Recent Sightings 30th Aug 2021

The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during low tide. We still anticipate the imminent arrival of the first Brent to the shores of Strangford Lough, and this annual event is always a significant marker in the year as they are such an iconic bird of the Lough. Wintering flocks of waders, ducks and geese continue to appear, along with passing migrants like Whimbrel and Sandpipers, so it is a good time to scan the estuary and view the large range of species that the Lough has to offer. There have been some flocks of Greylag geese gathering around the estuary in front of Castle Espie, and they frequently come into the reserve to roost. We have also seen a few Wigeon on the Lough, and again, a few birds have been settling in the Freshwater lagoon along with Teal, Mallard and Gadwall. Waterfowl can be difficult to identify at this time of year as many species are going through their annual moult. Wigeon are a attractive species, usually seen in flocks on the estuary with the Brent, but also occasionally seen on the lakes in the reserve. The rusty red head with a creamy yellow crown, most easily identifies the male of the species. The females are a brownish, greyish colour but with the distinctive ‘wigeon’ shape and can be more difficult to identify. Wigeon is amber listed, and mostly a winter visitor as only a few birds breed in these isles. It can be seen in large numbers later in the year, however, the numbers on the Lough have seen a steady decline in recent years.

Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory

Curlew 3, Little egret 4, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Wigeon 12, Black-headed gull 8, Greylag goose 44, Tufted duck 15, Common gull 5, Black-tailed godwit 8, Redshank 1, Oystercatcher ~200, Teal ~100

Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Mallard 38, Little grebe 1, Goldeneye 2, Wigeon 1, Teal 3, Gadwall 2, Tufted duck 1, Moorhen 1

Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Black-tailed godwit 3, Mallard 58, Black-headed gull 1, Moorhen 1, Teal 7, Jackdaw 21, Gadwall 2

Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide

Black-headed gull 3, Moorhen 2

Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg

Black-tailed godwit 1, Mallard 3, Moorhen 3, Coot 1, Sedge warbler 1, Teal 2

Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory

Little grebe 3

Brickworks

Goldfinch ~60,, Jackdaw 7

Limestone Lake

Tufted duck 1, Mallard 1

Peninsula Saltmarsh

Lapwing 1, Black-headed gull 1

Peninsula Field

Jackdaw 1

Woodland

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