Hi RSPB Mersehead community!
We're certainly feeling festive on the reserve, especially after a mince pie (or three) at the volunteer get together this afternoon.
There have been some exciting sightings recently on the reserve. A rare visitor from North America, a Richardson's canada goose, has been seen amongst the barnacle geese over the weekend. Can you spot it in the photo below? Thanks to Colin Bushell, who was staying in a holiday cottage over the weekend, for the photograph.
Other recent sightings:Saturday 15th December: merlin, 7 twite, 2 stonechat and Richardson's canada gooseMonday 17th December: goldcrest. Kingfisher & 1 pink-footed goose from Meida hide. Male scaup, 7 ringed plover and grey plover at high tide. WEBS count: 1 water rail, 1 pink-footed goose, 1 canada goose, 3883 barnacle geese, 7 shelduck, 29 wigeon, 184 teal, 38 mallard, 52 pintail, 10 shoveler, 1 tufted duck, 2100 oystercatcher, 214 lapwing, 78 curlew, 3 redshank.
The weather forecast is looking kind for the week ahead, so why not get a breath of fresh air and come to the reserve for a walk? From Saturday until 5th January there is also a wildlife photography exhibition by Black Box Photographic in the Sulwath Centre.
Bye for now,
Liz