Here Comes the Sun!

Beautiful day down here at Radipole Lake, blue skies and sunshine all day and set to continue over the weekend. The Discovery Centre has been very busy with visitors and birders. The craft activity table has been popular with the children.  

Dan, our Senior Discovery Centre Assistant, made the most of it by setting up the Easter Trail over the reserve. The Easter Trail costs £1 each to take part. Follow the nature clues for a walk on the reserve and win a chocolate egg! This event runs every day from 8th April to 21st April.

Next week on Wednesday 12th April from 13:00 to 15:00 p.m., there is a special Easter craft workshop for children aged 5+.  Activities include making a colourful Easter wreath made from materials found on the reserve. £3 per child, booking essential.

Photo Credit: Copyright Ian Douglas-Julian

Marsh Harriers are being regular seen every day now. Visitors are getting good sightings of them soaring over the reserve now that the Viewing Shelter is open.  Last week, the Poole and Bournemouth Nature Wildlife Group visited the reserve. One of the members, Ian Douglas-Julian captured this superb shot of the male swooping down into the reedbed.

More plants are coming into flower. Marsh Marigolds, a member of the buttercup family are now in full bloom next to the path on the way down to the Viewing Shelter. A large splash of welcome yellow sunshine. The pink Cuckoo Flower or Lady's Smock is also in flower in patches all over the verges next to the path. They like any damp verges or marsh land. The Hawthorn and Blackthorn are in full blossom all over the reserve.

Back at the Discovery Centre, birds are busy courting and making nests ready for their new families. A Mute Swan pair have made their nest near the Discovery Centre patio. You can just make out 3 eggs peeping through the fine feathery down in the nest. Of course, our new arrivals will be announced on the blog during the spring and summer :-)

Our resident Hooded Merganser has also been busy chasing the female Tufted Ducks and showing off his magnificent 'hood'.  The Hoodie is regularly seen with the Tufted Ducks around the Discovery Centre and the bridge. He is looking his handsome best at the moment.

This afternoon we had an unusual guest just outside the Discovery Centre window. A large Mullet ventured into the shallow waters looking for some lunch. In the sunshine he was clearly visible and delighted our visitors. He stayed quite a while gently swimming in the shallows nibbling on any passing food.

For the latest sightings or to book the Easter activities, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches and snacks available.