Radipole Lake and Lodmoor are perfectly situated on the south coast where spring migrant make first contact with the UK. Over the past few weeks we have been scanning the skies and staring at bushes waiting for the first wanderers to return. Chiffchaffs are the only migrants so far to have appeared although some of these sightings might involve some of our brave wintering birds which have miraculously made through the winter. Species we are still waiting for are Sand Martin, house martin and Swallows. Wheatears usually appear on Lodmoor about this time of year as well. Hopefully we'll see some in the next few days now the wind has shifted round to the south.
Luckily, some of our wintering residents have been grabbing the attention, especially our Bittern. It spends the whole day last Saturday sitting opposite a busy road and pavement oblivious to all the on looking admirers. It was even seen catching fish! The Marsh Harriers also made an appearance plus snipe numbers are particularly impressive with nearly 70 seen at one time from the visitor centre window.