HomeWildlife Guide - A Walk on the Wild Side
East Belfast
Suggested time: six hoursLocations: Victoria Park, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Reserve
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is beneath the great cranes Samson and Goliath, icons of the Belfast skyline, at the nearby Harland and Wolff shipyard.The park has expansive lakes and ponds, and offers a colourful array of waterfowl, including greylag geese, coots, tufted ducks, red-breasted merganser and even the occasional visiting snow goose.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Reserve
There is limited car parking within Victoria Park. But that is just to whet the appetite of the dedicated bird-watcher, before taking the bus to the Belfast Harbour Estate and the sublime Belfast Lough Nature Reserve. The reserve is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). With a dedicated observation room and hide, this is the perfect place for any bird lover to while away a long afternoon.Over 180 different species of birds can be found in the 13-hectare site, which, despite its proximity to the sea, is composed of freshwater lakes.
From the Observation Room you could find yourself just inches from reed buntings, linnets and greenfinches and, in spring and summer, silver-and-white common and arctic terns raising their young or hovering over the water before plunging in to grab a fish.
In season, you will have perfect views of over 150 pairs of breeding terns and their chicks from the hide. Other species on view include redshank, curlew, oystercatcher, common snipe, golden plover and curlews. Also look out for birds of prey, such as long-eared owls, hunting for food. Autumn and winter sees hundreds of immigrant birds arriving.
RSPB volunteers are on hand and it is best to time your visit with high tide, as birds are pushed inland by rising waters.
Viewpoint open at all times. Observation Room open Tuesday to Sundays, 9am -5pm.
More information
The guide is also available from the Belfast Welcome Centre.Belfast Welcome Centre
47 Donegall Place
Belfast
BT1 5AD
Telephone: 028 9024 6609
Fax: 028 9031 2424
Email: welcomecentre@belfastvisitor.com
