News

Blackthorn Blossoming

Blackthorn Blossoming

The Blackthorn flowers are looking lovely in full blossom at the moment. Other flowers are also in bloom such as the Primrose, and in the Wildlife Garden Pulmonaria, Daffodils and Aubretia. These plants are a vital early season nectar source for the quee

3 April 2019

Wheatears arrive

Wheatears arrive

Our first Wheatears of the year have arrived on the reserve. Three males and a female were on fencelines in Saltcot field around the Saltcot Merse Observatory.At least three Chiffchaffs are singing in the sunshine this morning.High Tide: 07:46 7.1mOpenin

30 March 2019

Chiffchaff singing

Chiffchaff singing

It definitely feels more like spring now, although there is still a cool breeze at times. Chiffchaffs are now singing in the Peter Scott Trail and Saltcot Loaning, birds are collecting nesting material and we are keeping a keen eye on our Osprey nest came

27 March 2019

Flowers bloom

Flowers bloom

The sun is shining, flowers are beginning to bloom and the birds are singing; it finally feels more like spring is on the way!Whooper Swan numbers have dropped below 100 today, with some feeding off the reserve still. They will only be here for another fe

23 March 2019

Tracks and Signs

Tracks and Signs

Well one good thing about all the recent rains and the accompanying mud, we get to test out our tracks and signs knowledge! The Loaning is very good at the mo for footprints in the mud which is where this one came from. Any guesses? This footprint belon

20 March 2019

Oystercatchers Prospecting

Oystercatchers Prospecting

Our nesting raft on the Folly Pond has drawn some interest from a pair of Oystercatcher, although, as in previous years, they have some competition from the Mallards. The flooded pasture is proving a real draw with mobile flocks of Golden Plover and Lapw

14 March 2019

Water, water everywhere!

Water, water everywhere!

Well Caerlaverock Wetlands are really living up to their name! Recent heavy rains have inundated the site making it perfect for waders, geese, swans and ducks. Please bear in mind that if you are visiting then wellington boots are a requirement for getti

12 March 2019

Waders and wildfowl

Waders and wildfowl

Still wet, especially down the Saltcot Loaning. Please bring wellies if you want to get to all our hides.The Folly Field is full of waders and wildfowl this morning. Hundreds of Lapwing, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwits and Redshank. The Green-winged T

9 March 2019

Wet wet wet

Wet wet wet

It is very wet around the site today, wellies are recommended for getting down the Saltcot Loaning and to the Folly Pond Hide. The water in the fields is good for the birds though, with plenty of waders still using the site and the ducks are feeding in th

7 March 2019

Waderfest

Waderfest

Waders are everywhere today.Plenty of Lapwing, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank and Curlew in the flooded fields.The Spotted Redshank is on the Folly Pond and the Green-winged Teal in the Corner Field.Opening times:10am - 5pm every day except

5 March 2019

Misty morning

Misty morning

It's a misty start to the day, but we can still see most of the reserve.The drake Green-winged Teal is on the Folly Pond as usual, visible from Sharp's Lookout this morning. Good numbers of Lapwing flying around the site and feeding in the Corner Field al

1 March 2019

Hares Abound

Hares Abound

While not as plentiful as they will become when spring settles in, we are starting to get more frequent sightings of Brown Hare around the reserve. The best place for viewing is currently the Peter Scott Observatory where there have been two observed fee

28 February 2019

Green-winged Teal on Folly

Green-winged Teal on Folly

The Green-winged Teal is once again on the Folly Pond. Spotted Redshank is down in Lochar Field, adjacent to the Avenue Tower, along with Redshank and good flocks of Lapwing. These flocks are highly mobile so Corner Field and Newfield hide are also good

27 February 2019

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has sprung around the reserve, although the weather the past couple of days does slightly dampen that opinion. Primroses are bursting into bloom down the Avenue and the first daffodils have made an appearance in the Wildlife Garden. Song Thrush a

21 February 2019

Green-winged Teal & Spotted Redshank back again

Green-winged Teal & Spotted Redshank back again

Opening times:10am - 5pm every day except Christmas DayThe drake Green-winged Teal and Spotted Redshank are back on the Folly Pond again this morning.It's a dry but breezy start to the day, with plenty of Curlew, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwi

13 February 2019