Recent Sightings 6th September 2021

The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during a rising tide. With the arrival of the first Brent to the shores of Strangford Lough, there is a definite feel that the winter season has started. The change in seasons has been reflected in the bird fauna currently on the reserve. The Kingfisher that was very elusive during the summer, has made itself very visible, moving from perch to perch and fishing in the various water bodies. They are availing of a varied diet, from the freshwater fish of the Limestone lake to the shrimp in the Wadermarsh, this bird can be spotted as it utilizes the wetland habitats on site to great avail. Look out for the blue flash as it flies speedily from place to place, and the piercing whistle is a good sign you are about to catch a glimpse. Not all the summer visitors are gone, with the Sedge warbler and a Swallow still on the nest within the Freshwater lagoon. The swallows seem to be breeding later and later each season, as they avail of the late abundance of insects on our wetlands. At first impression, the extended breeding season and potential for more than one brood can seem like a distinct advantage, however, the change in migration patterns can have adverse impacts on some birds as their movements do not coincide with food availability. In previous years we have seen swallows and martins into the winter period, having missed their migration window, and are left unable to survive the cold winters.

Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory

Black-headed gull 41, Little egret 2

Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Mute swan 1, Mallard 10, Teal 1, Gadwall 1, Tufted duck 2, Goldeneye 2, Shoveler 1, Swallow 1

Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Greylag 113, Mallard 31, Moorhen 4, Gadwall 1

Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide

Black-headed gull 6, Moorhen 3, Teal 1, Greylag goose 30

Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg

Shoveler 3, Grey heron 1, Kingfisher 1, Little grebe 1, Mallard 4, Moorhen 5, Coot 2, Sedge warbler 1, Teal 15

Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory

Little grebe 2, Moorhen 1, Black-headed gull 1

Brickworks

Goldfinch ~28

Limestone Lake

Little grebe 1

Peninsula Saltmarsh

Black-headed gull 1

Peninsula Field

Meadow pipit 1

Woodland

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