Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Flocks of swallows and martins gather over the water in spring to feed on insects after their migration from Africa. Warblers also arrive, including grasshopper, willow and Cetti's warblers, blackcaps, whitethroats and lesser whitethroats. The reedbeds are full of singing sedge and reed warblers.
Summer
Hobbies can be seen flying after small birds and dragonflies, which they catch with their feet then pass to their beaks while still flying. Flowering plants attract good numbers of butterflies, such as commas, painted ladies and peacocks.
Autumn
Bearded tits become easier to see, with family groups roaming the reedbeds and making their distinctive 'pinging' call. As the water levels are lowered in preparation for winter reed-cutting, the mud attracts wading birds such as dunlins, snipe, redshanks and lapwings.
Winter
You could see a bittern if you're patient - they will fly up from the reeds occasionally to get to different feeding areas. During cold snaps, water rails become much easier to see as they must feed outside the frozen-up reedbeds. There is a large roost of pied wagtails in Weymouth and the birds can often be seen at Radipole before heading into town for the night.