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 very similar in size and shape to the Herring gull but can be differentiated by its darker slate grey coloured back and its yellow legs. It can be seen out on the Estuary.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Shelduck 171, Common gull 15, Black-headed gull 7, Herring gull 28, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Black-tailed godwit 3, Wigeon 51, Light-bellied Brent Goose 85, Curlew 8, Redshank 21, Oystercatcher 92, Knot 180, Hooded Crow 4, Little Egret 4
Main lake - visible from Sensory Garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 109, Tufted duck 6, Gadwall 8, Teal 48, Moorhen 4
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory Garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 13, Teal 41, Gadwall 20, Cormorant 1, Moorhen 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Teal 35, Redshank 10, Moorhen 3, Greenshank 3, Black-headed Gull 2
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 2, Teal 28, Gadwall 2
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 4, Grey Heron 1
Brickworks
Robin 1, Blackbird 1
Limestone Lake
Little grebe 1, Mallard 2
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Starling 2
Peninsula Field
Starling 1
Woodland
Blackbird, Dunnock, Wren, Chaffinch, Great tit, Robin, Blue tit, Goldfinch, Goldcrest
