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Strangford Lough Wildfowl & Wader Photography – Castle Espie (RSPB)

Outside, 4.1 km from Strangford Loughby Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – Arundel

Strangford Lough — a designated Special Protection Area — holds one of the most extraordinary wildfowl concentrations in Europe. Astonishingly up to 75% of the world population of pale-bellied brent geese winters here — arriving in October from Arctic Canada via Iceland. WWT Castle Espie on the western shore has purpose-built photography hides overlooking the main mudflats where geese and waders feed at close range. Also kingfisher hides on the adjacent stream. European otter regularly seen along the shoreline. Castle Espie also has Ireland's largest breeding colony of greater flamingo (not wild) but the wild wildfowl are the primary draw. Just 10 minutes from Belfast city centre. Hides available year-round; best October–April for peak brent geese. Contact: 028 9187 4146.

Species

Months

  1. January, open
  2. February, open
  3. March, open
  4. April, open
  5. May, closed
  6. June, closed
  7. July, closed
  8. August, closed
  9. September, closed
  10. October, open
  11. November, open
  12. December, open

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec