Trip report: Loch Ken and south-west Scotland, 24th February 2008 · Derek Charlton · Added 8 March 2008

Nearly 40 members came along and, thankfully, the weather forecast for the day was correct: dry with sunny spells.  We made a quick toilet stop at Dumfries where Goldeneye, Grey Wagtails, Goosanders and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were quickly spotted.  Back on the bus, and within a short while we were searching for our main bird of the day, the Golden Eagle, and again they didn't disappoint: within 20 minutes a pair were spotted in the distance. 

A quick stop at Loch Ken followed, for the flock of Greenland White-fronted Geese, and then we were off to Caerlaverock.  There was plenty to see here including thousands of Barnacle Geese and Whooper Swans, Pink-feet, Wigeon, Black-tailed Godwits, Shovelers and a single Ruff. 

A joint effort between myself and the Chairman to count the Buzzards seen during the day proved hopeless, as we both lost count after 60.  Around 10 Red Kites were also seen from the bus in the Loch Ken area. 

Everybody seemed to have a great day with around 70 species seen. 

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