last gasp

A final thrash around Galley today but couldn't do better than 2 bar-tailed godwits in with the oystercatchers at Long Strand. Finished the year 1 ahead of my 2005 total, but languishing in 4th in de Year List Challenge. Hopefully I'll do better in 2007!!

peewits

Four lapwings over Long Strand this afternoon was only the second sighting of the year.  Nothing else doing at Galley although the plastic owl in Baltimore was showing well this morning!!

double scotch

A weekend in the homeland paid dividends with two scottish ticks! Just happened to be in the area for both the barrow's goldeneye at Callander and the hume's yellow-browed warbler on the Don - result!

another cork tick!

Just happened to be within twitching distance of Cobh today and managed to pick up 6 leach's petrels offshore, which was nice!

crap seawatch

One late manx shearwater off Galley this morning was the only bird of note in a brief seawatch between bouts of heavy rain.

isn't birding in Cork in the autumn great?

With the memories of autumn rares fading rapidly here's a quick reminder of some of the great rares on Cape this autumn - an early christmas present for our japanese reader, if you like!  All images courtesy of C Cronin.

 

Juvenile rosy starling, Cape Clear, September 2006

 

 

Juvenile red backed shrike, Cape Clear, October 2006

 

 

Male red-breasted flycatcher, Cape Clear October 2006

 

 

eastern olivaceous warbler, Cape Clear, September 2006

 

hermit thrush, Cape Clear, October 2006

 

Hope next autumn is as good, and that some of it finds its way to Galley!!

sheesh, its a long time till spring

A colour ringed adult winter mediterranean gull was at Long Strand this afternoon, with a second winter bird.  Two redshanks and the long staying whimbrel were in Dirk Bay, where a female/imm blackcap was also seen.  A male merlin flew east over Long Strand late afternoon.

playing away

Great views of the white-rumped sandpiper at Ballycotton this morning, in with c.100 dunlin. It showed very well, down to 10 feet or so - nice! A seawatch off Galley this afternoon produced 2 little auks, 2 manx shearwaters and a storm petrel.

ross

The juvenile american golden plover and the lesser yellowlegs were both still at Rosscarbery today, showing well early afternoon.

fin whales from the window

Two fin whales were blowing in Rosscarbery Bay this morning, approximately 2 miles offshore from Long Strand, with a large feeding flock of gannets.  Four mediterranean gulls were on Kilkeran Lake, with 3 scaup, 3 tufted duck, 2 greenshank and a little egret also there.  A late sooty shearwater was seen off Galley this evening, with 1 puffin and 1 common scoter also seen.  The american golden plover was seen again at Rosscarbery today.

its gonna be a long winter!

The 3 scaup and 3 tufted duck remained on Kilkeran Lake today, with 2 greenshank at Long Strand.

chilly but

The little stint was still present at Kilkeran today, with 2 greenshanks. A male merlin was seen near the lighthouse, with 3 blackcaps and a chiffchaff in Dirk Bay.

little progress

No sign of the ring-necked duck on Kilkeran today but a little stint found there this afternoon brought the patch year list to one ahead of last year's total (137).

a yank at last!

My first yank of the autumn at Galley arrived in the form of a female ring-necked duck in with the scaup flock on Kilkeran Lake this morning (136) - 17 years to the day since I found my first ever one!

 

 

A tremendously bad record shot of the ring-necked duck on Kilkeran Lake today - any tips Carmo?

 

A few finches were also knocking about, with c.12 chaffinches, c.10 redpoll, and 1 siskin seen around Galley this morning. The juvenile american golden plover and the lesser yellowlegs were seen again at Rosscarbery today.

 

 

Lesser Yellowlegs - Rosscarbery

 

more wildfowl

Two barnacle geese were seen flying over Galley this lunchtime. The scaup flock on Kilkeran Lake had increased to a whopping six this evening.

they all count!

Three scaup on Kilkeran Lake today were a much needed addition to the patch year list (135).  Not much else doing though.

sneaky seawatch

A 1st winter little gull past Galley this afternoon was a patch tick and could prove vital for de year list challenge (134).  A manx shearwater and a sooty shearwater were also seen. The 1st and 2nd w mediterranean gulls were at Long Strand again today, with a greenshank also there.

hammer time!

