Trip reports

Caerlaverock WWT Reserve

Sunday, 23 November 2008

Our outing to Caerlaverock was a traditional coach trip down to the WWT reserve with 35 people on board. The weather didn't look too promising with snow lying on the hills and the road as we passed over Beattock but once further west things improved and apart from one heavy shower the day stayed dry.

Having enjoyed a talk at the Indoor meetings from Brian Morrell about the geese at Caerlaverock and the radio tracking work that has been taking place it was good to see the birds on the Solway settled for the winter. Of course there were plenty of other birds too: swans, ducks, waders and some passerines.

Altogether I believe at least 70 species were seen on the day. I saw a kingfisher briefly which I didn't hear mentioned so maybe more than 70 for the group. Of particular note a green-winged teal gave excellent views with its vertical stripe displayed for everyone to see. I watched it turn round and yes it had a matching stripe on the other side!

Lesser scaup and scaup were pointed out by the reserve staff on the main pond at the Scott Hide. On returning home I noted the lesser scaup had been demoted on a bird information service to a hybrid bird so I am afraid if it was a "tick" for anyone it will have to struck off again. I missed the earlier viewing and spent a lot of time looking at these birds from the comfort of a warm hide on a still pond really quite close. I still found them difficult although I did note head shape and colour. I didn't ever see them flap so missed the essential wing bar which is a key identification feature. A distant view in bad weather at sea would be very challenging.

I missed the brambling which many people saw but had great views of a male hen harrier hunting not too far away.

But birding is not just about seeing rare birds nice though it is to be in the right place at the right time. Caerlaverock is special for the diverse range of birds that can be seen over a relatively small space on the water and along the hedgerows.

A few words of praise for all the ducks, males in particular, which were displaying in beautiful plumage in good sunlight. Those with cameras must have some good shots.

Perhaps my favourite 10 minutes of the day was watching two whooper swans arrive and the elaborate display and welcoming calls from the other swans which followed (until one decided to be grumpy and start a squabble).

And finally, a first for the group on an outing, refreshments served on the bus! Thanks to Karen for having the forethought to bring along all those tray bakes and distribute them for a very modest donation on the coach on the way out and again on the way home.
In fact a very pleasant conclusion to a nice day out.

Lynda Pritchard