Recent Sightings - 26th April 2021
The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. There are 2 pairs of Shelduck on the reserve presently, and this a species we are lucky to see all year around. We enjoy large flocks of birds on the estuary throughout the winter months, and as a regular feature of the site, we normally have 1 or 2 pairs moving into the reserve to build their nest and raise their young. These ducks are distinctive with a white body with a broad chestnut band around the mid-section, as well as, a black (glossy green) head, and red bill. The sexes are similar, however, the female has less pronounced features and is duller in appearance. At this time of year the female chooses a nest site, usually in cavities such as in hollow trees and among tree roots, or abandoned rabbit burrows. The nest is made from mosses and grass lined with duck down. The seawall edge on the Wadermarsh and Freshwater lagoon provides prefect nesting opportunities for this species, with plenty of cover, and suitable nesting areas. This species, like many others, has differing requirements at different stages of its life cycle, from wintering grounds, migration routes and moulting areas, to the breeding habitats, and it is therefore important we conserve all these habitats across their range to ensure this exceptional bird thrives into the future.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Redshank 2, Black-headed gull 145
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 5, Goldeneye 3, Black-headed gull 105, Tufted duck 5, Shelduck 2, Greylag goose 1, Gadwall 1, Little grebe 2
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Lesser black-backed gull 1, Black-headed gull 130, Black-tailed godwit 44
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 55, Mallard 2, Shelduck 2
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 7, Black-headed gull 340, Black-tailed godwit 50, Knot 15, Moorhen 2, Redshank 1, Swallow 3
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Black-headed gull 70, Common tern 1, Little grebe 1
Brickworks
Swallow 1, Jackdaw 6, Goldfinch 3, Mistle thrush 2, Blackbird 1
Limestone Lake
Black-headed gull 1, Moorhen 1, Little grebe 2, Mallard 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 4
Peninsula Field
Jackdaw 1
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Great tit, Robin, Blue tit, Wood pigeon, Goldcrest, Willow warbler, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Long-tailed tit
