A very enjoyable week spent in Dumfries and Galloway. We were located near Castle Douglas staying in self catering accommodation on the edge of Threave Estate. We’ve visited the area several times previously so pretty much knew our way around. Prior to leaving home we were a little concerned about the fuel situation due to the Grangemouth Refinery strike starting that weekend but a quick phone call to our hosts confirmed no problems had been experienced. The weather forecast for the week ahead was pretty dubious but fortunately it proved to be unreliable as usual.
It wasn’t an out and out birding holiday but we did manage to fit in a couple of hours most days.
I’ll only mention notable birds at each location as many species such as the tits and Chaffinch were everywhere as were Willow Warbler.
Friday 25th April
Dumfries – a regular stop off on the way in the car park by the River Nith. Salmon trying to jump the weir plus several sea trout leaping about. Bird wise – Grey Wagtail, Grey Heron, Swallow and Sand Martin.
Castle Douglas - viewed from our cottage - Pied Wagtail, Swallow, Robin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Willow Warbler, Buzzard, Pheasant, House Sparrow, Rook, Crow, Jackdaw, Wood Pigeon.
Saturday 26th April
RSPB Ken-Dee Marshes – our first proper visit to this location. A fine but overcast afternoon.
Along the farm track – Linnet, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Goldcrest, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Canada Geese, Bullfinch, Redshank, Buzzard, Fieldfare, Yellowhammer, Treecreeper, Jay and a Tree Pipit. Of particular note were Pied Flycatcher x6 in three pairs singing and checking out nest boxes and a pair of Coal Tit excavating a nest cavity in a tree knot hole. A Crow with a white chest patch at first glimpse had us thinking Ring Ouzel but it proved not to be.
From the hide – Whimbrel, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Wigeon and Teal. On the feeders – Nuthatch, Willow Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker plus several Red Squirrel. Other mammals included hares and rabbits including a few black ones.
A return visit later in the week added Whinchat to the list aswell as a pair of Red Kite.
Sunday 27th April
Threave Castle.
A very productive location on previous visits to this area but not quite so good this year. It was nice to see several Swallows around the farm buildings chasing each other around and mating on the wires plus a few House Martin. A walk to the riverside hides and the woodland hides produced nothing exceptional. Best find was a Cuckoo calling from close to the path – first one we’ve heard this year. Most notable birds were Red Kite, Buzzard, Shoveler, Wigeon, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher and three Roe Deer.