A beautiful Autumn day at Radipole Lake today. Bearded Tits and Cetti's Warblers are chirping in the reed beds. Gulls and Ducks are making the most of the calm still waters on the lake outside the Discovery Centre Window. The Hooded Merganser, Kingfisher and Little Egrets have all been seen today. The sunny weather has brought a small influx of Red Admiral Butterflies and Red Darter Dragonflies.
The Discovery Centre's garden is currently undergoing a makeover. As regular visitors know, our Marsh Harrier mural watches over the coming and goings in and of the Discovery Centre and the changing seasons. Back in April, Daffodils were out in flower heralding the spring.
In the summer months our Harrier was seen 'sniffing' the Wild Carrot and Wall Barley.
Last Wednesday, a group of staff, volunteers and members of the public dug the area over in preparation for the wildflower seed mix. Look for the results in Spring 2018!
This is all in preparation for the garden to be re-seeded with a Wild Flower mix. Next spring and summer a glorious Wild Flower meadow will to greet our visitors on their arrival at Radipole Lake. Check back in the spring for some pics.
Another sign that Autumn is here is the welcome return of our Otters who have not been seen on the reserve since April. Danny was out and about on the reserve this morning and found fresh foot prints in the wet mud and fresh spraint (poo) nearby.
In November the Winter Trail will be opening up again. The trail takes visitors up to the north of the reserve and a viewing screen overlooks the scrape which attracts several species of ducks and waders. The route takes visitors past the river and the chances of seeing an Otter is much higher. Come on down and try your luck. You never know!
For all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
E-mail: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org/radipolelake