RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 1st–7th May 2021
Barnacle Geese were gathering in large numbers towards the end of last week, moving restlessly between fields and swirling in impressive, messy groups. It was a shift in the weather at the weekend, notably a change in the wind direction, which gave them the go ahead for their departure. Their 2,000-mile journey will start by heading across the Atlantic and up the Norwegian coast before reaching Svalbard. As the winter home to a third of the world’s population of these Barnacle Geese, the reserve is oddly quiet without their yapping and barking, though two Canada Geese were doing their best to make up for it with their loud honking.
Tail-end of the Barnacle Geese. Photo credit: B.Taylor
The change in weather also brought welcome rain; topping up Natterjack Toad pools which were in danger of drying. Saturday saw the second of our night-time toad surveys and, dressed in more layers than you’d expect for May, we set out with torches and rulers to find and measure adult toads. As we approached the pools, it was reassuring to hear the Natterjack chorus, however this is not to be mistaken for the Grasshopper Warbler whose trilling call may sound similar and can be heard around the reserve. Perhaps due to the low air temperatures, fewer toads were recorded in this week’s survey compared to last Saturday, with a total of 88.
Searching for Natterjack Toads. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Whilst scanning our torches over the lagoon, we highlighted Daubenton’s Bats skimming low over the water. This ‘water bat’ feeds on flies; using its tail and feet to spear and scoop prey from the water’s surface. By May, bats are out of winter hibernation and hunting each night. Females are starting to look for maternity colonies, whilst males will roost individually or in smaller groups.
On the complementary day-time toad survey, spawn-strings are counted, and their development monitored. A number or tadpoles have hatched from their spawn strings and can be seen swimming in the short vegetation before they disperse. An estimate is made of the number of tadpoles, but counts become more important once these tadpoles develop into toadlets as this is crucial to estimating the future population size. With water temperatures just above 10 degrees, it was a surprise to see 5 pairs in amplexus. Egg development is slower in colder water, and can cause spawn to perish, so the coming week’s temperature will be key in their survival outcome.
Natterjack toads in amplexus. Photo credit B.Taylor
Both a blessing and a curse for Lapwing, the rain has topped up pools creating ideal feeding conditions but putting a strain on the exposed chicks. At some nest sites, all 4 chicks have hatched so rather than identifying nests, the challenge is now to keep an eye on these chicks as they move between nesting and feeding locations. A total of 26 chicks have been spotted whilst monitoring this week, however the frequent attempts by predators (mainly corvids) to take a chick, and the consequent mobbing by the adults, highlight their vulnerability.
A second Oystercatcher nest has been identified (helpfully much easier to see than their nests often are), and I was lucky enough to spot the parent birds swapping sitting duties. My attention caught by movement in the short sward, I focussed my scope to find a female Wheatear bobbing between tussocks.
Oystercatcher sitting on its nest. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Walking back towards the farm, I heard the loud sharp call of a Stonechat which was perched at the top of a bush, flicking its wings. Bluebells are out in force in the woodland, and leaves erupting from buds in the hedgerows are hiding singing Blackcap Warblers and Whitethroats, along with resident Wrens and Greenfinches.
Stonechat. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Bluebells in the woodland. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Due to the low pressure and strong winds, hightides at Kirkconnell Merse were cause for a walk of the fencing to remove large debris and make any necessary repairs. Perfect habitat for breeding waders, we were treated to the display flights and calls of Curlew and Oystercatcher which we will be recording in next week’s wader and wildfowl survey. Despite the warmth of the sun, the cold air temperatures were still noticeable, and the tops of the Cumbrian hills were covered in silver white snow.
View over Kirkconnell Merse to snow covered hills. Photo credit: B.Taylor
A reminder that more of our facilities are now accessible: hides are now open for limited numbers in keeping with social distancing rules, and the festival hut will be open with a staff member/volunteer on hand to welcome you to the reserve, point you in the right direction and answer all those questions! Please note that the car park charge of £3/car for non-RSPB members has returned to help the RSPB to continue to protect the wonderful wildlife at Mersehead. Come and chat to us at the festival hut if you are interested in becoming an RSPB member.
There are only 2 weeks left in 2021 for Barnacle Holiday Cottage at RSPB Mersehead: 19th-26th June & 28th Aug-4th September. Follow the link to book!
Beth Taylor, Residential volunteer