Two yellowhammers at Shite Lane this morning was only the 2nd patch record this year - with 2 more or the same birds seen out towards the lighthouse. At least 12 reed buntings were also knocking about, with 3 blackcaps, 1 reed warbler, 1 fieldfare, 2 redwings and lots of goldcrests also seen.  The lesser yellowlegs was seen again at Rosscarbery today.

not much doing

Still quiet at Galley today although 8 redwing, 6 chiffchaffs, 1 willow warbler, 1 blackcap, 1 whinchat, 1 black redstart and several goldcrests were knocking about.  An arctic skua was off Galley this evening and 2 mediterranean gulls (1st & 2nd winter) were at Long Strand.

sat'day seawatch

A seawatch off Galley late morning had 1 juvenile long-tailed skua, 4 pomarine skuas, 12 arctic skuas, 7 bonxies, 2 little auks, 3 leach's petrels, 6 sooty shearwaters, 1 grey phalarope and a velvet scoter.  This evening 1 bonxie, 4 sooty shearwaters and 2 great shearwaters were seen.

hermit thrush oml!

Cracking views of the hermit thrush on cape clear today, courtesy of de langer - what a find - cheers fella!! Numbers of common migs had dropped a good bit from monday's visit but still managed whinchat, blackcap, pied flycatcher, a good few chiffchaffs and a yellow-browed warbler.  It's been quite a week!!

bits 'n' bobs

A male ring ouzel and a male blackcap were at the lighthouse this morning with a black redstart nearby. A few chiffchaffs and goldcrests were at Shite Lane, with a female ring ouzel in the fields nearby.  The lesser yellowlegs was seen again at Rosscarbery this morning, with a yellow-legged gull also there.

The izzy, the sweeney etc etc

A few more signs of migration this morning at Galley - a short-eared owl was flushed from the stubble fields, and a male ring ouzel was also knocking about - both new for the year (133).  Also present were 3 blackcaps, 4 chiffchaffs, 1 black redstart and a few goldcrests. Another male ring ouzel was seen in Dirk Bay this evening, with a whinchat at Long Strand.

 

However, this was all overshadowed by the news of Ireland's second isabelline shrike at the Old Head of Kinsale, with a juvenile woodchat shrike - both birds showing really well this afternoon.  The lesser yellowlegs was also still present at Rosscarbery.

carmo's gonna kill me!

Well it had to be done! Finally went to Cape for the baltimore oriole this morning, and got good but brief views of it mid morning.  Also caught up with the cracking male red-breasted flycatcher and a juvenile red-backed shrike, with a flyover red-throated pipit too! So now just 5 behind ya carmo!!

rare waders hit Ross

No birds at Galley again today but a juvenile american golden plover and the lesser yellowlegs at Rosscarbery were very nice! A ruff was also there.

an unsatisfactory find

Galley remained quiet today with the best bird being a richard's pipit which flushed 4 times before disappearing (131).  An unsatisfactory find which couldn't be relocated.

back to earth

Normal service resumed at Galley this morning, with a pied flycatcher and 2 chiffchaffs at Shite Lane, while a spotted flycatcher, 7 chiffchaffs, 2 house martins and loads of goldcrests were in Dirk Bay. A 2nd winter mediterranean gull was on the beach at Long Strand. A yellow browed warbler was reported in Dirk Bay this afternoon.

rev it up, canada here I come!!

Found myself in Kilbaha this afternoon for two cracking ticks.  The CANADA WARBLER was amazing, giving great views on and off all afternoon - truly fabtastic! The red-eyed vireo was a bit more of a sweat but eventually I got great views. Another highlight was telling Britain's Greatest Birder to SSHHHH whilst waiting for views of the vireo. He was demonstrating his fieldcraft skills by yarning on loudly right where the bird was - some people!

just fresh in

A seawatch off Galley this am had 2 great shearwaters, 15 sooty shearwaters, 10 manx shearwaters, 2 bonxies and 1 arctic skua.  A reed warbler was at Long Strand this lunchtime.  Once the rain cleared this afternoon 6 chiffchaffs, 1 spotted flycatcher, 2 whinchats, 1 redstart and 2 black redstarts were knocking about on Galley, with the latter new for the year (130).

