News
Species spotlight: brown hare
In March, winter begins to come to a close and we take our tender first steps step into spring. As we creep into the season, there is a slow encroachment of bursting life. Week by week more light casts on our lands, more species of bird join the chorus an
Hints of Spring
At first glance, this time of year may seem a bit dreary and quiet. Hedgehogs, frogs and toads are still deep in their hibernation burrows and the trees bare of leaves. But if you look and listen closely, nature has begun to drop hints that spring is just
Otter, pochard and shelduck
Recent sightings
Bird Race 2025 list
The final Bird Race update for 2025.
From woodland species to estuary specialists (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race update 4
Team Placement brushes up on their bird ID (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race update 3
Species spotlight: tufted duck
The Whooper Pond is a dynamic place on our reserve, acting as the hustling, bustling capital city of WWT Caerlaverock’s winter. Whooper swans honking their horns at each other on their way to lunch, ducks weaving through the busy traffic to pick up any
A jay: Team Office sneak into the lead (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race Update 2
Team Warden takes the lead (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race update 1
Water rail, barn owl and a surprise magpie
Recent sightings from WWT Caerlaverock September 30th to October 4th
It's fungus season
Autumn is prime time to see the weird and wonderful fruiting bodies of fungi. The moisture in the air and cool temperatures create the ideal conditions for their spores to germinate. Although the fruiting bodies can be large and eye catching, the majority
Caerlaverock swan update
Our swans have returned. We are not yet at full numbers but have some ringed individuals back. See the list below: ZJH - Aspen - paired with YVH, 3 cygnets ZJZ - Snoopy - paired with an unringed bird, 4 cygnets ZLA - Beatrice ZLP -
Water rail, short-eared owl and peregrine falcon
Over the past week, its been raptor heaven. The Saltcot Merse Observatory has been a good viewing area with male and female hen harriers regularly seen last week, a female merlin, and peregrines all being seen around high tide. Hen harriers and buzzards h
Summer to autumn
As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, I start to notice a change in Caerlaverock. The summer trail has now shut its gates for the winter and the Whooper Pond is almost ready to receive its annual swan migrants. The swallows and house martins have ga
Our July highlights
A badger was seen wandering around near the Saltcot Loaning and the Peter Scott Observatory. Mostly, badgers are nocturnal and come out at night to look for food but when they are youngsters or if food is scarce, they venture out during the day. The reser