Recent Sightings - 19th April 2020

The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Mid Tide. Spring continues to develop with Swallow, House Martin, and Blackcap now familiar sights and sounds on the reserve, Terns have been seen in the area and breeding is in full swing across the reserve. A recent significant find has been the Comma Butterfly spotted in the swamp area, which is perfect as the butterfly likes woodland edges and clearings. This is a recent arrival and we hope this is the start of many more occurrences of this butterfly on the reserve and the country. The jagged edge to the wing provides perfect camouflage as it blends in with the natural vegetation.

Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory

Lesser black-backed gull 9, Brent 42, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Knot 7, Black-tailed godwit 18

Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre

Mallard 6 , Tufted 31, Black-headed gull 136, Coot 3, Little grebe 1, Goldeneye 2, Shelduck 1, Swallow 2, Moorhen 1

Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre

Shelduck 2, Black-headed gull 147, Lesser black-backed gull 1, Common gull 2

Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide

Black-headed gull 10

Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg

Knot 10, Mallard 4, Moorhen 2, Greylag goose 1, Teal 2, Black-headed gull 462, Black-tailed godwit 425, Lesser black-backed gull 2

Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory

Black-headed gull 74, Mallard 2

Brickworks

Chaffinch 1, Linnet 2, Magpie 1, Jackdaw 1

Peninsula Saltmarsh

Shelduck 1, Whimbrel 1

Limestone Lake

Little grebe 1, Mallard 2

Woodland

Pheasant, Blackcap, Blackbird, Wren, Magpie, Robin, Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, Wood pigeon, Song thrush

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