The first two weeks of October has been exciting for birds. We start with the record breaking news from Arne. They hosted the largest EVER flock of Spoonbills to occur in the UK. At its peak on Thursday 8th October, 60 spoonbills were counted.
Back here in Weymouth we currently have 3 Spoonbills on Lodmoor, 5 were counted on Monday 12th October. Also on 12th, a ruff was seen, two had been counted the previous week. On the same day a Dartford Warbler was also spotted in gorse.by the tip. On 8th October, 2 crossbills, a lesser redpoll and 43 skylarks were counted. The skylark count went up to 111 the next day. A bittern was seen on 3rd, 8th, 12th and 15th October. Redstarts are now being seen regularly at Lodmoor.
Kingfishers are being seen daily at Radipole in the morning. Between 9:00 to 11:00 is a good time. Mediterranean Gulls have been at Radipole and Lodmoor all autumn. A large count of 180 Pied Wagtails were counted and some were rung this week. On Saturday 10th October, 2 Glossy Ibis were seen over on Lodmoor then at Radipole before flying on down to Devon. An otter was seen on Sunday 4th near the concrete bridge on Radipole. It was seen again in the same place on Sunday 11th October. On 13th October a short eared owl flew over Radipole. A bittern was also seen on the 1st but no further sightings yet this month. A Redpoll was seen on 16th October and Redwings are starting to arrive on both sites.
Butterflies still about include comma, speckled wood and Red Admiral. Common Darter and Southern Hawker dragonflies also seen. Plants still in flower include, Wild Carrot, Wild Angelica, Ribbed Melilot, Michaelmas Daisy, Meadowsweet. The ivy is now coming into flower, a sure sign that winter is approaching.
For recent bird sightings please contact the Weymouth Wetlands Discover Centre on 01305 778313.