Cockchafer, Wheatear, Orange Tip and Sunshine at RSPB Mersehead

Anyone would think from these pictures that we'd had a gloriously sunny couple of weeks at Mersehead, but these shots were from a couple of nice days in amongst the thunderstorms and rain! Always nice to see a Cockchafer (or May Bug / June Beetle) drop in - surely one of the UK's most impressive Beetles. Followed by stunning views at RSPB Mersehead (taken yesterday). Lastly an Orange Tip and a Wheatear seen at nearby Boreland of Southwick.

Cockchafer at RSPB Mersehead

Cockchafer fanning out it's feathered antennae

Panoramic view from the Bruaich hide at RSPB Mersehead

Path leading to the Bruaich hide at RSPB Mersehead

Orange Tip Butterfly on Bluebell at nearby Boreland of Southwick

Wheatear on mossy dry stane wall at nearby Boreland of Southwick

Natterjack and Common Toads at Mersehead

After the devastation of the dunes at RSPB Mersehead a few months ago it was looking uncertain as to whether the Natterjack Toad population here had survived. Went for a quick scout today with a Natterjack licence holder and found this large male, which is good news.
Also found some mating Common Toads.

Male Natterjack with characteristic yellow stripe down back.

Mating Common Toads

Mating Common Toads

Male Natterjack Toad

Mersehead Sands and Southwick Water Estuary

A few shots taken at the estuary of Southwick Water on Mersehead Sands.

Bank built up with cockle shells

Layers of silt

Composite shot of a dusky scene at Mersehead

Waterfall just West of Mersehead Nature Reserve on the Southwick Water estuary.

As above.

Southwick Water Estuary with cockle shell lined stream.

As above.

My Demolished Dunes Picture on BBC Website

The BBC have published my photograph of the devastation of the sand dunes on Mersehead Beach today. The dunes were lost in the storm and high tide that hit earlier this month. Read the story here.

My picture (bottom) on the BBC News website.

Day at RSPB Mersehead

Spent the whole day wandering around RSPB Mersehead and saw plenty of Barnacle Geese as well as a few Pink Footed Geese and Canadas. Also saw several Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings and a small group of Long Tailed Tits. Duck-wise there were Shelduck, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon and Mallard. Highlight of the day was a short glimpse of the resident female Marsh Harrier. All the birds were singing well and I got a few sound recordings that I will post soon, including my first Skylark of the year.

Female Yellowhammer at RSPB Mersehead