Dumfries and Galloway

[Elizabeth Bigg]

I've never been there, and I am wondering if mid-June would be a good time to go? (Probably can't get away before then).

All comments welcome - thanks.

[PaulAshton]

I've not spent time there, but I'm told its lovely and wild.

Not many eagles in the area though. If that is any interest. Should be plenty of othe wildlife and good scenery.

It's on my list of places to go. Are you going to write up a report of your trip?

[CJW]

I've never done it in the Summer, Elizabeth - winter being the best/traditional time to visit. But it's certainly a beautiful area.

[Steve G]

Well worth a visit at that time Elizabeth. There are numerous sites worth visiting. The local SOC group have in association with the RSPB & other agencies produced a free booklet which list over 40(+??) sites in the region which are worth visiting with instructions on access,etc. If you write to the RSPB reserve at Mersehead enclosing a large SAE I'm sure they would send you a copy. Failing that send me a PM with your address & I'll send one down.
Best wishes,
Steve

[tomreid24]

Hi Elizabeth,
In summer the area is is beautiful.I've mentioned the guides available in another thread the other day.The woods of cree near Newton Stewart is great for breeding passerines.The mull of galloway is a good place for the seabird colonies ,peregrine and there's often puffin in the sea.Forest enterprise have walks to see nightjar.There are lots of things to visit apart from birding.Also,up the road a bit at New Lanark (beside Lanark) there is the scottish wildlife trust reserve where breeding peregines are watched 24/7 and are only c.150feet away!

[IanF]

Certainly a marvellous scenic area. I have stayed in New Galloway, Newton Sewart and Dalmellington in the past. Loads of locations to visit. Clatteringshaws Loch on the A172 between New Galloway and Newton Stewart I recall has a visitors centre with details of forest drives and local wildlife and of course walks. Loch Ken and Loch Doon are easily accessible. I still have fond childhood memories of staying at Rockcliffe or Kipford where there was an island reachable by a causeway at low tise. It was a haven for birds.

[Elizabeth Bigg]

I've not spent time there, but I'm told its lovely and wild.

Not many eagles in the area though. If that is any interest. Should be plenty of othe wildlife and good scenery.

It's on my list of places to go. Are you going to write up a report of your trip?

Not sure about a write up, I don't know many birds other than ordinary garden ones. I'll have to do an awful lot of learning before I go, or try to eavesdrop on some knowledgeable birders.

[StevieEvans]

VERY GOOD time & place for Barn Owls.....

We allways try a January visit to that area, huge variety of habitats & birds.
Red Kite, G.Eagle, Hen Harrier, R.LPartridge, Peregrine, White front Geese etc etc

S

[CJW]

I know Clatteringshaws is good for a couple of rare dragonflies - Highland Darter and Azure Hawker, I think.

[digi-birder]

What a coincidence! I have been trying to sort out the accommodation for the Minsmere trip and Keith came in and said that he thinks we ought to go to Dumfries and Galloway for a weekend break, maybe at the end of January!

If we go I'll let you know how we get on.

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Thanks Diane - and I must sort out somewhere to stay for the Minsmere do too!

[Kiki]

Hi Diane,
If you are going to go to Dunmfries and Galloway, I could recommend a place to stay. We were there last year and going again in Feb. Huge, home cooked breakfasts, good evening meals using organic meats from local suppliers etc, good beer, B (: run by friendly people. Don't know if I should mention the name here so, check out the trip report from last year at:- http://www.homepages.mcb.net/wormwell/Solway%20Index.htm

Have a good time!

Keren

[CJW]

Hi Diane,
If you are going to go to Dunmfries and Galloway, I could recommend a place to stay. We were there last year and going again in Feb. Huge, home cooked breakfasts, good evening meals using organic meats from local suppliers etc, good beer, B (: run by friendly people. Don't know if I should mention the name here so, check out the trip report from last year at:- http://www.homepages.mcb.net/wormwell/Solway%20Index.htm

Have a good time!

