RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 15th–21st May 2021
Returning to Mersehead after a week away, it was surprising to see how much can noticeably change in such a short period of time. This was highlighted on a short morning walk which started at the hedgerow along the main track. The foliage of the Hawthorn and Blackthorn is becoming quite dense now, creating a wildlife corridor which blocks out the view of the adjacent fields. With the geese now gone, there is less to catch the eye beyond the hedge. Still, it is worth stopping at a gateway for a good chance of spotting Roe Deer and Brown Hare, or to admire the growth of the spring sown oat crop. The Skylark obligingly rise and sing high above the obstruction, and whilst eyes are trained on the sky, Lapwing can still be seen in tumbling flight. However, now nests are established and chicks are hatching, any differences are now likely to have been forgotten, as they work in teams to mob potential avian predators rather than flying to impress females and see off rivals.
Lapwing mobbing a crow. Photo credit: P. Radford
A number of Sedge Warbler have taken up residence amongst the hedgerow, and their erratic bouncy song can be heard alongside the scratchy refrain of Common Whitethroat, and the wheezy, drawn out cry of Greenfinch. These territorial bursts of song have been taken one step further by Goldfinches, who can be seen whirling along the tops of the hedge, entangled in aggressive airborne duels. This behaviour, when contrasted with the fairly relaxed onlooking Chaffinch, highlights the fact that goldfinch nest later in the season than many other garden birds, with first clutches typically laid between May and July.
Chilled Chaffinch. Photo credit: P. Radford
Before turning left into the woodland, the sweet melody of a male Blackcap gives away its position perched high in one of the bare, dead trees that – as well as giving an opportunity to admire this summer visitor – also provides a valuable habitat and roosting site for a diverse array of life.
Walking into the woodland now feels like entering another world, with the drooping canopy of laden branches and the thick carpet of woodland flowers creating a comforting, enclosed space which is bathed in green light, as the warm spring sun shines through the leaves of the Sycamore, Beech and Horse Chestnut. The colour palette beneath the trees is dominated by violet of Bluebells, and the white of the variety of Pink Purslane that can be found here at Mersehead. The fact that flowers are yet to open after their overnight slumber does little to diminish the view, which is beginning to be further enhanced by the gradual emergence of Red Campion, which will then be in flower right through to September.
Red Campion. Photo credit: P. Radford
What initially feels likes a very becalming and tranquil environment soon reveals itself to be a hive of frantic, non-stop activity. Robin, Great Tit, Blackbird and Wren criss-cross low over the path carrying food and nesting material. A Treecreeper undertakes its vertical ascent back to its nest in a tree trunk, and the presence of both of the similar looking Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler is confirmed by their contrasting and distinctive songs. Spotted Flycatcher have made their long- awaited arrival, but having most likely travelled from south of the equator, surely they can be forgiven for being so late to the party. Seeing one is a treat in itself, but even greater rewards are on offer for those who are patient to wait for the opportunity to observe their acrobatic insect grabbing antics.
Spotted Flycatcher. Photo credit: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
As woodland begins to give way to reedbed approaching the Meida Hide, Reed Warbler song can be heard which, in contrast to Sedge Warbler, is more rhythmic, steady and repetitive. Why not try and dance along to the tune? If you can pull off some passable moves without drawing comparisons with a malfunctioning robot, then it is probably a Reed Warbler. The squeal of a Water Rail may be the closest you get to a round of applause before making your to the hide, which is now fully accessible in line with government guidelines.
Survey work has been the focus again this week, with the second round of breeding wader and wildfowl visits being completed across Mersehead. For this round, the surveys have been conducted at dusk, as this offers better opportunities to record some of the species we are hoping are breeding here. A notable example is Snipe, whose tail feathers produce a ‘drumming’ sound as they vibrate during descending display flight. Unfortunately, no displaying Snipe were recorded but the timing of the survey did lead to some other noteworthy discoveries, including a close encounter with a Badger, and two new additions to the Mersehead year list – now standing at 124 species : a Whinchat and the magnificent sight of a Short-eared Owl swooping low along the sand dunes.
Short-eared owl. Video credit: G. Chambers
Natterjack Toad spawn string surveying continues to show encouraging numbers of newly hatched and growing tadpoles. Water levels in the breeding pools is now the most critical factor in hatching and tadpole development. It was a real surprise to see an area of one of the pools, that was still wet at the weekend, dried out by Wednesday. This resulted in the loss of some spawn strings, but fortunately the majority were still in water. Natterjacks inevitably take this risk by favouring shallow pools for spawning, but with a well established population and every successful spawn string producing hundreds of tadpoles, the overall picture is still a bright one. Recent and forecasted rain will be a big help as well.
Drying natterjack breeding pool. Photo credit: P. Radford
Despite no new spawn strings being found this week, adult toads were still visiting the pools at night, although the female pictured below was discovered on the beach and covered in sand, hiding the characteristic yellow dorsal stripe. Either she has lost her way, or has already spawned, and has been encouraged out to forage by the warmer night-time temperatures.
Sandy female Natterjack Toad on the beach. Photo credit: G. Chambers
Another unexpectant find out near the Natterjack lagoon was the unmistakable three syllable rapid ‘wet-my-lips’ call that confirmed the presence of Common Quail, which are very rarely found in Dumfries and Galloway, and likely to only be here by accident having over-shot their intended breeding grounds during night-time migration. These highly secretive birds avoid flying during the day and are extremely hard to spot.
In addition to the vegetation and tadpoles, the Lapwing chicks are also increasing in number and growing rapidly. Lapwing chicks feed independently from the first day they hatch, and although they can be led large distances to find suitable feeding grounds, by identifying and monitoring nest sites from a distance, we can attempt to track their progress and produce a good estimate of productivity by recording birds that make it to fledgling age – around 35 days. This becomes increasingly more difficult, as not only do they become better at hiding with age, but the vegetation is growing as well! We have some chicks that we believe to be around a month old, and also know that some hatched just yesterday. With some birds still on eggs, monitoring will continue for some time yet.
Large lapwing chicks with parent bird. Photo credit: P. Radford
One thing that we are still waiting to increase is moth numbers. Weekly trapping is continuing as part of the Garden Moth Scheme, but despite some warmer nights, the overall unseasonal weather does seem to be delaying their emergence. However, the next best thing to spotting a moth, is stumbling across a caterpillar, especially when it is a Garden Tiger Moth caterpillar. This very hairy brown and black caterpillar is often referred to as a ‘woolly bear’, but is definitely not of the cuddly variety. It long hairs are irritant, which as well as protecting it from predation from birds could also cause itching if picked up. This particular caterpillar was spotted whilst looking for Natterjack spawn, and providing it also proves to be unpalatable to toads perhaps we will see it again when emerges from its pupa between July and August.
The ‘woolly bear’ Garden Tiger Moth caterpillar. Photo credit: R. Flavelle
Just a reminder that more of our facilities are now accessible: hides are now open for limited numbers in keeping with social distancing rules, and the festival hut will be open with a staff member/volunteer on hand to welcome you to the reserve, point you in the right direction and answer all those questions! Please note that the car park charge of £3/car for non-RSPB members has returned to help the RSPB to continue to protect the wonderful wildlife at Mersehead. Come and chat to us at the festival hut if you are interested in becoming an RSPB member.
Although the Visitor Centre will remain closed, the toilet will be available from 10am-4pm
Paul Radford, Assistant Warden