It’s been an exciting few days at the Mull of Galloway as we welcomed our first chicks of the season! To make this occasion even more exciting the chicks were from our Stonechats- a species which failed to nest here last year. The pair took up residence in early April and have been a common sight (and sound!) around the RSPB visitor centre. We’ve been following their progress- watching them carrying nesting material and food to their nesting site. Yesterday morning we were delighted to watch the chicks take their first flight. Hopping around the tussocks and moving between the willows, the 4 fledglings slowly built up their flying ability throughout the day under the watchful eyes of their parents.
Stonechat fledgling at Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Adult Female Stonechat keeping an eye on her chicks! (photo Laura Shearer)
On the cliffs the Shags, Guillemots and Razorbills are all incubating at the minute with more eggs being laid each day. The sea is dotted with Guillemots and Razorbills, pairing up, mating and reinforcing their pair bonds. Walking down to the Foghorn a wave of noise greets you as the Kittiwakes screech from below. Their calls echo along the cliffs as our noisy neighours slowly settle onto the cliffs to begin their breeding season.
Razorbills paring up on the Mull of Galloway cliffs (photo Laura Shearer)
The cliffs are filling up with Kittiwakes (photo Laura Shearer)
Our Harbour Porpoise have been seen regularly in recent weeks- often feeding in the tidal race between the Foghorn and Lagvag Point. Ask a member of staff at the RSPB visitor centre for the recent sightings when you visit.
Harbour Porpoise at the Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)