Mersehead

Blog post: Lapwing chicks and recent sightings

Liz RSPB — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:12:00 GMT

Hi RSPB Mersehead community,
I'm just back from a short break and so much has happened on the reserve in two weeks!

The barnacle geese left this time last week, Friday 10th May. They have flown to Svalbard to breed and will return to the Solway coast in late September. There are a few lapwing nests on the reserve and yesterday we were delighted to see three small balls of fluff, lapwing chicks, that you can just spot them in the photograph below (centre and right hand side by the water).

Thanks to residential volunteer Martin O'Connell for the photograph

It seems that the afternoon is the best time to see them in dry weather, so Sunday is probably the next best day to visit!

Recent sightings:
Visitor centre: lapwing, oyster catcher, lesser redpoll, pied wagtail, reed bunting and usual finches and tits.
Meida hide: mallard, chiff chaff, willow warbler, blackcap, song thrush and heron
Trails: wheatear, whitethroat, treecreeper, starling, bullfinch, sedge warbler, willow warbler, blackcap, chiff chaff, linnet, tawny owl
Butterflies: orange tip, small white, small tortoiseshell, red admiral

Bye for now,

Liz

Blog post: Volunteer Dan joins the team at Mersehead

Liz RSPB — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:01:00 GMT

Hi everyone, here's a blog from Dan, our newest long term residential volunteer at Mersehead.

My name is Dan Snowdon, and I’m volunteering at RSPB Mersehead for 6 months this summer. I’ve been here a month now and it’s been great, so I thought I’d share with you some of my experiences so far!

On my very first night I joined one of the guided walks to help me get to know the reserve. We were led along the gorse-lined Rainbow Lane, across the merse (a Scottish term for ‘salt marsh’) and finally down onto the beach at dusk, where thousands of barnacle geese came noisily flying down onto the mudflats to roost. It’ll be a long time before I forget the sound of them overhead as the sun set pink against the hills behind us, and caught the tops of the Lake District mountains across the Solway Firth.

Since then I’ve done all sorts, including helping out at an off-site event, greeting visitors in our newly renovated visitor centre, and helping to build an access road for cattle over some very damp grazing land (where I also investigated how heavy a wellington boot becomes when you fill it full of water). I’ve seen a peregrine falcon hunting over the merse, hen harrier patrolling the reedbeds and my first ever red kite, which was spectacular, showing off its amazing red, white and black plumage in the sun.

My role here is split between people engagement and land management, so it’s been nice to go from a hard day’s work in the great outdoors learning about the reserve habitats to a more sociable role in the visitor centre, where I get to share what I’ve learned with visitors (and treat myself to a hot chocolate...and maybe a flapjack too. Or a chocolate muffin).

Just last night from my bedroom window I could hear natterjack toad calling, snipe ‘drumming’ with their tail feathers (always sounds more like someone blowing quickly over the end of some milk bottles to me), lapwing displaying, a song thrush singing and a tawny owl hooting somewhere in the distance. ‘Wow‘, I thought, ‘I must write a blog about this tomorrow!’. So that’s just one month of experiences – I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds.

All sounds fantastic, thanks to Dan for writing a blog!

Bye for now,
Liz

Blog post: Jim's blog; birds, butterflies and bats!

Liz RSPB — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:11:00 GMT

Here's a blog by one of our current residential volunteers Jim Beattie:

In mid April, after being involved with the RSPB Residential Voluntary Wardening scheme for 21 years and assisting at over 18 reserves or locations, I headed for Mersehead RSPB reserve excited at what lay ahead.

Halfway through my time here I can say I have not been disappointed. The staff were welcoming, the work variable and the wildlife amazing. My first full day was a day off, which I spent bird watching at Ken-Dee Marshes seeing willow tit and Red Kite, two species which are unfamiliar in the area where I live.

The rest of the week was taken up by meeting and greeting visitors to the reserve as well as path construction at Kirkconnell, bird counts around the reserve and looking for the location of a burst water pipe on the merse. During the butterfly transect we observed no butterflies on our official transect but noted two green-veined white while later visiting one of our hides (Liz - the first of the year!). While in the hide I was amazed to see a Daubenton’s bat flying over the pools.

Wildlife on the reserve included thousands of Barnacle geese, many other wildfowl, fox, badger, roe deer and the arrival of spring migrants such as sand martin, willow warbler and blackcap as well as the sound of natterjack toads calling.

I look forward to the varied experiences which lie ahead during my seond week on the reserve.

Blog post: Sunshine and summer migrants

Liz RSPB — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:32:00 GMT

Hi all,

It may not feel like summer yet, but we're seeing some of our summer migrants arriving; swallow, house martin, sand martin, wheatear, chiffchaff and willow warbler have all been seen on the reserve in the last couple of days. Black cap, little grebe and goldeneye have also been seen. Natterjack toads have started calling, Daubenton's bats are out in the evening and green-veined white butterflies in the daytime.The stoat has also been seen outside of the Visitor Centre.

With so much going on we hope to see you on the reserve soon!

