Recent Sightings 18th September 2023
There was a great variety out on the Reserve and on the Lough this morning, with the chilly wind reminding us that despite the warm sunshine – autumn is definitely underway. With the arrival of the Light-bellied brent geese, Wigeon, and the increased flocks of Goldfinch feeding on the Brickworks, it’s clear that the colder months are creeping in.
However, some summer migrants are still hanging around. A Wheatear (pictured) was spotted hunkered down against the wind on the Peninsula Saltmarsh. This little chat, who has been here for the summer, will be leaving any time now to head to its wintering grounds in Africa.
The Main Lake was busy with divers, dabbling ducks, geese, passerines and more! From the deep water to the shallow banks, every bit of this freshwater habitat was being utilized in the autumn sunshine.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Black-headed gull 39, Light-bellied brent goose 406, Mute swan 4, Herring gull 3, Black-tail godwit 1, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Oystercatcher 62, Curlew 24, Little egret 50, Wigeon 9, Rook 43, Jackdaw 7, Eider 94, Hooded crow 2, Great crested grebe 7, Grey heron 1, Greenshank 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Greylag goose 30, Grey heron 2, Moorhen 2, Jackdaw 9, Swallow 1, Little egret 1, Wood pigeon 1, Rook 1, Little grebe 4, Teal 32, Mallard 105, Tufted duck 2, Gadwall 2, Coot 3, Hooded crow 3, Kingfisher 1, Wigeon 1, Bullfinch, Coal tit, Blue tit, Grey wagtail
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 42, Moorhen 1, Woodpigeon 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Teal 79, Moorhen 1, Woodpigeon 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 2, Moorhen 1, Teal 1, Kingfisher 1
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little egret 1, Mallard 4, Little grebe 4
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Meadow pipit 2, Swallow 3, Wheatear 1, House martin 2, Starling 5, Goldfinch 2
Peninsula Field
Jackdaw 1
Brickworks
Goldfinch ~30, Jackdaw 3, Reed bunting 1, Swallow 1, Blackbird 1, Linnet 1
Woodland
Woodpigeon, Blue tit, Rook
