Latest sightings

Recent Sightings 16th December 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a rising tide. The weather conditions were cold and slightly cloudy with a gentle breeze. The bird of the week is the Jay. This colourful member of the crow family can be see

16 December 2024

Recent Sightings 9th December 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during the two hours before low tide. The weather conditions were cold with clear skies and moderate winds. The bird of the week is the Lesser black-backed gull. This large gull is

9 December 2024

Recent Sightings 2nd December 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a rising tide. The weather conditions were cloudy and cold with strong winds. The bird of the week is Knot (Calidris canutus). This medium sized wader can be seen out on the

2 December 2024

Recent Sightings 25th November 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a receding tide. The weather conditions were clear, sunny, and cold with a strong breeze. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Eider 52, Shel

25 November 2024

Recent Sightings 18th November 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a rising tide. The weather conditions were cold with a slight breeze. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Eider 2, Hooded Crow 6, Little Eg

18 November 2024

Recent Sightings 11th November 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a receding tide. The weather conditions were bright and calm during the count. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Cormorant 15, Eider 2,

11 November 2024

Recent Sightings 4th November 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 17, Light-Bellied brent geese 520, Wigeon 210, Black-headed gull 33, Common gull

4 November 2024

Recent Sightings 28th October 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie around high tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 24, Light-Bellied brent goose 715, Wigeon 170, Black-headed Gull 6, Common Gull

28 October 2024

Recent Sightings 21st October 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a low tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 40, Little egret 17, Mute swan 1, Black-headed gull 39, Oystercatcher 8, Light-bell

14 October 2024

Recent Sightings 14th October 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Oystercatcher 210, Redshank 2, Light-bellied brent goose 1,800, Black-headed gull 2, Curlew 2

14 October 2024

Recent Sightings 30th September 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide.Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 1, Oystercatcher 12, Redshank 6, Light-bellied brent goose 3,152, Curlew 4, Lesser

30 September 2024

Recent Sightings 23rd September 2024

The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a low tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 2, Oystercatcher 4, Redshank 2, Hooded crow 1, Light-bellied brent goose ~2,500, Bla

23 September 2024

Recent Sightings 16th September 2024

The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie around high tide.Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Oystercatcher 278, Light-bellied brent goose ~1,500, Black-headed gull 2, Curlew 80, Sheldu

16 September 2024

Recent Sightings 9th September 2024

The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie at low tide:Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Light-bellied brent goose 260, Black-headed gull 10, Curlew 6, Shelduck 58, Lesser black-backed g

19 August 2024

Recent Sightings 2nd September 2024

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

9 August 2024