Recent Sightings 18th April 2022
With Black-headed gull numbers still high, and nests beginning to appear all around the reserve – Castle Espie is full of life! These sightings were taken at low tide on a clear morning. Black-tailed godwit and Knot are still making use of the Shingle bank and Wadermarsh, and can easily been seen in a mixed flock roosting on the Shingle at high tide. For these waders, high tide marks the end of feeding time as they no longer have access to the mudflats that store the majority of their food.
Some more spring and summer visitors can be seen, and heard, in the Woodland now as we move further into April. Blackcaps (pictured) and Chiffchaffs are making themselves known around the wet woodland area. The Chiffchaff is a beautiful, delicate little passerine with a pale yellow tint. See if you can hear the distinctive ‘chiff chaff chiff chaff’ call next time you visit the secret swamp!
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Lesser black-backed gull 5, Common gull 1, Little egret 2, Black-headed gull 195, Herring gull 4, Eider 24, Light-bellied brent goose 100, Grey heron 1, Shelduck 3, Oystercatcher 148, Black-tailed godwit 156
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mute swan 2, Greylag goose 2, Tufted duck 1, Gadwall 4, Mallard 15, Teal 6, Redshank 6, Moorhen 3, Black-headed gull 28
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Black-headed gull 156, Moorhen 1, Black-tailed godwit 142, Knot 30
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Black-headed gull 28, Redshank 9, Black-tailed godwit 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Black-headed gull 197, Lesser black-backed gull 2, Mallard 2, Black-tailed godwit 1, Moorhen 1, Gadwall 2
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Redshank 3, Black-headed gull 92
Brickworks
Jackdaw 1, Mallard 5, Black-headed gull 1, Moorhen 1
Limestone Lake
Black-headed gull 12
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Little egret 1, Black-headed gull 3, Meadow pipit 1, Dunnock 1
Peninsula Field
Woodland
Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Great tit, Jackdaw, Blackcap, Robin, Wood pigeon, Chaffinch, Wren, Blue tit, Willow warbler
