One drake Garganey was at Ballyallia, Ennis.
Leave a commentMay 2011
List of Contributors:
Joe Adamson, Gerry Butler, Dermot Breen, Alan Clewes, Austin Cooney, Jeff Copner, Ciaran Cronin, Chris Cullen, Paul Gaughran, Clodagh Glasgow, Tim Griffin, Kathy & Dave Gorman, Davey Farrar, Brian Finnegan, James Hayes, Barry Howell, Nuala Lynch, Tom Lynch, Finbarr MacGabhann, Dave McNamara, Jim Nolan, John N Murphy, Frank O ‘Duffy, Bill Ryan, Pearse Ryan, Ercus Stewart , Tom Tarpey, Paul Troake and Howard Williams.
Thursday 19th May 2011
A Kingfisher was on the River Fergus close to Ennis town centre.
Seven Blackcap were at Lees Road and two more were singing at Ballyallia.
Tuesday 17th May 2011
The Garganey pair were still at Ballyallia Lake again today.
Monday 16th May 2011
A second-year female WHITE-TAILED EAGLE was near Mount Shannon on Lough Derg today (Tom Tarpey).
The male and female Garganey were still at Ballylallia Lake, Ennis.
One second-year Iceland Gull was at Kilbaha Harbour, Loop Head.
A Grasshopper Warbler was also at the Loop.



Garganeys at Ballyallia Lake © John N Murphy

Iceland Gull at Kilbaha © John N Murphy
Sunday 15th May 2011
One male and female Garganey were at Ballyallia Lake this afternoon, near the River Fergus exit on the town side of the lake.
The second-year Glaucous Gull was still at Seafield, Quilty.
At the Dawn Chorus outing to the Mullaghmore area this morning there were a pair of Yellowhammer, seven Backcap, one Little Egret, a Cuckoo and four Common Gulls.
One Long-eared Owl was at dawn chorus near Ballyvaughan this morning.
One Kingfisher and three Spotted Flycatchers were on the River Fergus, north of Lough Inchiquin.
One Great Northern Diver and two summer plumaged Red-throated Divers were at Liscannor Bay.
Over sixty Swift were over Ballyallia Lake this evening.

Spotted Flycatcher near Lough Inchiquin © Dave McNamara
Saturday 14th May 2011
A Turtle Dove was at Loop Head this morning, along with ten Collared Doves, 32 Rock Doves, one Whitethroat, one Willow Warbler, seven Wheatears, 15 Sedge Warblers, four Chough and a Raven.
Over 2,500 Manx Shearwaters, two Puffins and six Whimbrels were at the Bridges of Ross.
Six Blackcap were singing in Lees Road Wood.

Turtle Dove at Kilbaha © John N Murphy
Tuesday 10th May 2011
Four Blackcap were singing in Lees Road Wood and another at the back of the CBS Primary along the banks of the Fergus.
Monday 9th May 2011
A small flock of 15 Whimbrel flew over Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Sunday 8th May 2011
One Hobby was at Seafield, Quilty today (Jeff Copner), along the second-summer Glaucous Gull
and 12 White Wagtails.
There were 32 Great Northern Divers at Black Head.
One Common Sandpiper was at lough Bunny.
One little Egret was at lough Muchanagh.

Glaucous Gull on Seafield Beach © Jeff Copner
Saturday 7th May 2011
Two Yellowhammers were at Commons North in the Burren.
Friday 6th May 2011
One second-year Glaucous Gull, seven White Wagtails and 100 Whimbrel were at Seafield, Quilty.
Six Blackcaps were singing in Lees Road Wood and two more were at along the Fergus at the back of Cusack Park.

Glaucous Gull at Seafield © Dave McNamara
Thursday 5th May 2011
One Kingfisher was on the River Fergus in Ennis.
Wednesday 4th May 2011
One Crossbill flew over Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
At the Shannon Airport Lagoon this evening there were four Little Egrets and 100 Black-tailed Godwits on the lagoon itself, while on the edge of the mudflat shoreline there were 50 Whimbrel.
Two Kingfishers were on the Rine River, Quin.
One Jay was at Dromoland Castle Estate.

