Caerlaverock blog

Thrushes galore
There are flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares over the reserve regularly at the moment, with many dropping down onto the Hawthorns to gorge on the berries, or perch in the tops of the Sycamores.A Marsh Harrier was harrying Teal on the Folly Pond this mornin
27 October 2020

Raptors on the Reserve
Autumn and winter are a great time to see raptors - find out what you can discover around the reserve!
20 October 2020

Icelandic-breeding Goose Census
Today saw the first of the Icelandic-breeding Goose Census for the winter. Wardens were in early to monitor the Pink-footed Geese as they left the roost on the mudflats out from Saltcot Merse Observatory....or that was the plan at least! The Pink-foots
17 October 2020

Fieldfare in the Hedgerows
After the first Redwing was observed on the Reserve last week, we have now recorded the first of the returning Fieldfare. Numbers are still low for both species but they are best watched for on a wander down the Avenue. The Hawthorn berries are ripening
16 October 2020

First Whooper Swan Family Returns
The North-westerly breezes the past few days has led to an influx of returning Whooper Swans, with reports of over 40 birds in the local area. There are currently 13 birds on the Whooper Pond including our first family group. Eric Anthony has returned w
10 October 2020

Roe Deer in the Sun
Roe Deer have been very evident around the reserve the past week with up to 8 individuals seen in just one section of Merse alone. This morning a couple were sauntering across the fields down near Avenue Tower. They have not been the only species of mam
7 October 2020

Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre this autumn
Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn.
5 October 2020

Wonderful wildfowl
Wildfowl are now flocking to the reserve, with numbers increasing daily.Up to 7 Whooper Swans have been seen on the Whooper Pond, although they do feed elsewhere too so it's the luck of the draw if they are here during your visit.The Barnacle Geese, up to
5 October 2020

Whither Shall I Wander?
An exhibition of stunning textile work based on the natural world.
3 October 2020

Wild Goose Festival 2020
A new festival in Dumfries to celebrate the return of the wild geese to Dumfries and Galloway!
2 October 2020

Swan Spectacular
The whooper swans have started arriving back at Caerlaverock!
29 September 2020

The geese are arriving!
The Svalbard barnacle geese that visit the Solway each winter are on their way and some have already arrived!
29 September 2020

First Whoopers!
The first Whooper Swans of the season have returned to Caerlaverock!! So far only in small numbers with 6 birds having been observed. No sign of any leg rings yet to identify them though two of the birds seem quite settled on the Whooper Pond and appear
26 September 2020

Splendid Saltcot
Unfortunately it would appear that the Common Cranes that dropped in for a visit yesterday have now decided to continue on with their journey. Saltcot Merse Observatory is still providing some excellent viewing opportunities though with a distant Peregri
25 September 2020

Cranes, Egret & Geese!
9 Common Cranes are currently on the mud, visible from the Avenue Tower and Saltcot Merse Observatory.A Great Egret is still on the merse along with over 2000 Pink-footed Geese which were arriving yesterday.The Pasture Pathway, Meadow and River Walks are
24 September 2020