Another Year, Another list

RSPB Mersehead Blog - New Years Day 2024 Bird List

Below are all the species seen, in chronological order, at RSPB Mersehead on the 1st January 2024 between 10am and 3pm.

Barnacle Goose
Crow
Starling
Rook
Tree Sparrow
Chaffinch
Wren
Shoveler
Wigeon
Mute Swan
Robin
Woodpigeon
Bullfinch
Song Thrush
Lapwing
Pintail
Little Egret
Pied Wagtail
Mistle Thrush
Collared Dove
Curlew
22. Linnet

Flock of Linnet along the sand dunes.

Blackbird
Jackdaw
Magpie
Goldfinch
27. Great Tit

Great Tit moving through the hedgerows.

Dunnock
Siskin
Black-headed Gull
Sparrowhawk
Pheasant
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Redwing
Teal
Coal Tit
37. Stonechat

Male Stonechat hiding behind a bush along Rainbow Lane.

Blue Tit
Goldcrest
Meadow Pipit
Twite
Skylark
Pink-footed Goose
Treecreeper
Grey Heron
Redshank
Snipe
Mallard
Herring Gull
Feral Pigeon
Long-tailed Tit
Greenfinch
Shelduck

Male Hen Harrier hunting over sand dunes.

54. Hen Harrier
Canada Goose
Greylag Goose
Oystercatcher
Dunlin
Sanderling
Grey Plover
Common Gull
Cormorant
Water Rail
Moorhen
65. Merlin

A good start to the birding year and plenty of species to add to the list in the coming weeks and months before Spring migration gets going.

Residential Volunteering Opportunities:

We are looking for three residential volunteers to join our small, friendly team here at Mersehead to assist with the delivery of both our practical and visitor experience work programmes throughout the spring and summer. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation, bring people closer to nature and start a career in conservation. You will learn what it takes to run and manage a nature reserve and will gain a valuable insight into Europe's largest conservation charity.

Accommodation is provided in our converted farmhouse in the heart of the reserve where you will become fully immersed in the life of RSPB Mersehead. Working alongside staff and volunteers you will gain a range of wildlife survey knowledge, practical estate/habitat skills and people engagement experiences. For full details and how to apply click through the below links.

Conservation & Land Management Placement

People Experience Placement

Upcoming events

Rowena Chambers, Warden

*Flooding - Please note that Mersehead nature reserve is prone to flooding during periods of high rainfall and/or strong winds and tidal surges. To avoid disappointment at these times, please contact the reserve in advance of your visit by email in the first instance at mersehead@rspb.org.uk or check the RSPB Dumfries and Galloway Facebook Page for daily updates.