The rain isn't deterring the wildlife
After some lovely sunny weather, it has become rainy at Caerlaverock again. The wildlife hasn’t been discouraged though.
Around the Peter Scott Trail, tree sparrows, goldfinch and greenfinch have been seen on the feeders. In the foliage, the first breeding pair of azure damselflies have been spotted. Stopping in at the Back Pond Hide, the mute swans and cygnets might make an appearance as well as the moorhens and chicks.
On the Folly Pond, redshank, tufted duck, greater scaup, shelduck, black-headed gull, lawing and greylag goose have been hanging out, making the most of high water.
In the Paddocks, willow warbler and reed bunting can be heard, vying for first chair. You might get a good look at the mallard and ducklings from the Scottish Water Hide. It won’t be long before they are off the nest and spending more time away from mum.
Down the Saltcot Loaning, a harsh rhythmless scratch of a sedge warbler are heard. Dancing in the sunlight, orange-tip butterflies flutter.
From the Saltcot Merse Observatory, linnets and little egrets can be seen.
Heading down the Avenue, a pause at the gate looking over the Corner Field is needed – you can spot song thrush hunting for their invertebrate prey of worms and snails.
Progressing down, you might be lucky enough to hear and then spot a cuckoo! Stonechat are regularly hanging out on the Avenue or in the reeds across from the Campbell Hide.
Over at Powhillon, two noctule bats were seen at dusk.
Words by Marianne Nicholson
Feature image of tufted duck by Alex Hillier
