Seven Harriers and a full-time Hobby.

Many apologies for the dearth of activity on the blog front this past week. This was not born of a lack of newsy material, or for that matter a lack of blogging commitment on Luke’s or my part. Rather boringly it has been a malicious, insidious computer gremlin that had robbed our good intentions but, with luck that is now consigned to the past.

With the blog jam now freed we have some rather splendid news to impart.  After the customary months hanging on tenterhooks we can at last relax and pop the corks in salutation to the newly airborne young marsh harriers. After their forbearers on Radipole in 2009 and Lodmoor last year we are happy to announce that we now have 2 juveniles on each site taking their first tentative wing-beats into the wider world. With unmistakable chocolate brown plumage and bright ochre heads, the juvs are easily distinguished from their parents - if not, on first inspection from each other.

The maiden flight. The first of the Weymouth Wetlands 2011 marsh harrier chicks. Luke Phillips.

We have been treated to some spectacular activity courtesy of the three adult birds these past months and now with seven (SEVEN!)  harriers in the town… well, the mind boggles - what lies in prospect is enticing to say the very least.

A proud young mother. Luke Phillips.

We are planning to open North Hide later on specific dates over coming weeks to enable as many people as possible to witness these majestic birds’ formative flights. We are still juggling the logistics but let us know if you might be interested and watch this space!

Another regular raptor presence on Radipole these past weeks has been the hobby – an altogether sleeker, swifter hunter than the stately harriers. Invariably there has been one bird present in the vicinity of North Pool favouring to perch in the dead crown of a squat willow at 11 o’clock from the hide. A second bird has been seen too, on occasions interacting with the first. Dragonflies, which form the staple diet of these versatile predators, appear  more abundant of late and with the building numbers  of ‘autumn’ sand martins there is every chance that hobbies may be on the Radipole 'menu' for some while yet.

'Our' hobby scorching the sky - searching for a dragonfly supper. Luke Phillips.