Recent Sightings - 9th April 2017
The following sightings were recorded today at Castle Espie. As spring approaches we are seeing more and more of our summer visitors returning. A blackcap has returned to the woodland in full voice and the first swallows of spring were spotted flying over the main lake this evening. Other creatures like the stunning Peacock butterfly are also showing nicely in the reserve, and the first mallard chicks are entertaining us as they toddle about the reserve.
Estuary
Brent geese 20, Oystercatcher 2, Redshank 5, Black-headed gull +400, Black-tailed godwit +300
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Cormorant 2, Common Teal 7, Mallard 23, Tufted duck 14, Greylag 4, Black-headed gull 42, Shoveler 4, Shelduck 7, Coot 3, Mute swan 2, Pintail 1, Lesser black-backed gull 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Redshank 3, Common teal 1, Black-headed gull 160, Oystercatcher 2, Shelduck 2. High tides are bringing very good numbers of Black-tailed godwit, ranging between 200-700 individuals. These numerous flocks, along with their progressive feather colour change towards stunning, deep orange, are offering extraordinary sightings. The Kingfisher was spotted yesterday in this area.
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannog
Tufted 4, Coot 2, Black-headed gull 420, Gadwall 2.
Saline Lagoon - visible from the Saline Lagoon lookout and Limekiln observatory
Lesser black-backed gull 1, Little grebe 1, Black-headed gull 26.
Brickworks
Jackdaw 6, Wren 2, Linnet 2, Long-tailed tit 1, Blackbird 1.
Peninsula Marsh - visible from the Limekiln observatory and the Peninsula Marsh lookout
Reed bunting 1, Black-headed gull 2.
Limestone lake - visible from the Limestone Pavilion and upper woodland lookout
Mallard 2, Tufted duck 6.
Woodland
Raven 1, Dunnock 3, Wood pigeon 6, Great tit 2, Bluetit 3, Bullfinch 1, Robin 2, Wren 2, Blackcap 1. Willow warbler was reported close to the Swamp area
