Autumn Birding on the Solway

If you would like to add any information or pictures of interest to this page, please feel free to e-mail me.- glyn.freeman@virgin

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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.

 

Birding Breaks

We offer extended weekend birdwatching breaks around the Solway Firth, Scottish Borders and the Lake District. These breaks are offered through our sister company 'Borderwild'.

Accomodation is provided by Hillside Farm Guest House which lies within the Solway Coast Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty and overlooks the estuary and a vast expanse of saltmarsh.
A typical weekend in winter and early spring
A typical iternary is as follows:

Friday to Sunday inclusive of:

Arrive mid-day
Friday afternoon: Tour of the inner Solway estuary with three stops at places of interest.
Friday evening: Dinner
Classroom session, introduction to the Solway and its birds.

Saturday morning: Breakfast
Tour of woodlands, river valleys and raised mires.
Saturday afternoon: Packed Lunch followed by tour of river estuary and salt-marshes.
Saturday evening: Dinner
Classroom session, guest presentation and discussion.

Sunday morning: Breakfast
Tour of sand-dunes and coastal freshwater areas.
Sunday afternoon: Packed Lunch followed by tour of agricultural land and RSPB reserve at Campfield Marsh.
Depart late afternoon.
What you are likely to see
Our tours cover species such as:

Estuary birds including:

peregrine, merlin, short eared owl, whooper swan, barnacle goose, pink footed goose, pintail, shoveller, wigeon, teal, goldeneye, common scoter, bar and black tailed godwit, knot, dunlin, sanderling and various divers and grebes.

Woodland birds including:
red kite, buzzard, goshawk, woodpeckers, hawfinch, nuthatch, tree creeper, brambling, common crossbill.

Moorland birds including:
red grouse, black grouse, hen harrier, snipe, woodcock and golden plover.

Riverine birds including:
dipper, kingfisher, red breasted merganser, goosander and dabchick.

Rarities are always possible. We hope to see around 200 species during the course of the weekend.
Your guides
Your guides are Glyn Freeman and Brian Irving, both are authoratative birders with many years of national and international experience under their belts.
Prices
Our rates are as follows:

Total cost of bird watching package £250 per person, maximum of four persons. This is inclusive of transfers, transport, meals, tours and evening entertainment.

Packages for single or double days will be catered for and priced on a pro-rata basis.
Booking
Please contact us to book using the contact page, availability is tight so it is better to book early. On request we will send you our weekend availability list.

 

Bird watching, Fishing tuition and experiences available in Cumbria,

contact: 016973-51752

 

www.outdoors-x.com

 

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