RSPB Mersehead recent sightings 28th July – 3rd August
It’s been a changeable week weather- wise here at Mersehead. Sunny skies have been mixed with dreich spells and heavy bouts of rain. To counter the grey spells we’ve been experiencing and to remind us that summer is still well and truly here, our wild bird cover has really come alive and is currently a mass of bright yellow sunflowers, mustard, linseed, white millet and forage rape. We currently have 2 strips sown on the reserve, one of which can be viewed from the main track as you head down to the woodlands. As well as providing lots of invertebrates, such as bees and butterflies, with food right now, they will provide an abundance of seed to wintering finches and buntings. Sunflowers are particularly favoured by Greenfinch whilst the linnet, forage rape, millet and mustard will be visited by Chaffinch, Linnet, Twite, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Skylark, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting. The main reason for the population declines of some of these seed-eating species during the 1970’s-1990’s has been attributed to reduced food supplies over winter causing increased mortality. By sowing this crop we hope to provide a good food source through the tougher months. As an example of how attractive this crop is to birds, last August we recorded a peak count of 650 feeding Linnet on our wild bird cover, let’s hope that we get those sorts of figures again this year! Next summer, insects will once again be attracted to the flowers and this in turn will provide a food source for birds over the crucial breeding season. Small mammals also hide and breed under the cover of these plants, providing food for species such as Barn Owls.
A crop of sunflowers. Photo credit: L.Blakely
Great for insects; a bumblebee covered in pollen! Photo credit: L.Blakely
At this time of year we carry out key management over our wetland habitat. Mowing and grazing are essential tasks that keep a wetland in good condition for breeding and wintering waders and wildfowl. The cattle that are currently grazing parts of the reserve will create a varied structure in the vegetation that is favoured by many ground- nesting waders, whilst their dung will enhance insect populations, creating more food for adults and chicks. Mowing accompanies grazing by knocking back the vegetation that would otherwise grow too long, eventually leading to scrub and woodland developing over the long-term.
The damp and rainy weather has been good news for the Frogs and Toads across the reserves, with the ground dampening and getting wetter young froglets and Common toadlets have been spotted out and about feeding during the day. On Thursday, an adult Natterjack Toad was spotted at the beach end of Rainbow Lane. All three of these species struggle to feed in the hot, dry weather we’ve been having recently due to the risk of desiccation if they spend too long out in the sun. Studies have shown that they are more likely to enter hibernation in poor condition after a hot, dry summer compared to a cool, wet or hot, wet one. Common Toads and Frogs will hide under debris and in long vegetation but the Natterjack will go one step further; with its specially adapted shorter, sturdier legs it can burrow into sand or loose soil to keep cool until weather conditions are more favourable. Although some of us might be grumbling for the hot, dry summer to return, our amphibians couldn’t be happier!
Adult Natterjack Toad out in the wet weather. Photo credit: L.Blakely
During breaks in the weather butterflies were out in force with numerous species recorded around the reserve. A Speckled Wood was spotted along the woodland trail as you head to Meida Hide, Green-veined whites remain ubiquitous whilst Peacock, Wall Brown, Red Admiral and Small Copper have all been spotted feeding off of the Knapweed in the Butterfly Meadow. A Red Admiral caterpillar was spotted on the path to Bruaich Hide, it is usually found amongst nettles (it’s favourite foodplant). This species will make a ‘tent’ out of nettle leaves by folding the edges together, as it grows it makes new tents. It will emerge only to feed. Nettles are also used by peacock butterflies and a variety of other insects. You can help breeding butterflies by leaving a patch of nettles in your garden. Check for the distinctive tents of the Red Admiral or the spiky, black caterpillars of the Peacock to see if they have started breeding in your garden. A Red Kite was noted on Wednesday flying over the reserve as well as 3 buzzards. Fledglings continue to emerge as species attempt their second or even third brood for the year. Most notable was a line of 6 Swallows on the wire near the start of Bruaich Hide path, their chattering and whirring sounds causing passersby to glance up and admire them.
A Red Admiral caterpillar. Photo credit: L.blakely
The next On the Night Watch events will take place on 9th & 18th August. The event taking place on the 9th has only one place left but there are more spaces available for the 18th. If you’d like to see how we attract nature throughout the seasons and get to discover some of our wildlife close-up, then get in touch to take part in one of the Mersehead Discovery Walks.
And for anyone looking to visit the reserve with young family, our self-lead Nature Discovery wild challenges are taking place throughout summer. If visiting the reserve with young children ask for a nature discovery pack at the visitor centre, to enhance your family’s visit.
For more details, check online at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/events.aspx?reserve=Mersehead
Lana Blakely, Assistant Warden