(just a) goldie

A golden plover over Galley this morning and a green sandpiper at Long Strand this evening were both new for the year (129), while 1 willow warbler, 1 chiffchaff and c.12 goldcrests were at Shite Lane.  A blackcap and a chiffchaff were in Dirk Bay. A 1st w mediterannean gull was on Kilkeran Lake this lunchtime, and 2 more mediterranean gulls were at Rosscarbery.

its oh, so quiet

The pied flycatcher was still at Shite Lane this morning, with a willow warbler and a chiffchaff.  One wheatear was also seen at Galley.

more migs

Two blackcaps and 2 chiffchaffs were new in at Dirk Bay this morning, with 2 whimbrel also there.  A 2nd winter mediterranean gull was at Long Strand.

a wader day

A ruff flew over Long Strand this morning and the bar-tailed godwit was seen again in with a flock of curlews near Kilkeran Lake this afternoon. The pied flycatcher remains at Shite Lane. A lesser yellowlegs was found at Clogheen Marsh this evening.

playing away

Another blank on the mig front this morning at Galley, however 2 black-tailed godwits over Long Strand were new for the patch year list (127).  Headed to Cape Clear for the afternoon for cracking views of the eastern olivaceous warbler, plus the juvenile rosy starling and a nice bright yellow browed warbler too - great stuff!

whoop!

A bar-tailed godwit in with curlews at Long Strand this morning was a welcome addition to the patch year list (126).  A new redstart and a chiffchaff were also at Long Strand. The spotted flycatcher was still in Dirk with 3 willow/chiffs there, the pied flycatcher was still at Shite Lane with 3 wheatears elsewhere at Galley.

another year tick

A spotted flycatcher in Dirk Bay this evening was new for the patch year list (125), while a pied flycatcher was at Shite Lane this morning and 2 wheatears elsewhere on Galley.  The juvenile pectoral sandpiper was still on the flooded field behind Red Strand this evening.

pec sand

A cracking juvenile pectoral sandpiper was on the flooded field behind Red Strand this afternoon. Galley was quiet with just 3 soggy wheatears and a few goldcrests.

windy but

One curlew sandpiper was at White's Marsh at high tide this afternoon.  A great shearwater, 5 sooty shearwaters and 3 bonxies were seen off Galley this evening.

more waders

Rosscarbery had 5 ruff in amongst c.30 dunlin this afternoon, while 1 little stint and a few curlew sandpipers were at White's Marsh this evening.

ooo migrants

3 reed warblers were at Galley this morning with 1 wheatear and 5 redpolls over. A wryneck and a pied flycatcher were found this afternoon.  Muckross strand had 4 little stints, 1 spotted redshank and 8 curlew sandpipers this evening.

south west again

A seawatch off Galley late morning produced 1 cory's shearwater, 1 great shearwater, 3 bonxies and 4 balearic shearwaters. A buzzard was seen hunting near Kilkeran Lake, and 1 whinchat was at 'marsh lane'.

same but different

Two yellow wagtails were present at Galley this morning, showing well.  The redstart was also still around, and 2 reed warblers were down 'marsh lane'.  A new pied flycatcher was at shite lane, with a willow warbler also there.  Two siskins over were new for the year (124), and 2 redpolls also flew over.

back to seawatching

A juvenile sabine's gull was seen off Galley this morning.  Also passing were 1 balearic shearwater, 8 sooty shearwaters, 2 bonxies, a large shearwater sp, probably great and good numbers of manx shearwaters.

new in

Yesterday's yellow wagtail and reed warbler were still around today, while a redstart was a welcome addition to the patch year list (123).  One sedge warbler and a couple of wheatears were the only other migrants seen.

a wee fall (& another fea's)

A few arctic skuas and sooty shearwaters were seen off Galley this morning, with good numbers of manx shearwaters.  A yellow wagtail near the lighthouse was a Galley lifer, with 2 pied flycatchers and a reed warbler also new for the year, along with 6 wigeon on Kilkeran Lake (122).  Two whinchats were also new in, with c.10 wheatears and 4 willow warblers also seen.

