RSPB Mersehead Blog 2nd – 8th March 2024
The Lapwings have been busy with their tumbling display flights over Mersehead this week. Lapwings have a complex series of breeding season displays both in the air and on the ground; the aerial displays advertise, define and maintain territories whilst conveying important information to the female in selecting a mate. Morning, late afternoon and into the evening are the best times to hear and see Lapwing display as their activity declines towards midday.
Photo Credit: Annabel Sharp (rspb-images.com)
The March Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) was completed this morning with numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders noticeably decreasing across the reserve. Wigeon was the most numerous duck out on the wetlands.
Mute swan
3
Whooper swan
9
Pink-footed goose
1
Barnacle goose
5026
Shelduck
89
Wigeon
328
Teal
212
Mallard
28
Pintail
21
Shoveler
23
Red-breasted merganser
Little Egret
Grey Heron
2
Oystercatcher
63
Grey plover
17
Lapwing
113
Knot
55
Sanderling
4
Dunlin
810
Snipe
Curlew
106
Redshank
12
RSPB Kirkconnell Merse is a 200ha saltmarsh nestled along the side of the River Nith opposite Glencaple. As a non-visitor site due to the dangerous tidal conditions Glencaple Quay is the best place to view the wildlife of Kirkconnell Merse. We have been out this week checking the livestock fencing for storm damage over the winter months and preparing for the return of the cattle. Around 1,000 Pink-footed Geese were feeding on the merse, refuelling for their return migration to their breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland.
The results from this week’s WeBS survey at Kirkconnell Merse are in the able below:
432
3369
525
112
11
Goldeneye
8
Goosander
Cormorant
6
7
39
73
The first Frogspawn of the year was recorded this week with a Common Toad spotted on the edge of the pool.
On Tuesday Volunteer work party have been busy planting the last of the saplings provided by the Woodland Trust in the playground. The saplings will grow over the coming years to create a hedge along the side of the playground. Others were willow weaving completing the activity circle used by the Forest School.
Tea & Cake - the most important part of the work party!
Rowena Chambers, Warden
Upcoming events:
For more information on individual events and to book a place, please go to our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Easter’s Egg-Layer Trail
23rd March – 7th April; Self-guided family event
Bird Ringing Demo in the Meadow: see wild birds being ringed by experts
23rd March and 6th April
Put a Spring in your Step: Guided Walk Booking Essential
29th March
Easter Badger Feast: Booking Essential
30th March
Natterjack Night: Guided Walk Booking Essential
19th April
26th April
Lapwings and Larks: Guided Walk Booking Essential
4th May
*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.