Recent Sightings 12th September 2022
This week has started with some lovely new visitors to Castle Espie, along with all our usual sightings. A solitary Goldeneye was seen on the Main Lake, standing out from the Mallards with its dark head and striking yellow eyes. Common Goldeneye are winter visitors to Northern Ireland, with very few pairs breeding here, so it’s nice to see the first of hopefully more visiting the reserve.
Out on the Estuary – the Brent geese (pictured) are slowly flying in! We’ve only seen small numbers of them so far but they are definitely here and taking full advantage of all Stangford Lough has to offer. The Brent geese migrate here from their breeding grounds in Arctic Canada to feed on the large amounts of Eel grass that grows on the mudflats.
We also had a Peregrine falcon land on the Estuary for us to admire. They are one of the fastest animals on the planet, usually taking their prey out in mid-air, targeting pigeons and doves. They nest in high places, from city buildings to coastal cliffs!
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Brent goose 43, Black-headed gull 20, Common gull 1, Lesser black-backed gull 1, Peregrine falcon 1, Cormorant 1, Grey heron 4, Oystercatcher 196, Little egret 5, Herring gull 1, Curlew 8, Great crested grebe 1, Eider 14
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 179, Mute swan 3, Tufted duck 5, Little grebe 4, Raven 2, Moorhen 4, Widgeon 1, Teal 32, Goldeneye 1, Gadwall 4, Swallow, Grey wagtail
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 12, Moorhen 2
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Kingfisher 1, Little egret 1, Black-headed gull 1, Teal 3
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Moorhen 7, Mute swan 2, Coot 1, Swallow, Mallard 19, Teal 5, Little grebe 1
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 5, Grey heron 1, Little egret 1, Swallow
Brickworks
Jackdaw 2, Meadow pipit, Goldfinch approx. 25
Limestone Lake
Kingfisher 1, Little egret 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Rook 9, Black-headed gull 1, Linnet 6, Meadow pipit 3
Peninsula Field
Woodland
Sparrowhawk, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Blue tit, Wren, Coal tit
