GLENCAPLE
Get close to flocks of spectacular wild geese
How many times do folk travel to see Caerlaverock WWT and not look at nearby habitats to add birds and wildlife to their day list? The area has a number of great opportunities, including this one. Glencaple is an ideal location to start off, with a small harbour, hotel and now a new café offering great views onto the River Nith and across to Kirkconnell Merse (managed by the RSPB). Of course, geese are a big pull, with plenty of Barnacle and Pink-footed possible, but singles of Ross’s, Redbreasted, pale-bellied Brent, Richardson’s Cackling and Taverner’s Canada have also been picked out in the flocks. Whooper Swans are likely in the area, but it is many years since Bewick’s Swans were found in numbers. A winter gull passage heading to roosts up and down river has added a number of species to the area list, with Iceland, Glaucous, Mediterranean, Yellow-legged and even Little Gull. Posts along the way are worth looking at for Peregrines and Merlins, with plenty of Buzzards and even Hen Harrier likely in winter. The river is ideal for Goldeneye in winter, with both Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander likely, with even a Smew or two liking the fishing here. Breeding waders along the Nith include Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher and Snipe, while passage birds include Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, Ruff and Greenshank. Little Egrets are here all year round now, with plenty of Grey Herons and even Water Rail in the reedbeds. Willow Tits are becoming rare breeders in the area and a walk from Castle car park may give you this bird, while a Great Grey Shrike once wintered here. Hoopoe was a great find for the area, while a Twite flock is normal in winter once you have found the seed source! A drive or cycle ride around the area is about 8.5 miles.