SOLWAY: Waders, wildfowl & WeBS.

Life in sleepy Carsethorn - see here for explanation. Probably the best pub in the world! Read on.

Our holiday on the Solway wasn't all fun 'n' frolics of course as there were Timed Tetrad Visits to finish and WeBS counts to do. Actually there were a few surprises around - a flock of 14 Common Sandpipers at Newbie, a pair of Bar-tailed Godwits at Dornock (one in stunning summer plumage), several Whimbrel at various sites, four figure Curlew counts on the Nith, single Gadwall on the National Nature Reserve at Caerlaverock and a few Barnacle Geese including the two pictured above at Newbie Mains.

WeBS counting on the Nith Estuary. No I'm not going bald, it's a brood patch!

Just a few of the thousand plus Curlew on the Nith Estuary last week.

I ended the trip with a seawatch off Southerness Point early 13th July. A pair of Ravens over the point was a nice surprise but better still the two dark morph Arctic Skuas that passed by a few times were most welcome. There's something magic about skuas for me so double delight when a couple of Bonxies flew west soon after the Arctics. However the holiday highlight was definitely the main event at Carsethorn just round the coast from Southerness.
As previously explained we've had a bit of a giggle at the expense of the Steamboat Inn there over the last 20 years, having rarely seen it open. A couple of weeks ago we were about to take the plunge and go in when they turned the sign round to "CLOSED". Not being ones to take a hint we tried again this weekend.

The moment of truth!

Then it happened - I went in AND bought drinks!

Triumph. Ecstatic with satisfaction I return with drinks and crisps!

I was so taken with the friendly welcoming attitude of Anne & Graham and the rest of the staff here I decided to take Mrs B back the next night for a meal. I can thoroughly recommend the Steamboat Inn at Carsethorn for a pint, a meal and a warm D&G welcome. We'll be back ...... if you're open. Naaaah, just kidding.


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