RSPB Mersehead Blog 26th November – 2nd December 2022
With the footpath through the woodland to the beach complete, our Tuesday volunteer group headed down to the beach for a litter pick this week. With large tides hitting the sand dunes last week the inevitable deluge of plastic had followed.
Some of the more unusual items discovered where a floodlight, platypus and a Welsh independence sticker!
At first glance some amazing marine creatures can be mistaken for plastic. The internal shell of the Cuttlefish is a gas-filled chamber which allows this cephalopod to control its buoyancy. Sea Potatoes, a species of sea urchin, are commonly found along the Mersehead beach. They are covered in beige spines, which give them a furry appearance, when they die their empty shells can be found washed up on the beach.
The female Scaup reported last week was seen again from the Visitor Centre at the weekend.
From Bruiach Hide, the distinctive call of Wigeon can be heard drifting across the wetlands. From the deeper pools within the reedbed, great swirling clouds of wildfowl appear in mixed flocks including Shoveler, Pintail, Teal and Mallard. Little Grebe has been spotted in front of Meida Hide.
As the first few days of December draw to an end, it has become really noticeable how stark the hedgerows are as leaves fall to the ground making it much easier to spot the tiny Goldcrest flitting through the branches. Long-tailed tit follow each other from tree to tree. These tiny tits move in noisy sociable groups during the winter, huddling together in a tight ball to keep warm during the night. Bullfinch were seen this morning moving along the hedgerow by the Visitor Centre.
Rowena Chambers, Warden
Upcoming Events:
Willow Wreath Workshop Saturday 3rd December 13:30-15:30
Come along and make your own Christmas Wreath using willow from the reserve. Free event with donations welcomed on the day.
Suitable for adults and children aged 10+. Smaller children welcome with adult supervision. Email george.hemstock@rspb.org.uk to book a place.
Forest School Introduction Saturday 10th December 13:30-15:30
Forest School helps promote skills, confidence, self-esteem and team building whilst taking part in fun outdoor activities.
This workshop includes games, shelter building, ID, nature conservation and fire lighting. This workshop is themed for primary aged children.
Free event with donations welcomed on the day. Email george.hemstock@rspb.org.uk to book a place.
*Holiday Cottages - Discover the breath-taking scenery, wildlife, cultural and history of Dumfries & Galloway whilst staying in one of the Mersehead cosy semi-detached holiday cottages – Barnacle and Shelduck – located in the heart of reserve.
*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.