Recent Sightings - 22nd May 2017
The following sightings were recorded today at high tide, with plenty of activity in the reserve.
Estuary
Shelduck 2, Balck-headed Gull 15. We are still having relatively good numbers of Black-tailed godwit, seen both inside the reserve feeding on the saltmarsh and on the estuary . Many of them are showing the full orange breeding plumage, and looking spectacular.
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard 50+, Coot 1, Tufted duck 1, Greylag 2, Black-headed gull 106, 2 swallows and house martin feeding over the water surface, Teal 2.
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 22, Shelduck 4, Greylag 2 (seen yesterday with 2 young), Black-tailed godwit 26 (with more moving in as high tide approached), Oystercatcher 65, Common tern 1.
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannog
Gadwall 2, Mute swan 2, Mallard 30, Tufted duck 4, Black-headed gull +350. A Sedge warbler was singing loudly this morning, camouflaged among the reeds, and a swallow is showing an interest in last year's nest spot in the round house.
Saline Lagoon - visible from the Saline Lagoon lookout and Limekiln observatory
Black-headed gull 41. There were six Common tern in this lagoon this morning, with 2 on the tern raft. We are hopefully that this species will once again breed at Castle Espie.
Limestone Lake - Visible from the Limestone Pavillion and the Woodland lookout
Black-headed gull 1, mallard 2. The little grebe has been quite regular in the lake as of late
Peninsula Marsh - Visible from the Peninsula Marsh lookout
Over 350 Oystercatcher were resting this morning in the marsh at high tide. A male Reed bunting have been spotted several times during the last few days.
Peninsula Field - Visible from the Peninsula Marsh lookout
Goldfinch 5, Meadow pipit. Swallows are feeding over the meadow.
Woodland
Wren 2, Goldfinch 2, Chaffinch 5, Great tit 1, Blue tit 1, Coal tit 1, Robin 2, Wood pigeon 1, Dunnock 2. There are still a few black-caps singing at various parts of the woodland.
