Lough Gullion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lough Gullion |
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 Lough Gullion
Location in Northern Ireland
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| Location | County Armagh, Northern Ireland |
| Coordinates | 54°29′23″N 6°26′45″W / 54.489628°N 6.445857°W |
| Native name | Loch gCuillinn Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Primary outflows | Upper Bann |
| Basin countries | Northern Ireland |
| Surface area | 1.3 km2 (0.50 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 59 m (194 ft) |
Lough Gullion is a small, peaceful lake located in Northern Ireland. You can find it just north of Craigavon in County Armagh. This lake is a great example of a natural habitat, even though it's not very big. It covers an area of about 1.3 square kilometers (which is about half a square mile).
Lough Gullion sits about 59 meters (194 feet) above sea level. It plays a small but important role in the local environment. The lake's water eventually flows into the Upper Bann, which is one of the main rivers in Northern Ireland.
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Exploring Lough Gullion's Wildlife
Lough Gullion is home to many different plants and animals. Even though it's a small lake, it provides a safe place for various species to live and thrive. Let's take a closer look at some of the interesting creatures you might find here.
Plants in the Water
The edges of Lough Gullion are filled with special plants that love water. These plants are important because they provide food and shelter for many animals. Two common types of plants you'll see are:
- Bur-reed: This plant has long, thin leaves and round, spiky seed heads that look a bit like burrs.
- Water plantain: This plant has broad leaves that float on the water or stand above it, and it produces small white flowers.
These plants help keep the lake healthy by providing oxygen and a place for small insects to live.
Birds of the Lake
Many different kinds of birds visit Lough Gullion, especially those that love water. They come to the lake to find food, rest, and sometimes even build their nests. Some of the regular bird visitors include:
- Tufted duck: These ducks are easy to spot with their black bodies, white sides, and a cool tuft of feathers on their heads.
- Mute swan: These large, graceful white birds are often seen gliding across the water. They are known for their long, curved necks.
- Pochard: Male pochards have a reddish-brown head and a grey body, while females are duller. They dive underwater to find food.
- Northern shoveler: This duck has a very distinctive, large, shovel-shaped bill, which it uses to filter food from the water.
Fish Living in the Lough
Underneath the surface of Lough Gullion, a variety of fish swim around. These fish are an important part of the lake's food web, providing food for birds and other animals. Some of the fish species found here are:
- Bream: A type of freshwater fish with a deep, flat body.
- Roach: A common fish that has silvery scales and reddish fins.
- Perch: This fish is known for its spiny fins and striped body.
- Eel: Eels have long, snake-like bodies and can be found hiding in the lake's muddy bottom.
- Northern pike: A large, predatory fish with a long body and sharp teeth, often found in freshwater lakes.
These fish help keep the lake's ecosystem balanced.
