Dumfries & Galloway - Scottish Ornithologists' Club

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Dumfries & Gallowayis renowned for the birdwatchingopportunities provided along the shoresof the inner Solway Firth – and rightly so.The Solway is one of the most importantestuaries in Britain holding up to 40,000wildfowl and 83,000 waders during thewinter periodThis is the 4th Edition of a hugelypopular booklet collated by Dumfries andGalloway Council Ranger Service. Therehave been new reserves created since the3rd edition, whereas others have beenupgraded with new facilities since the lastpublication in 2004.Few birdwatchers take the time to exploreinland parts of Dumfries and Galloway orvisit at a different time of year, yet theregion offers such a range of habitatsthat there is good birdwatching in everyseason. This booklet gives an introductionto the best and most easily accessiblebirdwatching sites in Dumfries andGalloway.Key to abbreviations and symbolsDGCFCSLNRNNRNSANTSRSPBSNHSWTWWT15Dumfries and Galloway CouncilForestry Commission ScotlandLocal Nature ReserveNational Nature ReserveNational Scenic AreaNational Trust for ScotlandRoyal Society for the Protection of BirdsScottish National HeritageScottish Wildlife TrustWildfowl and Wetlands TrustBirdwatching siteViewing from carDisabled accessHideCCTVClosed Circuit TVNith Estuary, Glencaple1

W IGTO WNS H IREThe Rhins ofGallowayThe Rhins isespecially notedfor the breedingseabird coloniesat the Mull ofGalloway and theoverwinteringspecies thatfrequent LochRyan. CorsewallPoint, at thenorthern tip ofthe peninsula, isthe best autumnseawatching sitein Dumfries andGalloway.Mull of Galloway2

1. Mull of GallowayRSPB reserve2. New England Bay and eastRhins coast roadsCCTVHabitats: 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 ats: 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 Point5. Loch RyanHabitats: 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.Habitats: 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.Eider DuckGannets4

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 Loch6Habitats: 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.ukBirds: Stonechat, Common andLesser Whitethroat, Pied Wagtail,Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Curlew,Cormorant. Gannets and ternsoffshore. Finch flocks on the strandline in 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 alongA747.7. Luce Bay shore road –Auchenmalg to Monreith8. Isle of Whithorn to St. Ninian’sCaveHabitats: Predominantly shinglebeaches with maritime cliff and slope.Status: Luce bay is a Special Area ofConservation.Habitats: Coastal cliffs and shingle,maritime heath and low scrub.Birds: Black Guillemot, Shag, Fulmar,Peregrine, Raven and Twite.Fulmar

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, FCS12. Wood of Cree & Barclye FarmRSPB ReserveHabitats: 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 402420Habitats: 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/reservesSiskinStonechat8

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 Park14. Southern Upland Way –Manquhill circular walkHabitats: Coniferous andbroadleaved woodland, heathermoorland, freshwater lochs andburns.Habitats: 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.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 4024201015. 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.Tawny 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 402420.17. Cally Woods FCS16. Carstramon Woods SWT18. Balcary HeughsHabitats: Broadleaved woodlandwith many oaks and springtimeBluebells.Habitats: 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.Habitats: 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.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 NTSView from Doach Woods20. Carlingwark LochHabitats: 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.12Habitats: 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 Geese

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 railwayline section 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/reserves1425. 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.Loch Ken

27. Milton Loch29. Mabie Forest FCSHabitats: 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.Habitats: 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.Wigeon30. Dalbeattie Forest FCS28. Loch ArthurHabitats: 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.Great Crested GrebeHabitats: Coniferous andbroadleaved woodland, freshwaterloch.Birds: Siskin, Common Crossbill,Coal Tit, Heron, Chiffchaff, WillowWarbler.Chaffinch15

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 Solw

Birds: Black Guillemot, Shag, Fulmar, Peregrine, Raven and Twite. 6. Castle Kennedy Gardens and White Loch Habitats: 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 (admission charge).

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