DEVIL’S BEEFTUB
The total area of this Border Forest Trust reserve covers 1,580 acres, and has a number of new broad-leaved plantations, wetlands, burns (the start of the River Annan), as well as active sheep farming. The history of the Beeftub was as a site for stolen cattle used by the reivers, marauding Border folk including both Scots and English families.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Once you’ve left Moffat, you drive up a narrow road heading towards Corehead. Look out for waders in spring feeding along the way, with Curlew and Lapwing likely. There will be Pied Wagtails along the road, along with Swallows and House Martins hawking insects.
2
Park on the grass verge off the road and walk up to the conifer plantation listening out for the telltale sound of Crossbills in the trees. Both Goldcrests and Siskins can also be found, and check the area for Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.
3
Walk up to the Beeftub, checking the young planting on your left for Willow and Grasshopper Warblers. Wet areas have the chance of Snipe with a rich ground flora. Check for dragonflies in summer, with Golden Ringed and Common Hawker likely.
4
A steeper area up the Skirtle holds several screes, where I found both Wheatear and Ring Ouzel. Both Peregrine and Raven were also found here with Sky Lark and Meadow Pipits, especially on the top.
5
Returning to the start, check out the newly-planted native woodland area, with the ‘Annan Trail’ running through it, for Whinchat, Stonechat and warblers. Cuckoos will be found in summer, plus Grey Wagtail and Dipper.
Grindon is one of those areas where you wish for compulsory purchase – it has so much potential, and with a million visitors to Hadrian’s Wall next door each year, it would be a great advertisement for the region’s wildlife. It has great passage birds, and was a former breeding area for Black-necked Grebes.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
The Stanegate Roman road runs parallel to Houseteads Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It offers you a gentle start to viewing the lough area with moorland on your right called Muckle Moss. With heather go Red Grouse and Meadow Pipits, plus Wheatear on the rocky outcrops. 2
Check the fields on your left for geese and waders, with plenty of Greylag and Canada Geese in winter, attracting oddments like Tundra Bean, Greenland Whitefronted, Pink-footed and even Barnacle Goose. Singles of Snow and Lesser White-fronted have also been found.
3
Driving from the west, there is a parking place by Blackdyke Plantation. Check for warblers, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin breeding here, and cross the road to scan for waders and ducks. A summering Red-necked Phalarope has been the star here in recent summers, with a summer-plumaged Long-billed Dowitcher also seen.
4 Keep checking the moor on the south of the road, as harriers are possible, with a Montagu’s nesting here several years ago, and Hen Harrier present most winters. Listen out for singing Sky Larks and possible hunting Short-eared and Long-eared Owls.
5
The east end parking is limited, but gives you excellent views of the lough. An American Wigeon has been with the Wigeon flock for a number of years, and look out for Teal, Shoveler and even diving ducks like Tufted and Goldeneye.
6
Use a scope, as there is no access down onto the lough. Breeding waders include Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatcher. Shelducks can turn up and when the water levels are low, Little Ringed and Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Little Stint and Black-tailed Godwit.
This walk has been closed for some time owing to rock falls, but has been refurbished and reopened. It is an out and back walk, with the option of climbing up and round the lighthouse which sits on the northern point of Belfast Lough. The coastal section to Blackhead is renowned for its early morning passage of divers flying to Belfast Lough.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Park at Whitehead harbour or walk there from the station and check the promenade, beach, boatyard and seafront. Bonaparte’s Gull, Mediterranean Gull and Black Redstart have popped up recently. Regular birds include a good range of gulls and waders as well as Grey Heron. It is a good spot for passage Wheatears and Grey Wagtail in winter. Twite are present through autumn and winter, usually around the area of the boat park.
2 The Port Davey/ Wrens Eggs area is a regular spot for Sparrowhawk.
3 Check the bushes, trees and fields for passerines in summer, Migrant thrushes and Stonechat are possible in winter. Offshore ,look for Gannet, Fulmar, auks, Kittiwake and Manx Shearwater in summer and divers in winter. The main diver movement is through the first hour of daylight (best January to March). Counts have exceeded 200 Red-throated Divers with smaller numbers of Great Northern.
4 Blackhead is an excellent. There is a daily movement with divers drifting out of the lough through the afternoon. Skuas are also occasional visitors. A sheltered spot and a good scope can pay dividends, on the path round the base of the lighthouse or from the top path after the 140 steps.
5 The view from the top path is superb and gives a 180° panorama over the lough and the Irish Sea. Peregrines are possible as well as breeding Fulmars, migrant divers and skuas. Due north is the Gobbins, with its breeding seabird colony and the Ailsa Craig Gannet colony. The steep twisting path back to sea level holds the usual passerine species. The return walk along the coast gives a second chance to check the beach and the inland trees and bushes.