Caerlaverock news
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Definitely a wetland today!
Opening times:10am - 5pm every day except Christmas DayOur network is now fixed so we can accept card payments as normal.The rain and wind over the past couple of days has flooded most of our fields creating perfect feeding conditions for the wildfowl and
9 February 2019