RSPB Mersehead Blog 1st - 6th December
This week at Mersehead the team have been working hard through all the rain. Our latest project has been the construction of a new footpath to the Bruaich hide. We aim to widen the footpath to make it more accessible for everyone. The process, however, is a long one that includes many steps.
Barnacle Geese flying over the freshly dug path. Photo credit: K.Stevenson.
Using the tractor to lay down gravel. Photo credit: R.Chambers.
Working hard! Using rakes to level the path. Photo credit: R.Chambers.
While working on the footpath, the Bruaich hide remains closed so please follow us on Facebook to keep informed on openings. We apologise for any inconveniences and thank you for your patience.
We have had an exciting visitor to Mersehead this week, a single Black Redstart! The Black Redstart is a Robin-sized bird that gets its name from its plumage, which is grey-black in colour with a striking red tail. The Black Redstart is part of the chat subfamily alongside Robins, Stonechats, and Wheatears. They are found across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. It wasn’t until the 1920’s when they were first recorded breeding in Britain. The population in the UK boomed after the Second World War, when buildings damaged by the Blitz provided ideal nesting sites for the birds. They are still a rare breeding bird here in the UK with fewer than 100 pairs nesting here. Black Redstarts are more common as passage migrants and winter visitors, where they are often seen on coasts. One individual was spotted here at Mersehead and hung around for a few days before continuing on its way.
Black Redstart keeping a Robin company at Mersehead. Photo credit: G.Chambers
Black Redstart here at Mersehead. Photo credit: G.Chambers.
Keira Stevenson, Residential Volunteer
*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.