RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 12th June – 18th June 2021
The final round of wader and wildfowl surveys was brought to a close on Saturday, walking across the saltmarsh in the morning sun. The yellow flower of Silverweed decorates the saltmarsh at the moment. Its saucer-shaped flowers appear alongside the creeping silver leaves. Despite no breeding waders having been found in this area, Oystercatcher from the fields across the track were feeding in the muddy creeks. Perhaps this adult could be the parent to the 3 Oystercatcher chicks which are continuing to grow, and now almost at the fledgling stage. With the breeding season coming to an end for many of the birds which we survey, many fledglings are populating the fields and flocks of fledged Lapwings are gathering in the fields next to rainbow lane.
Saltmarsh in the morning sun. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Silverweed. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Work on an area opposite the Sulwath centre continued this week. Many weeks and stages of work have seen this area transformed into the beginnings of a wildflower meadow; quite the transformation from its previous life as a tennis court. The first step in creating this habitat was to spread a layer of soil on top of the existing gravel base. Careful coordination enabled this soil to be repurposed from the reprofiling of a nearby ditch, done several months ago. The soil removal created a shallow gradient to make it safer for potential wader chicks to feed at the water’s edge, and not a drop of that soil was wasted as the majority created the base layer of our meadow. After levelling the soil and raking out large grass roots, it was time to start laying the Geotech matting. This matting provides soil stability so a path can be created within the meadow. The final stage, completed this week, was to sow the seed and add the remainder of the reprofiling-work soil as topsoil. The rain that followed has given the seed the perfect start, and it won’t be too long until shoots start to appear, and the wildflower meadow will be host to an array of butterflies. The tuneful song of the Blackcap Warbler was a welcome accompaniment whilst we worked.
From raking out the soil to sowing the seed: the progression of the wildflower meadow. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Working near the farm buildings gives regular opportunities to spot Swallows on the wing, swooping to catch insects and briefly resting on the telephone wires displaying their impressive tails. Females mate with males with a higher quality and length of tail feathers. Although this doesn’t benefit the parent directly, the standard of tail feathers is an indication of genetic health and suggests improved survival of any offspring. Swallows build their nests from mud and straw, and one such nest has been made under a shelter, protected from the strong winds. Lined with feathers, a nest like this will hopefully see 4-5 eggs hatch after around 18 days.
Swallow. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Swallow nest: Photo credit: B.Taylor
The intermittent rain and strong winds are providing a challenge to the Natterjack Toads, and the start of this week’s survey found the once tadpole-abundant pools have dried out. This disheartening finding was slightly assuaged upon counting 600 tadpoles with back legs along the ditch. A shoal of common toad tadpoles with fully formed back legs had us excited as, at first glance, these are easy to mistake for Natterjacks. To tell them apart, the Natterjacks have a distinctive white chin, where the common toad is a uniform black. As they develop further, the characteristic yellow dorsal stripe is clear on the Natterjack tadpole. Although the ground is covered with hopping froglets, the Natterjacks are yet to reach the toadlet stage.
Froglet hitching a ride on a welly. Photo credit: B.Taylor
The sticky foam of Cuckoo spit was present around the survey area. This substance, found on the stems of plants, is an excretion made of plant sap which froghopper nymphs (or spittlebugs) produce. This serves the purpose of hiding the larvae which are unable to jump yet, as well as keeping them protected from temperature extremes and dehydration.
Cuckoo spit. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Long grass lining the ditch is the perfect habitat for damselflies, and sure enough both Azure and Common Blue Damselflies were resting by the water. On the wing for just a few months, damselflies are not as strong fliers as dragonflies, and will rest to wait for prey before snatching insects with their legs. Very similar in their appearance, the difference between the males lies in the patterning of the segment below their wing base. The Azure Damselfly has a black ‘U’ shape whereas the common has a small mushroom shape.
Although a common and widespread moth, this week saw my first sighting of the Large Yellow Underwing. These moths scuttle along the ground and, although primarily a night-flying moth, their orangey yellow hindwings may be flashed during the day if they are disturbed.
Large Yellow Underwing. Photo credit: B.Taylor
Just a reminder that more of our facilities are now accessible: hides are now open for limited numbers in keeping with social distancing rules, and the festival hut will be open with a staff member/volunteer on hand to welcome you to the reserve, point you in the right direction and answer all those questions! Please note that the car park charge of £3/car for non-RSPB members has returned to help the RSPB to continue to protect the wonderful wildlife at Mersehead. Come and chat to us at the festival hut if you are interested in becoming an RSPB member.
Although the Visitor Centre will remain closed, the toilet will be available from 10am-4pm
Would you like to be here to see the Barnacle geese return to the Solway? There are just a couple of weeks left vacant at Shelduck Holiday Cottage in October only.
Beth Taylor, Residential volunteer