Dumfries and Galloway (1 Viewer)

[KEVIN BROWN]

In mid September I will be taking a family holiday to Blackshaw near Castle Douglas, and would be most grateful of any information regarding local sites for birds and any other wildlife (of any kind except human). Would love to see my first UK Eagle or Pine Marten, so if there are any locations around this area where ther is any chance of a sighting I would be extremely grateful. Please feel free to send a PM if you consider the information too sensitive for an open forum. Thanks

 

[Mono]

I would suggest downloading the free 'Where to watch birds in Scotland' app. It has details of many sites.

Whilst there are Golden Eagles in the area they are in very low numbers. Cairnsmore is a possible site to bump into one but it isn't a given.

https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/cairnsmore-fleet-national-nature-reserve

Galloway Forest Park is the place for Pine Martens in the area. Numbers have been increasing year on year and over 100 artifical nest boxes have been put up. There aren't however any viewing sites where habitatuated pine martens visit feeders. It would require patience and a great deal of luck to see one.

Galloway Forest Park | Forestry and Land Scotland

Visit the dark skies, tranquil lochs, enchanting wildlife and legendary mountain biking trails of Galloway Forest Park.

forestryandland.gov.scot

 

[KEVIN BROWN]

I would suggest downloading the free 'Where to watch birds in Scotland' app. It has details of many sites.

Whilst there are Golden Eagles in the area they are in very low numbers. Cairnsmore is a possible site to bump into one but it isn't a given.

https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/cairnsmore-fleet-national-nature-reserve

Galloway Forest Park is the place for Pine Martens in the area. Numbers have been increasing year on year and over 100 artifical nest boxes have been put up. There aren't however any viewing sites where habitatuated pine martens visit feeders. It would require patience and a great deal of luck to see one.

Galloway Forest Park | Forestry and Land Scotland

Visit the dark skies, tranquil lochs, enchanting wildlife and legendary mountain biking trails of Galloway Forest Park.

forestryandland.gov.scot

Thank you, having a chance no matter how slim is all I can ask for 😃

 

[greer3]

Spent many a happy hour sea watching from Portpatrick from the edge of the huge hotel overlooking the village. excellent for sea birds particularly if you've got a scope. Similarly the Isle of Withorn.

 

[kb57]

The local council published a birdwatching guide a few years ago, which is free - can't remember where I picked it up from, possibly RSPB Mersehead. A couple of pages attached which might help. Lots of sites near Castle Douglas, including RSPB Loch Ken where you may see Greenland white-fronted geese. Mersehead itself isn't too far away, and is good for barnacle geese - not sure when they arrive, but if they've similar timings to pinkfeet then mid-September should be OK. Otherwise as @Mono said the Scottish Ornithologists Club app is good and probably more up to date.