It’s been a busy couple of weeks at the RSPB Mull of Galloway as we prepared for the end of the 2015 season. With lots of things to pack up and organise, annual meetings and reports to write- it was shaping up to be a busy time. Cue some more visible migration to keep us on our toes!
Rewind back to last Wednesday (28.10.15). Some gentle Easterly winds followed two days of bad weather- the perfect conditions for migrating birds passing by the Mull of Galloway. A Hen Harrier was the first bird to greet us as we arrived and the expectations began to rise. We were not disappointed!
The morning count from 08:15-10:40am produced a staggering 1,441 Skylark – the 8th highest Skylark count in the UK! We also recorded 1,125 Fieldfares- the highest ever count of Fieldfares for the reserve! Many more thrushes were found feeding around the reserve throughout the day including Redwings, Song Thrushes and Blackbirds. For a full report see http://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/851/20151028
Redwing on the Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Short Eared Owl seen regularly in recent weeks on the Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
What an amazing end to a wonderful season at the Mull of Galloway! The success of the Mull of Galloway is a result of a close partnership between the RSPB Scotland, the Mull of Galloway Community Trust and the Gallie Craig café. This close-knit community work very hard to develop the area for visitors and for wildlife. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved with the Mull of Galloway this season!
The Mull of Galloway 2015 team
The RSPB visitor centre at Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Sunrise at the Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Sunset and the Gallie Craig cafe (photo Laura Shearer)
The Gallie Craig Rock- Scotland's Southernmost point (photo Laura Shearer)
Working together with the Mull of Galloway Community Trust, the RSPB have many new treats in store for 2016! We will be developing the walled garden as part of the Lighthouse compound and adding new interpretation panels around the reserve. As Scotland's Southernmost point (and Southernmost Seabird Colony!) with amazing views to the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland and Cumbria- add the Mull of Galloway to your holiday list for 2016!
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