Recent Sightings 13th Dec 2021
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a high tide. A calmer start to the week, with the shore birds settling back to their old haunts after the stormy weather last week. The number of Brent on the Lough has visibly dropped, with small groups still visible, and can be seem moving up and down the shore on the tides. The number of Shelduck now overshadow the Brent, as the Ducks become the predominant bird on the estuary and open water. Wintering passerines have been occasional visitors to the reserve recently, with Siskin and Reed bunting amongst those observed. Flocks of finches, mostly Goldfinch are regularly seen foraging along the hedgerow edges and availing of the last seeds of the season. The winter thrushes have also been around the reserve including Mistle thrush, Redwing and the occasional Fieldfare. Winter berries and fruit are amongst the forage of these birds, as well as worms and other invertebrates. These birds are normally seen in open fields and along hedgerows, and started arriving about a month ago. They are migrants from Scandinavia and Continental Europe, where they breed during the summer months, and then head to Britain and Ireland to escape the colder spells in these places. Often heard before they are seen, it is worth keeping an eye and ear out for these visiting Thrushes on the reserve.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Brent goose 49, Shelduck 93, Redshank 3
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 67, Tufted duck 10, Teal 33,
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Gadwall 2, Mallard 44, Black-headed gull 4, Teal 28
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 3
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Teal 2, Coot 1, Tufted duck 1
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 4, Little egret 1, Redshank 1, Greenshank 1, Oystercatcher 1
Brickworks
Jackdaw 16
Limestone Lake
Mallard 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Redshank 1
Peninsula Field
Jackdaw 1
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Chaffinch, Great tit, Coal tit, Robin, Blue tit, Wood pigeon, Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Magpie, Bullfinch, Fieldfare
