DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
Wetland birding in dry-footed comfort!
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS
This is such a great walk close to Castle Douglas, with such a wide variety of habitats to look at as part of the Threave SSSI. Even the wet bits have had a boardwalk added, to keep your feet dry while you watch!
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Start your walk from the car park inside the caravan park. This doubles up as a feeding area so you will have close views of several water birds like Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard and even Tufted Duck. A rookery is found in the trees by the lake.
2 Walk out onto the B736, bringing you to the old railway line, taking you along the eastern shore of the lake. Listen out for both Sedge and Reed Warblers here in summer, along with Reed Bunting and woodland birds like Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker. More warblers, like Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Garden Warbler, are also here.
3 A large area of the loch has grown over with Alder, Willows and reedbed, adding carr to the habitat. There is no access to this area, but you can scan across, looking for summering Marsh Harrier and Hen Harrier in winter, along with Grey Heron. This gives way to an open marsh with the possibility of Grasshopper Warbler, Water Rail, Snipe and hunting Barn Owl.
4 You walk back via Kirkland looking up to the Threave Gardens, where you have a chance of a Red Kite or a Buzzard floating by. Check out the edge of the reeds for more warblers, and check out the ducks, as so many rarities have been found her
