RSPB Mersehead Blog 29th October- 4th November 2022
It has been a wetter than average October in the area this year, with over 150mm or rain falling during the month. More wet weather this week (with Wednesday being particularly grim thanks to heavy rain and 50mph winds), has made for some challenging working conditions but has left the Mersehead Wetlands looking fabulous. This in turn has lead to an explosion in waterfowl numbers, when comparing a count of wildfowl and waders this week with the last Wetland Bird Survey conducted 3 weeks ago. Wigeon numbers are up 2640%, Teal 840%, Pintail 2090% and Shoveler 3650%. A large flock of Lapwing (around 400) can also now regularly be seen from the Bruaich hide, and over 2800 Dunlin were seen doing their own version of a murmuration out on the mudflats during the count. The table below gives a complete summary of what we saw.
Teal enjoying the wetlands. Photo credit: P. Radford
The Mersehead Starling murmuration is gradually growing, with an estimated 10,000 now regularly gathering to put on a mesmerising display before dropping into roost amongst the reeds. The Meida hide is the best place from which to witness the sight and sound of this magical show. The following link will take you to a video taken on 3rd November at 4.30pm of the murmuration being harassed by a Sparrowhawk.
Starling murmuration at Mersehead. Photo credit: P. Radford
The presence of raptors always makes for a more spectacular show from the starlings, and there have been plenty of sightings this week, including Peregrine Falcon, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Marsh Harrier and a Ring-tailed Hen Harrier.
Some other highlights this week include:
Otter picked up on trail camera
When it hasn’t been raining, we have been treated to some glorious late Autumn sunshine. Whilst this may not be as favourable to ducks, it has been ideal for continuing work on the new woodland path. We have been working on a particularly wet section, which has required the additional step of adding large stones to raise up the path. No trips to the gym have been necessary for the volunteers and staff who have worked tirelessly on moving rubble, raking gravel, back filling soil and fixing boards.
Working on the woodland path. Photo credit: P. Radford
It has been maintenance week for the holiday cottages, and a team of volunteers were busy working on the gardens and hedges earlier this week. With lots of availability leading up to Christmas, it is an ideal time to experience the awe-inspiring sight and sound of thousands of Barnacle Geese feeding in the fields, and flying out to roost on the mudflats.
Paul Radford, Assistant Warden
*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