Whimbrel calling at the Shannon Airport Lagoon © John N Murphy
Tuesday 3rd May 2011
A drake Green-winged Teal was at Lough Atedaun (Dave McNamara).
Monday 2nd May 2011
There were four Yellowhammers in the Mullaghmore area.
Six Blackcaps were at Commons North, Kilnaboy and at least five Cuckoos were calling in the same area.
Sunday 1st May 2011
A flock of 52 Whimbrel flew in a North-west direction over Applewood, Ballycar.

Once again this year there have been lots of Cuckoos throughout the whole county © John N Murphy.
Leave a comment April 2011
New Home for troublesome Great Tits

The new nest box has been put in place next to the Post Box at Ballycalla for the Great Tit to nest in next season © John N Murphy.
Saturday 30th April 2011
There was one male and two female Crossbills at Letteragh Wood, Lisseycasey along side one male Hen Harrier.
Friday 29th April 2011
There was a pair of Tree Sparrows at Liscannor Graveyard and 50 Whimbrel along the shore.
Another 30 Whimbrel were at Clahane Beach along with six White Wagtails.
A Kingfisher was on the River Fergus close to Ennis town centre this morning.
One Whooper Swan was staying late and on his own at Kilfenora.

White Wagtail at Clahane © Jeff Copner

Tree Sparrow at Liscannor © Jeff Copner
Thursday 28th April 2011
One Marsh Harrier flew over the motorway this evening near the Quin Road flyover at Ennis (John N Murphy).
A Jay was at the back of Cusack Park along the River Fergus., while a Kingfisher was a little further upstream.
Wednesday 27th April 2011
There were 63 Whimbrel at the Flaggy Shore this afternoon.
A Yellowhammer was seen just north of Ruan.
Tuesday 26th April 2011
One Ruff and four Whimbrel were at Lough Graney.
Sunday 24th April 2011
One second year Glaucous Gull was at Finvarra Point.

Glaucous Gull second year bird at Finvarra Point © Dave McNamara
Friday 22nd April 2011
A male Velvet Scoter was at Lahinch (Dave McNamara).
There were three Grasshopper Warblers and a Whitethroat at Roxton, Corofin.
Wednesday 20th April 2011
Two Swifts were seen flying over Glor, in Ennis, these are the first this year for Clare.
Eight Blackcaps were singing in Lees Road Wood this afternoon.
A Kingfisher was on the River Fergus.

The controversial post box at Ballycalla, near the Honk that has been put out of service due to the fact that a pair of Great Tits have taken up squatters right here for the past three summers.
Tuesday 19th April 2011
A WHITE-TAILED EAGLE was seen over Mountshannon, Lough Derg (Angus Levie).
One Velvet Scoter and 19 Common Scoters were at Lahinch.
Two Bonxies were at the Bridges of Ross.
Three White Wagtails were at Kilbaha.
Monday 18th April 2011
There were eight Blackcaps singing in Dromore Nature Reserve this afternoon.
Sunday 17th April 2011
One Buzzard was seen flying Southwest over Mount Callan.
There were seven Grasshopper Warblers, four Sedge Warblers and two Cuckoos at Lickeen Lake.
Three Yellowhammers and five Blackcaps were in the Mullaghmore area in the Burren.
Three Kingfishers were at a river near Quin.
Three Blackcaps were singing at Applewood, Ballycar.
Two Cuckoos were at Miltown Malbay.
Two Blackcaps were singing at Dromoland Castle.
Three Blackcaps were at Inagh with another bird at Ennistymon.
Grasshopper Warblers were heard reeling at Milltown Malbay, near Ennistymon and a few more near Inagh.

