Location and Access

This Scottish Wildlife Trust woodland reserve lies on the west bank of the River Ayr starting at Failford. To get there follow the B743 from Mauchline or the Ayr bypass. Park opposite the Failford Inn at NS 460 262 (this makes a good finishing point – check out their web site). The reserve is reached by the sign-posted path heading towards the river from the west end of the village and is open all the time.

The River Ayr cuts through a sandstone gorge flanked by a rich deciduous and coniferous woodland. There are several paths going along the river and higher up through the wood giving circuitous walks of an hour or up to three. One interesting feature is Peden’s Pulpit: steps have been cut in the sandstone to a place where the Covenanter Alexander Peden preached to his congregation on the other side of the river (see picture). Robert Burns parted from Mary Campbell here “after plighting his troth” to her.The path gets a little hairy at this point and is not suitable for people with a poor head for heights (like the author!); however, it is possible to go up and around.

Update on October 2003

SWT have done extensive work (funded by a lottery grant) upgrading the paths and drainage in the reserve and clearing back the vegetation beside the path. This makes it less muddy underfoot, however, it still isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. The section of the path at Peden’s Pulpit is now so eroded that access is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.

Rough woodland tracks not suited for wheelchair users.

Busy road, care needed.

Birds

Obviously, the reserve is particularly good for woodland and river species. These include Jay, Buzzard, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, flycatchers, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Heron, Goosander, Treecreeper, warblers. In the spring the woodland can be extremely noisy! Osprey have been seen on passage.

The SWT have done a good job in maintaining the reserve and the paths are clear and go through a variety of good habitat. It is a surprisingly quiet place given just how attractive the area is. Given the relative scarcity of woodland in Ayrshire, this reserve is an absolute gem.

Location and Access

Lady Isle poses two problems for the birder. Firstly, being an island 4 km off the Troon coast (NS 27 29) a boat is required to gain physical access. Secondly, it is a privately owned island so access is restricted to those with permission from the owner. Without permission it would still be possible to get good views of the birds and the seal colony by circumnavigating the island in a boat. A calm sea is required to get the best views and to avoid a rough crossing.

Birds

For many years there was a summer warden on the island whose job it was to protect the Roseate Terns that used to nest there. Nowadays, however, the terns have vanished to be replaced by a large gull colony. The Shag colony has decreased, whilst the Cormorant colony has grown to a significant size.

LadyIsle, © B. Zonfrillo

Gull colony on Lady Isle, © Kevin Waite, 2003

Bothy on Lady Isle, © Kevin Waite, 2003

A number of smaller waders can be found on the island especially in winter. Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Turnstone are common in winter. Passerine flocks e.g. Twite can often be found on the island along with a few resident Wrens. Teal and Wigeon are also regular visitors in winter.

It is worthwhile scouting the flocks of Cormorant and Shag on the sea, as an escaped Emperor Goose has been regularly seen over the past -4 years. On the crossing over to the island in early spring Red-throated Diver, Black Guillemot and Guillemot can often be seen at close quarters.

For an account of a ringing expedition to Lady Isle see this article.

Location and Access

Mixed woodland on the south-east outskirts of Troon. Originally the home policies of Fullarton House, built in the mid-eighteenth century with a stable block added a few years later. The main house was demolished in 1966, now all that remains are two stone pillars at the entrance to the car park. The stable block has been converted into flats.

The woodland forms two distinct sections, one tract lying to the north of the car park and one to the east, both serviced by a network of paths. The main surfaced path links the centre of the estate with Wilson Avenue to the north. Unsurfaced paths follow the perimeter of both north and east tracts. A number of rough tracks criss-cross through the woods.

Drive past rugby club and park on site of Fullarton House, Troon (NS 45303).

Note that the woods are very popular with walkers and dog-walkers.

Disabled parking spaces at back left corner of car park. The perimeter path around the north sector, despite being rough and muddy at times, should be negotiable by wheelchair with care. The eastern sector is only accessible by wheelchair from the (sometimes busy) unclassified road passing the stable block. The rough tracks criss-crossing the woods are best avoided.

Within 1km of National Cycle Route 7.

Birds

Reasonably wide variety of common resident and migrant woodland birds including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher and many others. Rich in bird song in spring. Also listen for Green Woodpecker.

