Rate birdingplace WWT Caerlaverock
Description
Caerlaverock is a wetland reserve that is home to thousands of wildfowl in winter, including thousands of Barnacle Goose and also Pink-footed Goose and Whooper Swan. The 570 hectare Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve is situated on the north Solway Coast. Almost the entire Svalbard breeding population of Barnacle Goose 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 Osprey hunting over the Solway Firth, and in winter, Hen Harrier and Merlin can be seen. Among rarer species, Red-breasted Goose has been recorded on two or three occasions, but cannot be relied on. Bewick's Swan 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 Common Teal 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 Barnacle Goose and Whooper Swan are spectacular and a joy to see but there's way more too. It's a wonderful location, full of birds of many varieties.