Recent Sightings 9th Aug 2021

The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie during low tide. Glimpses of the Kingfisher continue around the reserve and was spotted recently flying around the Main lake and Collection area, uncharacteristically dodging and skirting around trees and obstacles as it moves between the various waterbodies. Presently is a good time for hirundine with a number of House martin and Swallow flying near the surface of the lakes and lagoons picking off insects as they emerge from the water. The lesser seen Swift and Sand martin have also turned up on occasion, and provided us with some delightful scenes as they fly together. This is a great opportunity to hone your ID skills and distinguish the different species. The forked tail can be a helpful feature of the swallow, while the white rump on the martin is a useful diagnostic feature as it twists and turns in flight. This is made increasing abstruse as there are young fledged swallows in the mix and these birds lack the same features of the adults and can be difficult to identify. Swallows are still active in the roundhouse and can be seen flying in and out of the building which they have now adopted as a permanent residence and have regularly raised 2 broods within the season in recent years. Swallow are a common sight during the summer months and are usually not found far from water as flying insects associated with water form a large part of their diet, therefore, existence and conservation of wetland habitats are essential for the continued existence of the Swallow and other hirundines.

Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory

Curlew 3, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Oystercatcher 26, Little egret 3

Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Mallard 32, Kingfisher 1, Little grebe 2, Buzzard 2, Goldeneye 1, Coot 2

Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre

Mallard 66, Black-headed gull 1, Moorhen 2, Lesser black-backed gull 1

Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide

Black-headed gull 4

Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg

Sparrowhawk 1, Sedge warbler 1, Mallard 22, Swallow 2, Teal 1, House martin 6, Grey heron 1

Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory

Little grebe 2, Mallard 1

Brickworks

Goldfinch 10, jackdaw 6

Limestone Lake

Little grebe 1, Mallard 1

Peninsula Saltmarsh

Little egret 1

Peninsula Field

Jackdaw 1

Woodland

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