A Replica of an Osprey’s Nest at Threave
The area around Corsewall Estate and the coast is a haven for bird watchers and a self catering stay in one of our cottages is the ideal base for daily birding trips.
Loch Ryan
A pretty walk through Corsewall Estate leads down to the coast on the shore of Loch Ryan and Wig Bay – which is home to a broad range of birds. In summer, it is home to one of the largest colonies of nesting terns in Galloway, while in winter, it is an important site for black-throated and red-throated divers and Slavonian grebes. It is also one of the best spots to see scaup in the country.
Mull of Galloway
The RSPB nature reserve at the Mull of Galloway, the southern most coast of Scotland, is home to an amazing variety of birds from guillemots and razorbills to kittiwakes and fulmars. Porpoises, dolphins and grey seals are also regularly spotted from the cliffs.
Wigtown Harbour Wetland
Wigtown Bay in the Machars is a nationally important site for pink-footed geese and whooper swans. In the County Buildings, you can also watch CCTV of the first ospreys to have nested in Galloway for over 100 years. You can see a remarkable view of nest activity from the ospreys sitting on their eggs to the male returning to the nest with fish for the female.
Red Kite Trail
Recently reintroduced into Galloway, there are now over 20 pairs of red kites in this area. The circular 30 mile route takes you through some of the most impressive scenery in Scotland.
Wood of Cree
Another spectacular Dumfries & Galloway RSPB nature reserve is found close to Newton Stewart at the Wood of Cree. The largest ancient oak wood in the south of Scotland, it comes into its own in the spring with carpets of bluebells and comes alive to the sound of birdsong. You can expect to see a wealth of birds at this time of year from pied flycatchers to wood warblers as they arrive for the breeding season.
Ken-Dee Marshes
There’s an abundance of wildlife to see, spectacular scenery across the River Dee and Loch Ken and peaceful woodland walks all year round at this popular Galloway nature reserve near Castle Douglas. You may get a chance to see one of the red kites aerobatics performances. Winter and spring are popular times for geese, while in spring, redstarts and pied flycatchers join the Scottish residents including willow tits – Ken-Dee is one of the few places in Scotland where you can still spot these charming birds. With two hides, if you are lucky, you may see some otters at this reserve. Cheeky red squirrels are also popular locals.