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Mersehead
RSPB Mersehead Blog 25th-29th November 2024
Storm Bert brought severe weather across the UK last weekend, fortunately Mersehead only suffered flooding of the access road. The rest of this week has been brisk but sunny conditions and the sunsets just get more stunning everyday! 
Colourful sunsets over Mersehead, Photo credit: Z.Phillips
The camera trap footage from this week featured a Woodcock feeding on wet ground; they often spend the day concealed within dense vegetation and forage at night. Although this night image is lacking clarity, the species is clearly identifiable by its iconic baring on the back of its head, short legs, and long straight bill.
Camera trap image of woodcock, Photo credit: Z.Phillips
Monday marked the start of construction on the new footpath to Bruaich hide, the improvements will widen the footpath and mitigate flooding. Bruaich hide will be closed while these works are being carried out and we will attempt to open the hide on days we are not working on it, if it is safe to do so. Follow us on Facebook to stay informed of openings, we apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Meanwhile Media hide is well worth a visit, with the woodland path hosting Wrens, Bullfinches, and Robins. Its great to see so many enthusiastic visitors travelling to Mersehead to witness the Starling murmuration at dusk (15:45) from Media hide.  
A tragically beautiful find this week of Starling wings on the floor of a barn shed; it is hypothesised that the remains were possibly left over from a Barn owl's hunt. 
Complete starling wing, Photo credit: Z.Phillips
Wednesday's Barnacle goose count concluded a total of 4,500 on site, including 3 of the leucistic. 
An exciting sighting of a Black Redstart perched upon a stone wall is a lovely glimpse into its migration journey to overwinter in south Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Zoe Phillips, 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.