Recent Sightings 3rd July 2023
The tide was slowly creeping up the Lough for the first count of July this year, bringing Oystercatcher and Black-headed gulls up to sit right in front of the Brent Hide. There were also Greenshank (pictured) out feeding on the Estuary. Greenshank are less common to see during summer, as they gather here in greater numbers during the winter months. Greenshank are a slim, elegant sandpiper with a very slightly upturned bill and pale green legs.
A couple of Common terns were flying and calling gracefully over Saline Lagoon in the morning sunshine, the Limestone Observatory Balcony being the perfect viewing platform for their aerial acrobatics. The Brickworks was also full of life with Swallows, House Martins, Meadow pipits and Goldfinches all showing off in the air over the wildflower meadow, which is bursting with butterflies, bees and moths.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Oystercatcher 190, Black-tailed godwit 11, Cormorant 3, Little egret 3, Common gull 2, Black-headed gull 156, Greenshank 3, Shelduck 2 (5 ducklings), Curlew 7, Herring gull 7, Lesser black-backed gull 1, Greater black-backed gull 2, Eider 18
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mute swan 2, Moorhen 2, Coot 2, Tufted duck 2, Gadwall 3, Little grebe 3, Black-headed gull 3, Mallard 45, Wigeon 1, Swallow 1, Wood pigeon 1
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Shelduck 2 (7 ducklings), Mallard 3, Black-headed gull 2, Moorhen 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Oystercatcher 15, Black-tailed godwit 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Black-headed gull 4, Coot 2, Mallard 3, Moorhen 3 (1 chick), Gadwall 1 (5 ducklings), Hooded crow, Sedge warbler, Song thrush, Wren
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Common tern 2, Little egret 1, Little grebe 1, Black-headed gull 8
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Black-headed gull 1, Swallow 2, House martin, Meadow pipit
Brickworks
Moorhen 1 (1 chick), Meadow pipit 2, House martin 2, Swallow 2, Goldfinch 2, Great tit
Limestone Lake
Greylag 2 (1 gosling), Hooded crow
Woodland
Robin, Wood pigeon, Hooded crow, Buzzard, House martin
