Trip reports

Field Trip to South-west Scotland

Friday, 24 October 2008

Fifteen members of the Group visited S W Scotland for the second of our long weekend trips. The weather was the worst some had experienced for many years with gale force winds and driving rain. One of the days though was bright, dry and sunny, although cold, and so available daylight time was maximised to allow the most bird watching time possible.

Places visited included WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre, Corsewall Point, Loch Ryan, Kirroughtree Forest, Bellymack Hill Farm, Loch Ken/River Dee RSPB Reserve, Rockcliffe, Southerness and Carsethorn. The planned trip to the Mersehead RSPB Reserve had to be cancelled due to flooding.

The main highlights of the trip included Red Kite, Whooper Swan, Brent Goose, Grey Phalarope, Little Auk, Black Guillemot, Gannet, Black and Red-throated Divers, Long-tailed Duck, Eider Duck, Great Skua, Slavonian Grebe and Purple Sandpiper.

Although the Group was disappointed at not seeing Greenland White-fronted Goose we were enthralled to see masses of Barnacle Geese, almost like a flight of invading bombers, descending from the skies onto the fields. In addition, we were entertained by the large flocks of waders, flying along the sea, then swirling left and right before landing safely on the shore as the tide receded.

In total the Group saw 82 birds, some of which were new (i.e. "lifers") to certain members and some were year ticks for others. In spite of the harsh conditions everyone agreed that it had been a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable outing.

John Drake
29-10-08