I am a Twig

RSPB Mersehead Blog 30^th April – 6^th May 2022

Mersehead has been particularly dry this spring with only 15mm of rain falling over 40 days (20^th March-29th April). This sustained period of dry and also windy weather led to the Natterjack toads entering a state of semi-dormancy with little activity recorded.

On Saturday evening, the rain clouds gathered and a total of 14mm was recorded in the rain gauge. This led to a rather soggy but highly successful natterjack guided walk over the weekend where we got to both see and hear the toads.

The sound of the Natterjack chorus at Mersehead.

Natterjack toads breed in ephemeral pools, pools which dry out on an annual basis. This is a specific breeding strategy as these pools will contain small numbers of aquatic invertebrates which would predate the spawn and tadpoles. This harsh breeding tactic has its draw backs as the pools may dry out to quickly resulting in the spawn/tadpoles perishing. Although the weather this spring has not been particularly hot, it has been dry and very windy, and it is the wind evaporation which has led to some of the pools at Mersehead drying with the loss of some spawn strings.

However, the natterjack toad has a projected breeding season which allows them to take best advantage of the weather conditions. Realising that the weather was too dry, the females will have burrowed into the sand dunes to await the return of the rain.

Female Natterjack Toad. Photo credit. R. Flavelle

On Tuesday night we were out completing our second adult population survey of the natterjack colony, we may have got soaking wet, but the toads were certainly loving the return of the rain. The 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 112 adult toads were recorded – a great number. The toads are very sensitive to further weather conditions such as air temperature and wind speed, so it is essential that survey are completed in good conditions.

Measuring toad photo. Photo credit: R. Flavelle

This was followed up by a day-time search of the breeding pools for spawn strings. This is the main survey method which the 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 11 new spawn strings this week.

Natterjack spawn. Photo credit: R. Flavelle

The weekly moth survey recorded 47 individuals from 13 species with Lesser Swallow Prominent, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Chinese Character and Pale Prominent making their first appearance of the year. A very distinctive moth, the pale prominent is well camouflaged taking on the appearance of a twig!

The Twiglets (Pale Prominent). Photo credit: R. Flavelle

Lesser Swallow Prominent. Photo credit: R. Flavelle

The second round of territory mapping surveys of the reedbed found that the Reed Warbler has returned with at least 8 males singing. Garden Warbler has been heard singing on Rainbow Lane this week. A very plain warbler with no distinguishing features (a feature in itself)! The garden warbler starts to arrive in late April and May and leaves quickly in around mid-July. Migrant birds can be seen through August and September. It was lovely to see 8 Whimbrel passing through Mersehead on migration this week. In the UK, this species only breeds in Shetland and Orkney and is a passage migrant to other coastal areas in spring and autumn.

Garden Warbler - adult male Nottinghamshire Photo credit: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Whimbrel at Mersehead this week. Film credit: G Chambers

On Sunday morning the reserve felt quiet. Our Barnacle geese had left overnight and have started east on their 2,000-mile migration back to their breeding grounds. A count of the Solway on Wednesday recorded 12,900 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.

A percentage of the population have been fitted with satellite tags to aid understanding of their migration patterns. The majority of these geese are currently still recording Rockcliffe marsh as their location. However, one intrepid adventurer has already made it to Dverberg, a small village on the east coast of the island of Andøya, Norway.

Svalbard Barnacle Geese. Photo credit: D. Jackson

Preparations are underway for the return of our much-loved summer black and white visitors, the Belted Galloway herd. This summer, you will be able to see them grazing the wetland habitats in front of the Information Centre and Bruiach Hide as they assist with our conservation grazing program.

Belted Galloway at Mersehead last summer.

The barnacle goose prefers to feed on nutrient-rich short swards and an excellent way to create this habitat is by taking a crop of hay from the field. Ragwort is a biennial plant which is common across the countryside. Although a number of myths circulate about ragwort, the chemicals it contains may lead to liver damage in livestock if consumed in high quantities, so we need to ensure it does not go into the hay bales. Ragwort is a prolific spreader and only by removing most or all of the root system is it meaningfully dealt with.

Come and join us for our first practical public work party events on Saturday 21^st & Sunday 29^th May, help us remove some ragwort to create prime barnacle goose habitat. Many hands make light work! Few things are more powerful than nature when it comes to living in the moment and relaxing. Spending time outdoors in natural spaces and gaining a greater understanding of local wildlife provided a vital escape from repeated lockdowns. As the world slowly returns to normal it is important we do not lose this connection and this event will help slow you down and experience the healing power of nature. 

Bring a packed lunch for a picnic on the beach, take a deep breath and enjoy the sound of skylarks, the wind on your face, social interaction and help us create a wonderful habitat for the returning Svalbard barnacle geese.

Announcements

Upcoming events:

*Holiday Cottages - Planning your 2022 holidays? Discover the breath-taking scenery, wildlife, cultural and history of Dumfries & Galloway whilst staying in one of the Mersehead cosy semi-detached holiday cottages – Barnacle and Shelduck – located in the heart of reserve.

*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.