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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Pam_m" data-source="post: 1827745" data-attributes="member: 18672">2nd May.Today was to be a day to unwind and get to know a little of the Kippford area. A walk in the caravan park woodland in the morning was just the job after the drive the day before. The Bluebells were growing well but only the odd few were bursting into flower, the Common Gorse on the outer edges of the wood was looking splendid in the warm sunshine and it's 'coconut' aroma filled the air. Wood Sorrel, Wood Anemone and Ramsons prettied up the woodland floor. Great and Blue Tit, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk being notable birds seen on the walk. There are viewpoints were you can see over the sea to the Lake District (South) and into the Galloway Hills (North), stunning views!After lunch and a short drive we were in Kippford, this narrow village runs along the Urr Estuary. Shelduck, Heron, Whimbrel and Oystercatcher were seen feeding in the mudflats, also seen were Herring and L B B Gulls. Walking along the footpath that leads to Rockcliffe we had good views of off-shore Rough Island , a bird sanctuary that is off limits in May and June when Oystercatchers and Terns are breeding! Scoping the island I counted c350 Oystercatchers and c50 Black-Headed Gulls all resting on the island.</blockquote>