25 March 2010
Wildfowl and wader numbers dropping as they disperse to breeding areas
Castle Espie
Mallard – 200
Pintail – 2
Gadwall – 2
Shelduck – 12
Tufted duck – 20
Goldeneye – 1
Greylag – 14
Mute swan – 2
Oystercatcher – 2
Redshank – 6
Greenshank – 1
Curlew – 1
Cormorant - 2
Grey heron – 1
Little egret – 1
Little grebe – 2
Kingfisher – 1
Sparrowhawk – 1
Redwing – 2 singing in woods! Unusual to hear singing in wintering grounds
Tree sparrow – flock of ~20
Bullfinch – 6
Redpoll – 25
Siskin – 10
Goldfinch – 10
Treecreeper – 1
Strangford mudflats adjacent to Castle Espie
Teal – 200
Shoveler – 16
Shelduck – 200
Goldeneye – 7
Brent - 100
Whooper swan –60
Oystercatcher – 400
Bar-tailed godwit – 35
Black-tailed godwit – 8
Redshank – 220
Greenshank – 6
Curlew – 120
Dunlin – 250
Knot – 30
Lapwing – 40
Golden plover – 140
Grey plover – 6
Ringed plover – 2
Peregrine – 1
Moths recorded at Castle Espie
Moth trapping began early to investigate the presence of winter species of moth on site and the results were worthwhile – species recorded include Early moth, Pale Brindled Beauty, Satellite and March Moth, all regarded as ‘scarce’ in Northern Ireland however this is simply because very few people set out moth traps so early in the year!