RSPB Mersehead Blog 2nd April – 8th April 2022
After a couple of weeks of sunny (though not always warm) weather, normal service has resumed over on the Solway coast. Gone have the bright blue skies, replaced by black clouds, strong winds and rain.
However bad weather doesn’t stop wildlife from thriving here at Mersehead and a lot of it can be seen in the Sulwath Garden. Since arriving at Mersehead the Sulwath Garden has become one of my favourite places on the entire reserve to view nature. Views from the office and my bedroom window in the Roost offer the chance to see a variety of birds, mammals and many other species enjoying the garden while also sheltering me from the typically Scottish weather. A brilliant example of this came when on Monday morning a Roe Deer Fawn came wandering right past our office window enjoying the empty garden and seemingly oblivious to the three people with there noses pressed up against the window gawking at them. Certainly, an unusual site but a fantastic way to start the week.
Not the species we expected to be following the easter trail: Photo Credit: Sam Boothman
However some of the most common visitors to the Sulwath Garden don’t show up during the day. Badgers can be seen most evenings, if I sit at my bedroom window for long enough I will usually see them emerging from their set as they head out in search of food. Occasionally we leave the Sulwath Badgers a little treat. By smearing a little bit of peanut butter on a few logs and placing a camera trap nearby, it gives a great chance to get some brilliant pictures of the Roosts charismatic neighbours.
One of the Sulwath Badgers tucking into some peanut butter: Photo Credit: Sam’s Camera Trap
“Is there any more”: Photo Credit: Sam’s Camera Trap
Once a week we set up a moth trap in the Sulwath Garden to see which species are around. This varies depending on the time of year and the temperature, unfortunately this Thursday night was rather cold so we did not capture very many species mostly just Hebrew Characters.
Hebrew Character: Photo Credit: Sam Boothman
Pale Pinion: Photo Credit: Sam Boothman
Beyond the Sulwath Garden there have been a few other exciting sitings on the reserve this week.
At the start of the week 23 Natterjack Toads were seen in the lagoon due to the warmer evenings we had earlier this week. Also this week a Merlin was spotted by one eagle eyed visitor around the woodland. On a personal note this was an exciting week for me as I saw only my second Yellowhammer this year, from the viewing window of the Visitor Centre. I have always had a soft spot for these pretty little bird as my first university project was focused on them, so its always nice see them around.
A Yellowhammer hiding the grass taken from the Mersehead VC: Photo Credit: Sam Boothman
Speaking of the visitors centre, this week we returned the bird feeders to the back of the visitors centre and also to the path down the Meida Hide. This gives visitors the chance to see a variety of bird species and offers some great photo opportunities.
A Greenfinch feeding by the visitors centre: Photo Credit: Sam Boothman
The bird feeders returning has also attracted Siskins, which are a rather rare site on the reserve.
Three Siskin at the feeders by the visitors centre: Photo Credit: Sam Boothman
Sam Boothman, Trainee Warden
Easter Events
For more information and to book your place go to Mersehead Events (event charges will apply).
Big Wild Easter at Mersehead
(Self-led Discovery Trail)
2nd – 17th April
10:00-16:00
Easter Discovery Walk
(Guided walk)
Friday 15th April
11:00-13:00
Natterjack Night
Friday 22nd April
Saturday 30th April
20:30-22:30
Chorus Walk for Early Birds
Monday 2nd May
05:30-07:30
Announcements
*Holiday Cottages - Planning your 2022 holidays? Discover the breath-taking scenery, wildlife, cultural and history of Dumfries & Galloway whilst staying in one of the Mersehead cosy semi-detached holiday cottages – Barnacle and Shelduck – located in the heart of reserve.
*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/
*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.