News
Teal Displaying
The recent mild spell has confused the visiting Teal around the Reserve with many behaving like it is already Spring. There is a great deal of displaying going on, with the males doing the characteristic head flick (interesting to watch for, not just whe
25 November 2020
Peregrines out on the Merses
Peregrine Falcons have been a regular sighting out on the Merses this week, the numerous pieces of driftwood washed in by the tides providing ideal perches for them. They are not the only raptors to have been seen. A Merlin and Hen Harrier were both obs
13 November 2020
Tufties Turning Up
Tufted Duck numbers are starting to increase on the Whooper Pond with over 40 birds out there this morning. The Wigeon numbers are also on the rise and the Whooper Swans have finally got the memo that it is Winter with 70 birds joining us. There seems t
11 November 2020
Frosty Morning
Lovely crisp start to the day today after a spell of unseasonably warm weather (it is just not right to still have midges about in November!) The cooler weather has seen some of our Whooper Swans dropping into the Whooper Pond and there is also a gatheri
7 November 2020
Reed Buntings and Bullfinch
Reed Buntings have been very obvious in the Hedgerows around the Reserve this morning. The past few days have also seen a number of Bullfinches in the first part of Hedgerow down the Avenue. Teal and Wigeon numbers are creeping up on the Flood Ground an
6 November 2020
Yellowhammers, Treecreepers and Linnets
The first couple of Yellowhammers of the Autumn were seen yesterday in the hedgerow outside the Peter Scott Observatory. Small bird activity down the Avenues has been good recently with regular appearances of Treecreepers down towards Avenue Tower and Li
4 November 2020
Wild, windy, wetlands
It has been particularly wild recently, with strong winds and rain battering the reserve.The Folly Pond has been particularly busy with big numbers of Teal and Wigeon which has attracted predators, Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier can be seen hunting them mo
31 October 2020
Thrushes galore
There are flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares over the reserve regularly at the moment, with many dropping down onto the Hawthorns to gorge on the berries, or perch in the tops of the Sycamores.A Marsh Harrier was harrying Teal on the Folly Pond this mornin
27 October 2020
Icelandic-breeding Goose Census
Today saw the first of the Icelandic-breeding Goose Census for the winter. Wardens were in early to monitor the Pink-footed Geese as they left the roost on the mudflats out from Saltcot Merse Observatory....or that was the plan at least! The Pink-foots
17 October 2020
Fieldfare in the Hedgerows
After the first Redwing was observed on the Reserve last week, we have now recorded the first of the returning Fieldfare. Numbers are still low for both species but they are best watched for on a wander down the Avenue. The Hawthorn berries are ripening
16 October 2020
First Whooper Swan Family Returns
The North-westerly breezes the past few days has led to an influx of returning Whooper Swans, with reports of over 40 birds in the local area. There are currently 13 birds on the Whooper Pond including our first family group. Eric Anthony has returned w
10 October 2020
Roe Deer in the Sun
Roe Deer have been very evident around the reserve the past week with up to 8 individuals seen in just one section of Merse alone. This morning a couple were sauntering across the fields down near Avenue Tower. They have not been the only species of mam
7 October 2020
Wonderful wildfowl
Wildfowl are now flocking to the reserve, with numbers increasing daily.Up to 7 Whooper Swans have been seen on the Whooper Pond, although they do feed elsewhere too so it's the luck of the draw if they are here during your visit.The Barnacle Geese, up to
5 October 2020
First Whoopers!
The first Whooper Swans of the season have returned to Caerlaverock!! So far only in small numbers with 6 birds having been observed. No sign of any leg rings yet to identify them though two of the birds seem quite settled on the Whooper Pond and appear
26 September 2020
Splendid Saltcot
Unfortunately it would appear that the Common Cranes that dropped in for a visit yesterday have now decided to continue on with their journey. Saltcot Merse Observatory is still providing some excellent viewing opportunities though with a distant Peregri
25 September 2020