Spring has well and truly begun start after the cold, wet late start. Thanks to the Estate Team's careful hedgerow management, the paths are now a sea of white froth with Cow Parsley lining the hedgerows and the Hawthorn Blossom. Amongst the white froth are splashes of colour from the purples, pinks and creams of Common Comfrey, also Yellow Iris, Marsh Marigold, Hedgerow Cranesbill, Common Vetch, Ground Ivy, Common Mouse-ear and Red Clover.
During the coming month Estate Team will be out on Buddleia Loop busy widening the path. Our intrepid team will be doing the work by hand around the whole loop. The path widening will make much it easier and clearer for motorized wheelchair users to get around the reserve and enjoy the birds and wildlife.
The sunny weather has brought out a myriad of butterflies making the most of the spring blossom.Up in the Hawthorn branches on the Buddliea Loop a Brown Tail Moth has laid eggs which are now hatching into caterpillars. Look but don't touch as the nest can give you a nasty rash. Portland is another good place to see the nests at the moment.
Butterfly Gallery: Small White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Orange Tip, Holly Blue, Brown Tail Moth Caterpillar nest.
Butterfly photo credits: Martin Jones-Gill and Naomi Bailey, RSPB Volunteers.
Our roving volunteer, Martin Jones-Gill was out and about at Lodmoor this morning and took this superb snaps of Whimbrel, Common Terns and a Bullfinch:
At Radipole, Martin managed to snap Great Crested Grebes doing their courtship dance and one of our group of 8 Pochards often seen outside the Discovery Centre window.
Finally a warm welcome to our new fluffy arrivals:
For all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery 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/radipolelake