Just spent a grand morning at Belfast Harbour. Thanks to the warden, Chris, (ta for the coffee) and the telescope we also saw Curlew Sandpipers and a Snipe hidden in the buttercups neither of which we would have spotted with our own binoculars. Hoards of Black Tailed Godwit and Oystercatchers also put on a great show with plenty of Lapwings, Shelduck and Teal. There were also a few Curlews, Dunlin, Moorhens, five or six Golden Plovers and a group of Brent Geese. Not a bad outing and all viewed in warmth and comfort. Its a great place to visit for both the beginner and the experienced alike. It would be great to have a second telescope in the observation room when you need a second opinion - any chance RSPB?
Sirocco said: Just spent a grand morning at Belfast Harbour. Thanks to the warden, Chris, (ta for the coffee) and the telescope we also saw Curlew Sandpipers and a Snipe hidden in the buttercups neither of which we would have spotted with our own binoculars. Hoards of Black Tailed Godwit and Oystercatchers also put on a great show with plenty of Lapwings, Shelduck and Teal. There were also a few Curlews, Dunlin, Moorhens, five or six Golden Plovers and a group of Brent Geese. Not a bad outing and all viewed in warmth and comfort. Its a great place to visit for both the beginner and the experienced alike. It would be great to have a second telescope in the observation room when you need a second opinion - any chance RSPB?
How do you find this place? I spent half an hour looking for it without success! Drove past Sainsburys and B&Q, went as far as Belfast and only saw one sign but no building, on the way back!
Please help!!!
Found it! Must have been so well camouflaged I didn't notice the entrance or even the car park!! Well, I did phone the Belfast HQ first, and they said it was opposite the Emo Oil entrance, which helped! We had a very nice welcome, coffee was offered, but we had just had some in B&Q (our regular hang-out - the shop, not the coffee shop, which is cheap, but not the best coffee!)
We were offered the chance to use the telescopes which were focussed already on the far side of the lagoon, and were able to see a buzzard among the trees there, apparently feeding off a carcase on the ground. there were rumours of a peregrine falcon this morning, but perhaps they were false...
Lovely experience - we'll be back!!!
Hi morninglark.
Glad you enjoyed your visit. You have a fighting chance of seeing a peregrine next time.They regularly visit and there is a spectacular evacuation when the roosting birds sense they are around and even more spectacular chase sequence when they don't and get dive bombed.
Best
Elvis