Making the Most of Moorlands Update: March 29th 2016

The Skydancing has begun!

 

I was watching from Harrier Corner yesterday at around 3pm and was treated to excellent views of three Harriers (two male and one female). One male was skydancing (the first I know of this season) when the other one flew in and quite a fight ensued. A tour from Northern Wildlife Experience arrived just in time to enjoy the harriers and great views of the resident Merlin pair. Happy days!  

 

Saturday 9th April 2016

Guided Watch on Langholm Moor

Following some great sightings at the recent Watch the Moorland Skies event we will be holding another guided watch on the moor at 'Harrier Corner' (Grid Ref: NY392865) on Saturday 9th April between 8am and 12 noon. Again, the event is free and everyone is welcome to drop-in throughout the session. Telescopes and binoculars will be available to use at the location and MMM staff will be on-hand to answer any questions and point out interesting wildlife.

Wrap up warm, bring a thermos and if you have any questions, give us a ring on 013873 80914 or drop Rick and email at: moorlandcb@yahoo.co.uk

Hope to see you (and the harriers) there. 

Moorland March Update: Saturday 19th/Sunday 20th

Bird Ringing demo, Nocturnal Wildlife Tours and a glorious W.T.M.S

This weekend's activities kicked off bright and early on a chilly Saturday morning with the Bird Ringing demo at the Laverock Hide. In excess of 70 birds were caught, ringed and processed and the event was well attended despite the cool breeze. Many thanks to Mike and Brian from the Solway Ringing Group who made the trip on Friday to lend their expertise and stayed over night at the hide in their camper!

 

 





Bird Ringing at the Laverock Hide.



Jake gets to grips with a Chaffinch




A Great Tit ready for release.



Greenfinch (L) and Coal Tit (R) - Courtesy of Tom Hutton

 

 

 

 Unfortunately most people had drifted off before the Nocturnal Wildlife Tours arrived but those who remained were lucky enough to experience a fantastic demonstration of thermal imaging and night vision equipment. Thanks to Keith and his wife for making the trip from Castle Douglas and be sure to check out the NWT website at wildlifetours.co.uk

 

The weather Gods were smiling on the Watch the Moorland Skies event on Sunday morning. From 7.30am the sun shone from the clear blue and many raptors (and other birds) made the most of the fine weather. Observers were treated to excellent views of both male and female Merlin (including mating), a female Hen Harrier (most likely Hattie), many buzzards, a displaying Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and distant views of a Red Kite. All around us the moor was waking up with singing Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Curlew and the various vocalisations of Red Grouse.

Thanks to all who attended the events. Your support is very much appreciated!

 

Moorland March Updates:

 

 

A look at what's been going on and what's still to come.......

 

 

 

Saturday 5th March 2016

 

 

 

After a great exhibition opening at the old Post Office on Langholm High Street earlier in the week, Saturday found the MMM Team heading out onto the moor with 14 well wrapped up brave souls. The weather was relatively kind (by Langholm standards) and the various talks, demonstrations and musical interludes were interesting, entertaining and enjoyed by all along the way. Wildlife highlights included Peregrine, a stunning male Merlin and a Red Kite which circled above the Monument as Langholm Folk sang below. A huge thank you to all who came along, those who offered their skills, talents and knowledge (Billy, Rob, John, Hamish and Vi, Charlie and Alan) and to everyone involved.



Cat discussing Sphagnum Moss with the group.

 



Rob Waitt's 'Raw Edge' Chainsaw Sculpting demonstration.

 

 

Langholm Folk singing at the Monument.

 

 



Hamish 'Half-Goat' Odinson and his fantastic leatherwork.

 

 

John Crouch Cookery Demonstration.

 

 

The 'Making The Most Of Moorlands' Team.

 

 Still to come.....

Saturday 19th March 2016

 

Bird Ringing Demonstration

 

FREE – just drop in between 8am and 12noon.

Join us for a special bird ringing demonstration – Members of the North Solway Ringing Group and our team will be netting, ringing and releasing a variety of birds at The Laverock Hide on Langholm Moor.

 

 

Followed by..... 

 

Saturday 19th March 2016 - 3pm-5pm

Nocturnal Wildlife Tour 

"A truly unique experience awaits you on Langholm Moor"

 

Come and meet Cowan and Keith from the Nocturnal Wildlife Tours team “as seen on BBC’s The One Show” as they show you their specially prepared NWT Land Rover, complete with various night vision and thermal imaging devices which they use on their tours. For a small fee you can book a short trip with them later in the day.

 

 

And then the following day.....

 

Watch The Moorland Skies

 

Sunday 20th March 2016 - 8am - 12 noon

 

FREE – Drop in anytime between 8am and noon.

Join our experienced wildlife guides at ‘Harrier Corner’ on Langholm Moor (GridRef: NY392865) to watch the moorland skies for signs of resident moorland species and spring visitors.

Thank you for all of your support and remember, the Exhibition at the Old Post Office will be running until the end of March. Hope to see you soon!