Recent Sightings 7th August 2023

8 August 2023

Canada geese (pictured) were spotted on the reserve during the morning count before moving onto the Estuary as the tide went out, and the mudflats of Strangford Lough were slowly exposed. These large, monochromatic birds are not native to the UK, but to North America. However, resident populations have established themselves around our wetland habitats since their introduction approximately 300 years ago.

Flocks of Goldfinch are starting to utilize the variety of flora we have on the Brickworks, gathering on Knapweed and Teasel plants. Flocks this size appear this time of year, as they are made up predominantly of juveniles, which look similar to adults but are still lacking the striking red face. These colourful little passerines fit right in with the variety of wildflowers growing on the Brickworks throughout the summer, no wonder a flock of Goldfinches is called a charm!

Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory

Little egret 4, Black-headed gull 25, Hooded crow 7, Shelduck 6.4, Lesser black-backed gull 4, Curlew 15, Whimbrel 1, Greater black-backed gull 1, Cormorant 6, Redshank 4, Herring gull 5, House martin 1, Oystercatcher 72, Common seal 2

Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Tufted duck 4, Little grebe 4, Coot 2 (1 chick), Teal 2, Mallard 23, Grey heron 1, Jackdaw 4, Swallow 2, Moorhen 2, Wood pigeon 1

Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Greylag goose 11, Shelduck 5, Little egret 2, Mallard 52, Gadwall 4, Jackdaw 1, Black-headed gull 1

Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide

Moorhen 3, Little egret 1, Oystercatcher 1, Black-headed gull 1, Hooded crow 1, Swallow 2, Blackbird, Dunnock

Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg

Canada geese 15, Gadwall 6, Mallard 8, Sedge warbler 1, Moorhen 1

Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory

Little grebe 7

Brickworks

Goldfinch 30, Jackdaw 3, Raven 2, Swallow 3, House martin 4