Mersehead Recent Sightings 16th - 22nd November 2019
What a chilly week it has been! On Monday and Tuesday in particular, the reserve was looking spectacular as the ground sparkled with thick frost. For those braving the cold weather, plentiful numbers of Fieldfare and Redwing have been view-able gorging on the berries in the hedgerows, and it would of course not be possible to go without mentioning the thousands of Barnacle geese that continue to forage in the fields around the reserve!
The highlight this week was a Water pipit sighting at Meida hide. This winter visitor frequents wetland areas, seeking out invertebrates such as springtails, flies, moths and beetles, and can be distinguished by its loud 'weest' call!
Water pipit. Photo credit: Richard Brooks
Along the shoreline on the coastal trail, Oystercatcher, Shelduck and Little egret have been present in good number, and with another sighting of a Snow bunting feeding on the strand line on Wednesday, it has been an exciting route to take around the reserve! Also this week, Stonechat were seen perched on the gorse behind the dunes, a Raven crossed over the path running along the saltmarsh, and a small number of Twite were spotted in the hedgerow track to Meida hide.
Female Stonechat. Photo credit: Ben Andrew
The Starling murmuration continues to delight, with a group approximately 30,000 strong congregating in front of Meida hide as dusk falls. The hide gives a fantastic view over the reedbeds where the starlings eventually roost. Earlier in the week, those watching the murmuration were also treated to a glimpse of an Otter in the pools below!
What a week it has been for spotting birds of prey on the reserve. We have had sightings of Peregrine falcon on the coastal trail, Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and excitingly a male Hen Harrier from the wetland trail.
Hen Harrier. Photo credit: Richard Brooks
On the entrance road to Mersehead, keep an eye out around the small group of conifer trees just beyond the hedgerow, as Woodcock have been sighted here in the last few days. This secretive species can be difficult to observe as they are well camouflaged and often in their preferred woodland habitat, however in colder weather they may be seen foraging more openly.
Woodcock. Photo credit: Les Bunyan
Settling down with a hot drink in the visitor centre on site can be a welcome retreat from the frosty wind. The seating area offers a brilliant view of the bustling bird table, with a stretch of wetland catering for various wildfowl behind. On the table this week there continued to be ample sightings of Yellowhammer, both Tree and House sparrow, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, and even a Great spotted woodpecker.
House sparrow and Tree sparrow. Photo credit: Kevin Sawford
Though we have had no further sightings of the Richardson's cackling goose, which we saw here at Mersehead back in October, we have been updated that this week it's been spotted near Southerness, again well hidden amongst a group of Barnacle geese!
Our events programme continues this coming week, with great opportunities to see the wildlife around the reserve with an expert guide. Another of our ‘Sunset on the Solway’ events will take place on Sunday 24th November at 3:30-5:00pm, and an ‘Autumn Discovery Walk’ on Thursday 28th November. Booking is essential for both events, so please do get in contact on 01387 780579.
Katie Wells, Mersehead Trainee Warden