RSPB Mersehead Blog 12th – 18th October 2024
Autumn has officially arrived at Mersehead, and the changes that have occurred here in recent weeks have left the landscape looking particularly beautiful.
Barnacle Geese at RSPB Mersehead. Photo credit: F. Sanders.
On Monday evening, in the last of the golden sun, I meandered along the reserve footpaths to marvel at the autumn spectacles. Thousands of red Hawthorn berries shone brightly in the hedgerows, and the yellowing leaves of a Beech tree glowed in the last rays of the evening sun. Thorny brambles drooped down in the wooded areas, weighted with shiny ripe blackberries. Acorns littered the track, and as I watched, leaves spiralled down through the air, delicately landing on the ground. A moment that told me that Autumn truly has arrived.
Hawthorn berries at golden hour. Photo credit: F. Sanders.
Beech leaves in autumnal colours. Photo credit: F. Sanders.
I paid a visit to Meida Hide and I was soon met with the unique sight of not one, not two, but five different species of geese together: Canada, Greylag, Pink-footed, Barnacle and Snow geese. Water levels are gradually rising in the pools beyond the hide and a hive of waterbird activity has followed in recent weeks. As I sat in Meida Hide that evening, I watched as Mute Swans silently fed, Wigeon whistled loudly, and Moorhen navigated their way in and out of the reedbed. I noticed the distant quacks of Mallard ducks and observed the way in which Shoveler dwarf tiny Teal if they swim in close proximity to one another. Taking a moment to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of bird activity around me was a surprisingly relaxing way to spend an hour.
View from Meida Hide. F. Sanders.
On my return journey, I was treated to a lovely display from one of the iconic species at Mersehead Reserve.....Barnacle geese. A chorus of “barks” suddenly erupted from a field on my left as hundreds of geese lifted, filling the air with the most incredible sound. Around 9,000 Barnacle geese were counted in a recent survey at Mersehead, including 2 beautiful leucistic individuals. All in all, it is a wonderful time of the year to visit Mersehead.
Freya Sanders, Assistant Warden
Please note that the Forest School event on Friday 27th October is CANCELLED . Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Upcoming events: For more information on individual events and to book a place, please go to our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Halloween and Weird Geese: Self-guided family event, collect your activity pack from the Visitor Centre
12th – 27th October
Badger Banquet; Booking Essential
22nd October
2nd November
Goose Roost on Sandflats; Booking Essential
20th October
25th October
Autumn Discovery Walk; Booking Essential
24th October
Forest School: For more information & to book a place on Forest School please email: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
24th November
At Mersehead you will find the RSPB’s only self-catering holiday cottages - Barnacle and Shelduck. Available dates are currently going quickly, so please follow the links to book your next holiday.
*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.