 

This evening a fea's petrel was seen off Galley, along with 1 sabines's gull, 1 arctic skua and a bonxie.

some stuff in

A whinchat down marsh lane this morning was new for the patch year list (118) but 7 wheatears knocking about were the only other sign of migs at Galley. A pied flycatcher was at Sands Cove.

nae migs

Just 1 wheatear and 3 sanderling this morning around Galley - still, they say the wind is going south easterly till sunday so fingers crossed! A coot on Kilkeran Lake this afternoon was a Galley lifer and year tick (117). This evening, 1 pomarine skua, 3 bonxies, 1 sooty shearwater and 10 storm petrels were seen heading east off Galley.

med gulls

Two first winter mediterranean gulls were at Long Strand this morning.  This evening 1 balearic shearwater, 2 sooty shearwaters, 2 pomarine skuas, 1 bonxie, 1 arctic skua and 20 storm petrels were seen from Galley.

a few more waders

A seawatch off Galley this afternoon produced 5 balearic shearwaters. A ruff at Kilkeran Lake this afternoon was new for the patch year list (116), with a common sandpiper also there.  Another ruff was at Clogheen Marsh, and 5 knot were at Rosscarbery.

windy but no birds

Disappointing at Galley this morning with only 3 common scoters and 2 sooty shearwaters, despite good seawatching conditions.

plenty balearics

The seawatching was good today with 1-2 great shearwaters, 25 balearic shearwaters, 1 sabine's gull, 1 grey phalarope, 25 sooty shearwaters, 2 pomarine skua, 20 bonxies, 1 arctic tern and 30+ storm petrels seen off Galley.

a fea's off Cape

Cape took seawatching honours today with a fea's petrel this lunchtime, courtesy of de langer! Galley was quite quiet this evening with 2 balearic shearwaters, 2 sooty shearwaters, 4 bonxies and several storm petrels.

south west at last!

This morning was very quiet off Galley with 2 common scoter, 1 pomarine skua and a balearic shearwater seen.  Things picked up a bit in the evening, with 1 great shearwater, 2 pomarine skuas, 1 bonxie, 2 arctic skuas and c.8 sooty shearwaters.

not so much

Quiet again off Galley tonight, with 2 balearic shearwaters, 5 sooty shearwaters, bonxie, common scoter and a few storm petrels. 

sooties on the starboard bow

Six sooty shearwaters, 1 bonxie, 1 arctic skua and 2 whimbrel this morning from Galley, in less than ideal winds again!  This evening 72 storm petrels, 1 balearic shearwater and 6 common scoter were seen.

black terns

Five black terns, 5 storm petrels and 1 sooty shearwater were seen in a 2 hour seawatch at Galley this evening.

flat calm again

Two balearic shearwaters, 3 sooty shearwaters, 1 arctic skua, 1 bonxie and a black guillemot seen this morning in flat calm conditions. A green sandpiper was also seen coming in off the sea, with another seen at Clogheen Marsh. Two fin whales also seen off Galley.

 

This evening a probable cory's shearwater, 1 balearic shearwater, 2 sooty shearwaters, 1 bonxie and 1 arctic skua were seen.

Quiet at Galley

Not much passing on an evening seawatch - distant manx shearwaters, 1 arctic skua, 1 bonxie and 2 storm petrels.

Galley gets another fea's!

A fea's petrel was seen off Galley early this morning in almost flat calm conditions. An adult sabine's gull and 3 sooty shearwaters were seen later in the morning.  A couple of willow warblers was the mig "highlight".

 

A great shearwater, 5 balearic shearwaters, a few sooty shearwaters, 1 pomarine skua, a few bonxies and 1 arctic skua were seen off Galley this evening.

wood sand

A wood sandpiper flew over White's Marsh this morning, and the pectoral sandpiper was seen again at Clogheen Marsh this afternoon.

pec again

The adult pectoral sandpiper was seen again at Clogheen Marsh this morning, at the White's Marsh end. 

pec

A pectoral sandpiper was found at Clogheen Marsh at 7.00 this morning.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 now available

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another wader

A flyover flock of ringed plover at Long Strand this evening contained at least 1 dunlin, new for the patch year list (115).

another quiet seawatch

A brief respite from the northerlies but not much to show from it with just 1 sooty shearwater and 2 bonxies off Galley this evening.

a tern around

Tern passage picked up a wee bit today with 6 arctic terns through this evening new for the patch year list (114), along with 4 common terns, 1 sooty shearwater, 1 bonxie and an arctic skua. This morning 16 sanderling were still present on Long Strand.

some waders at last!

