Birding around the Solway

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Late Autumn, we are entering the start of the annual bird spectacle on the Solway Firth where thousands of birds assemble to over-winter within the estuary.

The Solway Firth is internationally recognised for its birds and as such has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation or SAC and an SPA or Special Protected Area. It is also a globally important wetland bird area under the Ramsar Convention.

So what species of birds arrive in Autumn?

The main early arrivals are the wading birds, those that live by the ebb and flow of the tides. When the tide is out a vast area of mud and sand flats are exposed to provide a rich feast of invertebrates for the wading birds to feed upon. At high tide they either roost along the saltmarsh edges or go further to inland fields to wash, preen, roost and sometimes feed.

It is this dynamic nature of the tidal cycle that drives the large flocks to fly around the estuary in such large numbers. Knot can be seen wheeling in tight flocks, Dunlin fly low and fast in tight formations, Lapwing can be seen in groups of up to 500 birds with their lilting broad winged flight. Larger waders such as curlew, godwit and oystercatcher fly in formations along the edge of the tide. Other waders are not so conspicuous such as snipe, golden plover, grey plover and ringed plover. These smaller waders also number thousands but you must look for them closely before they reveal their presence.

The ducks, geese and swans collectively known as wild or water fowl arrive in large numbers toward the end of September flying south from their breeding grounds north of the arctic circle. Ducks such as wigeon, pintail, shoveller and teal all feed on the saltmarshes as do the geese. The barnacle goose is probably the most famous bird of the Solway as the estuary hosts, during winter, the entire Svalbard (Norwegian Island) breeding population of around 24,000 birds. The pinkfooted goose is by far the most ubiquitous of the Solway geese and can be seen flying over in V formation accompanied by their wild enchanting calls.

The Solway also plays host to a large population of whooper swans during the winter, they are the largest of our swans and they have a distinctive 'whoop, whoop' call they also fly in V formations and are often in family groups.

The wildlife spectacle can be seen almost anywhere within the estuary but by far the best areas are east of Grune Point and into the narrower parts of the estuary. This natural spectacle is for all to enjoy, get out of the car, smell the air, feel the wind, hear the birds and see the spectacle, you will not be disappointed.

Bird watching images Please click.

 

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