RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 29th May – 4th June 2021
Sunhats and sun cream were suddenly required this week as temperatures soared to 23oC. These high temperatures will accelerate the development of the Natterjack tadpoles as the temperature of the water in the pools increases. Our survey on Wednesday estimated around 4,500 natterjack tadpoles at varying stages of development including some starting to develop tiny ‘flippers’ which will quickly become back legs.
Natterjack Tadpoles. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
The Common Frog is one of the earliest amphibians to breed in the spring and it was amazing to see so many tiny Froglets hunting amongst the vegetation. Hopefully, within the next couple of weeks we should start to see the emergence of Natterjack toadlets.
Froglet: Photo credit: R.Flavelle
The final round of breeding wader and wildfowl surveys took place across Mersehead this week. This survey has identified 28 pairs of breeding Lapwing this spring. We are able to track the productivity across the lapwing colony by completing more detailed nests surveys twice weekly. On Wednesday, we counted 50 lapwing chicks across a range of ages from quite small to nearly fledged, with 11 having already fledged.
Fledged Lapwing chick. Photo credit: P.Radford
The lapwing chicks have been joined by 11 piebald fluff balls – Shelduck ducklings. Shoveler have done well this year with at least 5 pairs recorded on the reserve. Large Shoveler ducklings have been seen in the field by the Visitor Centre with the distinctive spatula bill already very clear.
Shelduck with ducklings. Photo credit: P.Radford
Walking back through the woodland after an early morning survey, a Tawny Owl was spotted roosting. Although at first glance it appeared to be enjoying a good doze, it was keeping one beady eye on the path below. Spotted Flycatcher is continuing to show well next to Meida Hide. Number 125 on the reserve year list was a fly over Osprey carrying a fish!
Tawny Owl. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
Two new species of butterfly have appeared on the wing with Red Admiral and Small Heath making their first appearance of the year. Whilst watering the tomatoes in the polytunnel, it was a great surprise to see a Green Hairstreak! This is the first time this species has been recorded on the reserve. Although present in Dumfries and Galloway, this species would normally be associated with scrubby edges of moorland and bogs where its caterpillars feed on bilberry, gorse and heather. There is a good population along the coast at Kirkconnell Flow Nature Reserve.
Green Hairstreak. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
The moth surveys have still seen low numbers as the wind picked up towards the end of the week however the diversity of species has certainly improved with 19 species recorded. This included Lunar Thorn, Flame Carpet, Great Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent and Herald.
Lesser Swallow Prominent. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
Poplar Hawk-moth. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
Estate work this week has focused on the arrival of the Aberdeen Angus cross herd which will be rotating around the wet grassland and dune grassland. A collapsed section of fencing was replaced to prevent cattle breaking into the Sulwath garden when they are being moved.
Almost done. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
A species rich grassland has been prepared and sowed to the right of the Bruiach hide footpath. We used a Scottish Lowland Meadow mix which one of our colleagues used on Islay with great success. Fingers crossed our attempt will be as good. It can be hard to establish a wildflower meadow as they are easily outcompeted by vigorous growing grass. Once established however, a wildflower meadow is easy to manage as the vegetation just needs to be cut once a year (once the flowers have set seed) and removed to prevent nutrients soaking into the soil. This continual cutting will also improve the meadow over time so it may not be a disaster if the meadow does not look quite as wonderful as planned in the first year!
Sowing the meadow. Photo credit: R.Flavelle
The desired outcome! Wildflower meadow on Islay. Photo credit: L.Hathaway
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.
Rowena Flavelle, Warden