Latest sightings
Latest Sightings - 29th September - still southerly winds
Still no sign of the first migrating Whooper Swans and still only 140 Barnacle Geese on the reserve. These southerly winds are likely holding up the arrival of any more. Keep an eye on the weather and when you see the winds swing round to the north, we co
29 September 2017
Reserve Update Saturday 23rd September
Our flock of 135 Barnacle Geese are once again in the Lochar Field, as seen from Avenue Tower. There are over 600 Pink-footed Geese along the Merse edge which make regular fights over the reserve to their inland feeding areas. Listen out for them flyi
23 September 2017
Reserve Update Thursday 21st September
No sign of the Barnacle Geese so far this morning....but it is a little murky out there! The over-summered Whooper Swan remains on the Flood Ground together with three Little Grebes. A further two Little Grebes are present on the Whopper Pond. Large
21 September 2017
18th September Update
The Barnacle Geese have moved back to the Lochar Field after moving yesterday afternoon to the merse. The numbers have slightly increased to 132. 2 Whooper Swans were heard, then seen flying out towards the merse, joining some Mute Swans. We are unsure wh
18 September 2017
Sunday 17th Sept - First Barnies!!
As predicted the first Barnacle Geese were imminent - there 121 currently in our Lochar Field, adjacent the Avenue Tower. Not quite the earliest arrival on record, but close! Winds are quite light but northerly - will there be a big fall? 400 Pintail on
17 September 2017
Latest Sightings - 16th September
Still a slight northerly wind for the next few days which could aide migrants heading down from the Arctic. We are still waiting for Whooper Swans to arrive and join the one that over-summered, 3 arrived in late September last year but it wasn't until t
16 September 2017
Latest Sightings - 15th September - Autumnal feel to the day
More Autumn migrants are arriving on the reserve. There are Pink-footed Geese dropping in every day, with small flocks coming high from the north to land on the merse and mud of the Solway. Keep an eye and an ear out for them! These northerly winds could
15 September 2017
Reserve Update Thursday 14th September - Kingfisher on Folly Pond
There was a brief sighting of the Kingfisher again this morning whizzing across the Folly Pond towards the new Paddock hide. On your way through to the hide, stop and have a look at the Ice plant and Joe Pye Weed in the Wildlife Garden as they have bee
14 September 2017
Reserve Update Wednesday 13th August
Lovely start to the morning after the rains overnight (if visiting, do consider bringing your wellington boots). The fist Pink-footed Geese have been seen flying across the reserve yesterday morning. A group of 25 passed high overhead the Peter Scott
13 September 2017
Update, Monday 11th September
A bright, sunny start to the day with a Peregrine hunting over the Folly Pond. Yesterdays WeBS (Wetlands Bird Survey) count is included in the list below. Today the Saltcot Loaning is muddy and partially blocked for resurfacing after the hedge work
11 September 2017
Latest Sightings - 9th September - Saltcot Loaning Open
The Saltcot Loaning is open again today after the hedge cutting. There is still some work to do to reinstate the path, heavy machinery and heavy rain don't mix very well, so please bear with us as we get both Avenues back how they should be. Walking boots
9 September 2017
Latest Sightings - 8th September
Finally we have a reprieve from the rain, but only temporarily it would seem. As a result of the heavy rain and agricultural activity, the Avenues are particularly wet and muddy at the moment. Please come prepared with walking boots or wellies. We
8 September 2017
Latest Sightings - 1st September
A dry start to the morning with plenty of bird song in the air. Chiffchaffs are on the move, passing through the reserve as they head back south for the winter. Again, the mud on the Folly Pond is popular with waders, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwi
1 September 2017
Latest Sightings - 26th August
A sunny start to the day on the reserve. The Black-tailed Godwits are again showing well in front of our new hide overlooking the Folly Pond along with at least 6 Snipe very close to the hide. Snipe in front of the new hid
26 August 2017
Latest Sightings - 25th August - Godwits, Harrier and Goshawk
The Folly Pond is still one of the best places on the reserve at the moment. Plenty of mud means the Black-tailed Godwits are feeding there most days despite the work we have been doing around that area. There are over 60 Godwits there this morning. There
25 August 2017