Teaching in Dumfries today, but managed a quick look round between classes.
First stop was Eastpark Farm. It really is a fantastic place, full of birds, with Pied Wagtail singing from the barn roof, Rooks and Jackdaws feeding in the paddock, House Sparrows squabbling in the stock yard and the last of the wintering Barnacle Geese in the field next door. Most unexpected finds were a Peacock and Peahen lurking in a shady driveway. Best were the two Willow Warblers singing (one in full view) nearby - my first of the year.
Next stop was Caerlaverock Castle where 3 Stock Doves were feeding on the lawns with Woodpigeons before flying up into some of the ancient Oaks that are all over the site.
Last stop was the SNH car park at Shore Road where 4 Dunnocks were singing and wing flicking in the Gorse, another Willow Warbler was singing from the woods, a Skylark was song-flighting over the salt marsh, and I found my first Cuckoo Flower of the year (see below).