RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 30th November- 6th December 2019
The bitter temperatures continued into the early part of this week, making for more fantastic icy landscapes in the winters sun. Most of the wetlands had frozen over, with many wildfowl hunkering down, heads tucked in waiting for conditions to improve. The sunrises and sunsets have been absolutely spectacular, with pinks, oranges and reds making the sky appear to be on fire.
Sunset from Rainbow Lane. Photo credit: Dave Jackson
During the cold spell we have been lucky to have had sightings of Whooper Swans passing over the reserve; on Saturday 12 were seen flying along the beach at dusk, whilst on Sunday 6 individuals were observed from the visitor centre flying west.
Whooper Sawns. Photo credit: Ben Andrew
Snipe have been numerous this week, with multiple sightings around the trails by visitors; three individuals were seen on Sunday in front of the visitor centre probing for invertebrates. There have also been good numbers of wildfowl and waders out on the wetland in front of the visitor centre this week. A quick count revealed 30 Teal, 10 Pintail, 100 Lapwing, 5 Curlew, as well as Shoveler and Tufted Duck. The leucistic Barnacle Goose has also been seen regularly this week, spending time in this area as well as the saltmarsh. With a cup of tea or a hot chocolate, feeders that Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow frequent regularly, and the above array of wildfowl and waders, what more could you want on a cold winter’s day!
It’s also been a good week for owl sightings; the Barn Owl has been spotted on at least 3 occasions this week, mainly around the farm buildings or hunting out on the saltmarsh. The tawny owl has been heard most mornings and evenings in the woodland down to Meida hide.
Tawny Owl. Photo credit: Ben Andrew
Out on the wetlands in front of Meida hide there is the usual array of ducks feeding amongst the clumps of vegetation; Wigeon, Pintail and Teal see the biggest numbers. A more elusive inhabitant of the wetland has been heard from the hide this week, the Water Rail. The unfortunately described ‘squealing pig’ call is unmistakeable, and this is what will usually alert you to its presence rather than actually sighting it. However, if you have patience and luck on your side, winter can be one of the best times to see these sulking birds.
The starling murmuration is still going strong and can be viewed most evenings if the weather isn’t too dire. It has been getting earlier and earlier as the evenings darken. If you are interested in seeing it, pick a night when it isn’t too windy or rainy and no later than half 3 to avoid missing it.
Starling murmuration. Photo credit: Dave Jackson
Bruaich Hide path and Rainbow Lane are still the best places to see a variety of wintering thrushes; Fieldfare and Redwing are the most numerous but Mistle thrush is still spotted most days. Goldcrest and Stonechat have also been sighted in these areas this week; listen out for the high-pitched peeping of the Goldcrest or the call of the Stonechat which sounds like two stone being knocked together.
In non-wildlife related news, our hard-working volunteers have been helping us improve the Sulwath Garden for visitors and invertebrates alike. We have made a ‘new’ log wall, complete with a mossy top layer. The log wall was painstakingly transferred from another part of the reserve with the moss layer intact. We think it turned out rather well and we hope you agree! We hope that the moss will continue to thrive and provide a home for a variety of organisms, whilst also being an interesting feature in the garden.
The mossy log wall. Photo credit: L.Blakely
On Sunday 8th December we have our final Beach Clean event of the year. This event will be at the furthermost point of the reserve, West Preston. The meeting point will therefore be at a different location. Please see the map below; the blue dot is the meeting point and there will be someone in a high-vis jacket waiting on the road to direct you in, so you won’t be able to miss us! The tractor is unable to get onto the beach so any litter found will have to be brought over the sand dunes into the trailer. This is an area that we haven’t litter-picked yet, so we hope to make quite a dent! Although when the trailers are full, we’ll have to head back as we cannot leave the litter in piles on the beach or dunes. Please bring your own gloves, waterproofs, sturdy footwear and a packed lunch. Meet at: WEST PRESTON FARM Kirkbean DG2 8AU 01387 780579
Meeting point.
Lana Blakely, Assistant warden