Monday, May 03, 2010

Around Glenluce with the West Galloway SOC


A lovely morning and with an afternoon planned in the company of the SOC we decided to make a day of it and explore Glenluce Woods in the morning.

Down the old railway line through the woods

Out at the other side of the woods we took in the views...Glenluce Abbey..

Up the valley towards the hills..

..and towards Luce bay.

After our picnic lunch, we met on the old stone road bridge below the viaduct at Glenluce. The early arrivals were greeted with good views of a Dipper and 2 Grey Wagtails below the bridge.

One day I will get a decent dipper photo!!!

Once all had arrived we set off towards the St Helena footpath.
A Grey Heron was fishing on the weir near the cottage in his usual place.


The path follows the River Luce under the A75 road bridge, where we stopped to watch Sticklebacks in the river under the shade of the bridge.

We were soon past the traffic noise of the road and could clearly hear the songs of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers.

Spring had truly arrived and the willow trees were buzzing with the sound of bumblebees.

Wood Sorrel

Plenty of spring flowers were showing including celandines, wood sorrel and wood anemones, along with daffodils although most were cultivated and not wild.

Wood Anemone

Butterflies were also about including Red Admiral and Peacock.

A young rabbit on the path

Plenty of other common species of birds were spotted along the path but unfortunately when we arrived at the shore the tide was a long way out, so were the birds. Rock & Meadow Pipits were seen though and Mallards flying over and a distant Linnet.

On our return we spotted 2 Buzzards being mobbed by corvids. A lovely walk in the sunshine with good company and lovely to see a couple of new faces.

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