Birdwatching in Dumfries & Galloway - The Scottish Ornithologists ...

1. Mull of GallowayRSPB reserveCCTV2. New England Bay and eastRhins coast roadsHabitats: Coastal cliffs, maritimeheath.Birds: Largest mainland seabirdcolony in southwest Scotland: Fulmar,Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Shag,Black Guillemot and a few Puffins.Offshore there may be Gannets,petrels and shearwaters. BreedingPeregrine, Kestrel, Stonechat,Wheatear and Rock Pipit.Facilities: The RSPB reserve liesbeyond the lighthouse wall, and isopen at all times. The Visitor centreopens daily, 10am - 5pm, from Easteruntil mid-October. Live CCTV of theseabird colony. Toilets, café and shopnear lighthouse. Disabled parking baynext to visitor centre.How to get there: Follow A716to Drummore, then by sign-postedminor roads.Contact: 01776 840539 or 01671404975.www.rspb.org.uk/reservesGuillemotHabitats: Sand, shingle and boulderbeaches, gorse scrub, woodland andfarmland with secret glens.Birds: Gannets, divers, Red-breastedMerganser, Eider, Shearwaters andterns offshore. Waders, CommonWhitethroat, warblers, Stonechat,Wheatear, pipits, and Yellowhammer.Facilities: Roadside parking affordingexcellent views. Public toilets at NewEngland Bay, Ardwell and Drummore.How to get there: The A716 closelyfollows the shore between Sandheadand Drummore. Taking the B7065 toPort Logan forms a good circular routeto Drummore taking in the west Rhinscoast.3. Southern Upland Way,Portpatrick to KillantringanHabitats: Coastal cliffs, pebblebeach, scrub and farmland.Birds: Black Guillemot nest in theharbour walls. Fulmar and HerringGull nest on the cliffs. Look outfor Peregrine, Raven, Rock Pipit,Linnet and Stonechat. Gannets andshearwaters offshore.Facilities: Car parking at Portpatrickharbour and near Killantringanlighthouse. Toilets at Portpatrick.Signposted clifftop walk, steep inplaces.How to get there: The start ofthe Southern Upland Way is at thenorth end of Portpatrick harbour.Killantringan lighthouse is reachedby taking a minor road off the A764leading north from Portpatrick.3

4. Corsewall PointHabitats: Rocky shore and cliff topwalking.Birds: Autumn seawatching site forStorm Petrel, Sabine’s Gull, Gannet,skuas and shearwaters. Best duringand immediately after strongnorthwesterly gales.Facilities: Informal car parking.How to get there: A718 north fromStranraer to Kirkcolm, then minorroads.Eider Duck5. Loch RyanHabitats: Sea loch and mudflats,shingle spur.Birds: Wintering divers, grebes,waders and wildfowl including Scaupand Brent Geese. Summer - Breedingterns.Facilities: Paved and tarmac walksalong the sea front at Stranraersuitable for disabled birdwatchers,views from parked cars at Wig Bay,Broadstone, Balyett and Innermessan.Information boards at Balyett, WigBay and Cairnryan. Toilets at Balyettand on the Stranraer Waterfront.Access: Easy access at Wig Bay andBroadstone to Cairnryan is accessibleto wheelchairs users using a lochsidecycle path. There are good views fromthe roadside at Wig Bay and all alongthe south eastern shore.How to get there: A77 closelyfollows the south eastern shore. Forwestern shore take A718 west fromStranraer, then north to Wig Bay.Contact: DGC Ranger Service01988402401.Gannets4

The MacharsThe two best birdwatching areas in this part of Wigtownshire are alongthe rocky coastline and at Wigtown Bay where there are mudflats andsaltmarshes. The moorland areas around Mochrum Loch can also beworth a visit.St Ninian’s Cave5

6. Castle Kennedy Gardensand White LochHabitats: Mature mixed woodland,formal gardens, two lochs.Birds: Woodland birds and wildfowl,especially Greylag and Canada Geese.Facilities: Shop, tearoom and toilets.Open April to September (admissioncharge).How to get there: Signposted fromA75.Contact: 01776 702024.www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk7. Luce Bay shore road –Auchenmalg to MonreithHabitats: Predominantly shinglebeaches with maritime cliff and slope.Status: Luce bay is a Special Area ofConservation.Birds: Stonechat, Common andLesser Whitethroat, Pied Wagtail,Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Curlew,Cormorant. Gannets and ternsoffshore. Finch flocks on the strandlinein winter.Facilities: Information boards atlay-bys, shops, hotels at Port William.Public Toilets at Stairhaven, PortWilliam and Monreith.Access: Cliff top path south fromStairhaven to Auchenmalg (5 milesreturn). Numerous lay-bys alongA747.8. Isle of Whithorn to St. Ninian’sCaveHabitats: Coastal cliffs and shingle,maritime heath and low scrub.Birds: Black Guillemot, Shag, Fulmar,Peregrine, Raven and Twite.6Fulmar

