Recent Sightings - 11th January 2021
The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. The Wadermarsh continues to comprise both Redshank and Greenshank as they feed along the mud around the edge of the islands. Although we see an influx of over 2,000 wintering Redshank to Strangford Lough each year, this is a wader in serious decline. They are made up of mostly migratory birds, with very few local residents. It is estimated we have lost around 40% of breeding birds since 1995, and this when the species was already in serious decline. The reduction of redshank is linked mainly to the loss of their wetland habitat, notably through agricultural intensification. Cormorants are a regular feature on site and seen often fishing in the Main lake, Limestone lake and Saline lagoon. They are expertly equipped for hunting underwater with webbed feet and long hooked bill. They also have specialised feathers, which help the bird to swim well under water, but they become waterlogged and this is why you often see them drying their wings in the sun.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Shelduck 98, Brent 70, Wigeon 12, Oystercatcher 300, Lapwing 25, Black-headed gull 6
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard 69, Tufted duck 27, Coot 2, Teal 13, Goldeneye 1, Black-headed gull 27
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Teal 46, Mallard 47, Coot 9
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 4, Redshank 6, Curlew 1, Greenshank 2, Black-tailed godwit 4
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 8, Moorhen 3, Grey heron 1
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 3, Cormorant 1, Scaup 1, Tufted 6
Brickworks
Song thrush 1, Jackdaw 4
Limestone Lake
Moorhen 1, Little grebe 1, Kingfisher 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Redshank 2,
Peninsula Field
Black-headed gull 2
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue tit, Wood pigeon, Goldcrest, Great tit, Coal tit, Goldfinch, Magpie
