RSPB Mersehead Blog 3rd – 9th December 2022
With temperatures dipping below freezing for much of the week, the main objective has been keeping warm whilst we look to progress the Winter work program of habitat management and infrastructure maintenance work.
The weekend volunteers, led by George, have done an excellent job in coppicing willow from behind the polytunnel. The younger, more flexible branches were then put to good use, as George ran a festive wreath making workshop on Saturday. The event was very popular, and as the photos on Facebook demonstrate a good time was had by all.
George looking very pleased with his wreath.
Raking is a good activity for keeping warm, and with the help of our Tuesday team it took no time at all to nutrient strip the Wildflower Meadow. Wildflowers thrive in nutrient poor soil, so stripping away the cut vegetation will hopefully see this area, which was only instated 18 months ago, become even more of a haven for wildlife than it already is. There was then time for removing some willow from the bank of the ditch at the back of the Visitor Centre wetland. It is essential to do this every few years so that this key element of our water management network remains accessible for maintenance. The water level had to be dropped first, which Jess and Sorcha were able to help with by removing a couple of boards from the sluice at the far end.
Nutrient stripping the Wildflower Meadow. Photo credit: P. Radford
Clearing willow from ditch. Photo credit: P. Radford
Managing water levels. Photo credit: P. Radford
The Mersehead team headed to Barclye (Wood of Cree) on Wednesday to help with the removal of Sitka Spruce saplings (and more established trees), that have self-seeded from surrounding plantations. As well improving the condition of this fantastic area of peatland bog, it was a good opportunity to catch up with the wider team before the end of the year.
Sitka spruce before clearance. Photo credit: P. Radford
Sitka spruce after clearance. Photo credit: P. Radford
Some of the team clearing up mince pies. Photo credit: P. Radford
Two surveys were conducted this week. Firstly, we headed out to count the number of Barnacle Geese feeding on the reserve. On this occasion we counted 4,277, which were evenly split between the fields on the visitor trail and those over on the eastern end of the reserve. This number is comparable with previous counts over the last couple of months, and shows we are still providing the ideal habitat for our hungry visitors. At least one Leucistic barnacle goose can still regularly be seen on the reserve; Alec and Nancy Coull encountered it during their visit on Monday and shared some great pictures, including the one below.
Leucistic Barnacle Goose. Photo credit: Alec and Nancy Coull
Our second count was the monthly Wetland Birds Survey at Kirkconnell Merse. Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Redshank were present in good numbers, but the star of the show was a Kingfisher which flew across the River Nith from the jetty at Glencaple and sat on the bank opposite for us to admire.
Kingfisher and Teal. Photo credit: M. Chambers
Kirkconnell Wetland Bird Survey 8 December 2022 results
With the wetlands freezing in the cold weather, some of our more elusive residents have had to come out of hiding. In particular, these conditions are a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of a Water Rail. One was spotted in the short ditch next to the Meida Hide, and another by the cottages. Gavin even managed to get a short video of this one, along with some great footage of an Otter.
Video credits: G. Chambers
Note that these videos have been trimmed to reduce file size
Other highlights this week have included 10 Black-tailed Godwit around the scrapes on the lefthand field towards the woodland, where a pair of Bullfinch have also regularly been seen moving up and down the hedgerow. Red Kite and Buzzard have been seen near the Visitor Centre, and Barn Owl are still visible at dusk. 3 Whooper Swans were spotted flying over on Friday morning, and it’s the time of year when sizeable flocks could start dropping into the wetlands for a short stopover.
Whooper Swans. Photo credit: Jack Barton
Paul Radford, Assistant Warden
Upcoming events
Forest School Introduction Saturday 10th December 13:30-15:30
Forest School helps promote skills, confidence, self-esteem and team building whilst taking part in fun outdoor activities.
This workshop includes games, shelter building, ID, nature conservation and fire lighting. This workshop is themed for primary aged children.
Free event with donations welcomed on the day. Email george.hemstock@rspb.org.uk to book a place.
*Holiday Cottages - Discover the breath-taking scenery, wildlife, cultural and history of Dumfries & Galloway whilst staying in one of the Mersehead cosy semi-detached holiday cottages – Barnacle and Shelduck – located in the heart of reserve.
*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.