Facilities: Coastal footpath, (4 milesreturn – 5.5 miles if starting fromKidsdale). Car park, toilets and hotelsat the Isle of Whithorn.Access: On the B7004 from Whithornfollow road signs to St. Ninian’sCave, (leave car at Kidsdale car parkfor a longer walk incorporating 1.5mile woodland stretch). Parking alsoavailable at Isle of Whithorn.9. Garlieston Bay and CruggletonBayHabitats: Rocky shore andbroadleaved woodland.Birds: Oystercatcher, Turnstone,Redshank, occasional Greenshank,Cormorant, Black Guillemot andHouse Martins on Cruggleton cliffs.Facilities: Toilets and car parking inGarlieston and parking at GallowayHouse Gardens.How to get there: Follow B7004south from Wigtown to Garlieston. Atcrossroads take minor road oppositeinto the grounds of Galloway Housefor Cruggleton Bay, or turn left forGarlieston Bay.Osprey10. Wigtown Bay LocalNature ReserveCCTVHabitats: Saltmarsh, mudflats andsandflats. Freshwater wetland.Status: The largest LNR in Britainwith the largest area of saltmarsh andmudflats on the outer Solway.Birds: Internationally important forwintering Pink-footed Geese andnationally important for Pintail,Whooper Swan and Curlew. Breedingand passage waders, ducks and terns.Facilities: Hide at Wigtown harbourwith views over the River Bladnoch,saltmarsh and freshwater wetland.The hide has access for the disabled.Information boards at the harbour,Martyrs’ Stake and Carsluith Castle.Walks (mostly wheelchair accessible)starting from Wigtown Harbour andMartyrs’ Stake.Visitor Centre: Displays and acommanding view of the bay fromWigtown County Buildings (openingtimes Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm,special 7.30pm opening on Tuesday,Wednesday and Friday; Sunday 2pmto 5pm). CCTV of Ospreys breedingin Galloway during summer andwetland birds in winter. Accessible towheelchair users.Access: Roadside lay-bys on A75 nearCreetown and Carsluith, parking atMartyrs’ Stake and Wigtown harbour.How to get there: The A75 followsthe eastern shore and for west shorefollow A714 from Newton Stewart toWigtown.Contact: DGC Ranger Service 01988402401 email wblnr@dumgal.gov ukand www.dgcommunity.net/wblnr7

11 Kirroughtree Forest Papy Ha’Bird Trail, FCSHabitats: Broadleaved andconiferous woodland, scrub andstreamside meadow.Birds: Tawny Owl, Buzzard, Siskin,Common Crossbill, Great SpottedWoodpecker and several warblerspecies, including Wood Warbler andCommon Whitethroat.Facilities: Car park, visitor centrewith wildlife on CCTV, tearoom,toilets, signposted 3.5 and 5 milefootpaths. Leaflet available. Forestdrive from Easter to end of October(admission charge).How to get there: 4 miles east ofNewton Stewart. Kirroughtree Forestis signposted off A75 at Palnure.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland 01671 402420SiskinStonechat12. Wood of Cree & Barclye FarmRSPB ReserveHabitats: Ancient oak woodland,scrub, freshwater marsh, newwoodland planting, pasturewoodland.Birds: Important numbers ofbreeding Pied Flycatcher, Redstartand Wood Warbler, as well asSpotted Flycatcher, Nuthatch,Great Spotted Woodpecker, TawnyOwl, Sparrowhawk and a suiteof woodland birds. Tree Pipit,Grasshopper Warbler, Whitethroat,Blackcap and Garden Warbler breedon the scrubland trail. Reed Bunting,Willow Tit, Grey Wagtail and SedgeWarbler breed close to the river, andcan be seen from the otter platform.Occasional Osprey.The reserve extension at BarclyeFarm supports breeding TreePipit, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher,Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Whinchat,Stonechat, Wheatear, Snipe andCurlew, and wintering thrushes.Facilities: Car park, informationboard, otter viewing platform, 1 milesignposted trail with 1 mile extension.Please contact RSPB for informationon access and facilities at BarclyeFarm.How to get there: The reserve lieson the east bank of the River Cree4 miles north of Newton Stewart.Take minor roads from Minnigaffto Glentrool, or from the A714 justsouth of Bargrennan.Contact: 01671 404975www.rspb.org.uk/reserves8

Loch KenStewartry of KirkcudbrightThe Stewartry has a tremendous variety of habitats – highbarren hills, remote lochs, tumbling rivers, swathes of coniferplantation, pockets of oak woodland, fertile lowlands and arugged coastline – Scotland in miniature. It’s easy to see a widerange of bird species in a short period.9

