This morning's unexpected guest was a Spoonbill having a snooze up at the Viewing Shelter on the Buddleia Loop. More commonly seen at Arne or over at Lodmoor, it was a very welcome visitor at Radipole Lake today.
Also about today was the Hooded Merganser diving up around the concrete bridge. The water was so clear, it was easy to see "Hoodie" feeding in the bottom of the river bed delighting visitors watching him from the bridge.
Bearded Tits were in abundance with several flocks being seen and heard in the reed beds between the Viewing Shelter and the concrete bridge. Cetti's Warblers were also very active in the reed beds today. One Cetti in particular was chirping so loudly by the pond dipping platform it could be heard in the Discovery Centre!
Our Kingfisher was about again and seen several times from the Discovery Centre, never failing to please our visitors. The kingfisher was also around the Viewing Shelter at the new scrape, it looked like a turquoise dart flying across the water.
Little Egrets and Grey Herons were in abundance, the Marsh Harrier was on patrol in the north of the reserve put the gulls and Gadwall flocks in flight. A flock of Black Tailed Godwits were feeding in the mud outside the Discovery Centre.
Lovely to see the Butterflies and Dragonflies around the reserve enjoying the October sunshine. Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood Butterflies and Southern Hawker Dragonfly were seen along with Damselflies.
For all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
E-mail: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org/radipolelake