Winter Bird Watch

The Northern Ireland Enviroment Agency (NIEA) invites the public to observe of over-wintering and breeding waders at Roe Estuary Nature Reserve. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of birds. Over 30 species have been regularly recorded in the reserve.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Jan 2011, 09:14 BST

Tracy Platt, NIEA Scientific Officer said: “From a distance, the mud flats of the Roe Estuary appear dull and lifeless at low tide but underneath they hide a secret. Vast numbers of small seashore animals such as lugworms, shrimps and periwinkles are concealed by the mud and there are extensive areas covered in eel-grass.

“All of these are food sources that act as a magnet for many thousands of migrating waders, ducks, swans and geese that stop over on Lough Foyle each winter.

“Visitors will see overwintering flocks of geese and swans, sanderlings, curlew, knots and maybe merlin. A real bonus would be a sea eagle which is occasionally spotted along this stretch.”

The event is free of charge and will start at 11am on Sunday 20 February.

To find out more about this event and to book a place contact (028) 7776 3982.