13. Glentrool, part of GallowayForest ParkHabitats: Coniferous andbroadleaved woodland, heathermoorland, freshwater lochs andburns.Loch TroolBirds: Siskin, Common Crossbill,Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Buzzard, PiedFlycatcher and Redstart. In moorlandareas: Wheatear, Dipper, Peregrineand Raven.Facilities: Car parks at Bruce’s Stone,Caldons and Stroan Bridge visitorcentre. Waymarked trails, includingcircular footpath around LochTrool that incorporates part of theSouthern Upland Way. Informationboards at Stroan Bridge and Caldons.How to get there: 10 miles northof Newton Stewart. Signposted fromBargrennan and Glentrool Village.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland 01671 40242014. Southern Upland Way –Manquhill circular walkHabitats: Conifer and broadleavedplantation (private forestry), pondsand hill grazing.Birds: Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Raven,Kestrel, Curlew. In winter, Merlin andHen Harrier.Facilities: Car park near east side ofStroanfreggan Bridge.Access: 5.5 or 7.5 mile circular walksincorporating part of the SouthernUpland Way.How to get there: On B729Moniaive to Carsphairn road at NX646918.15. Raiders Road ForestDrive FCSHabitats: Conifer plantation, birchwoodland, loch and river.Birds: Siskin, Common Crossbill,Red Kite, Buzzard, Grey Wagtail,Dipper, Common Sandpiper, Nightjar.Waterfowl on Loch Stroan, includingGreat Crested Grebe and Goldeneye.10Tawny Owl

Facilities: Clatteringshaws ForestWildlife Centre at Clatteringshawswith tearoom and toilets. Informationboard and toilets near mid-point ofdrive. Leaflet available.Access: Untarred forest road openEaster to end of October (admissioncharge).How to get there: Off A712 atClatteringshaws Dam, or off A762 atMossdale.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland 01671 402420.16. Carstramon Woods SWTHabitats: Broadleaved woodlandwith many oaks and springtimeBluebells.17. Cally Woods FCSHabitats: Oak woodland and mixedforest.Birds: Great Spotted Woodpecker,Buzzard, Jay, Woodcock.Facilities: Car park, waymarkedtrails, unmanned visitor centre.How to get there: Drive towardsCally Palace Hotel, entrance off oldA75 at east end of Gatehouse.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland 01671 402420.18. Balcary HeughsHabitats: Coastal cliffs, farmland,woodland, scrub and freshwater loch.Birds: Fulmar, Cormorant, Guillemot,Razorbill, Kittiwake, Rock Pipit,Linnet, Stonechat.Facilities: Car park at road end,information board with map.Access: Circular walk includes LochMackie and Rascarrel Bay. Steep cliffs,take care.Pied FlycatcherBirds: Redstart, Pied Flycatcher,Wood Warbler, Buzzard.Facilities: Information board andfootpaths. Limited parking.How to get there: Minor roads for2.5 miles north of Gatehouse of Fleet.CormorantHow to get there: Take minorroad southwards from Auchencairnto Balcary car park. There are alsobirdwatching opportunities alongthe shore road to Balcary (Shelduck,waders and gulls).11

19. Doach Woods FCSHabitats: Conifer forest, including40m high Douglas Firs.Birds: Siskin, Common Crossbill,Buzzard, Raven, Green and GreatSpotted Woodpecker.Facilities: Car park, waymarkedtrails, viewpoint, leaflet.How to get there: Car park on B736,4 miles south of Castle Douglas.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland (Conservation Manager)01387 860247.Carlingwark LochHow to get there: Adjacent to thesouth end of Castle Douglas.Contact: DGC Ranger Service 01556505479.21. Threave Estate andWildfowl Reserve NTS20. Carlingwark LochView from Doach WoodsHabitats: Freshwater loch, willowcarr, alder carr and reedbeds.Birds: Great Crested Grebe, LittleGrebe, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Cootand other waterfowl. Moulting MuteSwans in July and August.Facilities: Car park in LochsidePark, information board and toilets.3.5 mile circular walk along whichthere is a small wildlife viewing hideoverlooking a secluded part of theloch.Habitats: Farmland, woodland,marshes, river, old railway-line.Birds: Greylag, Pink-footed andGreenland white-fronted Geese.Whooper Swans and other wildfowl,including occasional Smew. Summervisitors include Osprey, PiedFlycatcher, Common Whitethroat,Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler.Wintering raptors.Greenland White-fronted Geese12

Facilities: Countryside Centre andwoodland hide at Threave Gardens.Car park at Kelton Mains farm forThreave Castle; five hides. Admissioncharges for gardens and castle(Historic Scotland).Access: Circular estate walk fromThreave Gardens. Riverside hidesand Blackpark Marshes reached fromfootpath to Threave Castle; LambIsland hide access from old railwaylinesection of estate walk. All abilityaccess to one riverside hide from theThreave Castle car park.How to get there: Threave Castleand Gardens are signposted atroundabout at west end of CastleDouglas bypass.Contact: National Trust for ScotlandRanger Service 0844 493 2244.22. Galloway Kite Trailaround Loch Ken and vicinityHabitats: Farmland, woodland,freshwater loch, river, marshes.Birds: Red Kites (first releasedin Galloway in 2001). WinteringGreenland White-fronted Geese.Breeding woodland birds, wadersand wildfowl. Occasional Osprey andother raptors.Facilities: Signposted vehicle /cycle trail, with waymarked walks,information points and viewinglocations, including roadsideviewpoints by A713 and from A762near Mossdale, trail leaflet. SecretCages where kites were kept andreleased. Kite feeding station atBellymack Hill Farm, near Laurieston,openall day,Red Kitefeedingat 2pm(admission charge).How to get there: TheTrail is signposted off the A75 nearCastle Douglas, and from A713 atKen Bridge. Trail guide leaflets areavailable at TICs, information pointsand various businesses around thetrail.Contact: RSPB 01556670464 (office hours only).www.gallowaykitetrail.com23. Red Kite Feeding StationFacilities: Hide; car park (smalladmission charge to feeding station).Daily at 2.00pm food is put outand attracts wild Red Kites in goodnumbers. Buzzards andRavens can also beseen.Bellymack Hill Farmon the outskirts ofLaurieston village(east) on theB795 Tel: 01644450202.13

