In the last fortnight, we've continued to have a significant number of raptors around: people have been reporting hen harrier, peregrine falcon and kestrel, as well as a marsh harrier!
These are a much less common occurrence here than other birds of prey. Marsh harrier like reed beds and marshes as well as farmland near wetlands so the kind of habitat we protect at WWT Caerlaverock suits them perfectly. However, they are scarce breeders in Scotland with most of the breeding populations residing in the River Tay area.
Other highlights include the variety of mammals spotted. An otter pup and its mother were on the Whooper Pond this week and gave our wardens quite a show. They swam right up to the glass and stayed for long enough for them to snatch some video (if you’re keen to see it, it’s on our social media). Roe deer, stoat and mink have also been spotted around site.
The barnies showed up nicely for the Dawn Flight Walk this Sunday, providing quite a spectacle for the attendees.
Photo credits Alex Hillier
Written by Marianne Nicholson
Saturday January 7th
Folly Pond
Peter Scott Trail feeders
Back Pond
Sunday 8th January
Peter Scott Trail
Newfield Hide
Folly Pond
Saltcot
Corner by Peter Scott Observatory
Avenue Tower
Teal Pond
Feeders by carpark
Monday 9th January
Peter Scott Observatory
Folly Pond in front of Farmhouse
Saltcot Merse Observatory
Whooper Pond
Wednesday 11th January
Folly Pond
Whooper Pond
Sunday 15th January
Back Pond Hide
Peter Scott Trail
Newfield Hide
Whooper Pond
Avenue Tower
Paddock
Teal Pond
Folly Pond
Saltcot
Monday 16th January
Peter Scott Trail
Whooper Pond
Tuesday 17th January
Folly Pond
Saltcot Loaning
Thursday 19th January
Merse
Friday 20th January
Peter Scott Trail Feeders
Newfield Hides
Saturday 21st January
Peter Scott Trail Feeders
Whooper Pond
Newfield Hide
Inland Bird Count 14/01/23
Whooper Swan – 118
Mute Swan – 24
Teal – 485
Wigeon – 282
Mallard – 82
Shoveler – 14
Tufted Duck – 6
Moorhen – 9
Canada Goose – 78
Greylag Goose – 1
Curlew – 10
Redshank – 38