Only a few hours after i wrote about the lack of migrants, particularly Sand Martins, we had a visitor come into the Centre and said they had seen two Sand Martins flying over one of the areas of open water. This was great news and hopefully there will be more to come in the next few days. There are also a couple of other migrants turning up locally, including a trio of Garganey which usually arrive on the reserve and…

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…

Mornings are a great time to walk around the reserve, as things begin to wake up after a good night's sleep, but what a difference 24 hours can make!  Yesteday's gentle snow fall, coupled with the freezing overnight temperatures, have resulted in many areas of the smaller water bodies freezing right over, concentrating waterfowl into the remaining open water, making for great viewing opportunities.  Thrushes of…

With the wind turning round to the north and north/east, even a short walk around the reserve requires some preparation, with scarves, hats and gloves once again getting taken out of the drawers, but the reward is worth the effort.  Even if the edges of some of the ponds show a bit of frosting, and splashy areas are icy, the weak late winter sunshine is still encouraging our wildlife to gear up for spring and our resident…

Yesterday was rather a good day to see birds of prey on RSPB Radipole Lake. Throughout the day SEVEN species were seen on various parts of the reserve. It’s quite amazing to see species like Merlin and Hen Harrier flying around our reed beds, given that the reserve is right in the middle of a town Hen Harriers are particularly rare on the reserve with only one or two records a year, or in some years, no records! What…

Indeed folks, the birds at Radipole Lake think its spring. On the way to the visitor centre this morning a total of six species in full song. Most notable was a Reed Bunting, which I never usually hear until early spring. I guess the sun has triggered this outburst of song but the temperatures are certainly aren't spring like! Perhaps the birds have had enough of the cold weather and are pretending it spring? Maybe i…

The floods that greeted the arrival of the new decade have finally subsided allowing a resumption, this week, of reed cutting much to the delight of reserve staff and volunteers! Although a bit of a slog at times reed cutting is a satisfying pursuit – a feeling only intensified when the reed returns green and verdant in the spring and then sets good seed in autumn providing a winter long larder for our bearded tits. Speaking…

We often get wintering Bitterns at Radipole Lake and this year is no exception. We've had a bittern seen on and off since last November but today we appear to have two!! I am not sure why but the Bittern(s) have been rather active this morning, flying around the reserve presumably looking for good fishing spots. Due to this activity we able to watch and pin point where they were flying to and from. Whilst one bittern…

Welcome to Radipole lakes brand new blog where we will be updating regularly with news and stories straight from the nature reserve and visitor centre. Radipole Lake is a very special place for wildlife and for people. Being situated in the middle of a busy town, it is almost unique amongst RSPB reserves. It boasts a vast variety of wildlife all of which is on offer for our visitors come and enjoy!

This year we are looking…