The Mull of Galloway is bustling with birds at the minute as the autumn migration gets underway. Our location is fantastic for spotting migrating birds as they begin their journey South to their winter grounds. Many birds will stop off on the reserve to refuel and with lots of insects, moths and butterflies around at the moment- the Mull of Galloway is like an ‘all you can eat buffet’.

Green veined butterflies are a plenty on the Mull of Galloway (photo by Laura Shearer)

The Mull of Galloway is bustling with birds! (photo by Laura Shearer)

Over the last week the number of birds is increasing daily with migrating Blackbirds, Wheatears and Whitethroats spotted. The main attraction however is the huge flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets which seem to materialize in front of your very own eyes. As you wander around the reserve their calls and vocalizations surround you. Suddenly they will take to the sky and it is simply breathtaking to see these beautiful birds in such dense numbers. Pied and White wagtails are also building up in number with over 70 seen this morning during the short walk from the car park to the RSPB visitor centre. It is difficult to know where to look next!

Overhead wires make good perching for Goldfinches and Linnets (photo by Laura Shearer)

Huge flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets can be seen bustling around the reserve (photo by Laura Shearer)

It has also been a good week for marine life with several Harbour Porpoise spotted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. At least one Grey Seal can be seen daily hanging around the Foghorn area and she was even photographed having a snooze- what a great life!

Dreaming of fish! (photo by Laura Shearer)

This September the RSPB Mull of Galloway will be posting a photograph a day on our Facebook page: RSPB Dumfries and Galloway. Remember to ‘like’ and ‘share’ our page with your friends and family to remain up-to-date with what’s going on. Follow us on twitter: @RSPBDandG