RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 3rd April – 9th April 2021

It has been a week in which the migrants, who continue to arrive from the south, may be wishing they had delayed their departure from the tropics.  Instead of being greeted by warm, spring sunshine, the much anticipated summer visitors to Mersehead have, along with the rest of us, been blasted by freezing cold Arctic air which has brought strong winds, freezing temperatures, snow and overnight frost.  The Sun’s warmth, when experienced from a sheltered spot, has been noticeable, but exposure to the elements has required dressing for January rather than the first week of April.

From this....

To this!  Photo credit: D. Jackson

Some of the birds to be caught out by the sudden change in meteorological fortunes include Swallows – who have been seen clinging onto their favourite telegraph wire perches – and Sand Martins, whose mesmerising hawking displays over the wetlands bamboozle both onlookers and the insects they expertly snare.

-4!  Is it too late to head back to Africa?  Photo credit: R. Flavelle

Willow Warbler have been seen along the Bruiach Hide path, and (aptly) amongst the willow that line the deep ditch adjacent to Rainbow Lane.  Unlike the quite similar Chiffchaff, which announces itself by repeatedly singing its name, the Willow Warbler refrain is an unmistakable descending whistle which is always a pleasure to hear. 

Both these species can be experienced whilst following the Easter trail along the hedgerow and into the woodland.  The trail is denoted by a set of fabulous blackboards, which have been created by one of our exceptionally talented volunteers.  These provide an opportunity to learn more about the array of wildlife that can be enjoyed around the reserve at this time of year, whilst also savouring the tropical scent of the gorse bushes and the sight of bumblebees foraging on Blackthorn which, unlike Hawthorn, produces white flowers before leaves.

Artwork from the Easter trail. Artist credits: B. Taylor

Blackthorn in flower. Photo credit: P. Radford

Lapwing monitoring has started in earnest this week, as we look to identify nests from a safe distance, whilst observing and attempting to decode the cryptic and extravagant behaviours of these charismatic ground nesting birds.  A “pee-wit”-ing  diving and twisting male may still be establishing his territory, pushing out rival males or trying to impress an available female.  Ideal nesting territories provide bare, broken ground in which it is easy to create their nest scrapes, and offer good all-around visibility to watch out for predators.  Even better is the nearby presence of muddy pools and suitable cover to enable chicks to feed and hide.  However, lapwing parents will take their young (who are able to walk and feed themselves soonafter hatching) considerable distances to locate these chick rearing habitats.

Looking out to ideal lapwing nesting habitat. You may even spot the proof if you look carefully. Photo credit: P. Radford

With the territory established, ground displays follow whereby the male scrapes and rocks with wing tips and tail raised, hoping to impress an onlooking female with his nest building abilities.  If she hangs around, he will move aside and bow to invite her to test out the real estate.  If she is happy, she may decide it is worth continuing the home improvements with further scraping and tail bobbing.  Then, if all goes to plan, once a full clutch of eggs (usually four at one per day) have been laid, we will observe the characteristic low sitting posture of an incubated nest.

A scope does help. Photo credit: P. Radford

Patience and time are needed to locate and monitor nests, as there is no guarantee that it will be occupied when observed, especially if the parents sense danger nearby.  They will often walk or fly away from the nest, either to feed or to distract and chase away potential predators.  These eggs will need to be incubated and protected for around 27 days, and with birds already on nests at Mersehead, we hope to be able to report the emergence of adorable chicks at around the beginning of May.  A careful eye is also being kept on a pair of Oystercatcher, who we are hoping have made a nest in one of the fields behind the Visitor Centre.

(Fingers crossed), a breeding pair of Oystercatcher. Photo credit: P. Radford

Tilled land is a popular nesting site for Lapwing, and much time has been spent this week creating such a habitat for sowing a spring oat crop.  Not only is sowing in spring advantageous for Lapwing – providing the ideal, undisturbed nest sites in time for the breeding season – but it also enables an overwinter stubble to be left when the crop is harvested in the autumn.  This will then provide valuable seed food and cover for our healthy population of farmland birds.

Ploughing for Spring Oats. Photo credit: P. Radford

The oats are in! Photo credit: P. Radford

It is not only Lapwing who breed at Mersehead, and over the coming weeks survey work will get into full swing as we follow tried and tested methodologies to build up evidence of wader and wildfowl breeding populations across both Mersehead and Kirkconnell reserves.  Plenty of ducks are still feeding on the wetlands (including around 200 Teal), and although many will only be stopping over en route to their final destination, we hope that a good number will successfully raise young here.

How could you not want to breed here? Photo credit: P. Radford

Despite all the excitement of new arrivals, we wouldn’t dream of forgetting about the Barnacle Geese, who have warmed our spirits over the cold winter months.  We will continue to monitor the number feeding on the reserve up until the time they all depart at the end of April, and this week recorded 2,500.  This is significantly lower than last week, so it will be interesting to see if it is just that birds were feeding elsewhere at the time the count was conducted, or whether it is indicative of some already starting their long journey back to Svalbard.

Still plenty of grass to be enjoyed out on the merse. Photo credit: P. Radford

A brief respite from the strong winds on Friday provided a window to conduct the first reedbed survey of the season, in which we attempt to mark territories of Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler by observation and listening for song and calls.  The first survey usually only identifies Reed Bunting, with the other key Mersehead species still making their epic journeys from Africa.  It was, therefore, a very pleasant surprise to hear the unmistakable erratic Sedge Warbler song emanating from the reeds just as the survey was getting underway.  Although these are the key species we are looking for, we were also treated to the pig-like squeals of Water Rail and a Barn Owl flying low along one of the rides.

Listening for Reed Bunting. Photo credit: P. Radford

Other sightings this week include the first Grasshopper Warbler of the year, seen near the entrance bridge, and around 50 Linnets noisily feeding near last year’s wild bird cover crops.  However, the most exciting moment of the week (for one Mersehead resident at least) was a calling Little Ringed Plover heading out over the wetlands.  This distinctive wader – similar in appearance to Ringed Plover – is largely confined to England and Wales, and is scarcely seen in Scotland.  This explains why spotting one was such a treat, and even better that a camera with a long lens was on hand to provide evidence.

Cropped image of Little Ringed Plover over Mersehead. Photo Credit: G. Chambers

Mersehead is currently open for walks, fresh air and amazing nature encounters. We hope to be able to open the bird hides, playground and festival hut soon following government guidance. Our two Holiday cottages Barnacle and Shelduck are set to reopen on 26th April – we have limited availability left for the summer so click on the links now to secure a booking.

Paul Radford, Assistant Warden