Caerlaverock blog
Geese Increase
This last week Pink-footed have been the most numerous geese species on the reserve, with numbers in the thousands. We are keeping an eye on the Barnacle geese which are building in numbers, but more gradually with currently around a few hundred or so. Ot
25 September 2022
First Barnacle geese of the season
This week saw the return of the first flocks of Barnacle geese to our site, a very welcome sight (and sound). On Wednesday 14th September, around 134 were counted from our Avenue tower. There were also some Pink footed geese amongst them. We look forward
16 September 2022
A hill of Gibeagan
The inclement weather earlier on in the week brought in a flock of curlew to the folly pond along with increased numbers of lapwing all escaping the harsher weather out in the Merse. They joined the snipe, black-tailed godwit (collective nouns for which i
11 September 2022
Ruff, Greenshank & Godwits
The lowering of the water levels in the Folly Pond and whooper pond continue to offer really good mud for feeding waders. So the Black-tailed godwits have been very entertaining to watch and have been joined by a supporting cast of Greenshank, Snipe and a
3 September 2022
Summer's sendoff
The reserve is savouring the late summer season and autumn's approach. Wader numbers are increasing on the Folly and Whooper Ponds, House Martins & Swallows are gathering, feeding up the last few remaining chicks who will soon fledge. We will be saying go
28 August 2022
Massive moth & Wood sandpiper
Convolvulus hawk moth & Wood sandpiper feature in the recent sightings highlights
19 August 2022
Seeing Green
Greenshank & Green Sandpiper have been at the top of our recent sightings highlights
10 August 2022
Spoonbills, Snipe & special Sparrows
Spoonbills, Snipe and a leucistic House Sparrow are recent sighting highlights.
22 July 2022
Osprey & Garganey
The other week, a drake Garganey in eclipse (moult) was seen on the Folly pond by our guide in the hide Fiona. It was spotted again the following day but seems to have moved elsewhere since.The Garganey is a small dabbling duck, slightly larger than a Tea
1 July 2022
Great Egret-spectations
A Great white egret has graced our reserve with its presence.
17 June 2022
New Life Emerging
As the spring season continues, we welcome the arrival of young animals and the progression of several species' life cycles
27 May 2022
Bright Sun and Butterflies
The sun has been shining on Caerlaverock this week and the butterflies are out and about everywhere enjoying the good weather.
23 April 2022
If you go out on the merse today…
…You’re sure of a big surprise. You might come across some lesser spotted wardens, or something else…
16 April 2022
Signs of spring
The reserve is starting to look and feel different with the signs of spring becoming more and more noticeable. The long belts of golden daffodils can still be seen but starting to be replaced with cheerful primroses, lesser celandines, and ramsons. The he
7 April 2022
Ruffing it in Lochar Field
Walking with the wigeon, but definitely not a duck. Mingling amongst the red shank, but look closer...
2 April 2022