Recent Sightings - 21st September 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at low tide. The sounds and sights of Brent geese continue to dominate the estuary as they move with the tides to take advantage of the abundant eel grass to feed on. There is also a large flock of Greylag geese ~50, which are regularly seen in and around the reserve with their noisy tones announcing their presence in the sky. In addition to the waterfowl seen on the reserve throughout the year, look out for Teal, Pintail and Wigeon, which overwinter here and can be seen in both the freshwater and saline habitats on the reserve. Wigeon, made up of mostly an Icelandic component, can be seen amongst the Brent feeding on similar fodder, as well as on the lakes in the reserve. Their rusty red head with a creamy yellow crown, most easily identifies the male of the species. The females are less distinct with a brownish, greyish colour but with the distinctive ‘wigeon’ shape.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Brent goose 466, Black-headed gull 26, Little egret 5, Black-tailed godwit 2, Hooded crow 1, Lesser black-backed gull 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard 25, Teal 3, Wigeon 2, Coot 2, Tufted duck 8
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard 26, Moorhen 3, Teal 20, Coot 1, Greylag goose 2, Pintail 2
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 4, Grey heron 1, Teal 61, Black-headed gull 1, Coot 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 10, Tufted duck 1, Moorhen 2
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Mute swan 2, Little grebe 3,
Brickworks
Goldfinch 25, Linnet 2
Limestone Lake
Moorhen 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 1
Peninsula Field
Curlew 1
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Robin, Great tit, Blue tit, Wood pigeon, Goldcrest, Magpie, Dunnock
