Mersehead Murmurations & Halloween Hocus Pocus

RSPB Mersehead Blog 8^th – 14^th October 2022

Starling murmurations are one of natures wonder's, and one we're lucky enough to see at Mersehead reserve, with chances to catch this glorious spectacle from our Meida hide. This week was particularly special when we had a Marsh Harrier decide to drop in and add to the show. Some Starlings decided to duck and dive, whilst others decided to mob back. Head over to our Facebook page to see the full video here.

Starling and Marsh Harrier Murmuration. Photo credit: A. Sutton

Barnacle geese are arguably the star attraction of the reserve, and after last years rough winter with the ravaging of Avian Flu we are starting to see increasing numbers of geese on and around the reserve again. A count taken this week saw 3,000 Barnacle geese counted in these areas – a doubling from last week. We're crossing our fingers to see the healthy return of the Svalbard breeding population.

Barnacle Geese at Mershead. Photo credit: A. Sutton

Did you know the Solway Firth was famous for it’s ghost ships?... You might not see those from our shores, but from Saturday 15^th October we kick off our Halloween Hocus Pocus themed family activities at Mersehead. Until the 30^th October we’re offering a range of Halloween activities, so bring the kids and set yourself up for spooky season. Ask about our kids activity trail at the Visitor Centre to take part for a small charge (not available on Tuesdays & Wednesdays).

Whooper Swan from Meida hide. Photo credit: A. Sutton

The recent rainy weather saw Mersehead temporarily cut-off by floods, with our access road under a foot of water on Monday. Luckily the road was cleared by the evening, and in a silver lining we have been seeing steady increases in water levels across the reserve, leading to an increase in wetland bird sightings. Notable sightings include:

• Wigeon
• Pintail
• Teal
• Shoveler
• Little Grebe
• Mute Swan
• Whooper Swan
• Little Egret
• Marsh Harrier
• Merlin
• Common Redshank
• Little Stint (beach)
• Golden Plover (beach)

Little Stint & Ringed Plover from Mersehead beach. Photo credit: A. Sutton

To learn more about these and other birds, check out the RSPB wildlife guide: Birds A- Z | Bird Guides - The RSPB

Adam Sutton & Jess Lister, Resident Volunteers

Reserve Announcements:

Take action against marine litter and join us at RSPB Mersehead for our next beach clean in collaboration with the Solway Firth Partnership.

The state of our oceans has a massive impact on the birds and wildlife which rely on the beautiful wetlands and shores which surround our coastlines. Find out how green you are and what positive changes we can make by reading the RSPB’s Green Living facts. If everyone did something, it would add up to something big!

Upcoming events:

*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.