Strangford Lough is a unique place to visit at any time of the year, and in winter there’s always a wide variety of wildlife to be found by the shore or in the wider countryside.
What you can see: December – February
- Waterbird assemblage on Strangford Lough – 80,000 wintering birds including internationally important numbers of brent geese, knot, and redshank
- Raptors such as peregrine, merlin, and short-eared owl
- Large flocks of linnet and skylark at Ballyquintin
The mild winter climate, sheltered shores and rich feeding all combine to make Strangford Lough the perfect over wintering location for more than 70,000 seabirds that migrate here from northern latitudes. These include over 75% of the entire population of light bellied brent geese that make the journey from Arctic Canada.
Marine life
There are over 2,000 different types of marine creatures living within Strangford Lough. If you venture down to the shore at low tide, you will be amazed at the diversity of life you can discover lurking within the rock pools. Some of the best shorelines to explore include Ballyhenry Island and Kearney Village.
Marine mammals
Both Common and Grey Seals can be seen here all year round. The best places to spot them are at Cloghy Rocks and Granagh Bay; on either side of the entrance to the lough. Other marine mammals to keep an eye out for are porpoises and otters. Previously, a humpback whale has been spotted swimming through the Narrows at Portaferry.