RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 5th - 11th May 2018
The weekend finally saw some warm sunny weather at Mersehead, drawing lots of visitors to the reserve on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Inevitably, this was not to last, with cooler temperatures returning later in the week.
An exciting discovery this week was the first Lapwing chicks of the season, all being well the first of many. Many of the lapwing nests are in the area protected by our anti-predator fencing, which is the area directly across from the Visitor Centre, so come on down and see whether you can spot them!
Lapwing with chick (Photo Credit: Amy Millard RSPB-Images.com)
This week’s Barnacle Goose survey confirmed that we have finally said “bon voyage” to the last of our winter visitors, it is very noticeable how quiet the reserve seems without their honking!
One of our sharp-eyed visitors spied a Whimbrel from the Bruaich Hide, and Whitethroat has been spotted along the path leading to this hide. Mallard were seen parading their ducklings at Meida Hide and Grey Heron was also spotted from here. Other sightings around the reserve include Linnet and Swallow, which can be seen performing their aerobatics around the farm buildings as well as perched on wires. The visitor centre feeders continue to attract Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer and Chaffinch. In the meadows, Skylark and Meadow Pipit can still be seen performing their frenetic and noisy displays.
Yellowhammer in Rainbow Lane (Photo Credit: Dave Long)
This week’s Natterjack Toad survey took place at dusk on Monday. Weather conditions were dry and mild and there was plenty of toad calling from the pools, so we set out full of optimism. In the end, 116 adults were counted (112 male, 4 female). The low number of females is not surprising, since each female only visits the breeding pools once to spawn. The twice-weekly spawn string surveys encouragingly revealed four new spawn strings. Many of the existing spawn strings have now hatched, producing thousands of tadpoles, these are also being monitored and counted to give us an idea of productivity.
Saturday saw the first of our Natterjack Nights events and this was a great success. It was a fine, mild night and the toads were in good voice. Our Warden, Rowena, and her Assistant Warden Lana shared their expert knowledge of Natterjacks and soon found some excellent specimens to show the participants.
This week’s butterfly survey took place on a beautiful sunny afternoon and there was plenty of activity, with Green Veined Whites being particularly noticeable. Three other species recorded were Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip and Peacock.
There was slightly more bumblebee activity than the previous week’s survey, with
White Tailed and Red Tailed being recorded. Common Carder Bee has also been spotted in the Sulwath Garden.
An industrious Common Carder Bee enjoying the sunshine
(Photo Credit: Dave Long)
Mersehead will once again be the place to be this Saturday night, 12th May, as we host the second Natterjack Nights event. This is a great opportunity to see, hear and learn about this rare species, so if interested please contact the Visitor Centre on 01387 780579 or email us at mersehead@rspb.org.uk.
Dave Long – Residential Volunteer