RSPB Mersehead Blog 15th – 21st January 2022
A flock of around 30 Linnet were seen down the merse on the weekend, posing for a photo on the new fence.
Linnet on the merse. Photo credit: Luke Jones.
Topping work to improve the habitat for natterjack toads. Photo credit: Luke Jones.
This week we have had some lovely sunny days and clear skies on the reserve, perfect for some habitat management work. Our volunteers continued with Natterjack toad habitat management work this week, finishing the work of clearing gorse from a section of the seawall, and strimming further along the breeding pool. Rushes in the field where the breeding pool is located have been topped (mowed) this week to enable the natterjack toads to access the breeding pools from their hibernacula in the sand dunes. Flocks of barnacle geese have been seen taking advantage of this newly available source of grass that was hidden amongst the tall rushes.
Barnies taking advantage of the newly topped field. Photo credit: Luke Jones
The Solway coordinated barnacle goose count was conducted on Wednesday, with the Mersehead team covering the areas either side of Mersehead between Port Ling and Loch Kindor below Criffel. The data from these surveys will help to monitor the impact of the current bird flu outbreak on the Svalbard barnacle goose population.
There have been some amazing Starling murmurations over the reedbed at dusk over the last couple of weeks. A couple of times the barnies have been seen flying out to roost and almost chasing the starlings as they try to flee the yapping geese. You can watch a video of one of this week's murmurations below.
On Friday we had some nice and sunny weather while conducting the WeBS survey at Kirkconnel Merse. One of the highlights from the survey were 12 Goldeneye floating up the river with the incoming tide. Some of the drakes (male ducks) were seen swooning/ head nodding, a type of courtship display; this can be performed to either strengthen bonds between existing pairs or to attract a new partner. Goldeneye form couples at their wintering grounds, before they head back to their breeding grounds in the forests of northern Europe, where they nest in the hollows of large trees. 418 Wigeon, 457 Barnacle Geese, 250 Pink-footed geese and 396 Lapwing were also recorded during the survey.
The only moth found in the moth trap on Friday morning was a male Early moth. The flight season of this species is between January and February, and sometimes into March. It is common and widespread throughout the majority of Great Britain, although it is likely under-recorded as an adult due to its winter flight season.
Following on from the discovery of a Roe deer antler last week, a number of roe bucks have been seen sporting their new growing velvet antlers, ready for the rut (breeding season) in July and August. Interestingly, female roe deer can delay the implantation of the fertilised egg until January of the following year so that the young are not born in the cold winter months.
Roe deer with its new velvet antlers. Photo credit: Luke Jones.
Take part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch by spending an hour counting all of the birds that you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park over a one hour period between the 28th and 30th of January. It is now the world's largest wildlife survey, and gives scientists and conservationists a fascinating and unique insight into our garden birds and how they are faring right across the UK. Find out how to take part in the following link: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Luke Jones, Trainee Warden.
Notices
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 located in the heart of reserve. Enjoy a 10% discount on any remaining weeks throughout January and February at BARNACLE and SHELDUCK.
Residential Volunteering
We are currently advertising for a Residential Volunteer to join the reserve team as a Trainee Warden. With free accommodation provided on the reserve, the work is very varied and will allow you to gain a wealth of experience for pursuing a career in nature conservation. To find out more and apply, follow this link: https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/24480-residential-on-reserve-more-than-4-weeks-mersehead-2022-01-20
Avian Flu
Positive cases have been confirmed in dead birds at Mersehead nature reserve. Biosecurity measures are in place on the reserve along with signage with further information for visitors to try to help prevent further spread of the disease. Although the risk of contracting the disease from a wild bird is very low, we recommend that people do not handle sick or dead wild birds, remain vigilant, and report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), gulls or birds of prey to the UK government Defra helpline (03459 33 44 77).
Covid Advice
Please follow our advice on Covid restrictions and updates on our website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/