Recent Sightings 21st May 2024
Castle Espie was bathed in warm spring sunshine for this count, and the chicks and ducklings were out in force. Small, chirping Coot, Moorhen and Mallard offspring were visible all over the Reserve – either swimming on our lakes or trailing after mum down our paths.
Lots of birds are still busy nest building, so look out for Hooded crows, Blackbirds, Blue tits and lots of other species carrying beakfulls of twigs, moss and leaf litter to their secret nest locations. Most of our nest boxes around the Reserve are being used by Blue tits and Great tits, so if you come across one – stay back and keep quiet and you might see them coming and going.
The Crannog has recently had Reed warbler (pictured) song mysteriously coming from the depths of our reed habitats. Two of these elusive little birds have been heard singing on different sides of the Crannog. They are relatively rare in Northern Ireland, only visiting in small numbers over the summer months, and last year was the first year we’d ever had one on site – so it’s great to welcome them back!
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Common gull 33, Oystercatcher 6, Jackdaw 4, Curlew 1, Grey heron 1
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 10, Shoveler 1, Tufted duck 1, Little grebe 1, Coot 1, Swallow 1, Moorhen 3 (and 9 chicks), Greylag goose 2, Gadwall 1, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Chaffinch
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Moorhen 3 (and 6 chicks), Black-headed gull 46, Gadwall 3, Jackdaw 3, Mallard 12, Oystercatcher 530, Common gull 12
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Common tern 1, Swallow, Moorhen 1, Black-headed gull 7, Wren, Wood pigeon 2
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Sedge warbler, Reed warbler, Wren, Mute swan 2, Gadwall 4, Coot 1 (and 4 chicks), Mallard 1, Blackbird, Wood pigeon, Moorhen 1, Swallow, Greylag goose 3 (flying over)
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Common tern 4, Black-headed gull 28, Gadwall 2, Mallard 1, Tufted duck 2
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Little egret 1, Shelduck 2
Brickworks
Sedge warbler, Jackdaw 2, Blackbird, Meadow pipit, Swallow, Wood pigeon
Limestone Lake
Wood pigeon, Black-headed gull 7, Grey heron 1, Mallard 1 (with 8 ducklings), Moorhen 1, Swallow
Woodland
Wren, Mistle thrush, Blue tit, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Wood pigeon, Blackcap, Coal tit, Hooded crow, Goldcrest, Long-tailed tit, Willow warbler, Chaffinch
