Laurieston and WWT Caerlaverock. Sunday 22nd Feb 2009. · Derek Charlton · Added 22 February 2009

38 members made the journey north in what turned out to be a bright, mostly sunny day.  A brief toilet stop at Dumfries saw many members treated with a view of an Otter swimming upsteam. Lesser Blacked Back Gulls, Grey Wagtail and Goosanders were all seen before heading back to the coach.  What had so far been a beautiful journey changed as we reached the high moorland, as we were met with strong blustery winds on leaving the bus. It was not a total disaster as the Golden Eagle still gave us a brief, although distant, view. Then it was back on board the bus for a look to Loch Ken.  Our main quarry, the White Fronted Geese were eventually seen, after a lengthy search, with around 20 present.  As usual the highlights at WWT Caerlaverock were the huge numbers of Whooper Swans along with the Pink Footed and Barnacle Geese, although an obliging drake Scaup was a fine sight.  Throughout the day around 70 Buzzards and 25 Red Kites were seen, mostly from the bus, with Raven and Peregrine also seen.  All in all, another enjoyable club outing in good company. 

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