Todays Sightings
It is a cold spring morning here at Caerlverock. On my cycle in to work, I heard the first grasshopper warbler, which was a fantastic start to the day. If you are visiting the reserve the grasshopper [...]
It is a cold spring morning here at Caerlverock. On my cycle in to work, I heard the first grasshopper warbler, which was a fantastic start to the day. If you are visiting the reserve the grasshopper warbler was calling approximately 1.5km from the reserve entrance in the mature hedgerow by the side of the road.
Things to look out for today:
We have had a large passage of golden plover in full breeding plumage; it is well worth looking for a dotterel hidden amongst the plovers
Sedge warblers are now in the area and calling on the reserve; blackcap, chiffchaff and willow warblers continue to grace the reserve.
Check out the wagtails as there are white wagtails on site.
Over 7000 Barnacle geese are in a feeding frenzy preparing for their epic migration
Only 1 whooper swan on site today (many of our Whoopers have already arrived back in Icelend to breed)
A Wheatear has been sighted displaying on the Merse from the Salcot Hide
Plenty of skylark singing and meadow pipits feeding on the wet grassland and over the Merse; in addtion half a dozen linnets were seen from Salcot Hide on the gorse
If the temperature rises this afternoon look out for orange tip, small tortoiseshell, peacock, small white and green viened butterflies
There are some impressive Roe deer stags on the reserve and brown hare
As it warms in the afternoon we have had a mass emergence of St Mark's fly Bibio marci, with lots of flying invertebrates on site it will be an excellent night for hunting bats
The POD opposite Teal Pond has oystercatcher and mute swan sitting on nests and blackcap and willow warbler in full song next to this pod today
2 pairs of rook are busy tending to their nests in the Peter Scott Trail
Common frog and toad are on the reserve
If you are visiting the reserve today please report any sightings to the reception desk...
Rob Martyr, Snr Warden
Whooper Pond
Mute Swan 11
Tufted Duck 1
Mallard 51
Oystercatcher 2
Folly Pond
Black-tailed Godwit 3
Shoveler 10
Teal 8
Shelduck 3
Whooper swan 1
Flood Ground
We have sitting lapwing on the flood ground and in Lochar Field so watch out for the lapwings fiercely defending their nests, mobbing crows and gulls
Mute Swan 4
Wigeon 7
Teal 17
Gadwall 2
Moorhen 2
Black Tailed Godwit 1
Shelduck 2
Oystercatcher 2
Teal Pond
Mute Swan 1 (sitting on nest)
Gadwall 4
Little Grebe 2
Moorhen 3
Avenue Tower
Golden Plover 800
Lapwing 19
Wheatear 1
Walkways
Chiffchaff 2
Willow Warbler 7
Blackcap 2
White Wagtail 2
Swallow 9
House Martin 3
Badger Cam
Dont miss our live Badger Webcam!! During the day the camera points out onto the Folly Pond, then come 5pm, the camera is moved so you can watch our badgers feeding. Last night a fox and badgers came out. the link is http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/webcams/caerlaverock-badgers/
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Rare Bird Alert
For the very latest bird news from around the country, Read the news first with Rare Bird Alert the fast, accurate, comprehensive news service for sightings of rare and scarce birds throughout the UK. For more information call the RBA team on 01603 457016
