After the heatwave over the August Bank Holiday, September has brought an Autumnal chill to the air. Some notable recent sightings: a Great White Egret and 50+ Mediterranean Gulls at Lodmoor on Bank Holiday Monday. On Thursday 29th August a Spotted Crake was seen in the post box pool on Lodmoor, the next day a Bittern was seen in the same area, along with 3 Great White Egrets, 3 Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank, over 60 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Honey Buzzards, a Peregrine and a Yellow Wagtail. On Monday 2nd September an adult Yellow Legged Gull was seen on Lodmoor, the next day 12 Bar Tailed Godwits were sighted. On Radipole Lake; Pintail, Kingfisher and large numbers of Coots on Thursday 5th September. The same day over on Lodmoor; a Sandwich Tern, 5 Great White Egret and a Curlew Sandpiper were reported.
Pintail in Eclipse Plumage
Photo Credit: Edmund Mackrill
This September will be an exciting month for RSPB Lodmoor with plans to enhance the reserve which will be a fantastic benefit for wildlife and visitors. A drop in session is being hosted by RSPB staff at the Lodmoor Viewing Shelter on Thursday 12th September from 10:00 a.m. until 15:00 p.m. If you are unable to make that date, staff and volunteers at the Radipole Lake Discovery Centre will be happy to chat to you about the forthcoming developments.
RSPB Lodmoor
On Friday 20th September, the RSPB will be showing solidarity with the Global Earth and Youth Climate Strikes. Further information: https://community.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/naturesheroes/b/weblog/posts/we-re-joining-the-climate-strikes-on-20th-september---are-you
RSPB Radipole Lake is supporting this nationwide event and encouraging staff, volunteers and visitors to participate. Visit our reserves by walking, running, cycling, using public transport or lift sharing. There is also a discount on all hot drinks when you bring your own cup/mug.
Staff and volunteers in the Discovery Centre will be on hand to discuss the impacts of climate change on key species, one local example is the effect of sea level rise on Chesil beach and Little Terns. Another effect of climate change is the likely increase in intensity of rainfall leading to an increase in flooding events. Radipole lake itself suffered an extreme flooding event on 7th July 2012 as the photos below show.
Radipole Lake Discovery Centre and Car Park on 8th July 2012, the day after the heavy rainfall
Photo Credits: Dan Bartlett
For further information on the above event 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.uk/radipolelake