Rate birdingplace WWT Caerlaverock
Description
Caerlaverock is a wetland reserve that is home to thousands of wildfowl in winter, including thousands of Bramgås and also Kortnæbbet Gås and Sangsvane. The 570 hectare Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve is situated on the north Solway Coast. Almost the entire Svalbard breeding population of Bramgås winters on the Solway and can be seen best from the hides, towers and observatories at Caerlaverock which is considered one of the best wildlife watching sites in the UK. In summer you can watch Fiskeørn hunting over the Solway Firth, and in winter, Blå Kærhøg and Dværgfalk can be seen. Among rarer species, Rødhalset Gås has been recorded on two or three occasions, but cannot be relied on. Pibesvane used to occur too, but have stopped visiting for over a decade now with short-stopping due to global warming. Green-winged Teal have occurred several times and are worth checking for among the wintering Krikand flocks.
Details
Access
WWT Caerlaverock lies 15 km (9 miles) south east of Dumfries. Follow tourist signs from the A75 west of Annan or St. Michael's church in Dumfries. Nearest railway station in Dumfries. Bus: Stagecoach service 6A takes around 30 minutes from Dumfries to the road end 2 km south of Bankend; there is then a walk of around 3 km (2 miles) from this bus stop along a country lane.
The reserve has hides and observation towers linked by network of screened approaches and seasonal nature trails. Free parking at the visitor building with coffee shop. Entrance fee £9.10; if you arrive at the centre by public transport or bicycle you can get into the centre with a 15% discount.
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This is one of my favourite places in the UK, especially in winter. The Bramgås and Sangsvane are spectacular and a joy to see but there's way more too. It's a wonderful location, full of birds of many varieties.