Recent Sightings 19th June 2023
The tide was on its way up the Lough this morning, bringing with it an array of waders, gulls and sea ducks. The Eider were out on the water with a large crèche of ducklings, moving up and down with the waves and the larger Greater black-backed gull was out showing off its impressive size in comparison to its smaller relative, the Lesser black-backed gull. These big, omnivorous birds also have a darker plumage over their wings and on their backs than the Lesser black-backs.
New chicks are still arriving; with Coot and Moorhen offspring out on the Main Lake, Shelduck ducklings that are getting bigger by the day, all joined by what seems to be an endless supply of Mallard ducklings! All these can be seen with a perfect view from the Turtle Hide in the Sensory Garden.
A pair of Little grebe (pictured) were also seen on the Main Lake, diving down for long intervals to catch small fish and larvae. These little divers can let out an impressively loud noise for their size, and due to their tendency to dive when disturbed, they are more often heard before they are seen. They are now sporting their beautiful summer plumage, showing off their striking red throats.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Black-headed gull 42, Eider 26 (with ducklings), Little egret 3, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Oystercatcher 79, Mallard 4, Black-tailed godwit 61, Greater black-backed gull 1, Herring gull 46, Cormorant 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mute swan 2, Coot 1 (1 chick), Little grebe 2, Shoveler 1, Tufted duck 1, Mallard 43 (3 ducklings), Moorhen 1 (1 chick), Gadwall 5, Shelduck 2 (7 ducklings), Hooded crow 1, Black-headed gull 1, Goldeneye 1, Wood pigeon, Swallow
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Moorhen 1, Jackdaw 2, Black-tailed godwit 1, Black-headed gull 5, Oystercatcher 7
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Jackdaw 4, Black-tailed godwit 4, Moorhen 2, Black-headed gull 31, Swallow 3
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 6, Moorhen 4 (2 chicks), Black-headed gull 14, Coot 2, Sedge warbler, Swallow
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Goldfinch 3, Black-headed gull 32, Meadow pipit, House martin
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 1, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Blackbird
Brickworks
Jackdaw 8, Swallow, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Robin, Wren
Limestone Lake
Black-headed gull 2, Mallard 1
Woodland
Chaffinch, Robin, Hooded crow, Mallard
