RSPB Mersehead blog 26th November – 3rd December 2021
This week’s blog starts on a sombre note. A severe outbreak of avian influenza is occurring along the Solway Estuary with the internationally important population of Svalbard barnacle geese particularly affected. It is highly likely that you may see dead or sick barnacle geese whilst visiting Mersehead or other areas of the coast this winter. Please read the information here for more detail.
Goldcrest. Photo credit: G. Chambers
As the first week of December draws to an end it has become really noticeable how stark and bright the reserve is in the winter sunlight. All the leaves have fallen from the trees and hedgerows making it much easier to spot the tiny Goldcrest flitting through the branches. whilst Long-tailed tit follow each other from tree to tree. These tiny tits move in noisy sociable groups during the winter, huddling together in a tight ball to keep warm during the night. Bullfinch were seen this morning moving along the hedgerow by the Visitor Centre and later enjoying docken seeds.
Bullfinch. Photo credit: G. Chambers
With temperatures dropping to -3oC and the first scattering of snow across the reserve it has been no surprise that layers of ice have spread across the wetlands. What was an amazing surprise for one lucky volunteer, was the sight of an Otter investigating its new surroundings just in front of Meida Hide. From Bruiach Hide, the distinctive call of Wigeon can be heard drifting across the ice. From the deeper pools within the reedbed, great swirling clouds of wildfowl appear in mixed flocks including Shoveler, Pintail, Teal and Mallard. With the ice thawing a little today a Little Grebe has been spotted in front of Meida Hide. The cold weather saw just one December Moth recorded during the winter garden moth scheme this week.
Otter. Photo credit: L. Jones
December Moth. Photo credit: L. Jones
The start of the weekend saw us investigating damage after Storm Arwen swept across the country. Aside from a few trees down and a power cut for 24hrs, the reserve was mostly undamaged. A few gorse bushes have sustained a battering including a particularly beautiful one at the start of Rainbow Lane but this will hopefully grow and recover well. The Hawthorn bushes are still bursting with bright succulent red berries, one of the favourite foods of our winter visitors Fieldfare and Redwing, look out for mixed flocks along the hedgerows.
Fieldfare & Redwing. Photo credit: G. Chambers
Spectacular sunrises and sunsets have continued this week across the Mersehead sandflats. What better way to experience them than by actually staying on the reserve! At Mersehead you can gain this unique experience by booking one of our holiday cottages, Shelduck Holiday Cottage and Barnacle Holiday Cottage. Follow the links to book through our agent Discover Scotland.
The Mersehead sandflats - Sunrise & Sunset. Photo credit: R. Flavelle
Rowena Flavelle, Warden
Reserve announcements
Festive opening times:
From 23rd December – 4th January the visitor centre (including toilets) will be closed at Mersehead. The car park, hides and trails will remain open.
Covid advice
Please follow our advice on Covid restrictions and updates on our website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/
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.