Mersehead Recent Sightings 26th October - 1st November 2019
We were reminded that winter creeps ever closer this week, with frosts crisping the reserve on a few mornings and making for magical sunrises. As we’ve previously reported, our winter visitors are now well and truly in, and the reserve is bustling with life.
It’s almost impossible to walk anywhere without thrushes bursting from the bushes around you. Large flocks of Fieldfare (a count of 61 individuals has been the peak this week), Redwing and the occasional Mistle Thrush are roaming the reserve making the most of the seemingly never-ending supply of berries. It’s not just thrushes that are enjoying the berries. Large flocks of Goldfinch and Linnet are also getting in on the action, and smaller flocks of Siskin can also be seen and heard in the woodlands.
Fieldfare. Photo credit: Ben Andrew
Out on the wetlands there is still an impressive array of wildfowl to be seen, many of them now wearing their breeding finery having completed their post-breeding moult. Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon and the occasional Gadwall and Tufted Duck are all guaranteed from both Bruaich and Meida Hide, although some patience is sometimes required as the birds move in and out of the rushes that they use to for cover.
Gadwall. Photo credit: Ben Andrew
Lapwing and Curlew can also be seen from the hides, although they have a tendency to roam the reserve, making the most of the any wet areas they can find, so it is worth scanning the fields just in case. Sadly, there was no further sign of last weeks’ Richardson’s Cackling Goose but with thousands of Barnacle Geese roaming the reserve, it is perfectly possible that it is still out there somewhere, waiting to be re-found. It’s also worth keeping an ear out for Whooper Swan whilst you’re out and about. They continue to arrive back from their breeding grounds in Iceland, and their bugling calls often give away their presence as they fly over and if you’re lucky enough, on the ground in front of one of the hides as happened earlier this week when 4 individuals dropped into the wetland in front of Meida Hide.
Whooper Swans. Photo credit: Ben Andrew
Perhaps the highlight of this week was a sublime male Hen Harrier that was seen over the wetlands and later in the day from the Visitor Centre. Backed-up by a stellar supporting cast of Merlin, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Buzzard, Raven, Tawny Owl and Barn Owl, the reserve is quite a hot-spot, and we expect this theme to continue through the winter. Both species of owl are best looked for at dusk along the entrance road, whilst other raptors can pop up pretty much anywhere, although the wetlands are always a good bet.
Hen Harrier. Photo credit: Andy Hay
Over the big high tides last weekend, there were spectacular numbers of waders at the roost points on the beach. It’s always important to keep a good distance as these birds are easily disturbed, but with a scope it was possible to see 2300 Knot, 1450 Oystercatcher and 750 Dunlin alongside Ringed and Grey Plover, Curlew, Redshank and Greenshank.
The Starling murmurations continues to grow and is starting to look quite impressive, especially as Marsh Harriers and a Sparrowhawk have been seen simultaneously; the Sparrowhawk causing the murmuration to swirl and tighten to form amazing shapes as they try to evade their predator.
Starlings and the moon. Photo credit: Dave Jackson
Some of the greatest spectacles of nature take place at dusk. Join our guide in the hide to enjoy an air show of starlings in murmuration or geese descending on reserve to roost. We'll have an infra-red camera and telescope on hand to help you spot wildlife too, as the light drops. Check out our Facebook page for more details.
Lana Blakely, Assistant Warden