The fields lying to north towards Loans flood in winter. Good for greylag geese and grey heron. Ducks and roosting waders can also be present at high tide. Worth checking through the geese for other varieties. Also large flocks of winter thrushes are sometimes feeding on nearby stubble fields or set-aside.

Location and Access

The small, compact village of Dailly (NS 270 014), formerly associated with coal mining, forms the centre of an area which is extremely rich in bird life. Much of this is due to the variety of habitats found nearby. The floodplain of the River Girvan forms the foundation for both mixed, largely pastoral farming to the north-east of the village, and the Brunston Golf Course to the south-west. Now and then the valley contains rich little pockets such as reed-fringed ox-bows near Dalquharran Castle, whilst the mature, broad-leaf woodland towards Bargany Estate, slightly farther to the south-west, is well worth inspection.

On a bus route, this whole area is easily accessed, whilst cyclists will find the roads on either side of the valley relatively quiet, especially the B741 on the north side which is part of the National Byway cycling network in the area and connects with National Cycle Route 7 near Maybole.

Still to be assessed, further details to be posted on the website in due course.

Waymarked byway network in valley connects to National Cycle Route 7 near Maybole and to Girvan.

Birds

As one might expect with such a varied habitat, the range of birds seen in this area is considerable, The flood plain hosts Whooper Swan occasionally in winter, while the ox-bows give shelter to both Grasshopper and Sedge Warbler, along with a healthy population of Reed Bunting. Below Dailly, the Golf Course regularly hosts a hunting Barn Owl or Buzzard, while the river itself has breeding Common Sandpiper, Kinfisher, Dipper, and Grey Wagtail, with Goosander appearing mostly in winter.

The woodland areas are the real gems though, with a good summer population of typical species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher and Jay. Here the raptors like Sparrowhawk and Buzzard predominate, with Raven often heard overhead. A wide range of species have occurred in this part of South Ayrshire and rarities include Honey Buzzard, Osprey and Hobby.

Walking trails

Ayrshire Paths is well advanced in the process of establishing a network of way-marked trails radiating out from Dailly. These are due to open in autumn/winter 2002. An interpretive leaflet will be available from information centres or can be downloaded from their web site.

Location and Access

This site comprises an SSSI, consisting of mature oak woodland beside the quiet minor road, B7044, between Ballantrae and Colmonell(turn north-eastwards off the A77 at the southern outskirts of Ballantrae). Alternatively, from Girvan, turn off the A77 just north of Ballantrae on to the B734, then right at the B7044.

Park by the roadside with consideration for other users and walk the section along the hillside. Good birding can be enjoyed all along this road, but the wooded section at NX 113 848, about 4km from Ballantrae, above the river and along the slopes of Knockdolian Hill is especially rewarding. The view south-eastwards towards Glen Tig and the slopes of Beneraird not only provides an attractive scene, but is well worth scanning for soaring raptors. In the foreground, the River Stinchar should not be neglected either.

The site is a longish walk from the nearest bus route but an approach by cycle up the B7044 from Ballantrae has appeal and would enable Ballantrae Shore and Knockdolian to be explored together.

This is a busy country road with no surfaced lay-bys or safe refuges for wheelchair users to avoid passing traffic. Opportunities exist to watch and listen from vehicle.

Easy ride along B7044, all good for birds.

Birds

The real value of Knockdolian lies in its breeding bird community. Mature oak woodland is a scarce commodity in Ayrshire and the range of species breeding here is typical of such habitats. Early spring migrants such as Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler often occur here well ahead of their arrival elsewhere in the county. However, May is probably the best time to hear the songs of breeding species like Tree Pipit, Redstart, Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher. The river valley also holds wealth of birdlife with both Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander occasionally nesting alongside regulars such as Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Dipper and sometimes Kingfisher. The following species could be expected depending on the time of year: Grey Heron, Mallard, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel Pheasant, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Redwing, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Wood Warbler,Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer. Scarcer species such as Osprey, Green Woodpecker and Waxwing have also occurred.

