The Wintering Wader and Wildfowl Populations of Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough qualifies as a wetland of international importance, according to Ramsar criteria, with more than 20,000 wildfowl and 40,000 waders in winter.

There are also internationally important concentrations of Light-bellied Brent Goose, Knot and Redshank.

At least 1 per cent of the UK population of a further 17 species occur on the lough in autumn or winter.

These species are Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Greenshank and Turnstone.