Mersehead Recent Sightings 18th - 24th February
It is that time of year when winter and spring overlap. The fields are full of barnacle geese with the distinctive call of pink-footed geese high in the clouds on their way back to Iceland. A song thrush can be heard every morning singing away from the very top of a hawthorn bush. Syklarks are singing across the arable fields and on the merse whilst a group of 40 fieldfares flit through the tree tops. In the field in front of the Visitor Centre the lapwings have started their display flights. There are currently 5 redshank in the same field so we will be keeping an eye on them to see if they show any signs of breeding.
Barnacle geese (photo credit: R.Flavelle)
Whilst some birds are getting ready for the breeding season and singing loud and clear from the hedgerows, others are still in winter flocks. There has been a mixed flock of linnet and goldfinch around the reserve this week. Male hen harrier has been a regular sighting over Rainbow Lane and tawny owl has been heard hooting from the Sulwath Garden. A male merlin has been hunting over the wetlands this week, seen from Bruiach Hide.
Linnet & Goldfinch (photo credit: R.Flavelle)
There is currently a lot of water out on the wetlands with all the heavy rain this week and we are in the process of letting some water off. Teal and wigeon are busy feeding close to the Visitor Centre and a pair of goldeneye were spotted near the reedbed. A flock of 8 whooper swans soared over low with the fantasic sound of their wingbeats clearly audible
The starling murmuration is still incredible but you will need to hurry if you have not yet seen it as the birds will soon be dispersing.
We have been working at Kirkconnell Merse this week checking the livestock fencing is secure before the cattle go onto the merse. There are around 3,000 barnacle geese feeding on the merse at the moment with Criffell making a beautiful backdrop. A least 20 goldeneye were present on the River Nith, their black and white bodies very distinctive in flight as they skimmed over the water. One male was throwing his head back in display. Meadow pipits and skylarks were jumping out of the undergrowth and redshanks flew out of the creeks as we negotiated our way across.
Kirkconnell Merse (photo credit: R.Flavelle)
Rowena Flavelle, Warden