Farewell, so Long

RSPB Mersehead Blog 28^th April – 5^th May 2023

The Barnacle geese have left Mersehead, heading east on their 2,000-mile migration back to their breeding grounds in Svalbard. A count of the Solway on Wednesday recorded 25,000 geese on the Rockcliffe Marshes near Gretna Green, a traditional gathering point as they prepare for departure across the North Sea towards the Norwegian coast.

Photos by G. Chambers

At the start of the week, we were out completing our second adult population survey of the Natterjack toad colony.

Photo by CJE Farrell

This survey involves searching for the adult toads after dark, recording their numbers and measuring the toads to inform an understanding of population dynamics. A total of 142 adult toads were recorded – a great number. With a diversity of body length measurements recorded, we can be confident that a good percentage of the toadlets which emerged three to four years ago are now returning to the pools as breeding adults.

Photo by R. Chambers

This was followed up by a day-time search of the breeding pools for spawn strings. This is the main survey method which Amphibian & Reptile Conservation use to monitor the success of the species on a national basis. As each female natterjack toad will only spawn once, this survey gives a good indication of the female population within a colony. We found 28 new spawn strings this week taking our total to 105 spawn strings recorded so far.

Photo by R. Chambers

The team have also been out surveying at 6am completing the first round of breeding wader and wildfowl surveys. Initial results have recorded 49 pairs of Lapwing and with nests hatching everyday we are endeavouring to keep track of all the chicks to monitor productivity.

Photos by A. Sutton

With a couple of hot sunny afternoons this week, butterflies have been fluttering in every direction with the Speckled Wood being seen for the first time this week.

Photo by G. Chambers

Notable wildlife sightings at RSPB Mersehead this week included:

• Lapwing chicks
• Grasshopper Warbler
• Sedge Warbler
• Reed Warbler
• Cuckoo (heard only)
• Green Woodpecker (heard only)
• Common Sandpiper
• Red Kite
• Roe deer

With several bank holidays around the corner, don't forget we have an array of events being run at RSPB Mersehead over the next couple of weeks (see table below).

Rowena Chamber, Warden

RSPB Mersehead holiday cottages:

At Mersehead you will find the RSPB’s only self-catering holiday cottages- Barnacle and Shelduck. Available dates are currently going quickly, follow the links to book your next holiday.