The best days birding in Wexford - 30 Oct 2010

Last Saturday I got into Philips car to journey to Wexford for a days birding with the one the only Eric Dempsey as our guide. There was 13 of us counting Eric and we fitted neatly into 3 cars.

We hoped we would see some great birds but little did we know quite how GREAT some of the birds would be......

We started off the day with a cup of tea and a scone in the Drinagh Court Hotel just outside Wexford - this was to fortify us for the days birding ahead. The weather forecast looked good but we were ready for anything.

Our 1st port of call was Churchtown and welcoming us as we parked was a very tame/nosey cock Pheasant, no really he stopped looked in Philips car and then walked on and looked in Eric's before he sauntered off up the lane - unfortunately the shooting season starts soon and me thinks he might just be the easiest Pheasant to pick off!!!

Up the lane Eric tried a bit of his legendary 'phising' remembering not to 'phist' in the wind (sorry couldn't resist it), however whatever it was that was singing in the bushes did not bit and stayed deep in the thicket.

The next bird to grab our attention was a Blackbird however our attention was quickly diverted to a female Sparrowhawk who was being mobbed by a Rook - as a result of the Sparrowhawk presence the hedgerow got quiet for a little while so we continued up the lane towards the sea.

Down at the sea were the usual suspects sitting on a rock drying their wings - Cormorants.

Further on down on our walk were a flock of Turnstones, with a Purple sandpiper, a Whimbrel, a couple of Oystercatchers and a Knot.

However it gets better, must apologise at this stage don't have many photos, but trust me it gets better!!!

We returned to the car after visiting the graveyard with the ruined church and got great views of Goldcrests.

Our next destination was Carne Beach/Harbour - the 1st thing that you could not miss was the smell of the seaweed which attracts flies and other insects and therefore lots and lots of birds. There were pipits everywhere - Meadow and Rock, I mean everywhere - the Meadow Pipits spend the winter at the coast as it stays a bit warmer then there summer habitat.

Along with the pipits were wagtails and starlings - who were enjoying the buffet of flies - the amount started to freak me out a bit - literally there were 1000s!!!!

There was a sighting of a Black Redstart but it was only fleeting.

Eric's attention was then drawn to an unusual looking 'Meadow Pipit' who had a very clean belly and dark legs as a Meadow pipit usually has pinky legs and a streaky belly. Closer investigation and the appearance of the birders bible aka the Collins Bird Guide declared this not to be any ordinary Pipit but ..... drum roll please..... a Buff Bellied Pipit.

Buff Bellied Pipit - a North American passerine. (photo kind courtesy of John Fox)

This pipit has travelled from North America in a cyclone and unfortunately will not be able to get home again. The birding grapevine out there is amazing- within 20mins there were at least 3 birders who had heard the news and wanted to see this wonderful little bird.

After spending some time marvelling in the pipit we headed off for lunch to Our Lady's Island where we were greeted by a fly over of some Whooper swans. As we ate lunch a Merlin was hunting - the first sign was all the Lapwings lifting. The aerobatic antics were fantastic as it chased a Meadow pipit, however the Merlin didn't get a meal as the pipit (or mipit) managed to avoid the talons.

There was also great views of Snipe - usually quite hard to see.

Then a phone call to Eric saw us pack up and head back to Carne Harbour as there was a sighting of a Grey Phalarope - again thank you to John Fox for the wonderful picture.

Grey Phalarope in winter plumage. (John Fox - this photo involved climbing out on to some very slippy Rocks)

We then took a look at Carne Beach again and the Black Redstart decided that he/she did not want to be outdone by the Buff Bellied Pipit or Grey Phalarope and gave us great views.

Black Redstart (John Fox)

Along the waterfront were a flock of Turnstones and Sanderlings - one of the Sanderlings was ringed but Ill come back to that in a few minutes.

Sanderling running along the shore-front (John Fox)

Eric and Philip trying for some Sanderling shots.

We then headed to our last destination Tacumshin Lake - which was flooded due to the rainfall in the last week, however this did not dampen our excitement. Here we saw the winter visitor Glossy Ibis, 100's and 100's of Whooper and Mute Swans and Ducks upon Ducks.

