News
Bernard the Whooper has arrived!
Please be aware, the B725 is closed at Brow Well bridge. If you are visiting from the Carlisle/Annan direction you have to come via Dumfries. The bridge has suffered severe damage due to recent flooding and may be closed for a significant amount of time.T
2 October 2019
Everybody is enjoying the sunshine!
This morning's sunshine has put everyone in a good mood after a week of rain! Highlights from today have included several Kingfisher sightings from the Back Pond hide and an extremely noisy morning as a Merlin, Marsh Harrier and two Peregrines flew over t
30 September 2019
Shoveler numbers increase!
It has been lovely to see that our duck numbers starting to increase! 65 Shoveler were spotted on the Folly Pond this morning and 10 Tufted Duck have been busy on the Whooper pond. Our male Shovelers are looking more striking every day as they develop the
29 September 2019
Male ducks coming out of eclipse
Our male ducks are starting to regain their colour. A good few of the Mallard are already sporting their post-eclipse finery and in the last couple of days we have noticed the Teal, Shoveler and Pintail are all following suit. Head to the Folly Pond and t
27 September 2019
Wigeon on the Increase
Wigeon numbers are on the increase with 137 counted on the Folly Pond this morning and more down at the Flood Ground. Teal numbers are also creeping up with over 400 on the Folly Pond, another 400 in the Corner Field and yet more down at Flood Ground. A
26 September 2019
Barnies are Back!
The Barnacle Geese are now starting to make an appearance on the Reserve, with over 1,000 birds counted from the Tower this morning. They are predominantly utilising the mudflats and pioneer merse so are best seen from the Saltcot Merse Observatory. Mix
25 September 2019
Sunshine on Geese
Huge numbers of geese in the sunshine around the local area today. Canada, Greylag and Pink-footed Geese can be seen feeding in the fields and flying around the reserve.6 Barnacle Geese were in front of the Saltcot Merse Observatory yesterday, no sign of
21 September 2019
Whoopers, Barnacles and Pink-feet
It's starting to feel a lot like winter, despite the bright sunshine and 20 degree heat!12 Whooper Swans arrived yesterday, but only one is still here on the Whooper Pond. The first small flock of Barnacle Geese have arrived with 6 in front of the Saltcot
20 September 2019
Goldfinches and Pintail
The Goldfinches and Chaffinches are absolutely loving the Meadowsweet seeds around the Reserve, particularly in the Wildlife Garden. We have seven Pintail that have turned up on our Folly Pond and are currently taking a nap mixed in with the large number
13 September 2019
Autumn Berries and Raptors
The hedgerow down to the Peter Scott Observatory is looking great with the Guelder Rose, Dog Rose and Hawthorn all now with berries. Down to the Avenue there are still Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff singing with Goldcrests starting to make an appearance a
12 September 2019
Folly Pond Filling Up
This does not just refer to the recent weather and all the rain that has fallen but also the number of birds starting to congregate here. Teal numbers have jumped up to over the five hundred mark. The Shoveler are starting to return while there are stil
4 September 2019
Windy weather and big tides
The wind has now dropped so the Avenue and Summer Walk have reopened and the sun is shining!The high tide is at 13:47 and is a big one, with this wind behind it could be quite a spectacle. 500 Pintail, Shelduck and Dunlin were seen over the high tide yest
31 August 2019
Teal are here
The ponds are filling with ducks, with both the Folly Pond and Flood Ground particularly good for Teal, Mallard and Shoveler.Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing and Snipe are feeding around the edges, with House Martins and Swallows over the surface of the wate
22 August 2019
Autumn days
A windy start to the day, with rain expected later.Duck and wader numbers are increasing slowly with more Teal and Shoveler around. Pintail are expected any day now.Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe can be seen around the Folly Pond and Flood Ground.
21 August 2019
Good Weather for Ducks!
Well the weather really has thrown everything at us this week, though it is good that the forecast hail did not materialise in the end! We have closed the River Walk section of our Summer walk due to flooding and high tides. Please also bear in mind that
17 August 2019