Mersehead Recent Sightings 21st – 27th September 2019
The Barnacle Geese have started returning to the Solway this week with 305 counted on the sandflats on Wednesday morning. A White-fronted Goose was spotted amongst them. Pink-footed goose numbers have continued to increase with 3000 feeding in the stubble field.
The first Barnacle Geese to return to Mersehead. Photo Credit: Dave Jackson.
Overwinter stubble is a vital habitat throughout our countryside which supports farmland birds through the harsh winter months by providing spilt grain and the seeds of broad-leaved weeds as food sources. Each year, we grow a crop of spring oats which were combined over the weekend. Whilst carting in the straw bales the amount of Skylark present in the field was really noticeable with at least 100 present. The stubble field has a purple haze which has been created by Field Pansy.
Field Pansy. Photo Credit: R.Flavelle
Skylark. Photo Credit: Ben Andrew
Water levels surrounding the reedbed are building with Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon all recorded this week. Water Rail has been heard squealing from the reeds. Both Peregrine and Marsh Harrier have been spotted hunting over the wetlands. Whilst walking back though the woodland a Blackcap was spotted. Until recently the blackcap was considered a summer visitor to the UK, leaving for Southern Europe and North Africa in September. Scientists believe that the plentiful supply of food found at bird tables across the UK has contributed towards some birds no longer migrating. Water levels at Bruiach Hide are intentionally being lowered over the next week so that we can complete essential habitat work to keep the wetlands in great condition for the returning wintering wildfowl and waders.
Blackcap. Photo Credit: Paul Chesterfield
The driftwood bird table at the Visitor Centre is as busy as always with great views of Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer along with the finches. There were magnificent views of a Merlin as it streaked past the window.
Merlin. Photo Credit: Chris Gomersall
A big thank you to all those who took part in the Great British Beach Clean at Mersehead on Sunday. The beach is looking fantastic with very little large rubbish visible which allowed us to focus effort on collecting the smaller pieces of plastic which litter our shores. The next Beach Clean will be on Sunday 13th October when we will be heading round to the mouth of the Southwick Water.
Did you know that Mersehead is the only RSPB reserves with self-catering holiday cottages? Barnacle geese from the bedroom window . . tree sparrow on the bird table . . a cosy log burner . . wide sweeping beach . . if this sounds like the perfect winter escape, find out more about BARNACLE and SHELDUCK.
Rowena Flavelle, Mersehead Warden