Keren

Isn't it good to see communication between husband and wife! I've just done all that in a Private Message to Diane, Keren!

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Isn't it good to see communication between husband and wife! I've just done all that in a Private Message to Diane, Keren!

But you didn't PM me - so I was pleased to see Keren's post!

[mcdowella]

Can't say much about the bird life, because I wasn't birdwatching when I was there a few years ago, but I can recommend Wigtown book town (the main street is full of second hand bookshops - see http://www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk/booktown_bookshops.asp) and Logan Botanic Gardens.

[digi-birder]

Thanks Kiki and CJ - don't fall out now!

Thanks also mcdowella for the link to the bookshop, although once I get in there I may not get much birding done!

[CJW]

Thanks Kiki and CJ - don't fall out now!

Thanks also mcdowella for the link to the bookshop, although once I get in there I may not get much birding done!

Too late Diane! But they tell me my wounds should be healed enough to allow me back out in public in a month or so......

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Too late Diane! But they tell me my wounds should be healed enough to allow me back out in public in a month or so......

You got off lightly then, CJ!

[pduxon]

Too late Diane! But they tell me my wounds should be healed enough to allow me back out in public in a month or so......

Just how long have you been married?

[pduxon]

Thanks Kiki and CJ - don't fall out now!

Thanks also mcdowella for the link to the bookshop, although once I get in there I may not get much birding done!

You should consider Hay-on-Wye in Wales for books. 35 second hand bookshops and the food in the Old Black Lion is excellent.

[Elizabeth Bigg]

You should consider Hay-on-Wye in Wales for books. 35 second hand bookshops and the food in the Old Black Lion is excellent.

I was there a few years ago - found an out of print book called "The Robin". I'd had it out of the library for months, and since they'd dug it out of the reserve store, I was thinking of asking if I could buy it - then somebody sent in a request for it, and I had to return it. What a cheek - I was counting it as mine really.

[CJW]

Just how long have you been married?

17 years this coming February, 20 years since we met.
I'm taken 'her' to the Solway for a romantic weekend's birding!!!

[Elizabeth Bigg]

17 years this coming February, 20 years since we met.
I'm taken 'her' to the Solway for a romantic weekend's birding!!!

We reach 45 years this July, and it's 48 years since we met!! :eek!:

[robinm]

While we are on the subject of celebrations. A very happy birthday, Elizabeth. B (:

[Elizabeth Bigg]

While we are on the subject of celebrations. A very happy birthday, Elizabeth. B (:

Thanks Robin - a glass of dry cider would be very nice! ;)

[digi-birder]

Ours is 22 years at the end of this month. 28 since meeting. I believe you get less for murder!!

We're off to Dumfries and Galloway for a romantic weekend's birding!

Happy birthday, Elizabeth. B (:

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Ours is 22 years at the end of this month. 28 since meeting. I believe you get less for murder!!

We're off to Dumfries and Galloway for a romantic weekend's birding!

Happy birthday, Elizabeth. B (:

Thanks Diane - and have a great time, hope to hear all about D&G in due course.

[smeltmill]

Dear Elizabeth,

Congratulations on your birthday and 45 years with the same man! You must be able to cope with apparent wind.

Don’t overlook the South side of the Solway - Skinburness and Campfield well worth a visit.

Regards.
G B-S.

[pduxon]

Ours is 22 years at the end of this month. 28 since meeting. I believe you get less for murder!!

We're off to Dumfries and Galloway for a romantic weekend's birding!

Happy birthday, Elizabeth. B (:

So Keith would have been free years ago!!

A public many happy return Elizabeth. I'll be in Hay in June so if you want me to look for any books.......... Should I have posted that? I can see the requests....

CJW - you old romantic you. Not the back of a sewerage works is it?

My folks have done 51 years and have known each other 60years or so. Unbelieveable

[CJW]

CJW - you old romantic you. Not the back of a sewerage works is it?



Not this time, but there have been occasions.....

[Kiki]

Just don't get me started on some of the places he's taken me Pete!