Caerlaverock on the Solway Firth is a winter home for several varieties of geese and swans including the Barnacle, Pink-footed, Greylag and Canada geese. and Mute, Whooper and (sometimes) Bewick swans. Many varieties of duck are also to be seen such as Mallard, Tufted, Shoveler, Shelduck, Pintail. We try to visit a couple of times from late autumn and early spring.
Caerlaverock
20th Feb 2011
Weather:
Cold, dry, dull, cloudy
We had been meaning to get down to Caerlaverock - weather permitting - for quite a few weeks now - but the weather did NOT permit. Predictions looked this week to predict reasonable weather - but it did not turn out a good as we had hoped - the sun is still a stranger to a Sunday.

 

In the Peter Scott hide we just missed feeding time but the Whooper Swans were still excited and living up to their noisy names.
The cute Tufties seemed to be sporting longer than usual pony tails!
Two Moorhens scoured the banks of the pond for scraps of food.
A lonely Canada Goose was looking for its share of the food.
Mr and Mrs Wigeon made a handsome pair.

Outside the hide a Treecreeper (right) could be seen scurrying round treetrunks,

while a lone Song Thrush (below) was belting out a very melodious song.

A Greenfinch waited its turn to occupy a feeder.

A Blue Tit was also patiently waiting.

A boldler than usual Yellowhammer was feeding on the grass verge of the footpath.

A Mallard sat motionless in the edge of a small canal.

A solitary Oystercatcher appeared in a field adjacent to the canal.

Literally hundreds of Barnacle Geese were on the Reserve.
Two Roe Deer grazed some distance from the Tower Hide.

A cheeky Robin pinched some of the food meant for much bigger birds.

Despite the dull weather our day was very satisfying - but oh for a sunny Sunday!