A flock of 35 sanderling at Long Strand this morning were new for the patch year list (113). Also present were 12 ringed plover and 1 redshank. A turnstone flew past Galley this morning, as did 5 common scoter. A 2nd summer mediterranean gull was at Owenahincha and an adult was at Rosscarbery.

less is more

This morning, cory's shearwaters were still passing through not as frequently as yesterday, with 10 in an hour and 20 mins, along with 1 sooty shearwater and 6 puffins. Tonight's seawatch was pretty quiet with only 3 pomarine skuas, a sooty shearwater and 1 arctic skua past Galley.

more cory's

A sunny seawatch this morning produced 2 great shearwaters, 8 cory's shearwaters, 10 sooty shearwaters, 3 bonxies and a few puffins. By the afternoon numbers of cory's shearwaters had reached c.140 per hour, and a 2 hour evening seawatch recorded a further 92 cory's, with 5 great shearwaters, 2 balearic shearwaters, 13 sooty shearwaters, 2 pomarine skuas, 2 storm petrels, 5 arctic skuas and a bonxie.  Day totals for cory's ranged between 750 and 900.

more seawatching

Another low hit the SW of Ireland this morning bringing reasonable numbers of good seabirds in with it. Galley highlights were 7 great shearwaters, 2 cory's shearwaters, 10 balearic shearwaters, 40 sooty shearwaters, 3 pomarine skuas, 8 bonxies, 6 arctic skuas, 30 common scoter and a few puffins.

too sunny

Conditions weren't great for seawatching this morning (too sunny and light winds) but there was still 3 arctic skuas past Galley, along with a common tern and 50 common scoter.

 

A wood sandpiper was at Clogheen Marsh this afternoon.  This evening 2 sooty shearwaters, 3 pomarine skuas and 2 bonxies were seen off Galley, around a large feeding flock of manx shearwaters and gannets.

sunday seawatch

Two cory's shearwaters were seen off Galley this morning, with 2 more this evening, along with a balearic shearwater and 3 bonxies.

satday seawatch

Struggled out of bed this morning for a good session off Galley with 2 great shearwaters, 2 cory's shearwaters, and a balearic shearwater, all new for the patch year list (112).  Also saw 3 arctic skuas, 2 bonxies, 4 sooty shearwaters and a few puffins and storm petrels. Other more dedicated observers saw an additional 2 greats and cory's, 11 balearics, 1 wilson's petrel, 1 arctic skua and 12 sooties. 

more wader action!

Galley doesn't fare too well for waders so 2 lapwings at Long Strand this lunchtime were a good bonus for the patch year list (109). A seawatch this evening produced 5 sooty shearwaters.

summer gulls

A second summer mediterranean gull was at Owenahincha and later Rosscarbery this morning, with a juvenile mediterranean gull and the long-staying 1st summer glaucous gull at Timoleague. An evening seawatch produced 1 balearic shearwater, 25 puffins and a probable immature long-tailed skua.

common sand

A common sandpiper at Long Strand this evening was new for the year (108).

too calm to seawatch

No seawatching action over the last few days due to the very calm weather. White's Marsh had 4 common sandpipers this lunchtime.

ducks and fog

Flat calm and foggy this morning at Galley, however 30 common scoters west were new for the year (107).

more poms

Two more adult pomarine skuas off Galley this evening.  A long-tailed skua was seen off Cape Clear this morning.

waders are a coming!

White's Marsh had 2 common sandpipers this afternoon, while 2 sooty shearwaters were seen off Galley this evening.

A bit calmer

The wind had eased a bit this morning, and despite the sunny conditions 1 common tern, 5 pomarine skuas (4 adults & 1 immature) and 4 adult sabine's gulls all headed west (106 for the year), with 4 sooty shearwaters and a few storm petrels also seen.

 

Another 5 pomarine skuas went through this evening.

Happy Birthday Mum!!

Difficult to connect with birds today, despite good seawatching weather. The second long-tailed skua of the month went through this morning, with an arctic skua and a cory's shearwater through also. The wind had picked up to a gale by the afternoon, resulting in a good passage of manx shearwaters, c. 20 sooty shearwaters (patch year tick - 103), 1 common tern and a juvenile sabine's gull.

 

It was also my mum's birthday - hooray!

no fish, just fog!

Too foggy to seawatch off Galley this morning, and wasn't up to much when it did clear, with 1 arctic skua and a few puffins and storm petrels. Feck all passing in 45 minutes this evening.

 

The only other "news" was 3 stock doves near Shite Lane.

no birds, just fish

A seawatch off Galley this evening in flat calm conditions produced little in the way of birds apart from a few storm petrels and puffins. A basking shark and 3 sunfish were the only highlights.