24. Loch Ken/ River DeeMarshes RSPB ReserveHabitats: Mixed broadleavedwoodland, fen, marsh, open water.Birds: Breeding Willow Tit, PiedFlycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler,Great Spotted Woodpecker,Nuthatch, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk,Water Rail, Grasshopper Warbler,Snipe, Redshank, Lapwing. GreenlandWhite-fronted Geese on nearbyfarmland in winter.Facilities: Car park at Mains ofDuchrae, information board,illustrated trail, two hides (1 and 1.5miles from car park), disabled parkingbay at hide, wheelchair access tohide, goose viewing platform (0.5miles from car park).How to get there: The reservelies on the west side of the LochKen/River Dee and is reached by aminor road off the B795 north ofGlenlochar. If you stop en-routeplease do not park in the passingplaces.Contact: 01671 404975.www.rspb.org.uk/reserves25. Knowetop LochsHabitats: Freshwater lochs, birchwoodland, fenland, heathland andsphagnum bog.Birds: Greylag Goose, WaterRail, Woodcock, Sedge Warbler,Grasshopper Warbler, Willow Tit,Raven and Crossbill.Facilities: Lay-by near main entrance.How to get there: 4 miles west ofCorsock on the A712.Contact: Scottish Wildlife Trust 0131312 7765.26. Auchenreoch LochHabitats: Freshwater loch and fringeof woodland.Birds: Mute Swan, Greylag Geese,Goosander and other ducks.Occasional Smew in winter.Facilities: Lay-bys at western end. Donot attempt to park at east end.How to get there: 1 mile west ofCrocketford on A75.14Loch Ken

27. Milton LochHabitats: Freshwater loch, emergentvegetation, farmland.Birds: Wintering ducks and geese.Reed Bunting and Great CrestedGrebe.Facilities: Limited roadside parking.How to get there: Take minor roadsouthwards from Crocketford on A75.28. Loch ArthurWigeonHabitats: Freshwater loch, emergentvegetation, broadleaved andconiferous woodland.Birds: Great Crested Grebe, LittleGrebe, wintering ducks and geese.Facilities: Roadside parking.How to get there: A711 toBeeswing, then take minor road halfmile eastwards towards New Abbey.29. Mabie Forest FCSHabitats: Coniferous andbroadleaved woodland, freshwaterloch.Birds: Siskin, Common Crossbill,Bullfinch, Buzzard, Jay, PiedFlycatcher, Redstart, Raven, GreatSpotted Woodpecker, GreenWoodpecker and Wood Warbler.Facilities: Pay car park, toilets, picnicsite with barbecue pits, waymarkedtrails, cycle routes, leaflet. Hide atLochaber Loch.How to get there: 5 miles southwestof Dumfries. Signposted off A710Dumfries / New Abbey road.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland (Conservation Manager)01387 860247.30. Dalbeattie Forest FCSHabitats: Coniferous andbroadleaved woodland, freshwaterloch.Birds: Siskin, Common Crossbill,Coal Tit, Heron, Chiffchaff, WillowWarbler.Great Crested GrebeChaffinch15

Facilities: Car park, waymarkedtrails, cycle routes, all-abilities trail.How to get there: On southernedge of Dalbeattie, off A710 toSandyhills.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland (Conservation Manager)01387 860247.31. Rockcliffe NTSHabitats: Estuary, rocky shore,woodland meadow and scrub.Restricted access to Rough Islandduring May and June because ofbreeding birds.How to get there: Off the A710towards Rockcliffe. (Please use carparks provided).Contact: National Trust for ScotlandRanger Service (0844 493 2244).32. Rockcliffe to SandyhillsHabitats: Coastal cliffs, scrub andfarmland.Birds: Especially noted for the largecolony of breeding Cormorantsat Port O’Warren. Also Fulmar,Guillemot, Razorbill, Rock Pipit andRaven.Facilities: Signposted coastalfootpath; car parks and toilets atboth ends.How to get there: Off the A710towards Rockcliffe or off A710towards Sandyhills to start from here.(Please use car parks provided).Ringed PloverBirds: Scaup, and Red-throatedDiver in winter. Large numbers ofscoters on Solway but usually ratherdistant. Greenshank regular, exceptmid summer. Breeding Ringed Plover,Oystercatcher, Common Whitethroat.Facilities: Car parks, disabled toilet,signposted footpaths, viewpoints.Colvend Coastline16

