Latest sightings
Recent Sightings - 25th May 2020
The following sightings were recorded today at Castle Espie during mid-tide. Despite the strong winds over the weekend, the sedge warbler could be seen high in the willows in full voice, whilst swaying in the wind. The reed buntings are active at the ed
26 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 17th May 2020
The following sightings were recorded yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at High Tide. The gull colony at the Freshwater lagoon are starting to peak with many of the eggs hatched and the first chicks visible. Oystercatcher continue to roost on t
18 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 11th May 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Low Tide.Sedge warbler is in full song at the Round House as it struggles to call above the sound of the gulls, which are now in mid breeding cycle with most birds sitting on
8 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 3rd May 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at High Tide. The Terns are now showing interest in the raft and the island in the Saline lagoon and we hope they settle soon. The Mediterranean gulls are still visiting the sit
4 May 2020
Recent Sightings - 27th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Low Tide.The Terns are now frequently seen flying over the site and more summer visitors are arriving including the noisy Sedge warbler heard from the reeds in the peninsula f
28 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 19th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Mid Tide. Spring continues to develop with Swallow, House Martin, and Blackcap now familiar sights and sounds on the reserve, Terns have been seen in the area and breeding is
20 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 13th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at Low Tide. Spring activities continues with hoverflies, beetles and butterflies like the Small tortoiseshell and Peacock visible on the reserve. Flocks of Brent geese can st
14 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 5th April 2020
The following sightings were recorded today from the reserve at Castle Espie at High Tide. The number of Black-headed gulls has continued to increase on the reserve in the last two weeks, as well as the welcome addition of Mediterranean gulls. Birds have
6 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 30th March 2020
In absence of visitors, birds are starting to use the reserve in different ways. Many species are utilising spaces closer to paths and in areas they aren't usually seen; Black-tail Godwits are feeding next to paths and have been seen in the Brickworks. Bl
1 April 2020
Recent Sightings - 23rd March 2020
Although Castle Espie is currently closed due to the exceptional circumstances that are affecting us all. Our small team are still providing wonderful care to our captive birds and the reserve team are maintaining the habitats for the vast array of wildli
24 March 2020
Recent Sightings - 16th March 2020
One of our favourite spring features is the roosting Black-tail Godwits. During high tides, the roost together on our marshes and shingle bank in big flocks together. Our biggest count this week was a mixed flock of c.250 Black-tailed godwit and c.100 Kno
16 March 2020
Recent Sightings - 9th March 2020
Spring is definitely closing in in! Our Black-headed Gull colony have started to return again. Overnight the Freshwater Lagoon islands were transformed; one morning they were barren and empty and then the next, were bursting with life and noise. Black-hea
9 March 2020
Recent Sightings - 25th February 2020
Once again, the days are getting longer and the winter is drawing to a close. Very soon lots of the birds that have spent the winter in Strangford Lough will be leaving for their breeding grounds. However over the next couple of weeks, the numbers of thes
25 February 2020
Recent Sightings - 17th February 2020
The storms and heavy rain over these past two weeks have been perfect timed for our Puddle Jumping competition, which runs over this half term week. All the puddles are great fun for us to splash around in, but they are also great for the wildlife on the
17 February 2020
Recent Sightings - 10th February 2020
Storm Ciara is a nightmare if you're a wading bird. Being so small and light, you'll get blown all over the place when you move from your roost to your preferred feeding grounds. However, whenever waders do decide to take to the air, they produce some mag
10 February 2020