Winter flooding at the reserve

The reserve lies on the southern shore of Portmore Lough, a small lake at the south east corner of Lough Neagh, about 20 minutes from Lisburn. In winter large flocks of geese regularly visit as well as smaller numbers of ducks, swans and wading birds. During the summer dragonflies, butterflies and wild flowers are present. Breeding birds include snipe, skylarks, lapwings, water rails, reed buntings and tree sparrows. There is a carpark, toilets, information boards, nature trails and a hide.
                                                          Visitor Information Centre                                                                               Educational Facilities
           
         Giant Bird Table                                      Polish Konik Wild Ponies                      Dragon and Damsel Flies
Portmore

Dogs are allowed anywhere. They must be kept under close control at all times. During the bird-breeding season, this may mean on a lead. Please check reserve notices for current restrictions. It is essential that you clean up after your dog as wheelchair users frequent the reserve.

Watch common terns fishing on the lough during spring and summer. These graceful birds arrive in April after migrating from Africa and raise their young on the special rafts.

On the meadows, displaying lapwing herald the start of the breeding season while meadow pipits and skylarks sing overhead. Reed buntings, willow, grasshopper and sedge warblers declare territory from the ditch edges. Here large dragonflies such as common hawker or four-spotted chaser hunt. Yellow marsh marigold and pink lady's smock flower on the meadow attracting orange-tip and green-veined white butterflies. Willow catkins, blackthorn and hawthorn blossom adorns the wooded edge. Deep within blackcaps sing and tree sparrows investigate nestboxes. On the lough, ducks display to already established mates before disappearing into the reedbed to breed.

Summer is the season for young birds as second broods of warblers and tree sparrows emerge. On the lough wildfowl congregate to moult their flight feathers. Look out for large congregations of gadwalls and coots. Great crested grebes emerge from the reedbed with their distinctive black and white-striped young. Female duck such as shovelers, mallards and pochards supervise their crèches of juveniles. Common terns nesting on the newly established rafts loudly defend their territory and young. Maiden flights are taken in July. Red-coloured ruddy and common darter dragonflies sunbathe on the boardwalk to the hide while damselflies hunt in the field margins. Marsh Harrier can be a common summer visitor over the wetlands hunting along with other common raptures.

In Autumn swallows and martins congregate prior to heading south. Groups of meadow pipits and skylarks pass through the meadows from further north. Hen harrier can be seen patrolling the reedbed while juvenile buzzards call from overhead seeking reassurance from their parents. Flocks of lapwing take to the air heralding the arrival of large winter flocks from the east. By November, fieldfares and redwings feed on the short meadow sward. On the lough, teals have started to congregate. Pochard and tufted duck numbers are on the increase. Tree sparrow and linnet flocks come together to feed on the arable plot behind the car park alongside the gathering greenfinch, goldfinch and chaffinch flocks.

In winter large flocks of golden plovers and lapwings congregate on the flooded meadows often forming huge flocks in the air as they are joined by nearby disturbed groups.If a bird of prey, such as a peregrine or merlin, is in the area, they take to the air in a vast wheeling mass. On the lough, pochard and tufted duck numbers are at their peak. Look out for the occasional scaup, smew and goldeneye from the deep water of Lough Neagh. Greylag geese and whooper swans noisily come onto the water to roost just before dusk. Tree sparrow, linnet and chaffinch flocks are at their maximum on the crop field behind the car park, as seed elsewhere is in short supply. By February, yellow-coloured celandine flowers in the wooded meadow edge, announce approaching spring. 

                   
     The Reserve Observation Room over-looked by the Belfast docklands

An oasis of calm, a pocket-sized slice of countryside, a wildlife haven - all within 10 minutes of the centre of Belfast! On the harbour estate, we manage a lagoon to create ideal conditions for birds. From the observation room you can see a wide variety of birds incredibly close to you - waders and ducks in autumn and winter, terns in summer. Special feeders attract a host of small birds year round.

 From the observation room you can see a wide variety of birds incredibly close to you - waders and ducks in autumn and winter, terns in summer. Special feeders attract a host of small birds year round.
When the wintering ducks and waders have left for their summer habitats the common and Artic terns arrive for the breeding season and nest on specially built rafts right in front of the observation room where you can watch the progress of the new arrivals. Anywhere that there are young vunerable chicks  you will find birds of prey and the Harbour Lagoon is no exception. Perigrine, sparrowhawk and buzzard are regular visitors all year round.
During the spring and autumn migrations just about anything can drop in for a rest or cover from the winter storms. Many rare birds have been recorded at this reserve over the years. 

                                             
                                           

The reserve is located within Belfast Harbour Estate. Two main entrances lead into the harbour estate; both are signposted along the A2 (Belfast to Holywood dual carriageway). From the Dee Street entrance the reserve car park is a further two miles; from the Tillysburn entrance it is one mile. There are toilets, spare binoculars and the observation room is wheelchair friendly and is heated in the cold winter months. It is not open on Mondays however it is open the other six days of the week when there are volunteers to man the observation room. The two hides are available 24/7.   

Do not be put off by the intimidating signs that say "No Entry! authorised personnel only". Anyone wishing to use the facilities at the RSPB reserve are considered to be "Authorised Personnel".