RSPB Mersehead Blog 12th- 18th February 2022
Stormy skies have been a common occurrence this week with both storm Dudley and Eunice passing through the region. There is a positive side to this however as the high amounts of precipitation has led to the Natterjack breeding pools and ditch filling up nicely. They are now looking very inviting for the natterjacks when they emerge soon from their hibernacula in the sand dunes.
Ditch before the rain. Photo credit: Paul Radford
Ditch after the rain. Photo credit: Paul Radford
Despite the unsettled weather there have been some superb sunsets along the coast. It’s always lovely to head down to the beach to capture the last few rays of sunlight reflecting on the water’s surface.
Stormy sunset. Photo credit: Amy Blachford
A Todd’s Canada Goose has been spotted on the reserve this week in amongst the Barnacle Geese flocks. A Kestrel has also been spotted flying around the reserve and perching on the telephone wires. Kestrels don’t build nests, instead they scrape a depression for their eggs. They are also known to use vacant nests of larger bird species. Breeding begins in February with aerial and territorial displays, so keep a look out.
Our weekly goose count saw 4,200 barnacle geese present in various fields. The majority were seen over at Preston Merse with a large proportion, 1510, located in a newly topped field. Due to the removal of tall dense rushes the geese have been quick to discover the newly accessible grass that was previously hidden.
View over to West Preston. Photo credit: Amy Blachford
The Tuesday volunteers were out this week continuing tackling the long-term project of implementing some age structure in the dense Willow located on the near side of the natterjack pools. The aim of this work is to decrease the willows dominance along this stretch with the hopes of increasing the biodiversity present. Creating different habitat features such as glades in the willow will allow more sunlight to penetrate through to the field layer resulting in other plant species establishing. The cut branches are being used to create habitat piles and dense patches of willow are being left to provide bird cover. Additionally in the same area we have been reducing the height of the Elder trees to try and decrease the amount of potential perches for avian predators ready for the breeding season. These trees lie within close proximity to the main fields used by nesting lapwing so by doing this work it shall hopefully lower the threat of predation.
There is a new feature appearing in the fields this week with many common daisies (Bellis perennis) starting to flower. In the Sulwath Garden Periwinkle has also started to bloom with its vibrant purple flowers.
Daisy close up. Photo credit: Amy Blachford
Periwinkle. Photo credit: Amy Blachford
The habitat along the access road has also been a popular spot this week with a small flock of Long-tailed Tits flying in and out of the hedgerows and five Little Egrets also sighted flying into roost together in the trees.
Three Whopper Swans, Gadwall and Tufted Duck have been present across the wetlands. In addition, Pintail and Wigeon were taking on the full force of storm Dudley with them located in the middle of the pool outside the Bruaich Hide. High numbers of starlings are still gathering putting on marvellous murmurations. They fought the wind and rain on Wednesday managing to put on a 20-minute display. The starlings this week have tended to start grouping together anytime from 16:45 to 17:15.
Thursday's starling murmuration. Photo credit: Amy Blachford
A Ruby Tiger moth caterpillar has been crawling around outside the farmhouse making the most of any available sunlight. They overwinter as fully grown larvae with common food sources being ragwort, heathers and many other herbaceous plants.
Ruby Tiger caterpillar. Photo credit: Amy Blachford
The sound of singing Skylarks is becoming a common tune to hear when out on the merse. They fly almost vertically up from the ground before they hoover and sing in the sky. These song-flights can last up to an hour with some individuals reaching 300 metres prior to descending.
As my time at this wonderful reserve comes to an end in the coming weeks, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, volunteers and visitors for being so welcoming, sharing your knowledge and making my time here such a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Amy Blachford, Trainee Warden
Barnies in flight. Photo credit: Amy Blachford
Notices
Why not come down to Mersehead over the holiday period to take part in our Svalbard to the Solway Story Trail, a Self-led activity trail for families to discover how these geese have survived from the brink of extinction and what we can do to help. This event is happening on the reserve until the 27th of February.
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.
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 located in the heart of reserve.
Avian Flu
Positive cases have been confirmed in dead birds at Mersehead nature reserve. Biosecurity measures are in place on the reserve along with signage with further information for visitors to try to help prevent further spread of the disease. Although the risk of contracting the disease from a wild bird is very low, we recommend that people do not handle sick or dead wild birds, remain vigilant, and report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), gulls or birds of prey to the UK government Defra helpline (03459 33 44 77).
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/