RSPB Mersehead Blog 31st July – 6th August 2021
This week we have started our summer habitat work in the wetland compartments, preparing these areas for the autumn and the arrival of the wintering wildfowl and waders. The Belted Galloway herd was moved from the Visitor Centre field at the start of the week so that we could mow the invasive soft rush. The dry ground conditions meant that the tractor was able to reach areas of the field it rarely visits. This was also the perfect opportunity to repair a section of the bank which had collapsed and was preventing water from entering the lagoon in front of the Visitor Centre efficiently.
Belties on the Move.
With the temporary fence and trough installed to a further wetland compartment last week, the Luing herd was also on the move. They had previously been grazing the fathen (also known as white goosefoot) a fast-growing annual which was dominating the reseed. Cattle grazing removes the seed heads and allows sunlight to reach the grass below.
New areas to explore.
Like many habitats, wetlands benefit from grazing with cattle as a means of controlling rank vegetation, encouraging wild flowers and creating the ideal conditions for a number of key species. Mowing removes vegetation unselectively, and results in an even sward, whereas cattle will preferentially eat certain grasses, leaving many flowers and creating an uneven sward height (and bare muddy areas) which will support nesting waders and invertebrates.
The Luing herd. Photo credit: P.Radford
The Aberdeen Angus herd also moved this week from the dune grassland where they had been grazing the sward as part of our Natterjack toad management out onto the merse directly to the side of Rainbow Lane. As a result, we have closed the two large wooden gates for their safety and ask you to temporarily use the kissing gates. Please be aware that the electric fence along this section of the footpath will be turned on for the duration of the cattle’s stay on the merse.
Rainbow Lane
After 2.5 weeks of minimum temperatures not dropping below double figures, the start of the week saw a noticeable drop to 7oC overnight. This theme continued until last night when the minimum temperature remained at 15oC. A total of 112 moths from 39 species were recorded this morning. Moths in the greatest abundance were Large Yellow Underwing (10), Antler Moth (10), Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (8) and Flounced Rustic (7).
Canary-shouldered Thorn
Scalloped Oak
Rosy Rustic
Swallow Prominent
Triple-spotted Clay
Post breeding flocks are noticeable as birds reappear from their moult during which time adult birds shed their worn-out feathers and grow new, strong warm feathers to see them through the winter. It takes energy to grow new feathers and is a drain on a birds resources. This is the reason why many birds become inconspicuous for a time as they may be more vulnerable to predation. Large flocks of Linnet and Goldfinch can now be seen feeding across the fields and hedgerows. Gathering in large groups means they can work together to identify and share food sources and increase the likelihood of spotting and confusing predators.
Photo credit: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
The spring oat crop is turning golden and will soon be ready to harvest creating overwinter stubble. Spilt grain and the seeds of broad-leaved weeds are vital for the winter survival of birds such as Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer, and also benefits Skylark and finches. Combined with the wild bird cover crop at the top of the field, currently turning a shade of light pink as the Fodder Radish flowers, there should be plenty of food to keep our farmland birds going throughout the winter.
Sun dappled oats
Swallows, Sand Martins and House martins can be seen hawking over the grasslands. The majority of the swallows have reared their young now and can be seen lined up along the telegraph wires readying for their departure. British swallows spend their winter in South Africa travelling at speeds of up to 200 miles a day across western France, across the Pyrenees and down eastern Spain into Morocco and then across the Sahara.
Form a line
With the Mersehead holiday cottages fully booked for 2021 don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay at Mersehead during the winter months of 2022 when the reserve is home to thousands of Barnacle geese and wintering wildfowl. Check out availability for Shelduck and Barnacle through the hyperlinks.
Rowena Flavelle, Warden
Barnacle Holiday Cottage