Winter visitors, bittern and marsh harrier are still with us and we are hoping that they are enjoying their stay at Radipole so much that they might even stop for the spring/summer and breed. Wouldn’t that be great! At the moment two bitterns have been lurking in the reeds up by the north hide. So if you head up there and with a little luck and patience you may see one. Will this be the year they breed? Other winter visitors who we are fairly sure will stop and breed again are the magnificent marsh harriers. Two birds have been staying over the winter and have just been joined by a new bird.
An unusual sighting was a second glaucous gull arriving in as many weeks. These huge pale gulls are arctic visitors to our shores and only a hundred or so make landfall in the UK each winter so its exciting to see these scarce birds.
Stop press our very own Luke Phillips took these stunning pictures this morning of another glaucous gull enjoying the balmy weather in Weymouth, on their journey back to the Arctic.
Signs that spring is on its way are the first spring flowers along the paths and the wonderful colourful peacock butterfly. We have also had great views of the secretive stoat, spring tends to make them bolder as males search high and low for that perfect female partner.
Peacock butterfly by Grahame Madge (rspb-images.com)
Upcoming Event
Accessible Walk at Radipole Lake nature reserve
Thursday 6 March 11am Free event
Radipole Lake is one of the most accessible nature reserves in the country. If you find you are usually unable to take part in guided walks because you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, then this walk is especially for you! We will go at a pace that suits all. Accessible toilet onsite and there is pay and display parking right outside the centre.