This week has seen the arrival of the first chicks on the reserve. One of our pairs of shag have hatched two chicks and we expect the others to not be far behind.
Shag with chick - Photo Credit: Andy Hay (RSPB Images)
Two other recent arrivals are whitethroat and sedge warbler. We have had both signing away in the willow bushes at the start of the week along with willow warbler, goldfinch and wren. A snipe has also been seen early some mornings under the willow branches.
Whitethroat - Photo Credit: John Bridges (RSPB Images)
Swallow and house martin have also been arriving and can often be seen from Lagvag or Foxes rattle.
Linnet have been feeding amongst the heather and meadow pipit continue to display all around the reserve.
Following from the high tides and strong winds at the weekend we had a lot of gannet feeding around the tidal race that rushes past Lagvag point which were joined by a pod of harbour porpoise.
The strong winds however were less of a draw for the guillemot, razorbill and kittiwake which tend to disperse back out to sea when conditions get rough but can still be seen rafting on the water.
Black guillemot are best viewed early in the morning and can often be spotted near Lagvag or the foghorn area. Fulmar are more commonly seen nearer to Gallie Craig as are herring gull and great black-backed gull.
Black Guillemot - Photo Credit: Rob Conn
Wheatear with their distinctive white rumps, have been frequenting the cliff tops all around the reserve as are rock pipit. And pied wagtail can be seen most days around the lighthouse courtyard.
Wheatear - Photo Credit: Rob Conn
The Lighthouse Exhibition Centre which is run by the Mull of Galloway Community Trust is open every day as is the RSPB Visitor Centre and at weekends you can climb the lighthouse tower to enjoy stunning panoramic views out over the Irish sea and Luce bay or why not join us on a Wednesday for one of our regular guided walks.
For more information click on the links here –
Lighthouse & Exhibition
RSPB Mull of Galloway
Guided walks