Summer Revisited

RSPB Mersehead Blog 2^nd – 8^th September 2023

September is a transitional month, when anticipation grows as we await the arrival of the Barnacle Geese from Svlabard.  However, whilst the UK is in the midst of a heat wave – with temperatures in South West Scotland reaching the high 20’s – it is hard to believe that the stars of our winter show are less than a month away.   There are a few sights to make Autumn not feel so far away, with 50 Pink-footed Geese appearing in one of the fields along the track on Friday, after their unmistakable ‘wink wink’ call had been heard over the dunes earlier in the day.  The hawberries look spectacular, and are ready to be plucked by the winter thrushes when they arrive, if this meadow pipit leaves some for them!

Hungry Meadow Pipit. Photo credit: CJE Farrell

If the Swallows had been thinking of starting their long trip back to Africa, the warm weather and associated abundance of insects seems to have convinced the 300+ birds that can be counted on the telegraph wires to hold on a bit longer. 

Swallows on telegraph wires. Photo credit: P. Radford

Our summer favourites have been out on mass this week.  Common Hawker dragonflies and Common Darter damselflies have joined the swallows in the hunt for insects, whilst Small White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Small Copper butterflies have been seen alongside Common Carder and Honey bees making the most of the final sources of nectar.  The globes of flowers produced by Ivy are vital nectar and pollen-rich resource at this time of year.

Small Copper butterfly on Yarrow. Photo credit: P. Radford

Ivy flowers. Photo credit: CJE Farrell

Other sightings this week include Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Common Lizard, Kestrel and Wheatear – with a flash of their white rump making them unmistakeable, even without binoculars. Many would have already left following the breeding season, but there are still a few about – including this youngster – who are delaying their south-westerly travels.

Juvenile Wheatear. Photo credit: CJE Farrell

Habitat management this week has included removing an old fence line, and preparing the wetlands for the arrival of the waterfowl who provide such a spectacle during the winter.  Topping not only improves the habitat for the ducks, but for visitors too, with tall reed being cut back to create sightlines from the hides.

Volunteers removing an old fence. Photo credit. P. Radford

Habitat management in the wetlands - good job they are dry! Photo credit: P. Radford

On the 24^th September, we will be working in partnership with the D&G Eco Warriors to participate in this year’s Great British Beach Clean.  If you can spare a few hours, it would be great if you would consider signing up here: Mershead RSPB and D+G Eco Warrior beach clean | Marine Conservation Society (mcsuk.org)

Join us for the Great British Beach Clean. Photo credit: P. Radford

Paul Radford, Assistant Warden

Notices

RSPB Mersehead is running a full and varied Events Program. We are looking for Volunteers who can help with all our Visitor Engagement Activities, from welcoming people on arrival, to leading events and activities. In a nutshell, we are looking for volunteers who can provide a great visitor experience here on the reserve. If you love nature and working with people as much as we do, then we’d like you to join our team! Please get in touch with us here.

For more information on individual events and to book a place please go to our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead

Holiday Cottages 

In the winter, RSPB Mersehead is home to internationally important numbers of wildfowl including the Svalbard Barnacle Geese. Book your Mersehead holiday this winter through the cottage links – Barnacle and Shelduck – located in the heart of reserve.