Following on from my last slightly cautious blog about the arrival of spring I can now safely say that things have definitely picked up at Radipole and Lodmoor. My walk to work yesterday morning was greeted with the sound of recently arrived Reed Warblers which were obviously keen to advertise their presence after their rather long northward journey from Africa. Likewise Sedge Warbler were doing the same under probably hundreds of Sand Martins and Swallows which were frantically feeding overhead. All very spring-like and very nice!
Other migrants on the move in recent days have included the first Whinchat of the spring, the odd unconfirmed reports of Cuckoo and Redstarts have featured a little more than in past springs. A Hoopoe was a nice surprise for a birdwatcher who was driving past the reserve last Thursday. It flew over Weymouth Way into the north end of the reserve. Wheatears have also been showing off, some of which were posing rather nicely for a photo...
Marsh Harrier action has led to some confusion in the last few weeks. Back in March things were looking as though Radipole was the chosen spot to set up home for the summer but things have dramatically changed with Lodmoor now being the favoured site but the appearance of another bird during the week might spice things up a little. Took this photo a couple of days when we both managed to surprise each other as our paths crossed!
To finish some very exciting news! You may have noticed that there’s lots of reed missing up near the North Hide? Well... it will be reappearing very soon in the form of a new roof for the Discovery Centre!
Wow, love the marsh harrier photo. The bird does look surprised indeed, some serious flight adjustment by the looks of those tail feathers! And that is beautiful light on the wheatear. Thanks, Luke.