Recent Sightings 15th August 2022
Castle Espie has had some new visitors recently to look out for. On the Main Lake a small group of Wigeon have been seen recently, amongst the Gadwall and Tufted ducks. Wigeon are a small dabbling duck, feeding on aquatic plants and roots. The UK receive large numbers of them over winter.
Lapwing (pictured) were seen on the Peninsular Saltmarsh at the end of the reserve, Lapwing are a very recognizable farmland and wetland bird. They are commonly known as ‘Peewits’ due to the sound of their call, and have a distinctive long black tuft on their head, as well as an iridescent shine to their wings in the sunlight. Unfortunately these wetland birds have undergone dramatic declines in recent years mainly due to changes in agricultural practices, so we’re glad that Castle Espie can provide a welcoming habitat for them.
A Silver-washed fritillary butterfly was also spotted recently which is great news as this is a very rare visitor and an exciting spot! So come along with your butterfly and bird ID books and see if you can find some of our most recent guests!
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Shelduck 1, Little egret 1, Lesser black-backed gull 5, Black-headed gull 103, Mute swan 3, Herring gull 73, Hooded crow 1, House martin 1, Grey heron 1, Common gull 9, Redshank 2, Black-tailed godwit 2, Oystercatcher 340, Curlew 22
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mute swan 8, Kingfisher 1, Moorhen 3 (1 chick), Little grebe 2, Gadwall 3, Tufted duck 4, Grey heron 1, Cormorant 2, Wigeon 7, Lesser black-backed gull 1, Mallard 102, Black-headed gull 4, Jackdaw 2
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Little grebe 2, Mallard 109. Greylag goose 9, Lesser black-backed gull 1, Black-headed gull 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Greylag goose 23, Black-headed gull 5, Moorhen 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Black-tailed godwit 18, Moorhen 2, Mallard 8, Mute swan 1, Gadwall 4, Goldfinch 4
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little grebe 2, Black-tailed godwit 1, Black-headed gull 3, Jackdaw 6
Brickworks
Goldfinch 8, Jackdaw 4
Limestone Lake
Mallard 2
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Lapwing 2, Black-tailed godwit 1
Peninsula Field
Woodland
Wood pigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Sparrowhawk
