Recent Sightings - 13th July 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during high-tide. The Whitethroat is a late arrival this week, seen and heard around the Limekiln area. Whitethroats are summer migrants to Ireland, flying from as far as sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia to breed in these localities. Apart from local determining factors, there is evidence that the migratory behaviour of migratory birds like Whitethroats is being affected by climate change. As the name suggests, this bird is distinguished by its white throat and can be seen perching high singing it's unique scratchy, short song. This species prefers open habitats with plenty of low vegetation like scrub, bushes and brambles, thus making parts of the reserve perfect for this summer visitor.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Black-headed gull 33, Black-tailed godwit 12, Little egret 2
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Greylag goose 11, Jackdaw 3, Grey heron 1, Goldeneye 1, Mallard 49, Coot 1, Shelduck 1
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Black-headed gull 26, Mallard 12, Moorhen 1, Oystercatcher 383, Black-tailed godwit 1, Shelduck 7
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 19, Moorhen 1, Black-tailed godwit 24, Oystercatcher 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Black-headed gull 4, Swallow 3
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Black-headed gull 17, Common tern 11, Redshank 1
Brickworks
Starling 50, Whitethroat 1, Linnet 1
Limestone Lake
Moorhen 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 1
Peninsula Field
Blackbird 1
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue tit, Great tit, Wood pigeon, Willow warbler, Magpie
Other
Much of the flora of the meadow is now in bloom with abundant wildflowers throughout the meadow. Look out for a few plants of lady’s mantle and lady's bedstraw showing presently.