Location and Access

About 8km south of Ballantrae,the main A77 trunk road south enters the lower reaches of the valley of the Water of App. Along the main road there are two safely entered laybys from which the slopes of the glen can be scanned. Near the mouth of the river (at NX 052 724) asmall road to Finnarts Bay forms the entrance to a fish processing plant, but also leads to a large informal parking area overlooking the mouth of Loch Ryan. Turn in with care as the A77 carries heavy traffic. From here, once again, the glen can be scanned as can the entrance to Loch Ryan. By this park, too, the heavy scrub and woodland is good cover for small birds, especially at migration periods. The A77 through the Glen is not recommended for walking or cycling but a regular Ballantrae-Stranraer bus service follows the route.

Car park at Finnarts Bay is very rough but parking nearby for wheelchair users should be feasible. Access also available along quiet road from Marberry Cottage on the B7027 to Barwinnock – 2 cattle grids on this unclassified road.

A77 not recommended.

Birds

Glen App is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The hillsides are comprised mostly of open moorland and conifer plantations but contain small deciduous stands too. A good range of raptors can be expected, soaring and hunting along the skyline, with Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine likely and Hen Harrier possible. Other likely sightings include Raven, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Stonechat, Wheatear, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Spotted Flycatcher, with Loch Ryan providing seabirds such as Red-throated Diver (Sep-Apr), Fulmar, Eider and Black Guillemot.

Drumlamford Lochs

While exploring Galloway, a trip to the group of lochs near Drumlamford House (NX 288 765) on the B7027 south east of Barrhill is worthwhile. The route from Ballantrae along B7044, A765, A714 and B7027 passes through a rich and varied habitat, all of it along river valleys and with many opportunities for wayside stops. Three of the five lochs, Nahinie, Dornal and Maberry (the latter two extend into Dumfries and Galloway), can be scanned from the roadside.

These are upland lochs surrounded by small reed beds, conifer plantations including good stands of Scots Pine, some open moorland and small areas of mature broadleaf woodland. Among the likely sightings are Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Blackcap and Crossbill but there are many other possibilities such as the scarce Willow Tit.

Location and Access

The village of Ballantrae (NX 083 826) lies on the A77 approximately 21 km south of Girvan. This whole stretch of coastline, including Ballantrae Shingle Beach, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There are several laybys from which the sea and shoreline can be scanned.

At the southern end of Ballantrae a westwards turn leads from the A77 to a large car park, with toilets, by the shore. The shoreline, from the harbour at the north end to the shingle bank and estuary of the River Stinchar at the south end, is well worth exploring. A good view over the estuary and shingle bank can also be had by continuing south out of the village, over the Stinchar, and immediately right on to a minor road leading to the cemetery. Just before this, fork right past Holmpark and Kinniegar farms and walk down the track towards the beach. Parking along this minor road can be difficult – be careful not to block the entrance to any fields.

Ballantrae is also on the main Ayr-Girvan-Stranraer bus route. For cyclists, the A77 carries too much heavy traffic to be ideal, though a visit to the nearby site of Knockdolian could be made by cycle from Ballantrae along the quieter B7044 which follows the Stinchar up from the south end of the village.

Park at south end of village (NX 082 825), view from carpark or nearby pavements.

A77 not recommended. Byway along B7044 a good link to nearby Knockdolian.

Birds

Ballantrae’s main attractions lie in its breeding species, offshore seabirds and migrants using the ever changing layout of the estuary. Three species of tern (Little, Arctic and Common) can breed, but disturbance levels are high and visitors are asked to walk along the shoreward edge of the shingle bar. Breeding waders include Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper while up to pairs of Mute Swans and occasional Greylag Geese also breed. An eroding river bank near the mouth of the river holds a sizable Sand Martin colony in some years. Offshore, the seabirds can also be spectacular with winter and spring build-ups of divers, notably Black-throated, breeding season “strings” of Gannets from Ailsa Craig, and autumn movements of Manx Shearwaters. The area is perhaps under-rated as a migration stop-over and has held Osprey, Little Ringed Plover and Wood Sandpiper in recent years.

The following species could reasonably be expected depending on time of year: Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Pheasant, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Wheatear, Stonechat, Whinchat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Twite, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting.

These adjacent parks on the south side of Ayr (Rozelle at NS 4 19; Belleisle at NS 19) contain a wide variety of habitats, encompassing open grassland; coniferous, deciduous and mixed woodland; scrub; ponds and the Slaphouse Burn. Consequently, they are rich in bird life, despite their suburban location. Indeed, over 110 species have been recorded.

