New Beginnings and Strange Shrimp

RSPB Mersehead Blog 14th - 20th Septemper

Hi, my name is Keira, and I am the new residential volunteer here at RSPB Mersehead.

I have spent the past couple of years living in the Lake District, so I am no stranger to natural beauty. However, since coming to Mersehead I can confidently say that it is a strong contender for one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. I am extremely lucky to get to call this place home for the next six months.

On my first week here I have already learnt and seen so much! I have already seen Roe Deer roaming in the fields and Pink-footed Geese noisily flying overhead. I have learnt lots about these strange little creatures called Tadpole Shrimp.

 Tadpole Shrimp are believed to be the oldest living species in the world! They are known as a ‘living fossil’ and they have remained pretty much unchanged for 220 million years. This species is only found in two locations here in the UK: the New Forest in Southern England and here in Scotland near the Solway Firth. During the dryer months Tadpole Shrimps eggs can lay dormant and will wait until their pond refills to hatch. Here at Mersehead, Tadpole Shrimp eggs have been introduced to a few areas and I had the pleasure of joining a small group to try and locate some. However, due to the out of character sunny spell we’ve had this week (I will not be complaining about this at all!) most of the areas where the eggs were introduced were still dry and therefore the eggs may remain unhatched. Unfortunately, we were unable to find any this time so we will wait for a rainy day to look again. 

 Looking for Tadpole Shrimp at Mersehead. Photo credit: K Stevenson

I am looking forward to this next chapter and I am ready to take on these upcoming autumn and winter months. I am especially excited for the Barnacle Geese to arrive on the reserve in the next couple of weeks after their incredible journey from Svalbard. Last year the first sightings on the reserve were recorded on the 27 September so I am on the lookout as we move into the next week. I am also hoping to spot the Marsh Harriers that have been hanging around on the reserve.

Exploring RSPB Mersehead. Photo credit: K Stevenson

If you had chance to read last week’s blog, then you might have spent the last seven days wondering how many Tree Sparrows it would take to outweigh a pheasant. Here at RSPB Mersehead, we have done the math for you, it would take 93 Tree Sparrows!

Keira Stevenson, Residential Volunteer 

If you are free on Saturday 28 September from 10am why not come along the Great British Beach Clean?  We are joining forces with D&G Eco Warriors to take part in the national Great British Beach Clean initiative run by the Marine Conservation Society.  More details are available here.

We are also excited to launch our new programme of events for autumn https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead.

During October we are delighted to be running two events as part of Dumfries & Galloway’s Wild Goose Festival 2024 (https://wildgoosefestival.scot/) .  Join our guide at the 'Goose Roost of Sandflats' events to see the Svalbard Barnacle Geese descending on the reserve to roost or learn more about how we manage the reserve for wildlife by joining an 'Autumn Discovery Walk'.

We are pleased to see the return of our 'Badger Banquets' which provide the opportunity to learn about and see badgers close up from the comfort of the Sulwath Centre.

Last but not least, is our 'Halloween and Weird Geese trail', a self-guided family activity trail is available from 12^th to 27^th October. Why not explore the trail for some spooky creatures and learn about the mystery and magic of our Barnacle Geese and their cousins. Frights are optional!

Come along for a goosey gander!

Upcoming events: For more information on individual events and to book a place, please go to our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead

 *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.