Recent Sightings - 22nd March 2021
The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a low tide. Song thrush is in full voice at various points around the reserve, and along with the appearance of primrose and frog spawn, it is a definite sign that the natural world is in a state of change and new life is emerging. A number of song birds are busy singing, defending territories and nest building, with some taking advantage of the artificial nest boxes we have throughout the reserve. Old buildings and walls also provide a good nest site for many birds as well as other creatures. The small cracks and spaces between the stone provide a safe place to nest, secure from the elements and the presence of ivy can also provide additional cover and camouflage. The historic buildings on Castle Espie reserve provide numerous possibilities for birds like Wren and Blue tit to build their nests. It is a great time of year to get out into the garden and gets things ready for the season ahead, but when you are out, look out for signs of spring from the birds, for example, singing from a perch, defending their territories, or carrying nesting material, and with a bit of patient observation you can find out where they are nesting.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Teal 2, Oystercatcher 1, Shelduck 9, Light-bellied brent goose 14, Black-headed gull 97, Little egret 1, Curlew 1, Black-tailed godwit 18, Redshank 4, Greater black-backed gull 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 13, Coot 2, Tufted duck 3, Little grebe 1, Black-headed gull 3, Moorhen 1, Teal 11, Goldeneye 1
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 6, Black-headed gull 21, Moorhen 2
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 12, Moorhen 2, Redshank 6,
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 11, Moorhen 5, Black-headed gull 105
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Black-headed gull 52
Brickworks
Black-headed gull 2
Limestone Lake
Gadwall 2, Moorhen 3, Little grebe 1, Mallard 3
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 2
Peninsula Field
Pied wagtail 1, Raven 2
Woodland
Songthrush, Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Blue tit, Coal tit, Wood pigeon, Great tit, Goldcrest, Pheasant, Mallard 2
