It was a lovely sunshine as I walked around the reserve. I met with this morning's Welly Walk en route with several children enjoying looking at Radipole's wildlife.
On this morning's walk there is more Cow Parsley and Lesser Celandine coming into flower and there are now patches of Red Dead-Nettle and Ground Ivy. Along the board walk up to the North Hide the Greater Pond Sedge is starting to flower.
Butterfly sightings are now becoming more frequent with Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell,Small White, Speckled Wood and Peacock being reported in the past week.
New bird arrivals include the swallow, the house and sand martins. Willow Warblers and the first Wheatear has been seen. The Cetti's Warblers and Bearded Tits were very vocal in the reedbeds this morning. I was fortunate enough to see a Bearded Tit flying out of the reeds. The Bittern has not been reported booming since Good Friday.
The Marsh Harriers have been seen daily. The male and female were both seen at the North Hide this morning and 6 Harriers have been seen over the past week. Buzzards, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine have also been reported.
Notable sightings over at Lodmoor include a Siberian Chiff Chaff and a Slavonian Grebe which stayed for several days.
Over the past two weeks a weasel has been seen regularly on Radipole Lake. RSPB volunteer, Bob Ford, managed to capture the weasel in a photo. Thank you Bob.
(Photo Credit: Bob Ford)
For more information on any of the above, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
E-mail: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org.uk/radipolelake