January is Here

RSPB Mersehead Sightings 1^st – 6^th January 2023

The first working day of 2023 was bright, sunny, and cold with a thin layer of ice covering the wetlands. A total of seven wildfowl species have been spotted this week snoozing and diving in the limited open water: Shoveler, Pintail, Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall and Tufted Duck. Little Grebe was present whilst Water Rail has been heard squealing from the depths of the reedbed.

The high-water table has resulted in great close-up views of Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank all probing the mud for invertebrates across the grassland fields. Whimbrel has been reported at the Information Centre. Bullfinch has been spotted on the walk to Meida Hide. Keep a look-out for Nuthatch, Treecreeper and flocks of Long-tailed tits as you wander beneath the canopy.

Rooks are communal breeders, nesting in colonies known as rookeries. Nests are built high in the trees and made of twigs and branches which have been broken off trees or stolen from a nearby nest. Rooks are one of the earliest birds to start nest building.

Large flocks of Linnet have been seen on the beach this week. Greenfinch and Goldfinch flocks have been feeding at the end of the woodland before reaching the beach.

The driftwood bird table at the Information Centre has been hectic with small birds queuing up in the hedgerows awaiting their turn. As well as the more common garden birds such as Chaffinch, Blackbird and Blue Tit, there has been fabulous close-up views of Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer.

Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing. Sign up for your free guide and let's look out for birds together on 27-29 January.

Upcoming events:

Mersehead Wetland Bird Survey results 6th January 2023

*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.

*Holiday Cottages - 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.