Recent Sightings 2nd January 2023

2 January 2023

Strangford Lough’s mudflats were covered with various waders this morning as the tide receded, exposing their feeding grounds. Huge numbers of Dunlin were out along with large groups of Shelduck and Oystercatcher dotted about in between. Pintail were also out in the cold morning air, feeding on plant matter and showing off their elegant plumage in the winter sunshine.

The Kingfisher took advantage of the clear morning and was darting about over the Wadermarsh, which also hosted generous numbers of Teal.Gadwall occupied the Main Lake and the Shingle Bank, whilst the Tufted ducks (pictured) floated peacefully – looking very smart with their bold black and white feathers reflected in the water.

Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory

Shelduck 137, Wigeon 6, Light-bellied brent goose 102, Little egret 7, Dunlin ~1750, Curlew 64, Redshank 68, Oystercatcher 291, Greenshank 4, Grey plover 4, Common gull 3, Black-headed gull 2, Herring gull 3, Hooded crow 1, Pintail 3, Eider 30, Turnstone 8, Great-crested grebe 1

Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Mallard 64, Tufted duck 8, Gadwall 33, Teal 85, Shoveler 3, Little grebe 1

Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Grey heron 2, Coot 1, Teal 28, Gadwall 13, Mallard 3, Black-headed gull 5, Moorhen 2, Jackdaw 1

Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide

Little egret 1, Teal 152, Moorhen 5, Black-headed gull 1, Kingfisher 1

Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg

Hooded crow 2, Moorhen 3, Teal 11, Mallard 8

Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory

Little grebe 9, Black-headed gull 1, Redshank 1, Little egret 1, Grey heron 1

Brickworks

Jackdaw 5