Caerlaverock Wetland Weekend

28 October 2009

Barnacle Geese feeding, Mersehead

Friends from Scotland and the North-West regions gathered in Dumfriesshire earlier this month for a "Wetland Weekend". We enjoyed watching the flocks of Barnacle Geese that gather on the wetlands in these winter months every year having flown all the way from Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic.

The weekend included visits to Caerlaverock which is run by WWT, Mersehead an RSPB reserve and Bellymack Hill Farm where we saw the Red Kites being fed. In addition to the stunning coastal scenery, the blue skies, the record number of geese we enjoyed the warm hospitality of Ann Shukman, an A Rocha friend who lives in the area. Barbara and Rick Mearns spent a day with us, sharing their knowledge and experience not only of the local area but also of the A Rocha international projects. It was a enjoyable break and another wildlife weekend is already being planned for next year...

Pictured top: red kite (photos by Peter McPhail)