Local Wildlife

Dumfries & Galloway has rich and diverse wildlife, and you will not be here long before you spot a red kite soaring overhead or see a little red squirrel scamper off through the treetops. For both the casual observer and the dedicated enthusiast there will be something to charm and impress.

Rich & Diverse Wildlife nearby Ross Bay Retreat

This collection of images was taken by a talented guest staying with us at Ross Bay Retreat, Margaret Holland , you can see more of her wonderful photography on her flickr page https://www.flickr.com/photos/67065881@N00/

: Redstarts Summer visitor arriving here from southern Europe and North Africa mid April and stay I until late June before migrating again.

: Peregrine. Our fastest falcon favouring cliffs as a habitat. A joy to see unless you are the prey and even they you would be unlikely to see it before the strike.

: Mountain Goat. Living wild uo in the Galloway hills with his harem of nannies and kids. Disputes often take place between the billies.

: Cormorants. Superb ‘fishermen’ capable of catching and swallowing very large fish.

: Red Kite. a great success story after reintroduction now becoming more widely spread. Feed mainly on carrion.

: Flycatchers. Summer migrants from southern euros and can be seen late April to June before their return migration.

: Oyster Catcher. One of our noisiest waders who surpassingly often breed away from water or the sea. Look like smart waiters with their red beak and legs and black and white plumage. What a uniform of which to be very proud.

: Redstarts Summer visitor arriving here from southern Europe and North Africa mid April and stay I until late June before migrating again.

: Nuthatches Smart wee bird known for its habit of working its way down tree trunks rather than work upwards. Great characters.

: Stoats. Great predators able to overcome prey much bigger than themselves. Identified by the black tip to their tail.

: Kingfisher Hard to believe this is a UK bird having such fabulous plumage. Graces many lakes, river and ponds.

: Barnacle Goose. One of our smallest geese flying in late October from the Artic where they breed. Huge flocks gather in the winter before making the return journey in late spring.

: Whooper Swan. Another winter visitor from northern climes to spend their winter with us before flying back to Iceland where they breed.

: Red Squirrel. Who does not fall in love with these delightful animals and here we have several in specific locations. Under threat by the introduced greys but they are hanging on.

: Hare

: Weasels. Identified by having no black tip to their tails like stoats. Small but very effective predator.

: Brent Goose Another welcome visitor from the Artic arriving late October and leaving in April to breed in the north.

: Sparowhawk. Merciless assassin predating on small birds and even larger ones if the larger female gets involved.

: Ring Ousel. Like a blackbird with a clerical collar Arrive her in early April and have a distinctive call nothing like a blackbird .

: Kingfisher Hard to believe this is a UK bird having such fabulous plumage. Graces many lakes, river and ponds.

: Badgers. Mainly nocturnal but you could be lucky to spot them in day light. They are enjoying a mix welcome – the jury is out on their future.

: Brimstone Butterfly. The forts of our butterflies to emerge in Spring and the males have a brighter colouration – bright yellow. Hibernate in winter.

: Comma Butterfly Recognised by the comma sign on the wing and its ragged outline to its wings. Hibernates in winter.

: Golden plover Diminutive plover with a rather nervous disposition They remain in the UK but migrate to different parts in Winter Breeds on open moorland and are like little golden jewels as they run fast through the short vegetation. Distinct change of plumage in the breeding season with the birds having dark face and breast feathers

: Osprey. What a success story for these birds who fly in from West Africa to breed in huge bests near our lakes. Feed on fish that they grab in their lethal talons. They arrive often in early March and after breeding leave in mid-August.

: Red Deer Peak time to see then is in late September to early November the rutting season. Magnificent animals our largest wild mammal and a joy to watch.

: Flycatchers. Summer migrants from southern euros and can be seen late April to June before their return migration.

: Peregrine. Our fastest falcon favouring cliffs as a habitat. A joy to see unless you are the prey and even they you would be unlikely to see it before the strike.

: Otters. You need to be very lucky to spot these in daylight but it can be done but total quietness is required and a huge amount of luck.

: Red Kite. a great success story after reintroduction now becoming more widely spread. Feed mainly on carrion.

: Ring Ousel. Like a blackbird with a clerical collar Arrive her in early April and have a distinctive call nothing like a blackbird .

: Barn Owl. A great favourite feeding on small mammals and insects Like huge white moths they move silently through the air on specially designed feathers.

: Snow Bunting. Yet another welcome visitor from Iceland and fly in bounding flocks feeding on windblown seed . Arrive late September and leave again in early spring.

: Whooper Swan. Another winter visitor from northern climes to spend their winter with us before flying back to Iceland where they breed.

: Badgers. Mainly nocturnal but you could be lucky to spot them in day light. They are enjoying a mix welcome – the jury is out on their future.

: Little Owl. Our smallest owl and an introduced species that has endeared itself to us all Comical little birds feeding in insects and small mammals. Often seen in daytime