News

Baby Bird Bonanza

Baby Bird Bonanza

In addition to the juvenile birds mentioned in previous posts, yesterday we had our first sighting of a Tree Sparrow chick around the feeders in the Peter Scott Trail. We were also hoping for the flip flap of little Tree Sparrow wings down the Avenue bu

14 June 2019

Hedgerows in Bloom

Hedgerows in Bloom

While the Hawthorn may have finished flowering, the Dog and Guelder roses have taken over the mantle and are providing colour to the hedgerows down to the Peter Scott Observatory. The Hedgerows are also alive with the sound of young birds calling for the

13 June 2019

Summer?

Summer?

The sun is shining, there are young birds everywhere, dragonflies and butterflies are on the wildflowers. It's a perfect day for a visit!High Tide: 15:12, 9.2mOpening times:10am - 5pm every day except Christmas DayAround the reserve:WildflowersCuckoo Fl

6 June 2019

Orchids in the Meadow

Orchids in the Meadow

It looks set to be another good year for Orchids this summer. They are starting to appear up in the meadow with the Northern Marsh Orchids showing well. If you also happen to glance across the Flood Ground from the Campbell Hide or Avenue Tower then you

1 June 2019

Water Rail on Teal Pond

Water Rail on Teal Pond

It is all go on the Teal Pond today! Rather unusual sighting of a Water Rail. The resident Moorhens were not too pleased to see it and gave it a good battering so it has not been seen since. The Swallow in the hide seems to be sitting on eggs. Meanwhile,

28 May 2019

Tree Sparrows Nesting

Tree Sparrows Nesting

We have recently been doing surveys of our nestboxes on site to discover what is using them. Apart from the usual Blue Tits and Great Tits we also have our Tree Sparrows back nesting around the feeders in the Peter Scott Trail. In a turn up for the book

25 May 2019

More Lapwing Chicks

More Lapwing Chicks

Some of the Lapwing that had been nesting on our Lochar Field have now hatched their eggs and little chicks can be seen bumbling around the various waterbodies in the Flood Ground. They are joined there by some more youngsters with a couple of Mallard br

24 May 2019

Roe Deer and Hawthorn Blossom

Roe Deer and Hawthorn Blossom

Roe deer are much in evidence at the moment with sightings even from the Loaning and Avenue. The new Hawthorn growth is tempting them to venture in closer. The Hawthorn itself is looking lovely with the May blossom peaking. Where we have done works to

23 May 2019

Garganey still on Folly

Garganey still on Folly

Well it looks like the drake Garganey is making himself at home on our Folly Pond, back again this morning. Still a few Black-tailed Godwits remaining too, looking lovely in their breeding plumage, and good numbers of Shelduck. There were reports yester

21 May 2019

Skylarks Serenading

Skylarks Serenading

During our recent Breeding Bird Surveys out on the merse we have been greeted by a wonderful chorus of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. For a fully immersive experience the best place to listen and appreciate is within the Saltcot Merse Observatory. While do

18 May 2019

Otters on the Lochar

Otters on the Lochar

If visiting the reserve be sure to take a wander along our summer walk and out to the river. Visitors have been reporting sightings of the otter out there. The Garganey is back again on the Folly Pond this morning. Swallows are nesting well in the Picn

17 May 2019

Garganey Back Around

Garganey Back Around

The drake Garganey has made a re-appearance on the Folly Pond, showing nicely from the Folly Pond hide itself. It has been joined there by a lone Greenshank, this best seen from Sharp's Lookout. Elsewhere the Mute Swan cygnets have appeared on the Flood

16 May 2019

Spring is back, and so are the Giant Lego Brick Animals

Spring is back, and so are the Giant Lego Brick Animals

Spring is back, with the sun shining and the temperatures much warmer.The birds are singing in the Avenues, Sedge Warblers everywhere along with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and now Garden Warbler.Today is the start of our Giant Lego Brick Animal

11 May 2019

What time of year is it?

What time of year is it?

You might be forgiven for wondering what season it currently is at Caerlaverock right now. What with brisk easterly winds adding a chill and a motley collection of wildfowl down at Avenue Tower. We have one Barnie, one pink-foot, one grelag and two cana

9 May 2019

Shelducks on the Folly

Shelducks on the Folly

There are good numbers of Shelduck still present on the site, busily feeding up on the Folly Pond. They have been joined by the usual suspects of Black-tailed Godwit, Mallard, Moorhen and a couple of Teal. The Long-eared Owl that was observed in the Loa

8 May 2019