Blackshaw CaerlaverockThe Inner SolwayThe Solway flats and marshes are internationally important forten species of overwintering waterfowl (Whooper Swan, PinkfootedGoose, Barnacle Goose, Pintail, Scaup, Oystercatcher,Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew and Redshank) and nationallyimportant for a further nine species (Great Crested Grebe,Cormorant, Shelduck, Teal, Common Scoter, Ringed Plover,Golden Plover, Grey Plover and Sanderling).Some of these species, and a few others, have a limiteddistribution in Dumfries and Galloway: the inner Solway area isthe best places to see Barnacle Goose, Whooper Swan, Bar-tailedGodwit, Knot, Purple Sandpiper, Sanderling and skuas.17

33. Mersehead RSPBReserveHabitats: Wetland, saltmarsh, sanddunes, sandflats and arable rotation/grassland.Barnacle GeeseBirds: Internationally important forwintering Svalbard Barnacle Geese,Pintail and Teal. Other wildfowlinclude Pink-footed Geese, WhooperSwan, Wigeon, Shoveler andShelduck. Peregrine, Hen Harrier andMerlin. Passage/wintering wadersand finch flocks. Good numbersof breeding wetland waders andSkylark. Reed Warbler and Water Railhave colonised. Seabirds and sea-duckoffshore.Facilities: Visitor Centre, two hides,wetland and coastal trails.Sulwath Centre (education/training/volunteering).How to get there: Signposted minorroad off A710 at Caulkerbush.Contact: 01387 780 579 / 298.mersehead@rspb.org.uk34. SouthernessHabitats: Sand and mudflats, rockyshore, maritime heath and sanddunes.Birds: One of the best places onthe Solway to see wintering waders,especially flocks of Knot, Dunlin, BartailedGodwit, Grey Plover, GoldenPlover, Oystercatcher. The PurpleSandpipers, divers, grebes, auks,scoters and other sea ducks are bestseen opposite the lighthouse.Facilities: Parking and toilets inSoutherness village.35. CarsethornOystercatcherHabitats: Mudflats, mussel beds andreedbed.Birds: One of the few places inBritain to see large numbers ofwintering Scaup and Pintail. Alsoother winter ducks, Little Egrets,grebes and waders (especiallyRedshank). The Merse of DrumburnBay is good for Geese in February –March. Whimbrel in spring.18

Facilities: Viewpoint andinformation boards at Drumburn. Carpark and toilets in Carsethorn.How to get there: Signposted atKirkbean on the A710 Dumfries-Dalbeattie coast road.Twite, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine,Hen Harrier, Swallow, Sand Martin,Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting,Pied Wagtail, Warblers and Osprey.36. GlencapleHabitats: Tidal river, reedbeds,estuary and saltmarsh.Birds: Wintering Goldeneye andgrebes. Good numbers of Barnacleand Pink-footed Geese in February.Black-tailed Godwit on springpassage.Facilities: Several roadside lay-bys,parking on pier.How to get there: Follow B725southwards from Dumfries throughGlencaple.37. Caerlaverock NNRHabitats: Saltmarsh (Merse),mudflats, reedbeds, fresh waterwetland.DunlinFacilities: Free access, andinformation point. Car parks,information panels, viewing hides,viewing platform, raised boardwalkson trails.- Manned visitor room containinginformation panels and DVD,(Hollands Farm Road, Blackshaw).Open during office hours.How to get there: Castle Corner carpark off B725 approximately 3 milessouth of Glencaple. Hollands accesspoint is signposted approximately 1along Blackshaw road.Contact: Caerlaverock NNR Office01387 77027538. WWT CaerlaverockWetlands CentreCCTVShort-eared OwlBirds: Barnacle, Greylag and PinkfootedGeese, Pintail, Shelduck,Scaup, Teal, Knot, Curlew, Redshank,Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Water Rail,Habitats: Farmland and pondsmanaged for wildfowl, saltmarsh andsummer meadows.Birds: Internationally important forthe wintering Svalbard population19

