Exotic wildlife has abounded on The Weymouth Wetlands this week, befitting the welcome sunshine in which we contentedly bask. The Great Reed Warbler has understandably generated plenty of interest and - as Rob mentioned - he has been merrily singing in close-ish proximity to the new viewing facilities.
Yet another wonderfully elegant, (& most appropriately named) Black-winged Stilt was spotted over Radipole this morning before heading leg-long to Lodmoor, where it too conveniently settled before the Viewing Shelter, offering tremendous views to the merry throng gathered within - for once sheltering from the sun!
Black Winged Stilt by our Luke.
And this afternoon Radipole produced a third exotic which we are fairly sure didn't arrive by its own propulsion. A Red-eared Terrapin was handed in at the Discovery Centre (nee Visitor Centre) causing something of a stir. This is the first for quite a while but at one time we had quite a number in the aftermath of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles epidemic of the early 1990's. Terrapins became the pet of choice for fans of the epoch defining cartoon craze. Sadly many were subsequently released into the wild when the phase passed and it was realised that terrapins require diligent husbandry or out grew their tanks, (or perhaps when it was realised that despite rigorous encouragement they wouldn't talk, couldn’t Ninj and had more complicated dietary required than that provided by pizza...).
Two pizza loving reformed Mutant Ninjas and our once more captive turtle. Piccie by our Chris.
As per almost always, as an introduced species terrapins had negative consequences for our native wildlife - ducklings were reportedly a favoured seasonal snack - but this fella’s duck dining days are done - he has already been re-homed. Fran - a friend of Weymouth Wetlands who kindly nurses some of our sick, injured and orphaned wildlife to health has adopted him and were sure he'll live out a comfortable dotage in her care. So a happy ending for all concerned... could there be a cartoon in this tale... or a series..?
We were attempting to look thoughtful PD - clearly we have failed! As the proud Cornishman in the picture I would not attribute Luke's expression to any sort of pre-pasty ritual... more a meeting of primitive intelligences. Ha… he’ll love that!