Spring was very much in the air today here at Radipole Lake. A pair of Great Crested Grebes were to be seen displaying to each other right outside the Visitor Centre window. Having spent most of the winter out in Weymouth Bay in their drab winter plumage, this pair decided to make the most of the early spring sunshine and show of their newly acquired summer plumage in what must rank as one of the most romantic sights in the natural world. This is a scene that will be played out over the next few weeks as the birds flamboyantly display to each other, with much head shaking, parrallel swimming and even the presentation of gifts, albeit just pond weed. The bridge outside the v.c is one of the best places to see the display, however several pairs choose to breed on Radipole and Lodmoor so keep your eyes peeled as you're going round.
The RSPB owes its very existence to the GC Grebe as it is this species that was very nearly made extinct in order to supply materials to the Victorian hat trade, with sometimes whole birds being used. Luckily for the grebes a group of ladies formed the Society for the Protection of Birds in order to stop this grisly trade, and the rest as they say is history. Shortly after these pictures were taken the scene was rudely interrupted by a police excercise nearby but thats another story.