Disabled parking at Belleisle House. Network of metalled and un-metalled footpaths, occasional steep sections can be avoided.

Various access points from local byway network and National Cycle Route 7.

Birds

Given their suburban location, many of the common garden birds, such as Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Robin and Dunnock can be easily seen. However, there is much more to be seen.

Both parks boast large open grassland areas, especially Belleisle with its golf courses. These areas attract gulls and Rooks throughout the year, with Redwing and Fieldfare flocks regular in winter. Small numbers of waders can also be seen on the fields occasionally, with Curlew, Oystercatcher, Snipe and Woodcock the most likely species. In summer, flocks of Swallow and House Martin often gather to feed over the fields.

Hunting Kestrel are a regular sight over the golf courses at Belleisle, whilst sizeable flocks of Meadow Pipit and Skylark can occur in the autumn.

The woodland areas hold the highest diversity of breeding species. Rozelle is the better of the two parks for woodland species due to its greater mix of woodlands. However, Belleisle should not be overlooked as it contains a large Rookery, breeding Stock Dove, Tawny Owl, Blackcap and Chiffchaff among others. Additionally, Rozelle can provide Spotted Flycatcher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Wood Warbler and Siskin.

In the autumn and winter the woodlands provide food and shelter for a wide variety of species. Finch flocks can be quite large and number hundreds of birds. Chaffinch and Siskin are the most regular with Brambling very common in some years. The best places to look for finch flocks are around the strands of Beech trees or in the rough weedy areas. Crossbills also occur erratically, usually in the Spruce plantations behind the ponds in Rozelle. This area often holds one or two Jays. Roving tit flocks should not be ignored as they sometimes contain the odd Willow Tit or over-wintering Blackcap or Chiffchaff.

The ponds in Rozelle attract a wide range of wildfowl despite being almost surrounded by trees. Around 20 pairs of Mallard breed annually along with 4-5 pairs of Moorhen, and Little Grebe bred in 1992. Other suck species recorded fairly regularly include Goldeneye, Shoveler, Pintail and Gadwall, whilst oddities like Mandarin and Smew occur occasionally. The ponds also attract other fish-eating birds, with Cormorant and Grey Heron often present. It is also worth keeping an eye open for Kingfisher.

Continuing with wetland habitats, the Slaphouse Burn and its banks are also home to Grey Heron, Kingfisher, Moorhen and Mallard. Other species to be seen along the burn are Pied and Grey Wagtails, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler in summer, and Snipe in winter. Flocks of Siskin and Redpoll numbering up to 50 are regular on the burn-side Alders in autumn and winter.

Both Rozelle House and Belleisle House Hotel are home to colonies of Swift and Lesser Black-backed Gull has been suspected of nesting on the roof of Rozelle House. The wood behind Belleisle House Hotel holds a large crow roost with several hundred Rook, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow often present.

Being close to the coast, it is often worth looking up as many birds over-fly the park. The parks lie on the regular flight-line of gulls and waders heading to the coastal roost at Doonfoot. Black-headed, Common and Herring Gulls can be seen in thousands towards dusk, along with smaller numbers of Curlew and Lapwing in autumn.

This description has been published in the leaflet Birdwatching around South Ayrshire produced by South Ayrshire Council and is reproduced with their kind permission.

Location and Access

The coast from the shore end (NS 42 250) of Maryborough Road, off Ayr Road, Prestwick, south along the edge of St. Nicholas Golf Course, and promenade towards Ayr Harbour (NS 2 236), accessed from Woodfield Road off Prestwick Road, Newton upon Ayr. There is kerbside car parking at either end. National Cycle Route 7 follows the coast here. There is a good bus service on Prestwick Road/Ayr Road (0.5km), with Newton-upon-Ayr railway station 0.5km away.

Easy viewing and parking along promenade (metalled surface), rough steep sandy coastal path to North.

On National Cycle Route 7.

Birds

Good mixture of rock, shingle and sandy beach with outflows attractive to birds. Species recorded according to season include Glaucous Gull, Long-tailed Duck, Arctic, Common & Sandwich Tern, Scaup, Goldeneye, Slavonian, Little & Red-necked Grebe, Razorbill, Little Auk, Black Guillemot, Jack Snipe, Black Redstart, Snow Bunting and Peregrine.

