Castle Espie

Castle Espie Wetland Centre

June 11, 2021

What is Castle Espie?

Castle Espie is the first conservation site of the World Wildlife Trust in Ireland which boasts wide estuary views, a tidal lagoon, woodland walks, salt marshes and reed beds; the presence of Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water birds; and the abundance of habitats for other wildlife.

Each winter the reserve supports the arrival of many thousands of migrant birds, among them light-bellied brent geese.

What species of birds can be photographed at Castle Espie?

On a visit to the wetlands, you will see a wide range of wetland birds including those which I have included here along with others depending on the season.

The barrows golden eye, red breasted goose, the light bellied brent goose, the falceted duck, the white headed duck, the rosybills and the smews along with the common spotted mallard ducks and black headed gulls.

How close will the birds get to the visitors?

When you visit the wetland centre you will find that naturally different birds will be inquisitive and come up perhaps closer than you wish, at times some of the larger birds came up to me so close that they made it impossible to capture a decent image while others are in the distance and wearier of the visitors.

How do you encourage the birds to come to a particular spot when you wish to photograph them?

When I head out with my camera to photograph birds or any animal in the wild or captive. I simply observe them and take what I get.
one reason against using feeding methods or baiting is that I tend to be spontaneous and want to react to the birds in their natural interactions. While those who aim to photograph a particular animal will research and plan ahead bringing treats to tempt the birds to the places of interest.

See my selection of images from my day trip to Castle Espie below. followed by links to pages where you can find out more about the particular birds and even purchase prints to hang on your wall or give as a gift.