Skua bonanza!

Considerably more skua movement this morning, with 1 adult long-tailed skua, 7 pomarine skuas, 2 arctic skuas, 3 bonxies, 4 sooty shearwaters and a few storm petrels.

slight skua movement

Two arctic skuas and 4 puffins off Galley this evening were new for the patch year list (102), with 2 bonxies, 1 storm petrel and a sooty shearwater also heading west.

ton up!

Quiet again off Galley this evening with plenty of manx shearwaters and 6 storm petrels bringing up triple figures for the patch year list (100).

peaked too soon

Seawatching quietened down again this evening with only 1 storm petrel off Galley. A male ruff was at Timoleague this afternoon.

early sab's

Seawatching picked up this evening at Galley with an adult sabine's gull, sooty shearwater, black guillemot and 3 storm petrels.

nuffin but puffins

An early cory's shearwater was seen off Ballycotton today but a seawatch off Galley this evening produced only a few puffins.   

a late one

A turtle dove flew over Long Strand this morning, while a calling cuckoo in Dirk Bay this afternoon was new for the patch year list (99). 

red-rumped swallow ya bas!

Very quiet at Galley this morning, with only a couple of chiffchaffs (new in?) in Dirk Bay.  However, news of a red-rumped swallow at the Old Head of Kinsale brightened things up a bit -  cracking bird it was too (only 11 behind ya now, mc!).  The female marsh harrier was still present at Garretstown Marsh.

vis mig for definite

A female marsh harrier flew over Galley this morning (98), being mobbed by a persistant jackdaw.  It flew out over the sea, heading west towards Toe Head. Yesterday's turtle dove was still present but it was pretty quiet with two wheatears the only other migs around.

dove-tastic

A collared dove and a turtle dove flew over Shite Lane this morning but there was little sign of any other movement.  The turtle dove was new for the year (97).

hammer time

Still very quiet on the migrant front, but a bonxie off Galley, and a yellowhammer at Shite Lane were both new for the patch year list (96). Two shelduck were also seen flying over Galley.

time for a swift one

A swift over Long Strand this evening was new for the year (94). Nothing much else doing though.

hooray, its May!

Two tufted ducks on Kilkeran Lake were new for the patch year list (93), but it was very quiet today with 2 wheatears the only migs seen. 

vis mig (sort of)

Pretty quiet today around Galley with just a handful of curlews and whimbrels going over, and 2 wheatears knocking about.  A redpoll over Long Strand was new for the year (92).

sedgies are in

The reeds around Kilkeran Lake were alive with sedge warblers this evening, just fresh in and new for the year (91).

iceland in April

The 2nd winter iceland gull at Red Strand was just visible from Dirk Bay this morning, a valuable addition to the patch year list (90). Otherwise, it was quiet at Galley with a few singing willow warblers, chiffchaffs and a whitethroat.

return of the dove from above

A collared dove at Shite Lane this morning was a good one for the patch year list (only my 4th at Galley), and 2 whitethroats were also new for the year (89).  Around 10 willow warblers, 2 chiffchaffs and 7 wheatears were also present.  An iceland gull was at Red Strand this morning also.

reel around the fountain

A reeling grasshopper warbler at Galley this morning was new for the patch year list, as were 5 sand martins and 2 male blackcaps (87).  Also present were c.15 willow warblers, 3 chiffchaffs and 1 whimbrel. Four bottlenose dolphins were off Long Strand early this morning, heading west.

quiet again

Two house martins at Galley this morning were new for the patch year list (84).  A willow warbler was at Shite Lane and 2 little egrets were on Kilkeran Lake.

a few more migs

At least 30 willow warblers were around Galley this morning, along with 3 chiffchaffs, 4 wheatears, 3 sandwich terns and 19 whimbrel, which were all new for the patch year list (83).  A morning seawatch off Galley produced balearic shearwater and 2 bonxies, as well as good numbers of manx shearwaters and auks.

blt

A black-throated diver on the sea off Galley Head this evening was new for the patch year list (78).  Between 15 and 20 bottlenose dolphins were seen in Dirk Bay this evening and later off Long Strand.

first swallow

A swallow over Long Strand this lunch time was new for the patch year list (77).

a mig at last!

