Recent Sightings 28th July 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a low tide. The bird of the week is the Lapwing. The Lapwing is a wader that can be most frequently seen on the Estuary which is visible from the Brent Hide. From a distance it gives the impression of being black and white but when seen at close range it has a beautiful green and purple iridescence on its dark upperparts. It is unmistakeable in flight as it has strongly rounded wingtips which are sometimes referred to as 'frying pan wings'. This species also has a unique long, thin, and wispy crest which can be seen when it is at rest or feeding.
The Lapwing does not breed at Castle Espie but a small amount of non-breeding birds can be seen throughout the year on the Estuary and their numbers will increase in the winter months. Unlike some of the other species of waders on the Estuary such as Oystercatcher and Curlew, the Lapwing has a relatively short bill and it feeds on invertebrates found closer to the surface of the mudflats. As a breeding bird, the Lapwing has undergone a major decline in both Britain and Ireland as changing farming practices and the drainage of wetlands has destroyed large areas of formerly suitable nesting and foraging habitat. The Lapwing is on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland Red List and many efforts are being made across the island to protect the last remaining populations of this beautiful bird.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Herring Gull 5, Hooded Crow 3, Oystercatcher 4, Common Gull 3, Lesser-black backed Gull 3, Greater black backed Gull 1, Lapwing 2, Little Egret 2, 16, Black-headed Gull 21
Main lake - visible from Sensory Garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 112, Moorhen 4 adults and 3 chicks, Little Grebe 4, Tufted Duck 5 adults and 2 ducklings, Hooded Crow 1, Grey heron 1, Little Egret 1, Woodpigeon, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin,
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory Garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 49, Gadwall 3, Herring Gull 1, Jackdaw 2
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 1
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 3, Moorhen 3, Mute Swan 2 adults and 3 ducklings, Sedge Warbler, Black-headed Gull 1, House Martin, Goldfinch
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Little Grebe 2
Brickworks
Swallow
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Meadow Pipit, Black-headed Gull 1,
Peninsula Field
Meadow Pipit, Buzzard
Woodland
Woodpigeon, Wren, Sparrowhawk, Dunnock, Robin, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Great Tit
Sensory Garden
Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Robin, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Treecreeper, Blue Tit
