Barnharrow Holiday Pods

Whether you’re an ardent twitcher or simply want to enjoy discovering the wildlife that calls Scotland home (or home from home in the case of migratory birds!) you won’t be disappointed by the many different species of birds that can be spotted in the area. We are positively blessed with a variety of habitats that provide a haven for birds – from coastline to meadows and rivers, valleys, woodland and moorland.

Plan your entire holiday itinerary around birdwatching or weave it into your daily adventures as you explore the area – heck, you might just spot something special when you’re taking a walk near the pods! Here are just a few ideas for places to visit.

Mereshead

A visit to the Solway coast is a must and the RSPB reserve at Mereshead,which lies south of Dumfries, is stunning. Comprising freshwater wetlands, mudflats, sand dunes and saltmarsh, you’re guaranteed to see a fabulous variety of birds, including waders and waterfowl. Mereshead is a breeding ground for lapwings and skylarks and later in the year the bird population swells with migrating flocks – amongst them barnacle geese.

Castle Douglas

If you find yourself in Castle Douglas do take time out to visit Carlingwark Loch. The loch is small – the circular walk around it is roughly three miles – but there are plenty of birds to spot. You’re bound to see mute swans and keep your eyes peeled for the great crested grebe, shovelers and tufted ducks. 

From here, a leisurely drive south will get you to Rockcliffe, a picturesque part of the coast where cormorants, razorbills and guillemots nest on the cliffs. You may also spot oystercatchers and redshanks. Visits to Rough Island in the Urr estuary are prohibited during the breeding season in May and June, but outside of these months its bird population is a real draw for keen spotters.

Galloway Forest Park

You don’t have to travel miles from Barnharrow Holiday Pods to see lots of birds. Galloway Forest Park is home to barn owls, pied flycatchers, buzzards and nightjars. The sight of red kites soaring high in the sky is always rather special – follow the Galloway Kite Trail to give yourself the best chance of seeing them. There are viewing hides and feeding stations along the way – it’s a real celebration of the red kite population that now thrives in the area.

Wood of Cree

A few miles north of Newton Stewart, the Wood of Cree which is managed by the RSPB, is the largest ancient wood in southern Scotland. Quite apart from being a stunningly beautiful environment, it’s also full of different bird species. Go for a wander, let yourself get lost, stop, look and listen. Wood warblers, pied flycatchers, willow tits, tree pipits and barn and tawny owls flourish here. Stray out onto the surrounding open land and you may spot black grouse, cuckoos, grasshopper warblers and whinchats.

Crook of Baldoon

Just south of Wigtown, the RSPB’s reserve at Crook of Baldoon is the perfect setting for birds that live on saltmarsh and mudflats, including geese, shelducks, whooper and mute swans. The area is also a perfect habitat for redwings, goldfinches and fieldfares, and a wet grassland area has provided an excellent breeding ground for lapwings and redshanks.

Mull of Galloway

Take a drive to Mull of Galloway Scotland’s most southerly point and, along with a visit to the lighthouse, explore the nature reserve. There is an array of seabirds that nest on the cliffs, including razorbills, kittiwakes and guillemots, as well as peregrine falcons and ravens. Follow the clifftop trail and you may spot linnets, stonechats and wheatears. Just off the mainland, Scar Rocks are inhabited by thousands of gannets, which are always entertaining to watch.

If you fancy having a peek at some of the birds you might spot during your holiday at Barnharrow Holiday Pods do check out Dumfries & Galloway Wildlife & Birding  on Facebook – members share the most wonderful photos of their bird sightings.

And don’t forget to pack your binoculars!