I spent a nice long weekend in Scotland last weekend, staying in Dumfries and Galloway. It was a good base to explore some of the tremendous sites on the Scottish south west coast. The main attraction and spectacle are the geese. Large numbers of Barnacle Geese winter here, and it was nice to be able to watch them on mudflats, fields, marsh and in flight. In fact they were everywhere. Considering I'd never really seen wild flocks on this scale before, it was a real joy.
Barnacle Geese
On the shoreline at Caresthorn there were waders, gulls and yes, more geese. We picked up some good birds here in the form of Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Curlew, Oystercatcher and Pintail. A great little spot where you just had to stand and wait and look through the scope. Great birding.
Dunlin
Pintail pair in flight.
Ringed Plover
We spent a morning at Calaverock wildfowl and wetland reserve and added some more great birds. Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammers were found in the hedges, with Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Snipe and Whooper Swan found on the first pool. We moved on to a different hide and watched a super looking male Hen Harrier hunt over some marsh. Fields were full of Barnacle geese once again, but also joined by Lapwings. We were able to add White Fronted Geese, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Peregrine, Rock Pipit, Golden Plover and Red Kite to the list at various other locations. A fantastic few days, and somewhere I'd really like to go back to next winter.
Some really nice sightings. I like the Pintail pair in flight and Whooper Swan photo. Haven't seen any migrant Ringed Plover this season.
ReplyDeleteHi Adam,
ReplyDeleteWonderful series of photos from your long weekend in Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway.
So many barnacle geese can be seen there.
Photo 4 is my favorite.
Greetings Irma
Hello,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip! I would love to see all these birds. The Plover is so cute, love the pretty Yellowhammer. Great series of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend.
Those birds are beautiful! I saw a few of the same species on a birding tour of Oslo, particularly the whooper swan -- which was hard to find. Your spot looks really great for finding lots of birds.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
If we ever get to travel again because of the virus, Dumfries is on Rick's list for genealogy. It's nice to know that within striking distance they have some gorgeous birds. As always, your photos are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou had quite a long list of birds to write down when you got home! Love those pin tails in flight and the beautiful Swan. You really did hit the jackpot! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou got some great shots of these birds! What a successful trip that was.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great birding time, with some very nice photos.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pics! It's always amazing to see birds from other places. Love the swan!
ReplyDeletethat yellow hammer is attractive - don't think I've ever seen a photo of it
ReplyDeleteAs always, when you share, the photos are exceptional Adam!! Beautiful. Each, and all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking in this week at I'd Rather B Birdin'