Overnight accommodation available.Open all year, except 25 December(admission charge).How to get there: Located 8 milessouth of Dumfries. Signposted fromA75 at Annan and from St Michael’sChurch in Dumfries (to begin with,follow signs for hospital).Contact: 01387 770200.39. PowfootWhooper Swanof Barnacle Geese. Also in winter,Whooper Swan, many species ofducks, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover,Peregrine, Merlin, Hen Harrier,Short-eared Owl. Wild swans arefed at 11am and 2pm (Oct-March).In summer Ospreys fish the Solwayin front of the hides with live CCTVimages from their nest at the centre.Also breeding Barn Owls and HouseMartins on CCTV. Summer meadowand river walks.Facilities: 1400-acre nature reservewith numerous observation hidesand towers that are adjacent toponds, fields and saltmarsh. Excellentvisitor facilities, including fair-tradecoffee shop and gift shop (opticalequipment, bird books, gifts etc).Sheltered picnic area. Binoculars forhire. Extensive access for the disabled.Habitats: Sand and mudflats.Birds: Wintering waders and ducksinclude Golden Plover, Lapwing,Curlew, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, RingedPlover, Shelduck and Scaup.Facilities: Car park, toilets (insummer).How to get there: Off B724Dumfries-Annan road, signposted atCummertrees.40. SeafieldTufted DuckHabitats: Sand and mudflats.Birds: Especially noted for springpassage of Arctic, Long-tailed andPomarine Skua making eastwardsoverland to the east coast. Whimbrelin spring. Some wintering waders.20

Facilities: Limited car parking.How to get there: Minor roadsleading southeast from Annan.41. BrowhousesHabitats: Mudflats, stony beach,farmland.Birds: The best site on the northSolway for uncommon migrantwaders in spring and autumn: Ruff,Greenshank, Spotted Redshank,Curlew Sandpiper. Occasional LittleGull. Winter waders, Shelduck.Facilities: Informal car parking(please keep away from front ofhouses).How to get there: Minor roadleading south from A75 midwaybetween Annan and Gretna.Knot LandingPowfoot21

Inland DumfriesshireThe high hills to the north and east of the county are the hauntof Raven and Peregrine. On the lower ground are numerous lochsand rivers with attendant waterfowl, as well as coniferous andbroadleaved woodland with a variety of songbirds.22Glenkiln

42. Hoddom EstateHabitats: Broadleaved andconiferous woodland beside the RiverAnnan.Birds: Heron, Kingfisher, Goosanderand woodland species includingNuthatch.Facilities: Car park, picnic tables,waymarked trails, informationboards, Ranger Service.How to get there: Junction of B723and B725 at Hoddom Bridge, 4 milesnorthwest of Annan.Contact: Estate Office 01576 300244Facilities: Footpaths, board walk,information boards, leaflet. One hideat southeast of loch, accessed fromLochmaben Castle.Access: Good views from fishingpiers for disabled on A709Lochmaben-Lockerbie road, andthe B7020 Lochmaben-Annan road.Also views from Car park behindLochmaben bowling-green.How to get there: Adjacent tosoutheast end of Lochmaben.Contact: DGC Ranger Service 0138726036643. Castle LochLocal Nature ReserveHabitats: The largest naturalfreshwater loch in Dumfriesshire.Willow and alder carr, oak woodlandand grazed marshland.Castle Loch, Lochmaben44. Eskrigg Nature ReservePink-footed GooseBirds: Internationally importantfor roosting Pink-footed Geese,nationally important for GreylagGeese and Goosander. Other wildfowlinclude Wigeon, Tufted Duck,Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Goldeneyeand Smew. Resident Kingfisher,Nuthatch, Willow Tit and ReedWarbler in summer.Habitats: Freshwater pond, wetlandand scrub, heathland, grassland andconiferous woodland.Birds: Little Grebe, Mallard,Moorhen, Kingfisher, Raven, BarnOwl, Buzzard. Woodland speciesinclude Great Spotted Woodpecker,Crossbill, Goldcrest, Tree Creeper, andNuthatch.23

45. Glenkiln ReservoirHabitats: Freshwater loch, sheepgrazedpasture, woodland.Birds: Canada Geese, Black Swan,wintering ducks including Goosander.Wheatear and Whinchat onsurrounding moorland in summer.Facilities: Roadside parking.How to get there: 8 miles west ofDumfries north of A75; take minorroad leading through Shawhead.BuzzardFacilities: Parking available atthe Cemetery Lodge. Bird hides,boardwalk, interpretation trail andwell stocked feeders exploited bya variety of wildlife (including redsquirrel).How to get there: Park in thecemetery car park for the NatureReserve. Parking closer to the reservefor the young, elderly and disabledcan be arranged by phoning thereserve manager in advance. Onthe opposite side of the road to theCemetery Lodge is a forest track.Follow that for roughly 400m untilyou see the nature reserve sign.Contact: Jim Rae (Voluntary ReserveManager) 01576 203314.46. River Nith at theWhitesands in DumfriesHabitats: River (and shingle bankwhen water is low).Birds: An excellent place for gettingclose to wintering Goosander andGoldeneye. Also Heron, Kingfisher,Pied and Grey Wagtails, gulls.KingfisherFacilities: Car parking, toilets, andeasy walking up and down both sidesof the river, with the opportunity tocontinue up the ‘Burns Walk’ to seeSand Martin and Common Sandpiper.Contact: DGC Ranger Service 01387260129.24

