Recent Sightings 22nd May 2023
The Limekiln balcony is the perfect viewing spot for migratory Sand martins (pictured) as they feed on the wing over the water. Sand martins over-winter in Africa, and arrive in the UK from March, staying until around October. Sand martins are smaller than Swallows and House martins, with brown and white colouring and short, forked tails.
Song thrush melodies are also ringing out over the Brickworks, sounding very distinctive with their loud, repeating verses. They prey on snails and characteristically bash them against rocks to break open the shells! The Song thrush is smaller than the very similar looking Mistle thrush, but their songs are completely different – so trust your ears when trying to tell them apart!
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Little egret 3, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Shelduck 2, Mallard 2, Black-headed gull 16, Oystercatcher 53, Eider 3, Herring gull 20, Sand martin 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Little grebe 1, Coot 1, Moorhen 4 (2 chicks), Mallard 8 (2 ducklings), Cormorant 1, Tufted duck 1, Gadwall 1
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Black-headed gull 188, Mallard 7, Tufted duck 1, Gadwall 2
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 113, Shelduck 1, Moorhen 1, Black-tailed godwit 31, Jackdaw 2, Sedge warbler 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Tufted duck 4, Mallard 7, Moorhen 2, Black-tailed godwit 1, Gadwall 1, Mute swan 2, Black-headed gull 135
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Black-headed gull 26, Mallard 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Song thrush 2
Peninsula Field
Hooded crow 1, Mallard 3 (1 duckling)
Brickworks
Swallow, Wren, Blackbird
Limestone Lake
Black-headed gull 14
Woodland
Blackcap, Blue tit, Blackbird, Dunnock, Wood pigeon, Jackdaw, Hooded crow, Magpie, Goldcrest, Robin, Swallow
