Mersehead Recent Sightings 24th- 30th August 2019
The fine weather over the weekend and at the beginning of the week kicked off some migration which was evident around the reserve. Tree Pipit were seen heading over the reserve on most days; these birds are usually found breeding in open woodland, heathland and scrub but this is the peak time to see them migrating south to Africa for the winter. They are often conspicuous on migration because of their very distinctive, high pitched and drawn out “sphiz” call. On Wednesday one was even kind enough to stop on the telegraph wires around the farm, where it was also joined by a Wheatear. If you want to catch up with Tree Pipit in the spring when they return, then RSPB Wood of Cree is an excellent place to spot one singing; be sure to scan the very top of trees from where they will launch into their parachuting display. Warblers were also evident around the reserve, with Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff all common sightings as they too head south for the winter.
Tree Pipit- superficially similar to a meadow pipit but with finer streaking on the flanks. Artwork: Mike Langman
Other species soon to leave us for the winter include Swallow and Sand Martin which can still be seen gathering in large numbers on the telegraph wires up and down the entrance track. However, there was a highlight in amongst them this week, in the form a rare leucistic Swallow. Leucism occurs when there is a lack of the pigments that give birds feathers their amazing colours and can result in white patches randomly appearing on the bird, however this bird was entirely white! Just as our summer visitors prepare to leave, some of our winter residents being to arrive too as eight Snipe were seen from Bruaich Hide and two Little Egret were present along the beach and over the wetlands.
Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins gathering for the long journey south. Photo credit: Dave Jackson
Elsewhere on the reserve, two Marsh Harrier were seen from Meida Hide on Thursday and on the same day a pair of Kingfisher were seen along Rainbow Lane and over the saltmarsh. The Willow Tit that spent last winter with us returned and can be seen occasionally on the feeders at the VC, however last year it had a tendency to pop up anywhere, so keep your eyes and ears peeled. The resident Barn Owl is now being seen regularly most evenings hunting over the fields and with a bit of patience can afford excellent views. Another strong contender for avian highlight of the week was a Green Woodpecker which made a brief stop in the wildlife garden last Saturday, a very scarce bird for the reserve.
Barn Owl. Photo credit: John Bridges
The fine weather at the start of the week also produced a flurry of interesting insect sightings including Common Hawker, Common Darter and the magnificent Golden-ringed Dragonfly all seen around the woodland. A Small Copper was also out and about around the VC and there were still a few Painted Lady to be seen around the reserve. Sadly, it was bit too windy for moths last night with only five in the trap this morning.
Small Copper. Photo credit: Lana Blakely
Work around the reserve has continued to focus on the getting the wetlands ready for wintering wildfowl and waders, with tractor topping going on and strimming in front of the hides to open up the views. There was a very successful beach clean event on Tuesday and the volunteers collected a good amount of litter, including 3 car tyres!. The weather has really turned and it feels much more autumnal on the reserve today, despite it still being very mild.
Beach Clean event. Photo credit: Lana Blakely
Lana Blakely, Assistant Warden