Bye for now,
Liz

Blog post: My week as a volunteer

Liz RSPB — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:59:00 GMT

What a difference a week makes! It was with some trepidation that I set off from Leeds last Monday to begin two weeks of residential volunteering at RSPB Mersehead. I had been trying to reach the reserve for three days, but the deep snow made it impossible, so I packed all my layers and was braced for freezing weather when I arrived.

And now here I am and although it’s cold, the beautiful sunshine has made my stay at the reserve so far fantastic. Residential volunteering is all about getting stuck into the day to day running of a reserve and at Mersehead this has involved surveying wetland birds, counting geese and helping out with Easter events at the visitor centre.

As well as helping out on the reserve, I’ve had plenty of great opportunities to spot wildlife. I’ve been lucky enough to catch the barnacle geese on the reserve (a wildlife first for me!) before they head off to Norway and then finally back to Svalbard in a few weeks time. We even got to see thousands of them flying out onto the mudflats during “Sunset on the Solway”, an evening guided walk around the reserve. As a relative birding newbie, other bird firsts for me include yellowhammer, meadow pipit and snipe. Mersehead is also home to many mammals. I’ve managed to spot a stoat at the visitor centre, four hares from my bedroom window and will be going in search of the reserve’s elusive otter tonight.

Residential volunteering really is a great opportunity to see how reserves are run and lend a hand with anything and everything that’s going on during your stay. I certainly will be back for more volunteering in the future!

Catherine, Residential Volunteer

If RSPB residential volunteering sounds like something for you visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/residential.aspx

Blog post: Has spring arrived? and recent sightings

Liz RSPB — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:31:00 GMT

he sun is shining, the last of the snow is melting, barnacle geese are flying around and birds are singing across the merse. What a beautiful day! Far too nice to spend it indoors.

We have a busy Easter school holidays planned, starting with an Easter Scavenger Hunt on Sunday from 11-4. Drop in to the Visitor Centre to pick up a challenge sheet. Then there are family activities on Wednesdays and Fridays and guided walks too, check out the events page to find out more! The visitor centre is open as normal between 10-5 over the Easter weekend.

Recent sightings from Thursday 28th March: 1018 barnacle geese, 382 oystercatcher, 82 ringed plover, 86 curlew, 32 golden plover, 26 dunlin, 41 shelduck, 42 wigeon, 55 teal, 12 redshank, woodcock, snipe, gadwall, mallard, shoveler and lapwing. The feeding station has been busy too with the cold weather, goldfinch and many other small birds have been visiting.

I can also announce that thanks to everybody's efforts for the sponsored walk we raised just over £920 for the reserve which will really help our conservation efforts for the barnacle geese, natterjack toads and much more! Thanks to National Science and Engineering Week as well for their support.

Finally, watch Countryfile on Sunday evening, 31st March, to find out more about our

Blog post: Reserve open despite the snow!

Liz RSPB — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:24:00 GMT

The reserve is open today, come down and watch birds from the visitor centre with a hot cup of coffee!

Blog post: Reserve closed Saturday 23rd March

Liz RSPB — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:05:00 GMT

Morning all,

The reserve is closed today due to snow. Enjoy the snow from home and please remember to feed the birds in this cold weather!

Liz

Blog post: Reserve closed Friday 22nd March due to snow

Liz RSPB — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:27:00 GMT

The reserve is closed today due to snow and wintry conditions. We'll keep you updated for the weekend.

Yesterday signs of spring were around the reserve, including these daffodils:

What signs of spring have you seen or heard?

Liz

Blog post: Boots and Barnacles sponsored walk this Saturday!

Liz RSPB — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:28:00 GMT

Tthe 'walk for wildlife: boots and barnacles' team are preparing for the sponsored walk on Saturday and we're very excited about the activities, the stunning views from the top of the sand dunes and the goody bags for taking part! Who's joining us at 10am on Saturday? You can turn up on the day and give a donation or take away a sponsorship form.

Blog post: Foiled Again - Star gazing event cancelled 8th March

Colin — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:20:00 GMT

Hi all

With regret we have had to cancel this evenings star gazing event due to cloudy and rainy weather.

kind regards Colin

Blog post: Boots and Barnacles’ sponsored walk

Colin — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:16:00 GMT

Get outdoors and get involved with the ‘Boots and Barnacles’ sponsored walk.

Walk 5km or 10km to raise money for work supporting vulnerable wildlife such as lapwings and barnacle geese on the reserve. Taking part in this fun and interactive walk will be a great way to find out more about the wildlife on the reserve, explore the stunning landscape of the Solway coast and get the whole family outdoors!
We’re aiming for a fantastic turnout for the ‘Boot and Barnacles’ sponsored walk so register today! Every ...pound raised really helps the RSPB to continue its work at important reserves like Mersehead. So whatever you can raise, please do come along, as we would love to see you.

Participants should wear suitable outdoor shoes and be prepared for Scotland’s unpredictable weather. Refreshments and snacks will be available.

Free registration packs are available from Nicki Wilde, on 0131 3174174 or by email nicki.wilde@rspb.org.uk.
For more information about the walk and Mersehead, contact Liz Hancocks on 01387 780579 or by email mersehead@rspb.org.uk.
Boots and Barnacles is kindly supported by National Science & Engineering Week.

