Frozen Over

RSPB Mersehead Blog 25^th November – 1^st December 2023

With temperatures dropping to -5^oC on the coast it has been no surprise that layers of ice have spread across the wetlands. From Bruiach Hide, the distinctive call of Wigeon can be heard drifting across the frozen water. From the deeper pools within the reedbed, great swirling clouds of wildfowl appear in mixed flocks including Shoveler, Pintail, Teal and Mallard. The distinctive call of Water Rail heard from the depths of the reeds.

Although the rest of the reserve was fairly quiet due to the percentage of ice cover, the high tide wader roost was brimming with activity. Ten species were present with Dunlin topping the list with an estimated 3250 recorded alongside 403 Oystercatcher, 13 Ringed Plover, 24 Grey Plover, 297 Lapwing, 110 Knot, 31 Sanderling, 152 Curlew, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and 49 Redshank.

Sanderling. Photo credit Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Photo credit: Frances Gilgunn

Full reserve count data in the table below:

Photo credit: Dave Jackson

The Hawthorn bushes are still bursting with bright succulent red berries, one of the favourite foods of our winter visitors Fieldfare and Redwing, look out for mixed flocks along the hedgerows. 

Photo credit: Gavin Chambers.

The bird table at the Visitor Centre has been fully of hungry finches and sparrows. In severe weather, you may find you need to feed twice daily as birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather. 

Photo credit: Rowena Chambers

A cold crisp day at RSPB Kirkconnell Merse yesterday recorded the following species:

 Photo credit: Frances Gilgunn

Rowena Chambers - Warden

*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.