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Dumfries and Galloway

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.

Scotland

Scotland

For books that cover regions of Scotland see:

Argyll
Ayrshire
Borders
Central Valley
Dumfries & Galloway
Fair Isle
Fife
Grampian
Highland
Inner Hebrides
Orkney
Outer Hebrides
Shetland

Best Birdwatching Sites: The Solway

John Miller

2010

"John Miles, a former RSPB reserve warden at Geltsdale, knows the region intimately and provides detailed reports on coastal sites in both Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway, but also roams inland to cover the key wildlife watching sites in both counties ... In all, 378 species are covered. Naturally, the well known sites such as Caerlaverock, South Walney and the Golden Eagle watchpoint at Haweswater are included, but John's in-depth knowledge of both sides of the Solway means that many lesser known locations are also featured. This is a book that will appeal to walkers and birdwatchers alike. The Cumbria chapters cover 76 sites of which 54 contain walk routes (22 circular). On the Scottish side, 84 sites are covered with 49 of them offering walk routes."

The Annotated Bird List for Dumfries and Galloway

Chris Baines and Tristan Reid

2009

Birdwatching On The Solway Coast: Area Of Outstanding Beauty

Brian Irving

2008

"Following on from the successful booklet, Exploring the Wildflowers of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Brian Irving, AONB Manager, has produced, Birdwatching in the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The booklet provides a photographic record of some of the birds to be seen in and around the AONB, and where to find them. Using his own photographs to illustrate it, it is an ideal accompaniment for anyone interested in finding out where best to see the birdlife of the Solway."

Flight of the Wild Geese

Graham Uney

2008

"The sight of strings of wild Barnacle geese flying overhead, with a noisy chorus of honking, will be a familiar sight to many. However, following their migration, little is known about the lives of these sociable geese. "Flight of the Wild Geese" tells the story of the winter wildlife of the Solway Firth, that wonderfully wild estuary set between the rugged hills of Cumbria and the rolling farmland, moors and forests of Dumfries and Galloway. It explores the links that these beautiful places share with the most remote islands of the North Atlantic, and with the stunning landscapes of the high Arctic. This is a book of birds, of people, and of places.The author's sea journey takes in a number of remote islands, beginning with the two Scottish outliers of North Rona and Sula Sgeir, then venturing ever northwards via the stunning rocky coasts of the Faroe Islands, the black-sand volcanics of Jan Mayen, and the great sea bird colonies of Bear Island before encountering pack ice in the vast sea channel of Storfjorden. Here, in Svalbard's Arctic waters, ivory gulls roamed the ice islands searching for food, while seals hunted the open flats between. Arctic wildlife filled every space, backed by an array of glistening snow peaks, their glaciers carving rivers of ice down to the sea. This was the author's first view of Svalbard - Kingdom of the Ice Bear.The author also reflects on his life as a writer, photographer and environmental surveyor. Growing up in the flatlands of East Yorkshire where his love of wildlife was instilled, he yearned to know more about where the winter-visiting birds went during the summer. He learnt a great deal about waders, ducks, geese and swans at the Humber Estury but, once these birds had migrated to cooler climes in the summer, their lives were a mystery. Later in life and with the Solway Firth on his doorstep, where some of the largest numbers of geese are to be found, he decided to find out."

Galloway And The Borders

Derek Ratcliffe

Harper Collins

2007

"This book is an in-depth study of the natural developments and history of Galloway and surrounding areas. Often overlooked due to the reputation of natural habitat in other parts of the country, the author here conveys the diversity and magnificence of nature in the south of Scotland. Galloway and the borders is an extremely varied region, from saltmarshes and shingle beaches to rocky islands and seabird stations. The wide range of hills, displaying a wealth of rich colours, give the area its dominant character. The varied selection of flora and fauna only add to the diversity."

Dumfries and Galloway: Birdwatching

1997

A 20 page guide to birdwatching sites in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Birds of Wigtownshire: A Guide to Their Status and Distribution

R. Dickson

1992

Forest Merlins in Scotland

Jack Orchel

1992

A Report on the Galloway Forests Merlin Project, 1986-89. This study provides information on the basic ecology of the merlin, an historical perspective on merlins in Galloway, plus details and results of the Project.

Bird Walks in Dumfries and Galloway

Editor: Bryan Nelson

1989

Describes 32 walks that include good birdwatching sites and includes an illustrated identification guide.

The Birds Of Dumfriesshire

Hugh S. Gladstone

1910

The Birds of Ayrshire and Wigtownshire

Robert Gray and Thomas Anderson

1869

From the preface: "The counties of Ayr and Wigtown present many interesting features, which appear to be intimately associated with a profusion of bird life. A glance at the position and configuration of the districts of Kyle, Carrick, and Galloway, will show that the entire coast outline indicates a variety of locality sufficient to attract, and in many instances retain, species of a wandering habit elsewhere. Luce Bay, and the Bay of Wigtown, with their far-stretching sands, and Loch Ryan, with its sheltered nooks and shores, draw large numbers of waders and waterfowl. Burrow Head and the Mull of Galloway furnish haunts for cliff building birds, and for the peregrine and lively chough; while the many caves which intersect the precipitous rocks from Ballantrae to the entrance to Glen App, afford shelter to the rock-dove and cormorant. In inland quarters, on the other hand, the numerous lochs scattered over both counties draw flocks of fresh water species, and not a few rarities, as the black tern, garganey, osprey, and wild swan; the high rocky cliffs harbour the raven and eagle; the moors the merlin and hen harrier, dipper and ring ouzel; while the glens and valleys, from their extremely inviting aspect, give encouragement to a number of soft-billed birds, among which may be noticed the grasshopper warbler and lesser whitethroat."