A big thank you to everyone who came on our guided walk today around the reserve. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, as despite torrential downpours overnight, the skies dried up just in time for our walk and the sun very nearly came out! We began by heading off to the sea wall to look out over Belfast Lough, and to see if we could spot a seal or two. We saw lots of roosting Cormorants, Black Guillemots, and were treated to a fantastic display from the Oystercatchers who swooped in over the top of us to find shelter in the lagoon at the reserve while the tide was rising in the lough itself. Sadly no seals this time but you can often spot them if you are patient enough!
At the edge of Belfast Lough
Here come the Oystercatchers!!
The walk then took visitors around our two hides, where we got up close to Lapwings, Dunlin, Ruff and a Curlew Sandpiper. Finally, everyone headed back to the Observation Room for a well deserved hot drink and biscuits. Autumn is definitely on it's way judging by the weather today, but it didn't stop us from enjoying our walk, even if it was a little cooler than we've been used to!
Looking out of the Trackside Hide
The view from the Roadside Hide, looking towards Cave Hill
In other news, the reserve has been a little quieter this week since the departure of the Wilson's Phalarope, which stayed from the 28th-30th August. However, we have still had a few interesting sightings, such as a couple of Little Stint and two Black Terns. We will all be keeping our eyes peeled in the coming weeks for any other unusual species dropping into the reserve!
Our next event at Belfast Harbour Reserve is "Go Batty", a talk and walk around the reserve at dusk to look for some of our less-frequently spotted species that make the reserve their home. This is happening at 7.30pm on the spookiest night of the month...Friday 13th September!
Hope to see you soon!
The team at RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve