I'm Ready Wing You Are

RSPB Mersehead Blog 3^rd August – 9^th August

A truly momentous moment was recorded at RSPB Mersehead earlier this week. For the first time since the RSPB took over ownership of Mersehead in 1993, Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) have successfully bred on the reserve. You can see a photograph of the beautiful chicks below! 

‘Chick A’ and ‘Chick AB’ at nest location, RSPB Mersehead. Photo credit: G. Chambers.

Marsh Harrier nest building activity was unexpectedly seen at Mersehead in late April this year, in the area of reedbed visible from Meida Hide. As a result, survey work was then undertaken by enthusiastic staff and volunteers, to remotely monitor and record the behaviour of the suspected breeding pair. Throughout early May, adult birds were observed carrying materials such as reeds, grass, and small twigs into the reedbed, to build a nest up to 80cm in diameter!

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, adult male bringing in nesting material to reedbed nest, Norfolk. Photo credit: Ben Andrew.

Initially, it remained uncertain as to whether the Marsh Harrier pair would attempt to breed, or if activity levels would plummet following the nest building stage. Over the weeks that followed, our survey efforts revealed behaviours indicative of the presence of chicks at the nest site, such as frequent hunting and food passes. Excitement soon started to grow at Mersehead as the possibility of a successful breeding attempt increased, and we hoped that we might soon see fledged juvenile Marsh Harriers.

Safely tucked away in the heart of the reedbed, the chicks had been growing stronger by the day. Against all odds, not just one but two gorgeous female chicks eventually fledged the nest.  Witnessing one of those fledglings taking its first brave flight over the reedbed was an incredible moment that I shall never forget. I hope that many of you will share in the joy of viewing these spectacular juveniles before they disperse. Interestingly, a third, older-looking juvenile Marsh Harrier was spotted at Mersehead on Monday so you now have an even higher chance of seeing one! We think it is likely that the third juvenile Marsh Harrier is from another nest location.

In moments such as this, I believe it’s important to take a minute to reflect on the history of this reserve and to appreciate the efforts of staff and volunteers over the years. Significant changes have occurred in the time that the RSPB has been managing this area of land and the landscape has been transformed. Difficult as it is to imagine, around 30 years ago, the area of reedbed where the Marsh Harriers nested, was an agricultural field most likely growing crops such as carrots.

Mersehead Farm, showing agricultural fields and crops. Photo credit: J. Fleming.

 RSPB Mersehead following re-wetting of larges expanses of the landscape. Photo credit: RSPB.

In the 1990s, a project began to re-wet the area of land in front of Meida Hide that had been historically drained for agricultural purposes. Installation of a concrete sluice facilitated this process, allowing for the subsequent planting of reed plugs to establish a 7 ha reedbed on the reserve. Remarkably, that very same reedbed now supports populations of Reed Warbler, Water Rail, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, and officially Marsh Harrier too! Nature is very adaptive and resilient, and it never fails to amaze me how it can bounce back when given the chance.

Creation of a concentre sluice gate at RSPB Mersehead. Photo credit: RSPB.

Planting of reed plugs at RSPB Mersehead. Photo credit: RSPB.

An aside:

The Mersehead Marsh Harrier chicks were ringed a few weeks ago and named ‘Chick A’ and ‘Chick AB’. Personally, I felt need to give them more creative names to use when making reference to them. A friend of mine came up with the brilliant idea of ‘Chick-P’ (as in chickpea) and the other one I have named Warrior in honour of one of our volunteers who put in a lot of hours monitoring them (long story!). Fingers crossed these two juvenile Marsh Harriers will be successful and will one day breed themselves.

Freya Sanders, Assistant Warden 

Upcoming events: For more information on individual events and to book a place, please go to our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead

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

*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.