A willow warbler in Dirk Bay this morning was my first migrant of the year at Galley, while 2 stock doves at Long Strand this afternoon were also new for the patch year list (76).  Four little egrets were at Long Strand this morning, while the adult summer laughing gull was showing well at Ballydehob.  Up to 12 bottlenose dolphins were feeding and leaping about off Long Strand this morning, giving great views.

still no migs

Still no migs at Galley today but reasonable numbers of manx shearwaters and a shelduck over this evening were both new for the patch year list (75).

A patch year tick at last!

Two ringed plovers at Long Strand this evening was the first year tick on the patch in over a month! (73).  A little egret and a greenshank were also present all day.

another wet day

The first winter franklin's gull was seen again in fields between Rosscarbery and Owenahincha this afternoon. A soggy peregrine and a greenshank were at Long Strand.

franklin's back at ross

The first winter franklin's gull was seen again at Rosscarbery this morning, showing well despite the bad weather.

franklin's keeps moving

The first winter franklin's gull was seen on the Muckross Estuary, opposite Clogheen Marsh this morning.

bit of movement

A first winter glaucous gull was at Owenahincha beach this morning. and a wheatear was at Rosscarbery.  Several manx shearwaters were moving off Galley Head.  The first winter franklin's gull was fairly mobile today, being seen at Rosscarbery and at Owenahincha beach.

frankie goes to owenahincha

The first winter franklin's gull was seen at Owenahincha beach today, showing well.

legs reported again

The first winter lesser yellowlegs was reported again at White's Marsh today.

franklin's still around

The first winter franklin's gull was seen again at Rosscarbery this morning, in fields near the estuary despite bad weather.  The bird was seen again back on the estuary this afternoon, showing well.

franklin's ya bas!

A first winter franklin's gull was found today at Rosscarbery, and showed very well in the evening gull roost.  Two first winter mediterranean gulls were also present there today.  The adult laughing gull was seen again at Ring this afternoon.

more from west cork

The adult laughing gull was still present at Ring this morning, along with a ring-billed gull, while the green-winged teal was still at Kilkeran Lake, with a little egret and 2 greenshank there too.

nae migs

The male pochard was still on Kilkeran Lake this afternoon, with a greenshank also there. No wheatears yet!

weekend news

The drake green-winged teal was still at Kilkeran Lake this morning, along with a drake pochard.

laugher snaps

The adult laughing gull was at Ring, outside Clonakilty again this morning, showing well.

     

West Cork megas

An adult laughing gull at Ring this afternoon may well be the bird from Rosscarbery.  A female mandarin was at Timoleague this afternoon.

arctic monkeys

A 2nd winter glaucous gull & a 2nd winter iceland gull were at Kilkeran Lake this morning, with the latter seen again at Red Strand later.

teal snaps

 

The male green-winged teal was showing well on Kilkeran Lake this afternoon.

 

     

goldeneye

 

A male goldeneye on Kilkeran Lake this morning was new for the patch year list (72), with a moorhen also there. 

gulls aplenty

 

The adult winter laughing gull was still at Rosscarbery today, along with a 1st winter Iceland gull, an adult ring-billed gull and 4 mediterranean gulls.  The male green-winged teal was again at Kilkeran Lake, while the wintering whimbrel was in Dirk Bay, with 4 red-throated divers also there.

grey day

 

A quick look for the adult laughing gull at Owenahincha Beach this lunchtime but no sign.  The lesser yellowlegs was still at White's Marsh and a male merlin was seen hunting at Long Strand this afternoon.

pleasant valley sunday

 

The adult laughing gull was relocated on Owenahincha Beach this morning, with a summer plumage adult mediterranean gull also present.  The lesser yellowlegs was again at White's Marsh and the drake green-winged teal was seen again on Kilkeran Lake.  A long-tailed tit at Shite Lane cross-roads this afternoon was new for the patch year list (71).

quiet satday

 

The only birds of note today was the long-staying lesser yellowlegs at White's Marsh this afternoon, the adult ring-billed gull at Rosscarbery, and a mediterranean gull there.

laugher still around

 

The adult winter laughing gull was at Rosscarbery again this afternoon, still associating with roosting cormorants.

its still there! (2)

 

The adult winter laughing gull was still at Rosscarbery this afternoon, showing well out on the sand, and still associating with 4 cormorants.  An adult ring-billed gull was also present.  The forster's tern was seen again today at Ballycotton too.

its still there!

