Hi RSPB Mersehead community,

It certainly feels like spring is on the way as more and more birds start singing and warmth reappearing in the sunshine.

A regular visitor to the holiday cottages saw the Richardson's canada goose amongst the barnacle geese on Saturday afternoon near to the Meida hide. There are quite a lot of barnacle geese on the reserve at the moment so it might take some patience to find it! This goose is a subspecies of cackling goose; Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii, and is native to North America.

I had a brilliant view of a female hen harrier driving onto the reserve on Friday morning. Did you know that the first part of the Hen Harrier's scientific name, Circus cyaneus, refers to the circling flight that male and female harriers do in a courtship display?

And if you're looking for a fun day out for the whole family to make the most of spring? Our 'boots and barnacles' walk for wildlife is an interactive 5km or 10km walk on Saturday 16th March. We just ask that you raise at least £20 and register. Check out the events page for more details. All money raised supports our important work for local wildlife on the reserve.
 
Bye for now,
 
Liz