RSPB Mersehead Recent Sightings 23rd – 29th November 2019
There’s a flash of cold in the air as the last of the auburn leaves are shed from trees, and morning frosts glint in the strong midwinter sun. Roe deer continue to graze through the fields in groups, their breath creating smokescreens in the biting air. Thrushes, notably Redwing and Fieldfare, continue to pluck red berries from the Hawthorn hedgerows. The nocturnal creatures pass the baton to diurnal fauna and retreat into respite as day breaks over the horizon. The early sun enlightens the edges of the trees, stirring urgency among foraging animals and breaking the birds into song.
Frost covered berries, Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Despite the cold things aren’t slowing down at RSPB Mersehead. Barnacle geese continue to move in to feed, sounding their arrival with their barking call, and are joined by other geese such as Greylags, Canadas and Pink foots. The Leucitic barnacle goose has made a return this week, its bright white shining among the large flocks. The Richardson’s cackling goose, our special visitor from North America, has again been reported at Mersehead, attracting groups of hopeful birders. A Snow bunting has been sighted again along the inter-tidal mudflats. A Wetlands bird survey of individuals roosting along the Mersehead coast produced moderately high numbers of waders, namely 800 Knot, 350 dunlin and 1050 Oystercatcher. At Kirkconnell Merse, a reserve count most notably produced 9 Goldeneye, and 11 Red Breasted Merganser, the males of the group performing their courtship display .
Snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
As for mammalian wildlife, badgers have been active throughout the week, emerging after dark from their setts, a home which is a distinctive and sophisticated network of tunnels scraped from the earth. They can be heard noisily squabbling among their family groups to establish a hierarchy, so that valuable and scarce resources (such as food) may be won.
European badger (Meles meles), Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
Some interesting behaviour has been observed by one of our team members concerning our wiliest predator, Vulpes vulpes; the red fox. David, our community engagement officer, spotted the fox as it crossed his path. The fox was seen to be looking into the water of the Beck burn, seemingly focused on something beyond view. After positioning itself, it pounced into the stream …
and missed its target, sending a duck hurriedly off in its wake, shouting hysterically about its near fatal encounter.
Red fox Vulpes Vulpes, Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
The visitors centre has seen impressive numbers of goldfinch this week, totalling to 50-60 individuals, certainly attracted by the Niger seed stocks within our feeders. Of course, these large numbers of birds haven’t gone unnoticed by raptors; Sparrowhawk have been seen to be swooping in around the feeders, causing any feeding birds to quickly disappear from view. A Marsh Harrier also made an appearance, seen from Meida Hide to be stooping over the reedbeds.
Goldfinches Carduelis carduelis, John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
This week is expected to produce some impressive sunsets. If you would like a comfortable place to watch the sunset with accompanying self-service refreshments, do drop by our visitor centre and take advantage of its spectacular viewing area.
Sunset from Rainbow Lane, photographed by Dave Jackson
Sarah Hunter – Trainee Warden