Mersehead Recent Sightings 20th – 26th May
After a warm week here, we are seeing lots of new life appear around the reserve. Our pair of mute swan can be seen out on the wetlands with their 3 cygnets, we have canada geese with goslings, good numbers of mallard ducklings, and of course we are spotting more & more lapwing chicks which is so encouraging to see. The house martins are extremely busy around the Sulwath Centre, their acrobatic building skills are fascinating to watch as they build their nests on the eves.
Our hedgerows look stunning, filled with may blossom and the sounds of the smaller birds, sparrows, chaffinch, goldfinch, tits, warblers, all so busy rearing their young. We will soon be on the lookout for the first fledglings to appear. Our walk down to the Bruiach hide is extra special filled with the colour & aroma of the Japanese roses.
Hedgerows (photo credit: J.Foot)
In the moth trap this week we found 18 small square spot, 5 dark-barred twin spot carpet, 3 flame shoulder, 3 buff ermine and 1 poplar hawkmoth.
Flame Shoulder (Photo credit: J.Foot)
Throughout the last week we have found 19 new natterjack spawn strings and are keeping a close eye on their progress. With the warmer nightly temperatures the male toads are in fine voice most evenings, as their chorus is heard drifting across the reserve.
Jon Foot Residential Volunteer