abate and the grey clouds began to part and blue skies started to return to our reserve.  You would never have known that we had a heavy storm shower, the only clue being the puddle laden paths. 

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.