The stretch of coast between the mouth of River Doon (NS 24 195) and Greenan Castle (NS 12 193) is a well-known local birdwatching site. Over 190 species have been seen here, including several unusual migrants.

The main habitats of the area are the mudflats, rocks and mussel beds exposed at low tide, which are backed by dune grassland. There is also a section of low cliff and scrub around Greenan Castle. Woodland is scarce but there is a small wooded island near the mouth of the River Doon. North of the river lies Cunning Park, an area of marsh and fields, almost surrounded by houses.

Car park off Castle Walk is un-surfaced, park in road. Easy access to cycle track.

National Cycle Route 7 runs along the shore. Good viewing from cycle bridge over the River Doon.

Birds

Being a coastal location, the main species of interest are waders, wildfowl and gulls. A total of 2 species of wader have been seen and are present in numbers from late July to April/May. In autumn, a night-time roost of Curlew can number over 1000: these birds can often be seen on the rocks at Greenan Castle in late evening.

Similarly high numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover also occur in autumn and winter. Many of these birds move onto Ireland in the winter. Other waders obvious on the shore are Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Dunlin and Turnstone. In autumn a closer look may reveal Sanderling, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper, whilst in the winter, Greenshank are regular. These species are best looked for at high tide when the birds gather to roost at the Doon mouth and the shore below the Greenan car-park (NS 15 193).

Wildfowl are mainly present in the winter, with the nationally important Goldeneye flock, numbering several hundred birds, the main interest. Also present are flocks of Mallard, Teal and Mute Swans. Many other species pass through on migration including Wigeon, Pintail and Common Scoter. In autumn, flocks of geese and swans can be seen passing overhead in varying numbers. A small flock of Scaup is regular in winter, and during cold weather, large numbers of Pochard and Tufted Duck can occur. During the summer, flocks of up to 400 Eider gather to moult in Ayr Bay. Small numbers of divers and grebes are often present in Ayr Bay and are most numerous from February to April. The most commonly seen are Red-throated and Black-throated Divers and Great Crested Grebes.

Doonfoot is well known for its gulls, with a very large roost of up to 0,000 birds present in autumn and winter. Amongst these large numbers, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls from the Arctic are regular in winter, whilst Little, Mediterranean and Ring-billed Gulls occur occasionally.

Although the shore can be quiet in spring and summer, look for terns, Gannets and Manx Shearwaters feeding out in Ayr Bay. Also at this time of year, the grassland, scrub and woodland are at their best for breeding birds. Watch and listen for Chiffchaff and Blackcap in the woodland, and Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Stonechat in the grassland and scrub. The locally rare Lesser Whitethroat can sometimes be found in the scrub at Greenan Castle.

The Doon mouth is also a good spot for Kingfisher, which are best looked for from the Scaur O’ Doon car park.

Suggested Walk

Park around Cunning Park Drive, Gearholm Road which are off Doonfoot Rd and make way down to the sea front. Turn right walking towards Ayr and commence birdwatching! Walk along till you come to the car park at the Ayr India restaurant and turn right up Seafield Road. Continue till the traffic lights at Racecourse Rd. Turn right again and cross road into playing fields/running track and walk along perimeter which leads onto Seafield golf course. Continue around edge of golf course (keeping all dogs under control so they don’t upset the golfers!) until you come to gap in wall ahead of you. Go through and ahead till you come to the footpath across the golf course. Turn right and then left just before the gate onto Doonfoot Rd. This path may be marked with a Tam O’Shanter trail sign! Continue along path in amongst trees and bushes. Cross driveway up to Belleisle House onto path at other side. Pass through tall trees where there is a Rookery turning right at corner of deer/pony field. This paved path takes you onto Greenfield Ave (look in trees to your left down side of golf course and Greenfield Ave – saw a Woodpecker there once!). Turn right onto Greenfield Ave and cross road at bottom to the Doonfoot Store. Head for the sea following the river to see if you can spot the Kingfisher, or in my case, the Heron and then make your way back to the car.

This walk takes about an hour or just over (more if you birdwatch diligently!).

This description has been published in the leaflet Birdwatching around South Ayrshire produced by South Ayrshire Council, and has been reproduced with their kind permission.