Latest sightings

Carol's Orchard

This beautiful orchard was planted on World Wetlands Day, 2nd February, 2011 in memory of Carol Hesketh.

17 November 2020

Peregrines out on the Merses

Peregrine Falcons have been a regular sighting out on the Merses this week, the numerous pieces of driftwood washed in by the tides providing ideal perches for them. They are not the only raptors to have been seen. A Merlin and Hen Harrier were both obs

13 November 2020

Tufties Turning Up

Tufted Duck numbers are starting to increase on the Whooper Pond with over 40 birds out there this morning. The Wigeon numbers are also on the rise and the Whooper Swans have finally got the memo that it is Winter with 70 birds joining us. There seems t

11 November 2020

Frosty Morning

Lovely crisp start to the day today after a spell of unseasonably warm weather (it is just not right to still have midges about in November!) The cooler weather has seen some of our Whooper Swans dropping into the Whooper Pond and there is also a gatheri

7 November 2020

Reed Buntings and Bullfinch

Reed Buntings have been very obvious in the Hedgerows around the Reserve this morning. The past few days have also seen a number of Bullfinches in the first part of Hedgerow down the Avenue. Teal and Wigeon numbers are creeping up on the Flood Ground an

6 November 2020

Yellowhammers, Treecreepers and Linnets

The first couple of Yellowhammers of the Autumn were seen yesterday in the hedgerow outside the Peter Scott Observatory. Small bird activity down the Avenues has been good recently with regular appearances of Treecreepers down towards Avenue Tower and Li

4 November 2020

Wild, windy, wetlands

It has been particularly wild recently, with strong winds and rain battering the reserve.The Folly Pond has been particularly busy with big numbers of Teal and Wigeon which has attracted predators, Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier can be seen hunting them mo

31 October 2020

Thrushes galore

There are flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares over the reserve regularly at the moment, with many dropping down onto the Hawthorns to gorge on the berries, or perch in the tops of the Sycamores.A Marsh Harrier was harrying Teal on the Folly Pond this mornin

27 October 2020

Raptors on the Reserve

Autumn and winter are a great time to see raptors - find out what you can discover around the reserve!

20 October 2020

Icelandic-breeding Goose Census

Today saw the first of the Icelandic-breeding Goose Census for the winter. Wardens were in early to monitor the Pink-footed Geese as they left the roost on the mudflats out from Saltcot Merse Observatory....or that was the plan at least! The Pink-foots

17 October 2020

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