Irrupting certainly isn't a word that we would have used to describe the bearded tit numbers at Radipole a few months but its all changing as of today! A few small flocks have been seen over the past few weeks but today’s walk to the visitor centre revealed quite a few bearded tits. I could hear several flocks as I approached the visitor centre and so far this morning a flock of at least 12 have been flying around outside the centres viewing window.
Every autumn young bearded tits start thinking about dispersing. They start flocking together and flying around the reserve quite high. I suppose they start looking for new places to colonise. This is why autumn is the best time to see them as they are also pretty noisy! It’s a fascinating thing to watch as occasionally you'll see a flock suddenly split up and fly in all directions. I have even seen them disappear from the reserve completely! This is why the event is described as an irruption.
It’s also worth mentioning that our annual bearded tit walk will be taking place on Sunday 17th October starting at 10am. You will need to book and their is a small charge which goes towards the RSPB's work. To book phone the visitor centre on 01305 778313.
More details about the walk can be found here http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/details.asp?id=tcm:9-239619