As we approach the end of the year, it’s been pretty quiet at WWT Caerlaverock, especially when the big frost came. Everything was iced over for a week and there was a significant decline in waders and geese numbers (with zero barnies seen on the 12th of December during the bird count!). Despite this, a highlight this month, for visitors and staff alike, has been the water rails. Three were seen skittering over the icy pond on the Peter Scott Trail, searching for holes in the surface to forage for invertebrates and small fish.
Water rails are small and fairly common birds, but are highly secretive: they are more often heard than seen. You have a greater chance of catching a look at these elusive birds during the winter time than in the summer when they are breeding. They are opportunistic omnivores that are very versatile and consistently return to good hunting areas, suggesting our site suits their feeding habits.
There has also still been lots of raptors visiting the reserve, with hen harriers, peregrine falcons and kestrels being spotted regularly from both the Saltcot Merse Observatory and Avenue Tower. Both little and great white egrets have been seen frequently and the yellowhammers that hang out by the intersection of the Saltcot and Avenue Loanings continue to brighten up these cold winter days.
Written by Marianne Nicholson
13th December
Merse
17th December
Campbell Hide
Peter Scott Trail
Newfield
Avenue
18th December
Peter Scott Trail
Newfield Hide
Cornerfield
Avenue Tower
Saltcot Loaning
Saltcot
Outside Peter Scott Observatory
19th December
Whooper Pond
20th December
Peter Scott Observatory
Peter Scott Trail
18/12/22 - Inland bird count
(Lower numbers due to heavy frost and ponds iced over)
Whooper swans – 122
Mute swans – 31
Mallards – 174
Wigeons – 31
Teal – 26
Shovelers – 1
Moorhens – 8
Barnacle geese ~2900