Also present were the raptors - a beautiful display from a Hen Harrier (or was it) and a Kestrel.
It turns out that the Hen Harrier was in fact also a visitor from the US and was a Northern Harrier.

With that the light started to fade and we decided to pack up and go home.

All in all we saw over 50 different birds. It was a fantastic day.

Take a trip to Wexford to all around Carne, Tacumshin and Our Lady's Island as you will fall over the birds. Its a great area.

Thanks to Georgina for organising it, Philip for the lift, John for the photos and Eric for being a fantastic Guide.

Bushy Park - 16 Oct 2010

After hearing about the sighting of Mandarin Ducks in Bushy Park I decided to take a wee trip over to have a look.

It was one of the last sunny days in October and when my Dad and I got the pond the 1st bird I saw was the unmissable Tree Creeper, then a small flocks of Goldcrests got my attention. As I was trying to get a photo of the Goldcrests my dad noticed movement on the small island in the middle of the pond and low and behold there they were - 8 of them in total - 6 males (including one juvenile) and 2 females.

The colours in these ducks are amazing and their sail feathers are a beautiful orangey brown!! Take a look.

Male Mandarin Duck

Juvenile Mandarin Duck - colours not as fully developed and no Sail feathers.

Look at the detail in the feathers and the lovely sail feathers.

'Did you say I was pretty, why you make me blush'

Female Mandarin Duck - she may not be as colourful as the male but wow is she still beautiful.

Unfortunately I can not count these as a tick on my list as these guys were most definitely escapees - they left the island because they saw the bread I had brought with me. They were so tame - there is a population in the North somewhere which have been given a non feral status.

After they had cleared me out of bread it seemed it was preen time and all of them had a active bath - photos didn't come out so well because they were moving so fast.

Synchronised Swimming Mandarin Duck Style.

Apparently their preening did not amuse a Mute swan who came and chased them for a bit - a bit grumpy me thinks!!!

Grumpy Mute Swan

Just down from the Ducks was a little Grebe still in partial summer plumage. The water in the pond is obviously clean as the Grebe was actively feeding on what looked like both Minnows and something shrimp like. However this Grebe was not the only one - there were 3 others which looked like 2 Juveniles and 1 adult.

Adult Little Grebe

Adult Little Grebe having his lunch

Three Little Grebes - two juveniles and an adult

Also in the lake were Tufted Ducks, the usual Mallards, Mute swans, Black Headed Gulls and Moor Hens.

Female Tufted Duck

Adult Moorhen

Black Headed Gull

The trees around the pond were teaming with birdlife - a Robin singing, Blue tits, Great tits, Long Tailed tits and the usual suspects Magpies, Jackdaws and Rooks.

It was a great hour birding.

Islantillia Spain

Hey guys,

Sorry I've not been on this in months!!! But now it is the winter and I'm more a winter birder so I should be here a bit more often.

So here I am with some pictures of my holidays from Islantillia Spain which is in Andalusia area - don't worry they are birdie photos silly - no dodgy holiday snaps here!!

Sanderling having a wee snack

Sanderling having another snack.

Sanderling having a rest - you can see in this picture that they do not have a hind claw - if they did it would be a bit like us trying to run in sand with stilettos on.

Juvenile Gull - I am thinking a Lesser Black Backed Gull (will take suggestions)

Juvenile Lesser Black Backed Gull looking at a fish Id kicked in the sand.

Sanderling having a Siesta

Two adult Lesser Black Backed Gulls???

Juvenile Lesser Blacked Gull and Sanderling - shows you how small the Sanderling is.

Glossy Ibises at Portmarnock

Hey there blog land,

Well I must start this post with an apology not because I haven't been here in a while, but for doubting that anyone was paying any attention to me!

So had a bit of a shock last week while checking out the Birdwatch Ireland Page on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/BirdWatchIreland.

Two Glossy Ibises were spotted in Portmarnock beside the Texaco Garage which is known for its bird life but mostly Mallards. As I don't live too far away from there I decided to take a wee look on Saturday.

I arrived about 6:30 pm and to my surprise I was alone - no really all by myself - even the duckies had left by the time I turned round and parked!

There on the park a few mere meters away from me were the two Glossy Ibises. A juvenile and a adult.

Adult on the left Juvenile on the right.

