RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 4th - 10th August 2018
Residential Volunteering: Highlights
After 1 month as a residential volunteer at Mersehead, I have not only learned a multitude of new skills and got to have so many valuable experiences, but I have seen more wildlife than I ever could have imagined! On my first day exploring the reserve I soon came across a group of juvenile stonechats, several common toadlets, and had a close encounter with a roe deer and a hare – all within a quick half-hour walk.
One experience I was thrilled to be a part of was a recent plant identification day, in which we found a number of exciting and scarce species. It was on the same part of the saltmarsh that I was lucky enough to see two peregrines last week, and where I still hope to see an osprey. I have also been particularly interested in the mammal tracks that can be found on the beach, which surprises me to included hare, deer and mustelids. On other parts of the reserve, I have seen (but more often heard!) plenty of yellowhammers and been delighted to see so many tree sparrows and swallows.
A juvenile stonechat seen on my first day (left) and the nationally scarce Isle of Man cabbage (right).
Another highlight of my time spent volunteering was the opportunity to complete bee and butterfly transects of the reserve. Mersehead is home to a number of bumblebee species, including red-tailed bumblebee, common carder bee, and tree bumblebee.
During the butterfly transects, several species were spotted that can be seen on the reserve this week. This includes three of Britain’s most common ‘white’ butterflies: small white, large white, and most abundantly, the green-veined white. Other species that were recorded include red admiral, painted lady, meadow brown, and the slightly less common wall brown – which has become a high priority species for conservationists due to sharp population declines. The wall brown is rarely found in large numbers so it is great to see so many on the wing at Mersehead. Look out for them basking on walls and paths of the reserve on sunny days.
From left to right: small white, large white and green-veined white. The shape of the wing tip marking can distinguish between the first two species, which is more horizontal on a small white and more vertical on a large.
Two of the ‘brown’ butterflies seen this week on the reserve: the meadow brown (left) and the more brightly patterned wall brown (right).
Some More Recent Sightings 4th – 10th August
Aside from butterflies, keep an eye out for other flying insects such as the common darter dragonfly – which was seen on the coastal path this week, basking in the sun. The male of this species looks particularly impressive, with a bright orange-red colour and large size.
In the bird world, sightings include an osprey flying overhead close to the beach, and a green woodpecker has been spotted in the woodland, along with more sightings of the more frequently-seen great-spotted woodpecker.
After a rainy spell, this week has been back to sunshine and one species that seems to enjoy this is the common lizard. Two young lizards were seen basking on a fence post on Rainbow Lane on several different days this week. The best time to get a glimpse of these shy animals is on sunny days as the temperature begins to rise in the morning. They can be seen on south-facing stones or logs that are close to cover so that they can quickly escape from predators. Lizards tend to have favourite spots and will often quickly return to the exact same place after being disturbed, which can make for some great and prolonged sightings.
Male common darter.
A young common lizard. This species is also known as the viviparous lizard – as the females give birth to live young (viviparity).
On the Night Watch
After the success of the previous ‘On the Night Watch’ events, there are still spaces left for our 18th August night watch (which runs 9-11pm). This will give you the chance to experience nocturnal wildlife in a way not possible on any ordinary night – through the use of bat detectors, infrared cameras and moth traps. Our Mersehead Discovery Walks also run every fortnight, providing you with the opportunity to get closer to nature and learn more about the work we do at the reserve.
See more details of events at:
https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/events.aspx?reserve=Mersehead
Laura Kerr, Residential Volunteer
All photographs by Laura Kerr