Mersehead Recent Sightings Blog 7th-13th July
It’s been another hot and sunny week again here at Mersehead. Despite the slightly parched looking fields, on closer inspection there is still plenty of colour about in the form of wildflowers and butterflies. Arguably the most striking plant out at the moment is Rosebay Willowherb, growing up to 120cm in height with a tall spike of bright pink flowers, this species can be seen along many road verges and open areas from July to September. Rosebay Willowherb is a ‘pioneer’ species so it is able to colonise waste ground and areas that have recently seen fire; in America it is known as Fireweed for this reason.
The House Martin story continues! From a pair skilfully building a nest in a few days, to House Sparrows taking over the nest, to the nest then either collapsing or being predated, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. The latest news is that the House Martins have spent this last week slowly rebuilding the nest so fingers crossed they will be able to make another breeding attempt.
As large areas of the reserve are quite dry the Martins are now collecting mud from the banks of the river Southwick which runs through the saltmarsh on the reserve. The banks of the river provide a rich feeding ground for a variety of birds and mammals including Otter, and a variety of wildfowl and waders. On Thursday a family of Mallard was seen feeding on the banks as well as two Common Sandpiper. These birds will be feeding on a variety of molluscs, crustaceans and other insects.
House Martins starting the rebuild this week. Photo credit: L. Blakely
We’ve been over at our Kirkconnell Merse reserve carrying out our last breeding wader survey. Curlew, Redshank and Oystercatcher were seen on the Merse whilst on the mudflats of the river there were many post- breeding Lapwing and gulls as well as Heron, Shelduck and plenty of Mallard. We were also lucky enough to spot a Raven flying over and a Barn Owl hunting above the Merse. The Merse itself is about to burst into colour, with the distinctive purple and yellow flowers of Sea Aster in bud and about to bloom. Back on the saltmarsh at Mersehead, a few of these flowers have opened and there are bright purple tufts of Sea Lavender dotted around as well. Keep an eye out for both of these species as you walk along the saltmarsh trail of the reserve.
Sea Aster. Photo credit: L.Blakely
Sea Lavender. Photo credit: L. Blakely
Butterflies are still very active and numerous across the reserve, with Common Blue still regularly sighted as you come off the beach onto the saltmarsh section. Ringlet seem to be just about everywhere, and there are good numbers of Meadow Brown and Green-veined whites although present. Cinnabar moths and caterpillars can both be seen now, with the latter being present on most patches of Ragwort that you come across.
With mild and balmy conditions overnight Thursday, the moth trap seemed full to the brim on Friday morning, with over 30 species present, some were new for the year. Highlights included 2 Clouded Border, 1 Poplar Hawkmoth, 1 Elephant Hawkmoth, 4 Burnished Brass, 10 Drinker, 14 True-Lover’s Knot, 11 Garden Tiger, 1 Peppered moth, 32 Common Footman, 9 Spinach, 1 Peach Blossom, 3 Antler, 2 Gold Spot, 2 July Highflyer, 1 female Ghost Moth and 1 Mother of Pearl. Moths have amazing names and there is usually a reason behind each one, for example, the Elephant Hawkmoth is so called due to the caterpillar resembling an elephant’s trunk. As well as being named for their obvious physical characteristics, they have also been named after the types of plant they eat or where they can be found.
Elephant Hawkmoth. Photo credit: L. Blakely
Peach Blossom. Photo credit: L.Blakely
Drinker moth. Photo credit: L. Blakely
If you would like to see many of these moths for yourself why not come along to one of our ‘On the Night Watch’ events. You will get the opportunity to see crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife (creatures of twilight and the night) through special night vision equipment as well as hearing the inaudible sounds of different bats, using bat detectors. The whistles, chipping and flatulent sounds of bat calls can be used to determine different species. We’ll also have a brief look at the variety of moths collected or spotted on the night, before going indoors for refreshments, a short talk and finishing the experience with our resident badgers (or whatever else comes into the wildlife garden for a feed). These events take place on 21 July from 9.30pm and then 9 and 18 August, at the slightly earlier time of 9pm.
Lana Blakely, Assistant Warden