Recent Sightings 31st July 2023
A windy and rainy reserve this morning for the last count of July 2023, but still lots of variety out on the Estuary as the tide came in. A couple of Ringed plover (pictured) were out feeding on the mudflats – running quickly and then stopping abruptly, their distinctive way of searching for prey. We have resident populations around our UK and Ireland coastlines, but they are also joined by numbers of wintering birds from Europe.
The Sparrowhawks were out over the whole reserve today, making use of the Woodland and the Main Lake – loudly calling to each other and showing off their impressive aerial skills. A couple of early Wigeon were also spotted, an attractive duck that we don’t usually see visiting Castle Espie until later on in the year. A Willow warbler was heard at Freshwater Lagoon, singing its distinctive, descending tune and reminding us that, although it’s rainy and overcast, summer is still with us!
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Little egret 1, Lesser black-backed gull 3, Black-headed gull 47, Common gull 8, Mallard 2, Black-tailed godwit 4, Cormorant 20, Great crested grebe 4, Eider 12, Oystercatcher 221, Swallow 2, Ringed plover 2, Herring gull 1, Common seal 7
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Little egret 16, Mute swan 2, Coot 2 (1 chick), Sparrowhawk 2, Wigeon 2, Little grebe 2, Wood pigeon 1, Gadwall 5, Tufted duck 3, Mallard 102, Teal 7
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 56, Gadwall 3, Moorhen 2
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 6, Little egret 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Gadwall 1 (5 duckling), Willow warbler 1, House martin 5, Moorhen 1, Mallard 9
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 5, Little egret 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 1, Meadow pipit 2, Magpie
Brickworks
Goldfinch 3
Woodland
Magpie, Wood pigeon, Blue tit, Wren, Robin, Sparrowhawk
