It's been a windy few days at the Weymouth Wetlands as storms Ali and Bronagh make their way East. Surprisingly there are a number of brave butterflies and dragonflies around the reserve being buffeted about in the breeze.
The Little Egrets and Great White Egrets are still being regularly seen but the limelight has currently shifted to the latest arrivals on the reserve, the Cattle Egrets. These Egrets are being sighted both at Radipole Lake and at Lodmoor. As the grazing cattle have now been moved to the north of the reserve, the new Viewing Shelter is a good place to see them. Our roving photographer, Edmund Mackrill, managed to capture this encounter between the Cattle Egret and one of the Cattle.
Photo Credit: Edmund Mackrill, RSPB Weymouth Wetlands Volunteer
Photo Credit: Martin Jones-Gill, RSPB Weymouth Wetlands Volunteer
Martin also managed to snap two these two Cattle Egrets together. These Egrets have been sighted most days since 10th September, with a record 8 seen on 17th September at Radipole Lake and 5 seen at Lodmoor on 21st September.
Other recent sightings include a Bittern on the Buddleia Loop on 8th September and seen again on the13th. The highest count of 29 Grey Herons at Radipole Lake also on 8th September. Lodmoor saw a number of notable sightings: a juvenile Caspian Gull on 8th September, on 12th September over 250 Mediterranean Gulls were counted. On 17th September an Osprey was seen and while 20th September saw a Pectoral Sandpiper and on Beachdown Way, a Spotted Crake was observed by a number of visitors.
Our volunteer reserve photographer, Martin Jones-Gill, is sadly leaving us shortly and moving away from the area. We wish Martin all the very best for the future. Below a last couple of snaps from Martin.
For more information and all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
Email: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org./radipolelake