RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 22nd–28th May 2021
Greenness is expanding everywhere, helped by the welcome rain, and Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Siskins have been singing from the cover of verdant hedgerows. Not far into the woodland, a Spotted flycatcher, our latest summer migrant, was seen amongst the trees. And against a backdrop of green hills, a Roe Deer stood proud in the fields.
Roe Deer. Photo credit: B.Taylor
The third round of reedbed surveys was completed this week; listening out for and recording the positions of Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Reed Bunting. An exciting 17 Reed Warbler territories were recorded. The pig-like squeal of a Water Rail added to this soundscape, while a family of Chiffchaffs perched nearby.
The forecast sunny spell was seized on Monday to complete a butterfly survey. This transect incorporates six different habitats, with a mixture of foodplants for laying eggs, and also offers the chance to see a variety of wildflowers. Only 10 minutes in, the first butterfly flitted past my face. The whites can be tricky to tell apart but from the size alone, I could be sure of this Large White. A pair of Green-veined white butterflies mating on the damp grassland were easier to identify, the dark green patterning obvious on their underwing. This year’s first Small copper recording was an exciting find, basking on the sand dunes.
Green Veined White Butterflies. Photo credit: B.Taylor
The dunes are blooming with wildflowers, including the nectar-rich Birds foot trefoil. Also named ‘eggs and bacon’, there is a stark contrast between the yellow flower and red ‘bird’s foot’ seed pod which follows it. Also flourishing along the dunes are Germander Speedwell, Wild pansy, and Common Stork’s bill, amongst which I noticed large clumps of papery egg cases. These are Whelk egg cases, washed up once the miniature whelks have hatched in the spring. Within the large cluster, only a few eggs are fertilised and the hatched whelks feed on those which are unfertilised.
Bird's Foot Trefoil. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Common Stork's Bill. Photo Credit: B.Taylor
Whelk egg cases. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Although no adult orange tip butterflies were recorded on this week’s survey, the first Orange-tip egg of the year was found on Cuckoo flower, one of their key foodplants. Egg laying females release pheromones which deter others from laying eggs on the same plant, therefore securing their young a food source and protection from the cannibalistic caterpillars. Initially white, these eggs turn orange after a few days and larvae will hatch after roughly ten days.
Orange-tip Butterfly egg on cuckoo flower. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
Sunny weather on Thursday brought a range of insects to the visitor centre, the first of which was a Common Carder Bumblebee. The queen and worker of this species are very similar, both a fluffy orange and brown, but based on size, this bee was a queen. From this, it can be surmised that her worker eggs have not yet hatched as once they do, the queen will stay inside her nest and let the worker bees forage. Next, flying between crevices in wood and wall, a Ruby-tailed wasp showed its glistening blue and red colours off in the sunshine. Also known as the ‘cuckoo wasp’, these wasps lay their eggs in a host species nest (typically Mason Bees) and once hatched, will eat the host’s larvae. A little out from their normal woodland habitat, a Two-Banded Longhorn Beetle rested long enough to have its photo taken. A large longhorn beetle, the distinctive yellow bands at either side mark this beetle apart.
Common Carder Bumblebee. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Two-banded Longhorn Beetle. Photo credit: B.Taylor
The downpours of rain have topped up pools nicely for Natterjack Toads. Since last week, when some pools had dried dramatically, water levels and temperatures are staying on track to make this a great year for the Natterjacks. A spawn string survey on Wednesday found 1,448 growing tadpoles amongst 3,445 newly hatched tadpoles. The size difference between these is quite striking now, and in the coming surveys we will be looking out for the beginnings of hind leg development. Whilst counting Natterjack tadpoles in the vegetation, the occasional frog tadpole scooted across our hands. These are much larger than Natterjack tadpoles. They have a green tinge and will predate the Natterjack tadpoles.
Range of size in Natterjack Tadpoles. Photo credit: B.Taylor
An exciting first for this year, two Shoveler ducklings have been seen in the field behind the Visitor Centre!
Just 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.
Although the Visitor Centre will remain closed, the toilet will be available from 10am-4pm.
Beth Taylor, Residential volunteer