Description
Details
Enjoy the best of the Solway winter birding with expert local guide Ken White. Have expert guidance exploring the local birding hotspots to witness the massed ranks of migratory swans, wildfowl and waders that converge on the Solway from all corners of the harsh northern winters.
What you can expect from the course:
Day 1 – 3rd January
Meet at Shambellie House at 3pm for afternoon tea and an illustrated talk on the birds that we will come across during the trips, with information on where and how they get here. Drive to your accommodation at Mabie House Hotel* for bed and breakfast and enjoy their cosy and friendly hospitality. Evening meal and packed lunch options available. (Order from Mabie House)
Day 2 – 4th January
Minibus collection at 09:00 to take you from Mabie House Hotel* to RSPB Mersehead. This weekend has been timed carefully to coincide with tides that are likely to let you see the widest range of different birds the Solway hosts. You will spend the the day here exploring via the walks, hides and coast with the potential to stop off at other parts of our richly biodiverse and varied coastline enroute back to your agreed drop off/pick up point.
Day 3 – 5th January
Minibus collection at 09:00 to take you from Mabie House Hotel* to WWT Caerlaverock where part of the day will include the wild swan feeding at 13:00. Once again Ken’s local knowledge will allow you to make the most of this vast refuge to see the large numbers and variety of birds on this wetland reserve. The journey home to the warmth of the stove and welcome at Mabie House (or other accommodation) will include a stop off at Glencaple Quay to view the tidal River Nith and Kirkconnell Merse.
Day 4 – 6th January
Minibus collection at 09:00 to take you from Mabie House* Hotel to Southerness to see the birds move inland as high tide approaches at 13:00. Afternoon tea will be back at Shambellie House at 15:00 where there will be a relaxed trip review and a time for you to complete your complimentary trip diaries and say your farewells.
Keen photographers are welcome to make use of our digital suite with Adobe Photoshop at Shambellie House to do any instant editing of photographs.
*For those people not staying at Mabie House Ken will agree a suitable meeting and pick up/drop off point for each day trip.