47. Ae Forest FCSThe Caul at Whitesands DumfriesHabitats: Coniferous forest; riversidescrub and shingle.Birds: Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Siskin,Common Crossbill, Dipper, CommonSandpiper, Raven.Facilities: Car park, picnic site,waymarked trails.How to get there: 10 miles north ofDumfries. Signposted off A701 at AeBridge.Contact: Forestry CommissionScotland (Conservation Manager)01387 860247.Common SandpiperHow to get there: From Lockerbietravel north on B7076. Turn rightat sign for Sibbaldbie/Boreland/Eskdalemuir, then left over motorwaytowards Applegarth Church.From Lochmaben, take B7020northwards for 1.5 miles to KinnelBridge, take right fork for one mileto Millhousebridge, turn right forone mile to Applegarthtown. Thesignpost to the sanctuary is just pastthe turning to the church. Parking atNY104840.Contact: Estate Office 01576 203153.48. Applegarthtown WildlifeSanctuary, LockerbieHabitats: Freshwater pond, wetlandand scrub.Birds: An award-winning CrownEstates site renowned for its manmadeSand Martin nesting bank.Breeding and wintering flocks of TreeSparrows. Various ducks and waders,Black Headed Gull, Reed Bunting, andWater Rail in winter.Facilities: Car park, disabled accessand viewing hide, CCTV seasonal andby arrangement.Water Rail25

49. DrumlanrigCountry ParkHabitats: Broadleaved, coniferousand mixed woodland, parkland, smalllochs.Birds: Woodland species includingBuzzard, Redstart, Nuthatch, WillowWarbler.The Museum of Scottish Lead Mininghas a café, shop and informationboard.SkylarkAccess: Some restrictions duringgrouse shooting season from 12August.Drumlanrig CastleFacilities: Visitor centre withranger service, CCTV on a range ofwildlife that may include Barn Owl,waymarked trails 1 to 4 miles long(Admission charge to country park).How to get there: Signposted offA76 three miles north of Thornhill.Contact: Buccleuch CountrysideService 01848 331555.www.buccleuch.com50. Southern Upland Way atWanlockheadHabitats: Sheep-grazed heathermoorland, managed for grouse.Birds: Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel,Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and Skylarkcan be seen and heard in and aroundthe village. Hen Harrier, Merlin andPeregrine nearby.Facilities: Waymarked SouthernUpland Way leading westwards andeastwards onto heather moorland.51. Moffat Community NatureReserve – (formerly Dyke FarmQuarry Nature Reserve)Habitats: Freshwater pond,seasonal wetlands, young broadleafplantations, mature pine.Birds: An old quarry pit nowmanaged by the Moffat CommunityNature Reserve Management Group.Various species of wildfowl andwaders, plus woodland species.Osprey seen in summer passingthrough.Lowther Hills26

Facilities: Paths, bird hides,interpretation boards, car park, picnicbenches.How to get there: From Moffat;Leave Moffat travelling towardsDumfries on the A701. Take your firstleft and pass through 2 sets of metalfarm gates.From M74; Come off M74 and headfor Moffat on A701. Pass LochhouseTower, and take your next right. Passthrough 2 sets of metal farm gates.(Please leave the gates as you findthem).Contact: Moffat and DistrictCommunity Initiative Tel: 01683220227.52. Dyke Farm NatureReserve, MoffatHabitats: Freshwater ponds, scrubbywoodland and two Sand Martinbanks.Birds: Over100 birdspecies havebeen recordedat this smallreserve(managedby Moffat &District WildlifeClub): ducks,Heron, ReedBunting,Willow TitWillow Tit, Siskin, Redpoll andwarblers.Facilities & Access: Two hides,locked at all times. For access phone01683 220546 or 01683 221374 (orcheck in at A.M.Grieves Newsagents,High Street, Moffat).How to get there: On outskirts ofMoffat. Directions on enquiry.53. Grey Mare’s TailCCTVHabitats: Spectacular waterfall,upland loch, rough grassland, heathermoorland and crags.Birds: Peregrine, Raven, Red Grouse,Black Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear,Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail,Dipper, Common Gull and CommonSandpiper. Dotterel occasionally seenon passage.Facilities: Ranger Service, car park,level path to waterfall viewpoint(but footpaths and surroundingterrain difficult). CCTV viewing ofnesting Peregrines April-July. Due tothe challenging nature of the terrain,please heed all warning notices.How to get there: 10 milesnortheast of Moffat on A708 toSelkirk.Contact: National Trust for ScotlandRanger Service 0844 493 2249 or07713 786230Dipper27

54. Eskdalemuir areaHabitats: Open moorland, coniferforest.Birds: Peregrine, Raven, BreedingCurlew, Oystercatcher, CommonSandpiper, plus woodland species.How to get there: B723 Boreland toEskdalemuir and B709 Langholm toEttrick, via Eskdalemuir.55. Langholm - NewcastletonRed GrouseHabitats: Heather moorland, opencountryside.Birds: Hen Harrier, Merlin, Buzzard,Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear.How to get there: Drive theunclassified minor road betweenLangholm and Newcastleton.WheatearPeregrine Falcon28

