Overview
Hirsel Country Park in Coldstream gives a visitor the opportunity to walk, and explore, the grounds of the Hirsel Estate in the Scottish Borders near England. Along the well-marked route, the visitor will have the opportunity to see what Dunglass Wood, on the estate has to offer as well as take in Hirsel Lake with it's many species of birds, ducks geese, and swans.[1]
Birds
Notable Species
There has been 79 species reported as having been sighted here. They range from the Mallard with the highest number of reported sightings down through such species as the Tufted Duck and Eurasian Blue Tit before coming to the European Goldfinch, which has been reported as having been seen here twice in approximately 1 ½ years since January of 2019 through June of 2020. [2]
Rarities
No species has been found noted as rare for this location, but some of the less commonly seen species reported here can include the aforementioned European Goldfinch as well as the Dunnock, Eurasian Treecreeper, Barn Swallow, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Kestrel, Graylag Goose, and Song Thrush to name a few.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Mallard, Eurasian Coot, Common Merganser, Northern Lapwing, Common Pochard, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Jackdaw, Redwing, Mute Swan, European Greenfinch, Northern Shoveler, Rook, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Blue Tit, Eurasian Moorhen, Gadwall, Eurasian Siskin, Ring-necked Pheasant, Black-headed Gull, European Robin
Other Wildlife
In addition to birds, there is a possibility of seeing otters and red squirrels plus other wildlife as you make your way around the grounds. [3][4]
Site Information
History and Use
The Hirsel is the former estate and home Sir Alec Douglas-Home, a former Prime Minister of the UK for a period beginning in October 1963. [4][5]
Areas of Interest
Either on the Estate, or adjacent to it, a visitor will find Dunglass Wood, Dundock Wood as well as artisans plying their craft on the property.
Access and Facilities
Consult a trusted travel professional for specific, up-to-date information regarding travel to this destination.
Contact Details
The Hirsel Country Park
Coldstream, Berwichshire, TD124LW
Phone: +44(1890)883645
References
- Walk Highlands - https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/borders/the-hirsel.shtml
- eBird - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3920290
- Woodland Trust - https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/the-hirsel/
- Bird Forum Member Observation
- https://www.gov.uk/
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Hirsel Country Park. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 23 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Hirsel_Country_Park
Maps
