RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 3rd January – 10th January 2020
Damp and mild weather at the start of the week has been replaced by minus temperatures with the first snow fall on Criffel and ice forming around the edge of the wetlands. The pools from the Visitor Centre have been busy with Teal, Wigeon, Pintail and Mallard. A Whooper Swan dropped in which was great to see as we usually see these elegant birds from the hides. Redshank and Lapwing have been probing for food along the muddy margins. A Brambling has been spotted at the bird feeders along with 8 Tree Sparrow.
Criffel. Photo credit: Dave Jackson
Spring tides occur twice each lunar month when the sun, moon and Earth are all in alignment. This extra gravitational pull causes the oceans to “bulge” more, which creates higher high tides and lower low tides. The tides can also be more powerful with stronger tidal currents. Over the Christmas holidays, winter spring tides exposed old field drains along the beach. A flock of Twite have feeding along the sand dune edge this week. Keep a look-out for the lone Snow Bunting.
Old field drains. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
Bullfinch has been spotted on the walk to Meida Hide. Keep a look-out for Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper as you wander under the winter canopy. The Starling murmuration has continued to be impressive with reports of 2 Marsh Harrier hunting the murmuration this week. Signs of spring are starting to appear with the foliage of Lesser Celandine, Pink Purslane and Wood Sorrel appearing in the woodland and beneath the hedgerows.
Lesser Celadine & Wood Sorrel. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
Over the next month we will be widening and improving the footpath to Meida Hide. Where possible we will keep the footpath open whilst we complete this work but there may be times when the footpath will be closed. Mainly seen during the winter and spring, Jelly Ear Fungus can currently be seen on the way to Meida Hide. As dusk settles over the reserve the resident Tawny Owl has been very vocal.
Jelly Ears. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
Is the new decade bringing a change of career for you? Residential RSPB volunteering is a great way to start your conservation career. We are looking for a Trainee Visitor Experience Warden to help staff on the reserve and in the local area. Get involved in a variety of events, whether it be fun games and wildlife challenges to connect children and their families to nature or showing adults wildlife on the reserve and showcasing the story of what we are doing to help it. Learn all about the RSPB - who we are, what we have done and why. As Europe's largest conservation charity this could be a great way to start your conservation career. Not only will you get experience in working with all sorts of people but there will be opportunity to participate in and learn about wildlife surveys too, helping develop your ecological or naturalist skills.
Roe Deer. Photo credit: Dave Jackson
Planning your 2020 holidays? Discover the breath-taking scenery, wildlife, cultural and history of Dumfries & Galloway whilst staying in a cosy semi-detached cottage located in the heart of RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve. Find out more about BARNACLE and SHELDUCK and enjoy a 10% discount throughout January and February.
Rowena Flavelle, Mersehead Warden