RSPB Mersehead Blog 21st – 27th October 2023
The week began with the final in our series of three Badger Banquets, run as part of the #WildGooseFestival2023. Once more spectators were treated to a fine display of foraging from four of our resident friends. Overall, the events have proven hugely popular with all three selling out.
The badgers were not the only species dining out this week. The fruiting Hawthorn in the hedgerows is now teeming with feasting winter thrushes; Redwing, Fieldfare, Song thrush and Mistle thrush. Keep your eyes peeled on your way down Rainbow Lane and to our two hides, Bruaich and Meida for good sightings.
Fruiting Hawthorn near the Sulwath Centre, Mershead Reserve. Photo Credit Nick Bone
Don’t know the difference between a Redwing and a Fieldfare?
No need to panic!!! The RSPB has lots of great, free and easy to digest information to aide you. If you need to Thrush up on your ID skills then click on the names above for some extra help.
Redwing
Fieldfare
The Mersehead Reserve team has been busy surveying our wetland winter migrants again this week, recording 8,200 Barnacle Geese at Mersehead. In some exciting news, we are delighted to announce that we now have three Leucistic Barnacle Geese on the Reserve, with one member of the Reserve team managing to grab a snapshot of two grazing leucistic geese.
Two Leucistic Barnacle Geese seen this week on Mersehead Reserve. Photo Credit Gavin Chambers
Moving away from our ever-popular Svalbard to Solway migrating Barnacles, the wildfowl and waders across Mersehead were observed in good numbers across the mudflats and wetlands. Whooper Swans were present, while there was a rare appearance from a Black-tailed Godwit at Bruaich Hide. Water Rail was once again made an appearance at Meida Hide.
Black-tailed Godwit
Mute swan
2
Canada goose
16
Barnacle goose
4528
Shelduck
52
Wigeon
147
Gadwall
1
Teal
174
Mallard
38
Pintail
47
Shoveler
66
Red-breasted merganser
4
Goosander
Little Egret
5
Moorhen
Oystercatcher
1692
Ringed plover
18
Grey plover
7
Lapwing
255
Knot
60
Sanderling
23
Dunlin
2870
Snipe
3
Curlew
185
Redshank
10
Water rail
Bar-tailed godwit
RSPB Mersehead is running a full and varied Events Program. We are looking for Volunteers who can help with all our Visitor Engagement Activities, from welcoming people on arrival, to leading events and activities. In a nutshell, we are looking for volunteers who can provide a great visitor experience here on the reserve. If you love nature and working with people as much as we do, then we’d like you to join our team! Please get in touch with us here.
For more information on individual events and to book a place please go to our website:
https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Svalbard to the Solway Story Trail
19th – 29th October
Autumn Discovery Walk
26th October
Goose Roost on Sandflats
28th October
Forest School
25th November
16th December
Join us for another one of our popular Forest School events on Saturday 28th October. This event will be goose related to co-inside with the Wild Goose Festival taking place across Dumfries and Galloway 19th-29th October. Limited places are available for primary aged school children. Each workshop costs £5 per child. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay but not necessary. Suitable clothing and footwear for outside play are essential. Please email mersehead@rspb.org.uk to reserve a space or for further information. Forest school involves learning that is in tune with nature and the great outdoors. Its aim is to promote new skills, confidence, self-esteem, and team building while participants take part in fun outdoor activities.
Nick Bone - Trainee 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.