Recent Sightings 10th Jan 2022
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a low tide. As we are in the middle of winter, and the day length is short, the movement of migrating birds has slowed down, with many birds settled in their wintering spots until there is the urge to move back to their breeding grounds. Some species continue to roam throughout the winter months in search of food, and congregate in flocks, therefore, keep a lookout for flocks of thrushes that can include Mistle thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare. There are also flocks of finches, searching for seeds left from the autumn harvest. You may see Siskin, which is a small finch, with a thin, pointed bill and forked tail (a good feature to identify in flight). Another small bird commonly seem in small flocks, is the Long-tailed tit. They reputably huddle together to preserve warmth, and recent evidence suggests they will flock together over winter to keep warm. The groups typically consist of close relatives and family groups. They can occasionally be seen in the woodland and in Swamp area in particular. Small birds are particularly vulnerable in cold weather as they lose heat quickly, and providing food at a bird table during the winter months can assist the survivability of these smaller species.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Eider 48, Shelduck 162, Redshank 24, Light-bellied brent goose 72, Wigeon 2, Black-headed gull 9, Oystercatcher 110, Herring gull 2, Grey heron 1, Little egret 1, Curlew 12, Black-headed gull 10, Common gull 2, Hooded crow 3
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 82, Tufted duck 5, Teal 9
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Gadwall 10, Mallard 61, Teal 78, Jackdaw 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 7
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 1
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 2, Redshank 1, Black-headed gull 2, Moorhen 1
Brickworks
Jackdaw 1
Limestone Lake
Little grebe 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 1
Peninsula Field
Jackdaw 1
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Great tit, Coal tit, Robin, Blue tit, Wood pigeon, Long-tailed tit, Bullfinch
