Recent Sightings - 1st March 2021
The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. Spring has definitely arrived with the return of Black-headed gulls in numbers to the site. This red list species has successfully bred and increased in numbers on the site for the last 10 years. Their return definitely changes the atmosphere on site as they are a noisy and gregarious species. The birds will be busy forming new bonds, as well as re-establishing old bonds as they gear up for breeding season ahead. This resident gull, supplemented by migrating birds, can be seen throughout the winter on the Lough and further inland, but at this time of year they switch to breeding mode and usually nest in colonies, with Castle Espie currently the biggest colony on Strangford Lough. The bird gets its name from it dark, chocolate brown head (appearing black from a distance), and at this time of year, the dark patch around the head (breeding plumage) is starting to form. This is a beneficial general distinguishing feature to separate this gull from other common seagull species. It is worth looking out for first winter birds which retain the juvenile wing and tail markings until the post summer moult.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Hooded crow 2, Black-tailed godwit 1, Oystercatcher 1, Shelduck 27, Light-bellied brent 45, Black-headed gull 199, Lesser black-backed gull 5, Little egret 2
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 18, Coot 1, Tufted duck 14, Little grebe 2, Teal 16, Black-headed gull 2
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 14, Teal 2, Black-headed gull 65, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Moorhen 1, Redshank 1, Gadwall 2
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Mallard 3, Black-headed gull 2, Moorhen 6
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Coot 1, Teal 4, Moorhen 3, Mallard 10, Tufted duck 2, Black-headed gull 23
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 1
Brickworks
Jackdaw 10, Mallard 4, Moorhen 2
Limestone Lake
Mallard 2, Little grebe 1, Moorhen 2
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 1
Peninsula Field
Jackdaw 1
Woodland
Songthrush, Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue tit, Wood pigeon, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Raven 3, Goldcrest, Great-spotted woodpecker 1, Song thrush, Magpie
