Today was only the 5th time I have left the island during this third Lockdown. The dogs had the groomers, I had to buy some Straw for the ducks and then late morning pick up the pooches Advocate and Dronsit.
As it was pointless driving back to Portland and then to drive back again, I took the opportunity to do a couple of 30 minute walks around Lodmoor and the same again at Radipole.
The weather wasn't brilliant, but at least it wasn't wet and I managed several new bird species for my year list:
Lodmoor RSPB Reserve
Along my walk I came across a pair of leg ringed Mute Swans
Hopefully I will be able to get some more info on these two.
A Grey Heron keeps very still next to one of the waterways.
There were so many Chiffchaffs about.
They were either feeding or...........
..........being very vocal.
Birds Recorded at Lodmoor (New for year in Red): 1 Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Greenfinch
Radipole RSPB Reserve
The open water and reed beds close to the Visitors Centre, where a...........
.......Great Crested Grebe was doing a spot of fishing. Below are two videos of it doing just that.
A Great Crested Grebe fishing
And again, before it headed off behind the reedbeds.
A Cetti's Warbler. Hmm, moving on
Under one of the bridges were at least 4 Common Carp
Birds Recorded at Radipole (New for year in Red): Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, , Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Reed Bunting
Fish Recorded: 4 Common Carp