Hi RSPB Mersehead community,
I'm pleased to say that the flooding has receded and we are open today, and what a lovely sunny day it is!
A few signs that the reserve is starting to stir from a winter slumber have been around in the past week or so, snowdrops are out and the gorse bushes are flowering. Upon investigating a curious tapping sound I found a song thrush smashing a snail against the ground near the visitor centre. Judging by the remnants of snail shells on the recently relaid paths to the hides it seems the song thrushes have been finding plenty of snails. The song thrush by the visitor centre has also started to sing, perching high in the hedgerow on the lane.
The latest Wetlands Bird Survey from earlier this week recorded:mute swan, canada goose, barnacle geese (2280), shoveler, wigeon, gadwall, teal, mallard, pintail, shelduck, oystercatcher (1580), ringed plover, golden plover, lapwing. Flocks of twite and linnet have also been seen recently and a pergrine falcon.
After the success of the sponsored walk last year we are holding another one on Saturday 16th March. It's going to be a fun and interactive walk and will be a great way to find out more about the wildlife on the reserve, explore the stunning landscape of the Solway coast and get the whole family outdoors! See the events page for more information.
Bye for now,Liz