Recent Sightings - 31st December 2018
Count taken at High-Mid tide this morning.
It was a real treat on the reserve this morning to find Peregrine falcons zooming over the brickworks. Not unusual birds to see in NI but are infrequent visitors to Castle Espie. Their large size, long pointed wings and sheer speed make them a spectacular sight to see. They gave a display of their acrobatic flying skills as the dived and swooped along the edge of the estuary; hoping to snatch up some of the small regular waders for a meal. A real special treat for us here in Castle Espie. Always been on alert when out on the reserve, one never knows what treats nature may have in store.
Young Peregrine Falcon.
Estuary – visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Brent Goose 17, Shelduck 103, Wigeon 15, Oystercatcher 2, Redshank 107, Knot 125, Dunlin 5, Black-headed Gull 4, Herring Gull 1
Main lake – visible from Sensory garden and Visitor centre
Mallard c.350, Mute Swan 1, Tufted Duck 23, Gadwall 5, Pintail 2, Teal 18, Moorhen 3, Coot 4
Shingle bank – visible from Sensory garden, Wadermarsh and Visitor Centre
Mallard 12, Black-headed Gull 12
Wadermarsh – visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 5, Black-headed Gull 12
Freshwater Lagoon – visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Mallard 39, Shoveler 8, Pintail 1, Moorhen 4, Coot 1
Saline Lagoon – visible from Limekiln observatory
Little Grebe 2, Little Egret 1, Greenshank 10
Limestone Lake
Song Thrush (on lake verge)
Peninsula Field and Saltmarsh
Shelduck 2
Brickworks
Blackbird, Song Thrush, Jackdaw, Peregrine 2
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Wood pigeon, Jay, Robin, Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Goldcrest, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, House Sparrow