Dumfries & Galloway Council employ 4 Area Rangers whocover the whole of Dumfries & Galloway alongside 1 footpathmaintenance Ranger, 1 Southern Upland Way Ranger and also 1Seasonal Ranger.Other Rangers and Wardens work from Private Estates, forcharities, and many individuals put in their own time to help runsmall reserves dotted throughout the region.If anyone would like to be put in touch with any Ranger orWarden working in Dumfries & Galloway, the Council areaRangers can do that. Below is a list of the Council area Rangersfrom West to East with an accompanying map, who can assistwith any general queries, and inform you of any forthcomingwalks or events.Wigtownshire Stewartry NithsdaleAnnandale &EskdaleElizabeth Tindal,County Buildings,Wigtown.Newton Stewart.DG8 9JH01988 40240107702 212728Elizabeth.Tindal@dumgal.gov.ukKeith Kirk,Carlingwark Cottage,The Buchan,Castle Douglas.DG7 1TH01556 50547907850 157661Keith.Kirk@dumgal.gov.ukTom Henry,Militia House,English Street,Dumfries.DG1 2HR01387 26012907702 250958Tom.Henry@dumgal.gov.ukRoss Gemmell,Militia House,English Street,Dumfries.DG1 2HR01387 26036607834 567893Ross.Gemmell@dumgal.gov.ukDumfries and GallowayNithsdaleStewartryAnnandale &EskdaleWigtownshire29

Useful AddressesVisit Scotland, 64 Whitesands,Dumfries DG1 2RS t: 01387 253862www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk orwww visitsouthernscotland.comForestry Commission ScotlandAe Forest District, Ae Village,Parkgate Dumfries DG1 1QBt: 01387 860247Galloway Forest District,Creebridge, Newton Stewartt: 01671 402420www.forestry.gov.ukNational Trust for Scotland,Threave Gardens, Castle DouglasDG7 1RX t: 0844 4932245 (for allDumfries and Galloway properties).For Rangers t: 0844 4932244.www.nts.org.ukRSPB Scotland (Local Office),The Old School, Crossmichael, CastleDouglas, DG7 3AP. t: 01556 670464.www.rspb.org.uk/scotlandScottish Natural Heritage, CarmontHouse, The Crichton, Bankend Road,Dumfries DG1 4ZF t: 01387 247010;and SNH, Galloway Office, HolmeparkIndustrial Estate, New Galloway Road,Minnigaff, Newton Stewart. DG8 6BFt: 01671 401075. www.snh.org.ukThe Crown Estate, Forestry Office,Dryfeholm, Lockerbie, Dumfries,DG11 1SU. t: 01576 203153.www.thecrownestate.co.ukScottish Ornithologists’ Club,Scottish Birdwatchers Club, WaterstonHouse, Aberlady, East Lothian. EH32OPY. t: 01875 871330Scottish Wildlife Trust,Cramond House, CramondGlebe Road, Edinburgh EH4 6NSt: 0131 312 7765. www.swt.org.ukWildfowl and Wetlands Trust,Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock,Dumfries DG1 4RS t: 01387 770200.www.wwt.org.uk/visit/caerlaverockRSPB Galloway Local Group, SOCMembers’ Groups, SWT Groups –contact relevant HQs (see above). ForWildlife Clubs at Langholm, Lockerbieand Moffat contact Dumfries &Galloway Council Ranger Service forcurrent information.Local Bird Recorder: Paul Collin,Gairland, Old Edinburgh Road,Minnigaff, Newton Stewart.Yellowhammer30

Additional LiteratureThe Birds in Wigtownshire. Aguide to their status and distributionby R.C. Dickson, 1992. G.C. BookPublishers Ltd., Wigtown. ISBN 1872350356.Dumfries and Galloway BirdReport. Produced annually; availablefrom Duncan Irving, 12 Great EasternDrive, Glencaple, Dumfries. DG1 4QZ.For the Current CountrysideEvents. Free booklet available fromDumfries & Galloway Council RangerService and Tourist InformationCentres.Welcome to Wildlife in Dumfries& Galloway. Free booklet availablefrom Scottish Natural Heritage andother outlets.Tourist InformationPop into any of our TouristInformation Centres, where ourknowledgeable, friendly staff willbe able to advise you about thingsto see and do and help you bookaccommodation. You can pick upa range of leaflets on outdooractivities or alternatively log on towww.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.ukWildlfe WebsitesKestrelwww.dumfriesandgallowaynaturalhistory.co.uk for local wildlifeinformation.www.dgcommunity.net/wblnrwww.dumgal.gov.uk/rangerswww.dumgal.gov.uk/biodiversityfor Local Biodiversity Action Plan.****For any general enquiries or furthercopies of this booklet contact:Dumfries & Galloway Council RangerService, Militia House, English Street,Dumfries DG1 2HR.01387 26036631

SwallowPhoto CreditsPaul McLaughlinKeith KirkClive DaviesNorth East WildlifeDerek CarmichaelKaren CandlishRichard MearnsArlene Graham