Bird Watching in Weymouth & Portland

The recent cold winter weather has resulted in an array of birds flocking to our shores. We get quite a lot of “twitchers” in our Weymouth shop buying maps and outdoor accessories - here is an article on Bird Watching in and around Weymouth.

You may be surprise to learn that in the Weymouth and Portland area there is a wealth of fascinating flora, fauna, birds and wildlife on your doorstep. The area is a major migration point for birds and is visited throughout the year by hundreds of dedicated bird watchers.

The RSPB nature reserves at Radipole and Lodmoor are situated close to the town centre and are excellent for birdwatchers and those who are interested in being close to nature.

Radipole Lake RSPB Nature Reserve

The Radipole Lake Reserve is in the centre of Weymouth in an urban setting and has plenty to offer to families and birdwatchers alike. It is considered to be one of the most important areas for migrating birds on the whole of the south coast of England. As one of the country’s premier bird-watching sites, it was declared a bird sanctuary in 1929 and has

been managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for Protection of Birds) since 1976. It is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reedbeds at Radipole Lake are now home to many rare birds, including Cetti’s warblers, bearded tits and bitterns.

There are panoramic views of the reserve from the visitor centre and there is easy access to the rest of the reserve along firm paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The large reedbed, open water, flood meadows and native shrubs attract a good range of birds all year. The reserve is currently undergoing a transformation with excavators clearing reeds at the northern end of the site and ditches being restored. It is hoped the completed works will encourage more breeding birds as well as otters, water voles and bats, to use the reserve.

Lodmoor RSPB Nature Reserve

Lodmoor Nature Reserve offers a mixture of habitats with its grazing marsh and ditches, shallow pools, reedbed, wet grassland, saltmarsh and native shrubs. There is easy access to the reserve along firm paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Birds to see during Spring and Summer in the Reserves

Birdwatchers can identify the arrival of spring as the reedbeds burst into life. Chiffchaffs and Sand Martins welcome a host of other birds including reed and sedge warblers and steadily the reserve become noisier with various bird songs. Out on the open water, there is a host of water birds and dabbling ducks, whilst, Coot and Moorhens are seen regularly holding territory and tending their young on the open water. At Lodmoor Nature Reserve you can see Bearded Tits and Cetti’s warblers all year and there is a large colony of common terns in summer. You may also glimpse the occasional Kingfisher.

Birds to see during Autumn and Winter in the Reserves

As the long summer months draw to a close, the reserves change from a home for nesting birds to a re-fuelling stop for migrating birds visiting from the Baltic, Siberia and Eastern Europe as they seek refuge during the harsh winter months.  The full extent of the migration phenomenon indicates that many thousands of warblers and other small birds pass through on their way to warmer climes, so the realisation of just how important this reserve is, becomes only too apparent.  Swallows and Martins congregate in vast flocks, chattering noisily before finally dropping into the reeds at dusk to roost – truly one of nature’s great wildlife spectacles.  It is a time of change, as the reedbeds fall virtually silent and the open water becomes crowded with feeding and nesting fowl. Bitterns which visit most winters at Radipole are one of Britain’s rarest and most secretive birds.  Pochard, Tufted Ducks and Little Egrets can be observed. The reedbeds are being nurtured for them and it is hoped that in the future they will remain here to breed.

In autumn at Lodmoor Nature Reserve you can see hundreds of Swallows and Martins preparing for migration. The reserve also provides a safe winter refuge for large numbers of wading birds ducks and plovers and its saltmarsh areas attract rare and unusual migrants from Europe and further afield.

The RSPB visitor centre at Radipole Lake offers guided walks, special events, advice on bird identification and much more. It is open everyday except Christmas and Boxing Day.

Portland’s coast has for years been a haven for nesting sea birds, including some protected species. From Herring Gulls, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars and Kittiwakes to Peregrine Falcons, all of these birds are an integral part of the island wildlife.  Visitors can take either the East or West-cliff route to observe and monitor the migration of birds, some of which are nationally or globally protected species..

A visit to the Portland Bird Observatory, at the Old Lower Lighthouse, is worthwhile to obtain local information on birds. The Observatory offers hostel accommodation which should to be booked in advance. The Observatory has a full time warden who, along with volunteers, undertakes bird ringing and counts on a regular basis.

Spring and autumn months are the best time to visit Weymouth and surrounding areas for bird watching with April and May being the peak months for migration.

The many prime coastal sites in the vicinity offer a superb bird spotting opportunity for both novice and regular alike.

If you would like further informal guidance and direction please feel free to chat with us at  The Outdoor Store where we would also be delighted to help equip you for your outdoor adventures with a range of quality affordable outdoor clothing,  waterproof jackets, binoculars, guide books and maps.

Tags: Bird Watching in Weymouth, Bird Watching on Portland, Lodmoor RSPB Nature Reserve, Radipole Lake RSPB Nature Reserve