Caerlaverock news
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
Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre this autumn
Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn.
5 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
Whither Shall I Wander?
An exhibition of stunning textile work based on the natural world.
3 October 2020
Wild Goose Festival 2020
A new festival in Dumfries to celebrate the return of the wild geese to Dumfries and Galloway!
2 October 2020
Swan Spectacular
The whooper swans have started arriving back at Caerlaverock!
29 September 2020
The geese are arriving!
The Svalbard barnacle geese that visit the Solway each winter are on their way and some have already arrived!
29 September 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
Autumn Equinox
The autumn equinox is a signal for migration to begin!
22 September 2020
Swans a-swimming
Some of the local population of Mute Swans have now started joining us at the Whooper Pond. We have been up to 19 out there but only 3 this morning. It will be a couple of weeks yet potentially before we start seeing the arrival of any Whooper Swans bac
19 September 2020
Sunny Sedum Attracts the Butterflies
The good weather recently has really drawn in the late flying butterflies such as Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell into the Wildlife Garden. Not only is the Sedum (recently renamed as Hylotelephium and otherwise known as Iceplant) proving a valuable l
18 September 2020
Barnies are Back!
The first Barnacle Geese of the Autumn were heard yesterday flying over Caerlaverock! This is the joint earliest date for them to be returning back. This morning 21 of them were feeding out on the Merse to the west of the reserve, mixed in with the cows
17 September 2020