Map (reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey) showing the Mull of Galloway. The seabird colony is at the southern tip, south of Drummore.
NUFFIN ...........
......... PUFFIN!
With the sunny weather this afternoon we decided to drive out to the west of the county and look at the Mull of Galloway. By the time we reached the tip we were starving so we headed straight for the cafe where we sat outside hoping for that Bee-eater or Alpine Swift but no joy. So we headed down towards the foghorn and just as we turned the corner of the lighthouse garden wall Mrs B spotted a couple of Puffins on the sea. We spent a bit of time watching them along with plenty of Guillemots, Razorbills and a few Black Guillemots. It was a glorious afternoon with Wheatears and Rock Pipits singing nearby. Shame though that some fisherman just have to approach so close to the cliffs .......... Is this the only place to fish around this coastline?
Fishing boat right below the seabird colony at the Mull of Galloway.
Even worse was to follow when two canoes approached.........
Passing much too close to the cliffs (note Kittiwakes in flight).
Auks were scattering (note 'spray-trail' from fluttering birds) as the canoes passed so near the cliffs that we couldn't see them below us! We paid a visit to the RSPB visitor's centre immediately after the event to report our observations.
Polite Notice? Could do with one of these on bouys on the sea below the cliffs I believe!
Mrs B (on the steps) looks down from below the lighthouse towards the foghorn.
Scotland's most southerly point.
Mrs B watching Wheatears and Stonechats at the Mull.
From the Mull we drove to the top of Auchie Glen (foreground of photo) and walked the glen in search of migrants. No Woodchat this time but Hooded Crow was nice in the fields as we walked back to the car.
Brown Hare, Auchie Glen, Mull of Galloway.
Red Admiral.Back at the car we had a quick cuppa before setting off back east again. A quick stop at West Freugh produced a Barn Owl quartering the MOD property but 'scoping a Grasshopper Warbler at 10.00 PM on the Gatehouse - Laurieston Road takes some beating! We finally arrived back at the caravan at 11.30 PM after a bit of night birding. Smashing day once again.
