Latest sightings
Recent Sightings - 13th July 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during high-tide. The Whitethroat is a late arrival this week, seen and heard around the Limekiln area. Whitethroats are summer migrants to Ireland, flying from as far as sub-
14 July 2020
Recent Sightings - 6th July 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during mid tide. The centre is re-opening up to the public again this week after the lockdown, and the wildlife on the reserve will have to get accustomed to more people on sit
7 July 2020
Recent Sightings - 29th June 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during mid-tide. With many of the Black-headed gull chicks fledged, some birds are still on eggs, either delayed nesting or second brood for some birds. The colony is accompani
30 June 2020
Recent Sightings - 22nd June 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during low tide. The Tern chicks are now visible on the Saline lagoon with a few hatched while others are still sitting on eggs. The fledged Black-headed gulls are now active
23 June 2020
Recent Sightings - 14th June 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie during high tide. The Swallows from the nest in the round house have now fledged, and can be seen flying around the Freshwater Lagoon. The first of the Tern eggs have hatched,
15 June 2020
Recent Sightings - 8th June 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at High Tide. Many of the birds on the reserve now have broods with Shelduck on the Freshwater Lagoon, Eider on the estuary, and Gadwall on the Limestone Lake. Most of the gul
9 June 2020
Recent Sightings - 25th May 2020
The following sightings were recorded today at Castle Espie during mid-tide. Despite the strong winds over the weekend, the sedge warbler could be seen high in the willows in full voice, whilst swaying in the wind. The reed buntings are active at the ed
26 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 17th May 2020
The following sightings were recorded yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at High Tide. The gull colony at the Freshwater lagoon are starting to peak with many of the eggs hatched and the first chicks visible. Oystercatcher continue to roost on t
18 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 11th May 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Low Tide.Sedge warbler is in full song at the Round House as it struggles to call above the sound of the gulls, which are now in mid breeding cycle with most birds sitting on
8 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 3rd May 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at High Tide. The Terns are now showing interest in the raft and the island in the Saline lagoon and we hope they settle soon. The Mediterranean gulls are still visiting the sit
4 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 27th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Low Tide.The Terns are now frequently seen flying over the site and more summer visitors are arriving including the noisy Sedge warbler heard from the reeds in the peninsula f
28 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 19th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Mid Tide. Spring continues to develop with Swallow, House Martin, and Blackcap now familiar sights and sounds on the reserve, Terns have been seen in the area and breeding is
20 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 13th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Low Tide. Spring activities continues with hoverflies, beetles and butterflies like the Small tortoiseshell and Peacock visible on the reserve. Flocks of Brent geese can st
14 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 5th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at High Tide. The number of Black-headed gulls has continued to increase on the reserve in the last two weeks, as well as the welcome addition of Mediterranean gulls. Birds have
6 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 30th March 2020
In absence of visitors, birds are starting to use the reserve in different ways. Many species are utilising spaces closer to paths and in areas they aren't usually seen; Black-tail Godwits are feeding next to paths and have been seen in the Brickworks. Bl
1 April 2020