Scotland · Dumfries and Galloway
WWT Caerlaverock
The Solway Firth wildfowl spectacular. The whole Svalbard barnacle-goose population (35,000+) winters here, alongside whooper swans, pink-foots, and a winter raptor cast that includes hen harrier roost.
Region
Scotland
Habitat
Estuary, saltmarsh, wetland
Best months
November – March
Famous for
Barnacle Goose, Whooper Swan, Hen Harrier
What you'll see
From late October the barnacles arrive — by Christmas the merse is carpeted with 30,000+ birds. Whooper swans (700+) come up close at the floodlit evening swan-feeds, the most intimate experience of wild swans you can get in Britain. Pink-footed geese drop in. Hen harriers roost on the saltmarsh; short-eared + barn owls hunt the rough grazing.
How to visit
Free for WWT members. Heated observation tower for swans. Hides spread across the merse. Café + visitor centre. Evening swan-feeds (booked) Nov-Feb.
Top species
- Barnacle Goose (entire Svalbard population)
- Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose
- Hen Harrier (winter roost)
- Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl
- Wader passage spring + autumn