Kites can be seen from anywhere on the open parts of the trail at any time of the year, but perhaps the best places to look are over the nearby woods and just above the skyline. The goose/kite viewing platform provides a wonderful panorama over habitat favoured by the kites, and gives a good view of the loch.

Other birds

In winter the reserve holds an important population of Greenland white-fronted geese, which have distinctive white masks and black bars on their bellies. Icelandic greylag geese are also present in winter, as is a range of other wildfowl, many of which stay to breed. Lapwings and curlews nest on the surrounding farmland, whilst redshanks and snipe breed in the wetter areas. In summer, the broadleaved woods are home to pied flycatchers, wood warblers, nuthatches and a number of more common woodland birds. Elusive willow tits are a Ken-Dee speciality.

Other attractions

Red squirrels are very common in the woodlands and often visit the nut feeders beside the hides. Roe deer and stoats are also quite common, whilst otters are sometimes seen on the lagoon. A few miles south of the reserve, in the middle of the River Dee, is Historic Scotland's magnificent Threave Castle, home to Archibald the Grim in the 14th century. It can be reached by a small ferry boat in the summer season. Nearby are NTS's Threave Gardens and Estate, which have a range of additional attractions and visitor facilities.

How to get there

RSPB Scotland's Ken-Dee Reserve is sign-posted off the Galloway Kite Trail and lies some 3.5 miles north of the B795 at Mains of Duchrae. There is a car park and various interpretative boards and signs to guide visitors. For further information contact the Site Manager on (01671) 402861.