The adult has a white ring on the left leg with a code U6U and a metal ring on the right.

Ring is clearly seen on its right leg and a metal ring on the left.

U6U code on adults leg

I love the twist of the juveniles neck in this, eating.

Adult happily feeding.

I sat and watched and took photos for a about 10/15 minutes without the Ibises even noticing. At one point the juvenile looked up from the feeding to find his/her mammy had worked her way to the other side of the field so panicked and ran over.

Juvenile running to get back to his/her mammy.

I couldn't believe that I had such good views and tried to get as close to them as I can - unfortunately I took the step that was one step too many and scared them off.

So anyone who came behind me I apologise for hogging the great views and scaring them off.

Then I hopped in the car and headed to Bull Island for a little goo before I went home.

I was just getting my fleece out of the boot when I spotted a fellow birdwatcher as I turned back to my car to a shout of 'Rhona?''. Who did it turn out to be only Siobhan.

We had a wee chat and a wee look around the Bull but as the tide was out it wasn't so busy.

But hey I'd got great views of the Ibises so I was a happy bunny.

And to finish off I have emailed some people in Southern Spain who I hope may have ringed the Adult!! Fingers crossed I will hear back from them soon with some more info about the bird. If I do I will let you know.

Goodbye for now!!!

Enchanting images of Kingfishers - Daily Mail

Hi there blog land.

Check out this article from the Daily Mail from 22nd June 2010.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1288468/A-fish-supper-fit-king-Enchanting-images-inside-kingfishers-nest-mum-AND-dad-deal-dinner-time.html

Fantastic Photos!!

Enjoy

Prosperous Reservoir (Ballynafagh Lake)

Hey,

Today with a pal we went exploring Ballynafagh Lake or Prosperous Reservoir in Co Kildare.

There was a host of birds BUT of course because the trees are so full we couldn't fecking see em as we where always on the wrong side of the Gorse but we could hear em!! I did see a lovely Male Reed Bunting singing happily.

But whilst there wasn't many views of our feathers friends there was plenty of Flora and other Fauna.

Blue tailed Damselfly

Common Blue Damselfly

Common Blue Damselfly - male and female mating - not quite a Heart shaped but nearly!!

Green Tiger Beetle

Green Tiger Beetle laying eggs (I think)

Spider in the funkiest web ever - haven't identified it yet - web was like a funnel - but surely we don't have funnel web spiders in Ireland???? Can anyone help?

I have been informed that this is Sundew - which is carnivorous!!

Marsh Cinquefoil

I think this is a Common Spotted Orchid but I'm not sure!!

Frog - we saw 3 different species of frogs but this guy was only a few centimetres big!

Then on the way back to the car we had a lovely view of a Male Linnet in full breeding plumage - such a vivid red colour.

Then it was off to Anna's for Rasher sandwiches and Tea - a great day :)

Howth with the Tolka Branch - 19June2010

Hi Guys

I know I know I haven't been on in ages - but my excuse is I was supposed to put up the post but I got distracted by the baby Kestrels :)

Anywho the last Tolka Branch trip of the Season was to Howth to have a look at the Sea birds and any other that we could see whilst we where there.

It started at 9.15am when I met with Susan for a little early birding - rest of the Guys weren't meeting till 10.30am - we took a walk on top of a windy pier and we saw - Gannets, Sand martins, Gulls, Cormorants...

Sand martin having a wee preen (Photo courtesy of Brendan Sheils as I didnt bring my camera and of course had the best photo Opportunity EVER)

With the full gang assembled we took a walk down the pier again to have a look at the breeding bird colonies on Ireland's eye - over on the island there is breeding populations of Gannet, Guillemots, Gulls , Kittiwakes and Puffins and some of them you can see from the pier with a scope but apparently if you are brave enough the boat trip is worth a try!! Trying to build up me courage haha!

Black Headed Gull (Photo BS)

Basking out on the rocks were at least 7 common seals - they were enjoying the sunshine.

We got a wonderful sighting of a Razorbill when we where all standing at the lighthouse on the pier and walking back were a few Black Guillemots swimming about in the marina.

Then we headed up to Ballyscadden Carpark to go up to Howth Head - not far up Howth Head are breeding Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Guillemots - and we got a good view of some babies - all fluffy and cute!!

