Recently we have had some exciting species visit RSPB Loch of Strathbeg. Below is a list of what has been spotted across the reserve over the last few weeks.

Osprey

Mid April the reserves first osprey of the year was spotted from the visitor centre fishing in the loch, let’s hope they take notice of our newly built osprey nest.

Osprey flying over the reserve, Image – RSPB

 

Common Crane

Up to four common cranes have been spotted from the visitor centre.

Three common cranes in flight, Image – RSPB

 

White Stork

An individual appeared on the reserve in mid April for a brief spell giving us some lovely views from the visitor centre.

White stork viewed from the visitor centre, Image – Katie Bell

 

Marsh Harrier

There have been at least two females and two males spotted on the reserve from the visitor centre and hides.

Marsh harrier flying over the reserve, Image – Nick Piccozi

 

Other species seen over the last few weeks include:

Cuckoo

Willow Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler

Wheatear

Green Winged Teal

Greenshank

Whimbrel

Little Grebe

Slavonian Grebe

Ruff

Little Ringed Plover

Great White Egrets

Garganey

Bonaparte’s Gull

Little Gulls

The pair of adult little gulls that have been seen regularly on the reserve have been showing some interest in the area of the tern island that they nested on last year, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that we get another pair of little gulls successfully nesting here again this year!

 

Katie Bell

Assistant Warden