Blog post: Richardson's canada goose makes an appearance

Liz RSPB — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:50:00 GMT

Hi RSPB Mersehead community,

It certainly feels like spring is on the way as more and more birds start singing and warmth reappearing in the sunshine.

A regular visitor to the holiday cottages saw the Richardson's canada goose amongst the barnacle geese on Saturday afternoon near to the Meida hide. There are quite a lot of barnacle geese on the reserve at the moment so it might take some patience to find it! This goose is a subspecies of cackling goose; Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii, and is native to North America.

I had a brilliant view of a female hen harrier driving onto the reserve on Friday morning. Did you know that the first part of the Hen Harrier's scientific name, Circus cyaneus, refers to the circling flight that male and female harriers do in a courtship display?

And if you're looking for a fun day out for the whole family to make the most of spring? Our 'boots and barnacles' walk for wildlife is an interactive 5km or 10km walk on Saturday 16th March. We just ask that you raise at least £20 and register. Check out the events page for more details. All money raised supports our important work for local wildlife on the reserve.

Bye for now,

Liz

Blog post: Reserve open and recent sightings

Liz RSPB — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:49:00 GMT

Hi RSPB Mersehead community,

I'm pleased to say that the flooding has receded and we are open today, and what a lovely sunny day it is!

A few signs that the reserve is starting to stir from a winter slumber have been around in the past week or so, snowdrops are out and the gorse bushes are flowering. Upon investigating a curious tapping sound I found a song thrush smashing a snail against the ground near the visitor centre. Judging by the remnants of snail shells on the recently relaid paths to the hides it seems the song thrushes have been finding plenty of snails. The song thrush by the visitor centre has also started to sing, perching high in the hedgerow on the lane.

The latest Wetlands Bird Survey from earlier this week recorded:
mute swan, canada goose, barnacle geese (2280), shoveler, wigeon, gadwall, teal, mallard, pintail, shelduck, oystercatcher (1580), ringed plover, golden plover, lapwing.
Flocks of twite and linnet have also been seen recently and a pergrine falcon.

After the success of the sponsored walk last year we are holding another one on Saturday 16th March. It's going to be a fun and interactive walk and will be a great way to find out more about the wildlife on the reserve, explore the stunning landscape of the Solway coast and get the whole family outdoors! See the events page for more information.

Bye for now,
Liz

Blog post: Reserve closed

Liz RSPB — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:42:00 GMT

The access lane is flooded after another combination of heavy rain yesterday, snowmelt and a hide tide so the reserve is closed today.

Hopefully we'll be back to normal tomorrow.

Liz

Blog post: Lane flooded - reserve closed

Liz RSPB — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 10:02:00 GMT

Morning all,

The lane to the reserve is flooded after heavy rain overnight, snowmelt and a hide tide so the reserve is closed today.

It was a busy day at the visitor centre feeding station yesterday, a brambling appeared to join the regulars and a male hen harrier was flying low over the field. The teal were returning to the pool as the ice thawed.

We'll keep you informed about the opening of the reserve.

Bye for now,

Liz

Blog post: Are you ready for Big Garden Birdwatch? And recent sightings.

Liz RSPB — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:33:00 GMT

Hi RSPB Mersehead community,

We're getting very excited about the Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend on the reserve! In this cold weather the birds are devouring the bird food outside the visitor centre, and what a good excuse to spend an hour (or two) watching them and their antics. Regulars on the bird feeders are coal tits, blue tits, greenfinches, tree sparrows and the occasional goldfinch and yellowhammer.

The latest Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) from last week recorded the following:
2016 barnacle geese, 2 pink-footed geese, 62 shelduck, 73 wigeon, 414 teal, 9 mallard, 16 pintail, 14 shoveler, 1 grey heron, 1430 oystercatcher, 45 ringed plover, 46 lapwing and 75 curlew.

The reserve is a bit quieter at the moment as the pools have frozen over but the barnacle geese were back in the fields today. We'll keep you updated about weather conditions on the reserve.

Bye for now,

Liz

Blog post: Clear and crisp

Liz RSPB — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:15:00 GMT

Good morning,

The lane is clear to the reserve and it's a beautiful day.

Blog post: Foggy and flooded

Liz RSPB — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:10:00 GMT

Morning all,

After heavy rainfall yesterday the reserve is closed due to flooding.

We will keep you updated.

Liz

Blog post: Recent sightings

Liz RSPB — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:52:00 GMT

Hi RSPB community!

Well it's been a busy start to the year on the reserve. Here are the latest sightings:

04/01: tree sparrow, buzzard, teal, pintail, goldfinch, yellowhammer

Weekend 05/01 and 06/01. Visitor centre: tree sparrow, 33 teal, 200 barnacle geese, 11 canada geese, yellowhammer, 4 whooper swans flew over.
Beach: 7 ringed plover, oystercatcher, golden plover. Bruaich hide: gadwall, pintail, reed bunting.
Woodland: treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker.

07/01, Bruaich hide: male bullfinch, 8 snipe, 2 roe deer and hare.

Bye for now,
Liz