Thank you!
Thanks to all of you that helped us to plan this day out. It was only spoilt by the departure of Taverners Canada Goose and the Lesser Scaup.
The report that is posted on my website is as follows:
This trip to Loch Ryan produced a memorable day out for the group, producing a total of eighty nine different species of birds. Departed from the Gateshead at 0600am, with temperatures at a low of -4.5. Daylight hours produced a very cold, clear and sunny day with no wind.
We arrived at Loch Ryan at the estimated time of 0900am which produced plenty of garden birds that were visiting a nearby feeding station. At least 38 Black Guillimot were located on the east side of the loch, along with a single Razorbill. Other notable birds included Red-throated Diver (10+), Great Crested Grebe, Slavonian Grebe (3), Brent Goose (15+), Scaup (3), Long-tailed Duck (3), Common Scoter (30+), Red-breasted Merganser (7+), Turnstone (50+) and a single Common Snipe.
We departed for Loch Ken at 1100am. We made a decision to drive over the A712, Newton Stewart to New Galloway road. This route gave the group views of some of the most excellent scenery that Scotland has to offer, but unfortunately very few birds.
Loch Ken added some excellent birds to our list. White-fronted Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose and a single Barnacle Goose were found at the northern end of the loch. Close views of both Red Kite (5+) and Common Buzzard (30+ throughout the day) were a pleasure to watch. No sign of Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier or Red-legged Partridge.
Glencaple was very quiet with no geese on show, but did give us distant views of Whooper Swan (50+). Also there was Kingfisher, Linnet and Common Redshank.
The drive to Caerlaverock gave us views of hundreds of Barnacle Goose and Pink-footed Goose. Whooper Swans were showing well, but no sign of any Bewicks Swans. There was also no sign of the Taverners Canada Goose or the Lesser Scaup (both reported on the previous day). Two Stonechat was seen at the south hide, along with Deer and Fox. Dozens of Yellowhammer was seen along the footpaths, being lit up beautifully by the evening sun.
A single Peregrine Falcon was seen by one member of the group before we all witnessed thousands of geese taking off and flying to roost. A Tawny Owl was seen resting on overhead cables. An excellent way to end the perfect day out birdwatching.
Was very tempted with a stop at the Nith Hotel, but it was not to be. Perhaps next time :t: