RSPB Mersehead Blog 25th – 31st March 2023
At this time of year, the reserve is bursting with life and activity, with natterjack toads emerging from their winter hibernation, lapwings starting to nest and the dusk chorus of birds ever present all around the reserve. Our team of wardens and residential volunteers have been conducting surveys to help monitor the populations of these fascinating creatures and ensure their habitat is protected.
As night-time temperatures start to increase, we have been on the look-out for the first signs of our Natterjack Toads emerging from their winter slumber, and this week yielded excellent results with 21 toads spotted on an informal survey on Thursday. Our formal natterjack toad surveys will begin shortly, which are essential in tracking the population of these rare and endangered creatures. By monitoring their numbers, we can better understand how to protect and preserve their vulnerable ephemoral (temporary) pools habitat. With their distinctive yellow stripe down their backs, the natterjack toad is a unique and treasured species at Mersehead and one of the best places to see the species in the whole of Scotland!
Male Natterjack Toad with distinctive yellow stripe down it's back. Photo credit: A. Sutton
We are delighted to say that our popular Natterjack Night Guided Walks return again this spring with walks taking place on the 30th April & 5th May. Advance booking is essential, and as part of the walk you will be able to visit the breeding pools of these rare toads and hopefully hear the amazing croaking chorus. As Natterjack toads are a protected species this is the only opportunity visitors have to see these toads on the reserve in the company of an experienced licence holder. Places are going quickly so book your ticket today at at: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Male Northern Lapwing displaying to attract a mate over the Mersehead fields. Photo credit: A. Sutton
Our Northen Lapwing surveys have also been incredibly informative over recent years, allowing us to monitor the breeding success of these stunning birds. With their striking green plumage, piercing call and acrobatic flight patterns, lapwings are a sight to behold and commonly seen from the circular walking route around the reserve. Whilst the population of lapwings has declined by 80% in the UK since 1960, we are proud that breeding numbers have increased 10-fold since the RSPB took over Mersehead in 1993. We're working hard to create the ideal conditions for them to thrive and we're hopeful of seeing lots more fluffy lapwing chicks in the coming weeks - watch this space!
Another important surveying scheme is to record the abundance of moths on the reserve, and we do this via the Garden Moth Scheme. The scheme is a citizen science project open to anyone interested in recording moths regularly in their garden, anywhere in the UK and Ireland. With no moths recorded in our last two survey's we were hoping for more this week and were pleased to see a good variety including a Hebrew Character, Oak Beauty, Early Thorn, Red Sword-grass and an abundance of Common Quaker's. You do not need expensive equipment to explore the amazing world of moths in your garden - check out these great ideas from Winterwatch and discover pink elephants, emeralds and tigers hiding in your garden at night.
Early Thorn moth. Photo credit: A. Sutton
Oak Beauty moth. Photo credit: A. Sutton
As we move into the Easter period, we are excited to share a range of events to help visitors connect with nature, including a Chorus Dusk Walk on 6th May. The chorus dusk walk is a chance to take a guided tour around the reserve and hear the variety of song birds as they settle down for the evening. With more species of bird arriving from their winter migrations spots (such as Chiffchaff's, Reed Buntings, Willow Warblers and more) we're hearing more and more species every day! Please ensure booking in advance at our events page if you wish to attend.
Reed Bunting at Mersehead. Photo credit: A. Sutton
Notable 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
Red Kite above Mersehead fields. Photo credit: G. Hemstock
Adam Sutton, Residential volunteer
Mersehead events
A new programme of events for the Easter period have been organised, including Easter Egg Trails, a Folklore and Wellbeing walk and Natterjack Toad evenings. Follow this link to find out more: Mersehead (rspb.org.uk)
Mersehead holiday cottages
At Mersehead you will find the RSPB’s only self-catering holiday cottages- Barnacle and Shelduck. Available dates are currently going quickly, follow the links to book your next holiday.