RSPB Mersehead Blog 18th - 24th February 2023
Welcome to the latest Mersehead blog, where the winter season is slowly coming to an end and the promise of spring is just around the corner. As the days begin to lengthen and the weather slowly starts to warm up, the reserve's habitats are starting to come alive with an array of stunning flora. Look out for the delicate white flowers of the snowdrop which can be found carpeting the woodland fringes, as well as the yellow blooms of daffodils and purple crocuses that have started opening up in recent days.
Daffodils in the Sulwath Garden. Photo credit A. Sutton
More and more birds can be heard singing recently, and there are early signs of birds collecting nesting materials. Just sitting in the Sulwath garden for half an hour you can see a large variety of bird species and flowers, plus it's a lovely place to bring a packed lunch during good weather!
Blackbird on the troughs in the Sulwath Garden. Photo credit A. Sutton
Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Sulwath Garden. Photo credit A. Sutton
On Tuesday the weekly volunteering work party got involved with clearing and thinning more willow trees near our natterjack toad pools. It wont be long before the toads start breeding again, so clearing away the willow encroaching on ditches helps the toads cross terrain and find breeding partners during the upcoming season. We're also hoping that thinning out the willow trees near the pools will reduce perching spots for airborne predators, a job that we wont be able to carry on with once the breeding season gets underway.
Volunteers clearing willow from the ditches. Photo credit P. Radford
On Monday a wetland bird survey was done back on reserve, with highlights including a pair of Golden plover and over 3,500 Barnacle Geese. A full summary of the count is shown in the table.
Barnacle geese in the fields. Photo credit A. Sutton
Bird sightings at Mersehead this week included
To learn more about these and other birds, check out the RSPB wildlife guide: Birds A- Z | Bird Guides - The RSPB
Visiting the reserve during this time of year is an excellent way to reconnect with nature and experience the beauty of Scotland's wetlands. Whether you're a bird-watching enthusiast, a lover of wildflowers, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Mersehead has something for everyone!
So why not pack your binoculars, put on your walking boots and come and explore this magnificent wetland nature reserve for yourself? You'll be amazed by the natural wonders that await you.
Adam Sutton, Residential Volunteer
Upcoming events:
Goose Roost on the Sandflats
Saturday 25th Feb
17:15-19:15
Guided walk
*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 - 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