 

The lesser yellowlegs was at White's Marsh again this afternoon, showing well.

laugher in west cork

 

The adult laughing gull was at Rosscarbery again this afternoon, showing well, out in the middle of the bay, in with a group of cormorants.  An adult ring-billed gull was also present there. The female pochard reported yesterday on Kilkeran Lake was back again this afternoon (59).

its been ages...

 

A grey wagtail at Galley was the only patch year tick of the weekend (70). Elsewhere, the lesser yellowlegs was again at White's Marsh today and an adult laughing gull was reported at Rosscarbery.

forster's ya bas

 

Cracking views of the forster's tern fishing up and down the shore at Ballycotton today.  This is the first record for Cork so was well worth the twitch.  The lesser yellowlegs was still at White's Marsh this afternoon. A female sparrowhawk over at Long Strand this evening was new for the year (57).

2 new for de year

 

Today's I-WeBS count at Kilkeran Lake produced water rail and little egret, which were both patch year ticks (69).

vis mig

 

A few redwing over at Galley this morning were new for the patch year list (67).  The black-necked grebe re-appeared on Kilkeran Lake yesterday and was still present there this morning.  The lesser yellowlegs was at White's Marsh again this afternoon, with a greenshank.

not much of a seawatch

 

A few guillemots lingering off Galley Head this morning were new for the year (67) and a 1st w mediterranean gull was seen at Long Strand.

7 ring bills at Ring, Bill

 

7 ring-billed gulls were at Ring today (4 ads, 1 2nd yr & 2 1st yrs) and an adult mediterranean gull was also present.  Another adult ring-billed gull and an adult mediterranean gull were at Rosscarbery.  A male green-winged teal was at the Red Benches at Clonakilty, and a kingfisher was also seen there. A 1st-w glaucous gull was at Red Strand.

same old, say mould

 

The black-necked grebe was on Kilkeran again this lunchtime, and a turnstone, 2 greenshank and a redshank were at Long Strand.

wader plethora (for Galley!)

 

A turnstone at Long Strand this lunchtime was new for the year (66).  Also present was 1 greenshank, 1 redshank and an adult winter mediterranean gull.

da grebe is back...

 

The black-necked grebe was on Kilkeran Lake again this morning after a few days absence. Three otters were also showing very well by the bridge this morning.

red not green

 

A redshank at Long Strand this morning was new for the patch year list (65).

fieldfares

 

Had 2 fieldfares over Long Strand this morning and caught up with the wintering greenshank there (64). The wintering lesser yellowlegs was at White's Marsh again this lunchtime.

meanwhile, back at Galley...

 

A few fulmars and razorbills off Galley Head this morning were new for the patch year list, as were mistle thrush & pheasant at Long Strand and goldcrest in Dirk Bay (62).  The lesser yellowlegs was showing very well again at White's Marsh this morning, and a black redstart was at Owenahincha.

Bird Race

 

The 17th annual Great Island Bird Race took place today, with 5 teams lining up for the off at Cobh town pier at 9.00 am. It was a great day for it, sunny & calm although quite chilly. Finding de birds proved tricky enough, however, with a lack of divers and auks in Cork harbour, although finches and waders were perhaps easier than usual.

 

By 6.00 pm it emerged that our winning team of last year (with just the 1 crew change) had managed to hold the usual victors to a draw with 94 species - best birds of the day were adult yellow-legged gull, 3 ring-billed gulls, slavonian grebe, and brambling.

 

Carmo - we might have a space for you next year boy, if yer interested?

 

caped crusader

 

A cracking male merlin hunting at Long Strand this lunchtime was new for the patch year list (57). This morning 4 great northern divers and 1 red-throated diver were surfing off Long Strand.

wet 'n' orrible

 

Gank day but managed 2 lesser black-backed gulls at Long Strand for the patch year list (56), and an adult w mediterranean gull flew over this morning, heading for the lake.

med gulls

 

An adult and 2 1st w mediterranean gulls on Kilkeran Lake this afternoon were new for the patch year list (55).  The green-winged teal was also still present there, in with c.40 common teal.

lesser legs stays for new year

 

The long-staying lesser yellowlegs was again at White's Marsh this afternoon, showing well. Also 2 greenshank there. The only addition to the patch year list today was a snipe at Kilkeran (53).

quick squizz out de window

Only three new species added to the patch list today; red-throated diver, kittiwake and gannet (52).