Mersehead Recent Sightings 1st - 7th April
Last week heralded the arrival of the first sand martins on the reserve. This week, not only have their numbers increased somewhat (from seven to twenty) but a few other spring arrivals have appeared. On the 1st April a willow warbler could be heard singing near the farm buildings and was also heard again later in the week on the 6th singing along a line of trees at the back of the reedbed. These lovely little birds can look very similar to chiffchaff, which are also present around the reserve, having arrived a few weeks earlier. The best way to separate them reliably is by song. Despite looking incredibly similar, when winter rolls around these birds migrate to very different parts of the world. The chiffchaff will winter in the Mediterranean and parts of North Africa whilst the willow warbler winters in sub-Saharan Africa, hence the later arrival time. Swallows have been reported around the country and we are keeping our eyes to the skies in the hope of seeing the first swallow at Mersehead any day now.
willow warbler (photo credit: John Bridges)
On Thursday we carried out our first breeding bird survey in the reedbed. On this occasion we were only recording reed bunting but as we carry out later surveys (having to undertake four in total) they will be joined by sedge warbler and reed warbler. The Mersehead reed warblers are some of the most northerly breeding birds of this species in the UK. The next few months will be a busy time for the team as we carry out a range of surveys, from monitoring breeding waders to butterfly transects. We’ll keep you updated with our progress.
View from the reedbed whilst carrying out our first survey of the season (photo credit: L.Blakely)
After hearing our first natterjack toad calling last week, we ventured out again to see what we could find. Although there wasn’t a chorus as such, we did hear a few intermittent calls and found two toads. As the weeks go by and the temperature increases we should really start to see and hear many more. If you’re interested in these fantastic amphibians why not come along to one of our guided walks which are being held on the 6th and 13th May.
Whilst listening for natterjack toads in the darkness we were treated to the sound of ‘drumming’ snipe. This unusual sound is made by the vibration of specialised outer tail feathers as it descends rapidly from a great height when carrying out its display flight.
Snipe (photo credit: Andy Hay)
This week we have noticed lots of cuckoo flower coming into bloom. The opening of the delicate pink flowers is thought to have coincided with the arrival of the first cuckoos into the country, hence the name. There is some interesting folklore surrounding the cuckoo flower in that it was thought to be sacred to fairies and so was unlucky to bring indoors.
The reserve never fails to surprise you and we were not disappointed this week as on Thursday we were extremely surprised and excited to see an otter pop up from a ditch just ahead of us! We stood as still as our excitement would allow whilst the otter proceeded to eat something nondescript then cross over the bank right in front of us. As we were downwind it had no idea we were there!
Lana Blakely, assistant warden.