Go on a Kingfisher Quest at Radipole Lake nature reserve

With staff and volunteers strategically placed as ‘spotters’ around the site, ready to radio in to HQ, there’s a good chance of seeing one of these exquisite birds, which bred on the site this spring for the first time in 40 years.

“We’re seeing kingfishers here on an almost daily basis,” said Weymouth Wetlands manager Nick Tomlinson.

“This is a very good time of year for sightings because young birds are on the move and looking for suitable places to establish their own territories.

“And this is prime real estate for them. Following our two-year restoration of the reserve, water quality at Radipole Lake has improved and the sheer numbers of fish it supports, including minnows and sticklebacks, is staggering. They’re just the right food prey for kingfishers, which is why, we believe, they bred here this year, producing three broods over the course of the summer, simply wonderful.”

The kingfisher is truly iconic – most people can bring the image of the bird to mind, even if they haven’t actually seen one. So it is surprising just how difficult it can be to spot, given its striking, vivid plumage.

With an electric-blue back, crown and wings of greenish-blue, rich, orange-red underparts and cheeks, white cheek patches and throat, coral red legs and feet, and a long, dark bill, it should be hard to miss.

But it has a habit of perching motionless in the dappled shade of vegetation overhanging rippling water, waiting for its prey, and the different play of light and shade can render it virtually invisible.

It is also a very shy bird and often the first sign that it’s about is its short, sharp, slightly ringing call of keee or ch’keee as it hurtles fast and low over the water or reeds.

Occasionally though, it will perch in the open – and Radipole Lake has a number of well-placed branches where you can watch the bird at close range – a breathtaking experience. If th-ere’s no perch around, the kingfisher can hover to rival a hummingbird.

Nick added: “These birds have favourite fishing places and perches so with our ‘spotters’ on location this weekend, we have high hopes that people who come along will be lucky enough to see one.”

For close-up stunning views of these amazing, colourful birds you can hire a pair of binoculars from the visitor centre, or take advantage of the special range of binoculars and telescopes we will have in the centre for the weekend, accompanied by a team of experts on hand to give you guidance and advice, if you want to buy your own.

Go along to the visitor centre in the Swannery car park any time between 10am and 3pm on Saturday or Sunday for this free event – there’s no need to book.

For further information about the Weymouth Wetlands Kingfisher Quest, call in at the Radipole Lake visitor centre in the Swannery car park or phone them on 01305 778313.