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Mudflats - Sandflats - Saltmarshes
The major habitat that attracts wetland birds from autumn to spring although small numbers are also present in summer.
The mudflats and sandflats between the island and the mainland were divided into two distinct areas by the construction of a road causeway in 1964. At full tide there are two shallow lagoons, one north and one south of the causeway.
The mudflats attract 30,000 birds between late summer (July) and early spring (March) the majority of which are waders. The most common species associated with these muddy intertidal areas are dunlin, knot, bar-tailed godwit, black-tailed godwit, curlew, oystercatchers, redshank, grey plover and golden plover. Smaller numbers of greenshank, lapwing, grey heron and little egrets also occur.
During the summer months common, actic and sandwich terns feed around the island and in the lagoons at high water. A large little terns colony existed at the most northerly point on the island up the late 1980s. In autumn little stint, curlew sandpiper, ruff and spotted redshank also occur in small numbers. Rare species occur mostly during autumn migration.
The most obvious wildfowl are the pale-bellied brent goose and shelduck but teal and wigeon are also quite common. Small and ever decreasing numbers of pintail and shoveler can been seen from the mainland at low water. A few pairs of mallard nest on the island annually. Mute swans can be seen in small numbers infrequently in autumn and occasionally at other times in the year. Other wildfowl species are uncommon or rare.
The best way to see wildfowl and waders is to watch at low water from the coastal footpath that runs alongside the mudflats from the wooden bridge at Dollymount up to near Sutton Cross. Alternatively, visit the causeway about one hour before high water. Feeding birds are pushed very close to the causeway by the incoming tide and excellent views can be had without causing any disturbance.
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