The Golden Hour

RSPB Mersehead Blog 2^nd December – 9^th December 2023

Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring times on the reserve is that last hour before sunset where everything gets bathed in a reddish hue and golden light. It’s easy to get distracted by the sunsets at this time, especially when we’re on a mission to complete our bird counts. But, every now and then we just have to stop ourselves and gaze around to appreciate the sheer beauty and serenity of this place.

This scene never gets old -- winter sunset on the sandflats. Photo credit: F. Gilgunn

The snow and frost that blanketed the reserve last weekend made for a postcard-perfect winter wonderland scene. All was quiet as the wildlife hunkered down, sheltering from the snow and sub-zero temps.

 Winter in the Sulwath Garden. Photo credit: F. Gilgunn

Caught on camera - wildlife on the move

Yet, we had a few brave wee souls that ventured out in the cold. A Common Snipe was caught on our trail camera prowling around the farm tracks at night. This cryptic-coloured wader is quite adept when it comes to hunting with its long, sharp probing bill, and is also known for its escaping skills, as it is quick to evade potential predators.

Snipe working on its night moves. Photo credit: RSPB

We also caught a glimpse of a fast-moving Stoat who had no time to spare except for a few mere seconds on our trail camera. In contrast, we captured a juvenile Grey Heron slowly and stealthily plodding its way through one of the ditches. Visitors have reported an Otter swimming from the reedbed toward the Meida Hide, so we were able to position our trail camera on the embankment for a closer look.

‘Barnies’ abound

Our Barnacle goose reserve count continued to reveal healthy numbers - approx. 7,000. We consistently spot three leucistic geese during these monthly counts. Leucistic geese are the result of a mutation in the white gene which causes them to have pale white-grey feathers, but they are not albino as they have black eyes, beaks and legs. It is thought that the Barnacle geese from Svalbard is the only population to express this gene morph.

This leucistic goose stands out amongst the crowd (picture taken through a scope). Photo credit: F. Gilgunn

Despite this week’s mixed bag of weather, our volunteers kept busy with reserve management work. They collected soil samples from grazing fields that might require an application of lime in order to control soil acidity. They also dug up an area at the back of the Sulwath playground where they will be working with local school groups to plant a hedgerow of native trees supplied by The Woodland Trust.

Volunteers at work, come rain or shine. Photo credit: F. Gilgunn

Beat the January blues – come volunteer with us for the day!

In partnership with Species on the Edge, RSPB Mersehead will be holding a volunteer work party on the 13^th January, 10 am - 3 pm. On this day, we will remove willow trees/scrub and other vegetation which are encroaching upon our Natterjack Toad habitat. This event is open to the public -- all are welcome! For more information and to let us know you're coming, please email us at mersehead@rspb.org.uk. 

Upcoming events

Frances Gilgunn, Residential Volunteer

*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.