The days are getting noticeably longer now and Spring is starting to emerge around our reserves. Marsh Harriers are in our skies once again. Sweet Violets are making a splash of purple along some of our paths, there are still some late Winter Heliotrope flowering. Alexanders, Cow Parsley, Hemlock Water Dropwort leaves are up, Blackthorn is starting to come into blossom. Even sightings of Red Admiral butterflies have been reported in February on sunny days at Radipole Lake.
Red Admiral Butterfly on 05/02/2022 by Neil Bowler
This would be good time to join one of The Discover Radipole Lake and Discover Lodmoor walks which have now begun. The walks are aimed at beginners but of course, they are open to anyone who would like to have a guided walk around our reserves. If you would like to join one or both of the walks, they are weekly on Thursdays. Tickets must be pre-booked online before the day.
Discover Radipole Lake
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. Meet outside the Discovery Centre, the walk will last until approximately 11:30 a.m.
Book online: https://events.rspb.org.uk/radipolelake
Discover Lodmoor
Day: Thursday
Time: 14:00 p.m. Meet in the Beach Car Park (to the left of the reserve), the walk will last until approximately 15:30 p.m.
Book online: https://events.rspb.org.uk/lodmoor
Recent Sightings
The starlings at Radipole Lake have been putting on some spectacular murmarations at Radipole Lake in December, January and February. On occasions several thousand starlings have flocked together creating their wonderful swooping displays across the Weymouth skyline. Starlings murmurate to keep warm and to confuse their predators. If you are lucky, you may also birds of prey species like Sparrowhawks who are attracted to the flocks.
The best time to see a murmuration at Radipole Lake is between 16:00 to 17:00 pm. Post your photos and videos on Twitter with the #weymouthwetlands, we would love to see them!
Starling murmuration over Radipole Lake by Verity Pixie Hill
Other recent sightings at Radipole Lake include the returning Marsh Harriers and a Peregrine. Plenty of Black Tailed Godwits and Little Egrets. Bearded Tits are pinging in the reed beds along with the Cetti's Warblers. On the lake, Shelduck, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Tufted Ducks, Grey Herons, Cormorants and Great Crested Grebes. Also on the reserve are the garden species, Goldfinches, Long Tailed Tits, Wrens, Great Tits and very friendly Robins as well as Stonechats, Reed Warblers, Bullfinches and Mediterranean Gulls.
Star sightings on Radipole Lake have been a pair of Goldeneye and a group of Cattle Egrets
Goldeneye on Radipole Lake by Neil Bowler
Bearded Tit and Black Tailed Godwits, Cattle Egrets with Little Egrets opposite the Discovery Centre by Neil Bowler
Meanwhile over on Lodmoor, plenty to see including Snipe, Dunlin, Black Tailed Godwits, Turnstone, Lapwing, Ruff and a female Pintail.
Female Pintail and Turnstone in flight by Neil Bowler
The two star sightings over the past month is the Spoonbill and an Iceland Gull
Spoonbill with Grey Heron and Iceland Gull by Neil Bowler
For all the latest sightings contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us on Fridays or Saturdays for a chat with one of our lovely staff or volunteers. Hot and cold refreshments and ice creams are available. Card payments only.
Telephone: 01305 778313
Email: weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org.uk/radipolelake
Follow us on Twitter @RSPBweymouth and on Facebook @RSPBWeymouthWetlands