As the day draws to a close we start to review our visible migration festival- and what a day it was! This is the first time we have run this event so we were anxious to ensure the winds were from the right direction and that there was plenty to see. We were not disappointed!
We began our visible migration counts at 7am. With high counts of Meadow Pipits and Linnets recorded throughout the week, we were hopeful today would continue to bring us lots of birds. Suddenly- almost as if from nowhere- a Spotted Flycatcher was seen perching on some brambles. Normally associating with woodlands, this was a surprising find. We continued with our counts and had a look around the shrubs behind the visitor centre noting Reed Buntings, Redpolls and Stonechats. Overhead there was a familiar call… “Can you hear a woodpecker?!...” It took a brief moment before we located a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying over the reserve towards the café. An amazing record for the Mull of Galloway which doesn’t have any trees!
Spotted Flycatcher resting on some brambles (photo Laura Shearer)
Throughout the day, we had migration themed games for children. With realistic life-sized geese hiding around the reserve, it was a real treat for young and old alike. The Area Reserves Manager for Dumfries and Galloway, Andrew Beilinski, performed a talk about migration and the perilous journeys which many birds undertake in order to reach their wintering grounds. Within minutes of the talk ending we were watching migration in action as 2 Common Buzzards flew overhead before continuing with their journeys south.
Barnacle Goose as part of our Migration Games (photo Laura Shearer)
Illustrated talk on bird migration at RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
As the day continued we saw more and more raptors including Merlins, Sparrowhawks, Peregrines and Kestrels. The highlight however came just after 3pm as a Red Kite soared in front of the visitor centre for several minutes before travelling back towards Drummore. What a day this turned out to be! Exhausted from the adrenaline rushes that come with spotting unusual birds on your patch, we retreated to the visitor centre for a cuppa. Within minutes 4 people came rushing in- they had just spotted a Hen Harrier! Our 7th raptor species for the day!
Red Kites are a rare sighting at the Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
We could not have predicted the amazing wildlife which has been seen today. Harbour Porpoise, Grey Seals and Roe Deer were sighted throughout the day by many of our visitors as well as all of these amazing birds. What will next year’s Vis Mig Fest bring?!