RSPB Mersehead Blog 16th – 22nd March 2024
With last week being a bit of a wash out, this week it feels like spring has truly arrived at Mersehead!
The newly painted picnic benches are now outside the visitor centre, the holiday cottage gardens have had the first mow of the year and the reserve team are making good progress with repairs and maintenance in readiness for the breeding season.
Returning for spring
We had our first report of the year of a Chiffchaff singing near our Media hide on Saturday. Named after its ‘chiff chaff’ song, this small olive-brown warbler will be returning to our shores after wintering in southern Europe and North Africa. However, with a warming climate, increasingly numbers are staying in the UK over the winter months.
Photo – Chiffchaff Photo Credit: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
Red and amber listed visitors
This week we had a sighting of 7 Twite on the sand dunes at Mersehead. Red listed on the UK Bird of Conservation Concern, the population of these small finches has been declining in the UK. So, it’s great to see them here.
Photo – Twite Photo Credit: Tom Marshall (rspb-images.com)
And today, 23 Amber listed Whooper Swans paid a visit to the water outside of the visitor centre, providing the opportunity for some close up viewing for our visitors. Larger than the Bewick's swan, the whooper swan has more yellow on its bill. The swans will shortly be returning to Iceland to breed. On Monday there were 18 Whooper Swans roosting on the wetlands in front of Bruiach Hide.
Photo – Whooper Swan Photo Credit: Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
Beach clean
On Tuesday, it was a beach clean day with our Volunteer Work Party. We walked the stretch from Rainbow Lane towards Southwick Water collecting the various items of litter that have been washed up on the beach, following the recent high tides. As always, the bulk of the litter is plastics with some rope thrown in. Unusual finds included a plastic soldier and a rubber duck! Thanks to the volunteers for helping us keep the beach clean so our visitors, both human and fauna, can experience the reserve at its best.
Photo - Litter picking on the beach Photo Credit: C Glass
Photo – Beach clean results Photo Credit: C Glass
Carol-Ann Glass, Trainee Warden
Upcoming events:
For more information on individual events and to book a place, please go to our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Easter’s Egg-Layer Trail
23rd March – 7th April; Self-guided family event
Bird Ringing Demo in the Meadow: see wild birds being ringed by experts
6th April
Put a Spring in your Step: Guided Walk Booking Essential
29th March
Easter Badger Feast: Booking Essential
30th March
Natterjack Night: Guided Walk Booking Essential
19th April
26th April
Lapwings and Larks: Guided Walk Booking Essential
4th May
*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.