This year we are very lucky to have received a generous grant from SITA to enhance the reserves wetlands around the North Pool.
This Autumn the existing North Pool will be getting a face lift, removing built up vegetated soil and encroaching vegetation. A section of the fields to the south of the existing pool are also benefiting from the Grant with the creation of a completely new ‘scrape’ system. This, whilst also improving viewing opportunities for the public, will ensure that it meets the needs of a variety of species that are found at the site throughout the year, increasing feeding opportunities and providing more space for roosting waders and wildfowl and hopefully drawing in higher numbers and increasing the importance of Radipole for migrating, breeding and winter bird life. The creation of a new scrape calls for some big equipment, so visitors can expect some disturbance during works which will be taking place between 30th September and the 10th October. Another fancy bit of machinery will be helping us manage the reserve during the same period; the Truxor. This bit of kit enables us to get into very wet areas and cut back reed encroaching into the water channels, which not only opens up views for us but also stops the reedbed drying out.
Its a bit of a beast; the Truxor in action, Picture credit: Toby Branston, RSPB.
As autumn arrives so do the waders and over on Radipole Lake the new moon tide has meant very low water levels, exposing the mud and creating the perfect feeding ground for black-tailed godwits, snipe, green sandpiper, common sandpiper, dunlin and water rails. Amongst the reeds bearded tits have been seen in large numbers early morning and up at north hide its been fantastic for birds of prey with a rare merlin putting in an appearance along with a hobby (chasing the last of the migrant hawker dragonflies that can be seen around the nature reserve) and marsh harriers still around. Seems a perfect time to head over and make a day of it.
The magnificent merlin. Picture credit: Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Over at Lodmoor we still have 2 Belgium spoonbill teenagers on a european tour, well they may not exactly be from Belgium but probably from there or Holland and obviously like it at Lodmoor as they have been hanging out for a while. They have been joined by black-tailed godwits, a few ruff with a wryneck mixed in for good measure, oh yes and a tree sparrow seen flying over head. Lets hope he stops in Dorset and finds something to his liking, we need more!
Tree sparrow. Picture credit: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Radipole Lake’s fantastic marsh harrier mural is all finished and looks incredible, many thanks to artist ATM. Come over and take a look at the finished piece.
Marsh harrier mural nearing completion. Picture credit: Michelle Williams, RSPB
Upcoming events
Thurs 2 Oct Discover Radipole Lake – Bearded tit special! 8-10.30 am
This is by far the best time of year to see the elusive but beautiful bearded tit hence this extra ‘Discover Radipole’ walk. Radipole Lake provides them with the perfect habitat and this year we have good numbers of this special bird. Autumn is when young birds start to explore and get the urge to find new reedbed to colonise. This behaviour is called ‘erupting’ but you’ll have to come along to find out why! RSPB members £3 and non-members £6. Includes a hot drink at the end of the walk. Booking essential on 01305 778313.