Happy New Year to everyone and welcome to the first blog for 2020. We start the year off with visitors reporting good views of Bearded Tits around the reserve. One of the birds reported today had orange and yellow rings, a timely reminder of the Radipole Lake Bearded Tit Ringing Programme which began in Autumn 2017.
RSPB and BTO volunteer, Steve Hales went out on the reserve ringing our Bearded Tits. Each bird has been ringed with an individual colour combination of rings. The programme will help us gain a better understanding of the Bearded Tits movements around our reserves, how far they travel and species interactions. If you see any ringed Bearded Tits around the reserve or over at Lodmoor, make a note of the colours and if you can take a photo and report your sighting to the Discovery Centre. Contact details are below.
Photo Credits: Bearded Tits by Kei Little @kei_little
Before Christmas, the water levels around Radipole Lake were much higher than usual, which had an impact on the usual bird activity. Thankfully the flood waters have now receded. Over on Lodmoor 700 Lapwing were reported on Lodmoor on 29th December, 30 Golden Plover were counted on 31st December. On New Year's Day, 39 Avocets were recorded on Lodmoor. The Black Swans which were recently on Radipole Lake were sighted on Lodmoor. Marsh Harriers have been frequently seen on both reserves. Both reserves have recorded a wide diversity of common bird species over the past fortnight, many are garden birds bringing some welcome birdsong to the reed-beds and hedgerows.
Plants currently in flower include: Lesser Celandine, Sweet Violets, Gorse and Winter Heliotrope displaying at their best. Also unusually in bloom are Cow Parsley, Hogweed and Wild Angelica.
Upcoming Events:
Discover Radipole Lake Walks take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 10:00 to midday. The wildlife walk is a great way to discover the ever-changing nature here in the heart of town. The walk guide will take you on an in depth look at around the reserve to see what lives here. No need to book, just turn up on the day, cost £2 per person - loan binoculars are available.
Well-being Walks take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:00 to midday. The walk is is a gentle stroll around Radipole Lake and is dementia friendly and particularly suitable for anyone wishing to lose weight, recovering from illness or wanting to improve their mental health and well-being. The walk is free with no need to pre-book. There is a disabled toilet in the Discovery Centre and a small snack bar that sells hot and cold refreshments.
For all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discover Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
Email: weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org.uk/radipolelake