Recent Sightings - 10th May 2021
The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. The Common Terns are now showing interest in the island on the Saline lagoon and we hope they will settle and start to nest soon. A pair of Mediterranean gulls are still visiting the site but they have not settled amongst the Black-headed gulls yet. The graylag have now been a regular feature on site with a pair and 5 goslings recently emerged from the nest, and following the parents around the reserve. Most of the Godwit roosting on the islands in the Freshwater Lagoon and Shingle bank have now gone, but the Oystercatcher has started to come in to roost at high tide in greater numbers. This familiar wader like many others has seen a decline in numbers over recent years and recent studies have shown that the number of new young birds within the local wintering birds is very low, with numbers mostly made up of older birds. This has implications for the long term survival of the species as without significant recruitment there will be a steady decline in numbers. We can help this species by being careful around the birds when they are roosting and feeding, and also reporting any rings or flags you see on the birds. If you see a ringed bird take a picture if you can, or note down the rings or flag you see and get in touch with us.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Mallard 2, Greater black-backed gull 1, Swallow 3, Curlew 1, Light-bellied brent goose 25, Common tern 1, Oystercatcher 40, Black-headed gull 48, Lesser black-backed gull 1, Little egret 2
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 11, Swallow 1, Black-headed gull 80, Tufted duck 6, Shelduck 2, Greylag goose 1, Gadwall 1, Little grebe 1
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Lesser black-backed gull 2, Black-headed gull 9, Greater black-backed gull 1, Shelduck 2, Tufted duck 1, Mallard 6
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 8, Moorhen 1, Swallow 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 7, Black-headed gull 290, Black-tailed godwit 9, Moorhen 3, Swallow 6, Woodpigeon 1, Tufted duck 4, Shelduck 2, Sedge warbler 1, Common tern 3, Gadwall 2, Coot 1, Lesser black-backed gull 2
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Black-headed gull 115, Common tern 1, Little egret 1
Brickworks
Blackbird 2, Jay 1, Goldfinch 2, Song thrush 2
Limestone Lake
Black-headed gull 1, Moorhen 1, Little grebe 1, Mallard 1, Bullfinch 2, Common tern 1, Long-tailed tit 2, Swallow 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Little egret 1, Black-headed gull 5, Shelduck 1
Peninsula Field
Jackdaw 4
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Great tit, Robin, Blue tit, Wood pigeon, Goldcrest, Willow warbler, Blackcap, Goldfinchc