Further up the Head I went a different way round the cliffs then the rest of the gang and got a wonderful view of a Stonechat - whilst quite common the numbers have thought to have suffered because of the harsh winter.

The appeared a Kestrel, hovering above the cliffs - and was rewarded with a Mouse/baby Rat!

Kestrel Hovering as it does so well - Photo BS

It was roasting hot on the top of Howth Head but a beautiful day.

Tolka Branch walking around Howth Head - Im the one in the Red Tshirt (5 in) Thanks Brendan :)

Well worth a walk around even if you are afraid of heights like me :)

Kestrel Ringing

Hey guys,

Im so excited!!!!

On Wednesday of this week I had the pleasure to be a witness to the ringing of 3 Kestrel chicks (by 100% trained and licenced ringers may I add).

Ringing is an important part of bird conservation as ringing allows us to study how many young birds leave the nest and survive to become adults, as well as how many adults survive the stresses of breeding, migration and severe weather.

I was only a witness because all ringers must complete training under an experienced ringer and apply for a permit. These steps are all in place to ensure that the birds experience no harm.

The birds are handled so carefully and the whole thing is done as quickly as possible so the birds do not get stressed.

You can find out more at http://www.bto.org/ringing/ringinfo/index.htm

It was amazing to be so close to those 3 juvenille birds of prey, who were about 3 weeks old - the amazing thing about them was the size of their legs and feet - they are practically fully grown and look a little out of proportion with the rest of the body. They were a mix of down and new feathers all fluffy and dusty.

Sad news is no photos but I have memories :)

Did I mention I am excited???

Roving Records for BWI

Hey guys quick update.
Yesterday with 13 other Tolka Branch members we met with Niall Tierney from BWI to go do some Roving Reports for the Bird Atlas.

We split into groups and headed off with our 10km square maps to see what we could see - I paired up with Dermot and off we went.

It was a good days birding the time flew by very quickly and by the end we had seen/heard 35 species - and added about 10 species to the list including a few proofs of breeding - Bullfinch Fledgling, Spotted Fly catcher on nest, House Martins in nest and Reed bunting to mention a few.

If you are out an about and do see evidence of breeding in the area you are in remember to log it in to the Roving Records section of the Bird Atlas website.

http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/

Sorry there were no pictures - just wasn't that kind of day.

Dodder

One of the birds that I had on my wish list this year was a Dipper - now I know what you are going to say - they are not too hard to find - yes true but it helps to leave the house!!! So when a friend in the Tolka Branch told she was doing a project on them and would I like to come out with her one day I jumped at the chance so on Monday 1st June I went off in me car to meet Susan!

The beautiful Dipper.

Susan brought me down to the Dodder to where the Dipper is nesting under the weir - which I think EVERYONE knows. We have only gotten out the car about 4mins and Susan says there's one....... I looked and looked and looked but couldn't see it for the rocks until one of the ROCKS moved and turned out to be a beautiful Dipper.

The weir where they are nesting

We stayed there for a while watching them going in and out the weir feeding their young and spotted a pair of Grey Wag Tails.

Grey Wag Tails - who had just been doing a bit of courting!!!

Then we headed to another site to try and see some Fledglings who were still being fed by the parents. It took a while but we did manage to find one 'Baby'.

Susan at home at the Dodder.

Then we spotted this fellow waddling down the weir.

Mr Mallard

Further on up the Dodder we were serenaded by the funniest sounding Song thrush - really sounded like a mobile phone - we were actually just waiting for it to break out in to the Nokia tune - see Nokia there is a money grabbing scheme for you!!!

Over head were plenty of House Martins and Sand Martins, not to mention Blackbirds, Magpies (Ever noticed how the fledglings look so scrawny and don't have a full tail???), Greenfinches (who sound as grumpy as they look) and LOTS and LOTS of Flies!

We also came across this young Chap who got spooked and headed off to refuge on top of the nearest Apartment block haha.

Juvenile Heron.

When we got back to car I realised that we had been out for nearly 2 hours.

Thank you Susan for a great bit of Urban Birding!!

Check out the Dodder if you live near as there is plenty of Biodiversity out there right under your nose!