Grasshopper Warbler © Dave McNamara
Saturday 16th April 2011
The drake and hen Surf Scoter were at Liscannor Bay today (Frank O’Duffy) along with
the female Velvet Scoter.
There were 14 Black-throated Divers and 77 Red-breasted Mergansers at Finvarra Point.
Two Blackcaps and a Whitethroat were at Fanore.
Two Blackcaps were at Applewood, Ballycar.
Another Blackcap was singing at Oak Park Ennis.
One Kingfisher was on the River Fergus in Ennis.

Kingfisher in Ennis Town © John N Murphy
Friday 15th April 2011
The male Surf Scoter was at Liscannor (John N Murphy)
The second-year Glaucous Gull was at Seafield, Quilty, along with one Whimbrel and 30 White Wagtails.
One first-year Glaucous Gull was at Clahane with three White Wagtails, nine Purple Sandpipers
and a large flock of mixed Gulls.
Ten White Wagtails were at Liscannor.
At Lough Gash, Newmarket-on-Fergus this morning there were three pairs of Gadwall,
32 Tufted Ducks, three pairs of Great Crested Grebe and two singing Blackcaps.
One drake Pochard, two Shelduck , five Greylag Geese and three Blackcaps were at Fin Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Glaucous Gull at Sealfield © John N Murphy
Thursday 14th April 2011
One second-year Glaucous Gull, 45 Brent Geese , six Great Northern Divers and 20 White Wagtails were at Seafield, Quilty.
Four Blackcaps and three Grasshopper Warblers were at Rath Lake, Corofin.
One Cuckoo was heard calling at Sixmilebridge.
A pair of Kingfishers were on the River Fergus at Ruan.
Two Blackcaps were singing in the Crag between Oak Park and Pine Grove Ennis.

White Wagtail migrating through Seafield © Dave McNamara
Wednesday 13th April 2011
Four Blackcaps were singing in Lees Road Wood and another at Ballyallia.
Four Blackcaps were singing in Lees Road Wood and another at Ballyallia.
At least eight male Blackcaps were singing between Ballycar and Fenloe Lake.
At Fenloe Lake there were 20 Cormorant nest, two Shelduck, four Lapwing, 12 Greylag Geese and eight Teal.
Over 150 Swallows were hawking for insects over Ballyallia Lake.
Over 150 Swallows were hawking for insects over Ballyallia Lake.
Tuesday 12th April 2011
There were two Sedge Warblers singing at the Shannon Airport lagoon this afternoon and 2,000
Black-tailed Godwits were roosting on the lagoon itself along with eight Little Egrets, 12 Teal and
four Water Rails calling from the reedbeds.
Monday 11th April 2011
A Cuckoo was heard in Kilmaley and Darragh today.
Seven Blackcaps were singing in Lees Road Wood this evening.
Another Blackcaps was singing at Ballyallia amidst a big hatch of insects.
Sunday 10th April 2011
The WATER PIPIT was seen at Clahane again.
A female Smew was at Lough Bunny (Dave McNamara).
A Velvet Scoter, Red -throated Diver, 30 Great Northern Diver and 30 Common Scoter were at Lahinch.
A Grasshopper Warbler was at Doolough.
A group of 17 Sandwich Terns were on Cregg Beach near Moy House, Lahinch.
Saturday 9th April 2011
The WATER PIPIT was still at Clahane (Dave McNamara).
The drake and hen Surf Scoter were still at Lahinch alongf with the female Surf Scoter (Dave McNamara).
A female Smew was at the south-east end of Finn, Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus (Paul Troake).
Thursday 7th April 2011
One adult summer WATER PIPIT was at Clahane (Jeff Copner), alongside 15 Brent Geese.
There were eight Sandwich Terns and 120 Brent Geese at Liscannor.
Three Blackcap were singing in Lees Road Wood.
Wednesday 6th April 2011
Four Greylag Geese and two Blackcaps were at Applewood, Ballycar.
Four Blackcaps were heard singing around Ennis.
Two pairs of Siskin were nesting at Moanreel.
Tuesday 5th April 2011
Five Black-throated Divers were off Aughinish.
Five Blackcaps were singing at Gort Coirce, Corofin.
There were four male Blackcaps singing at Applewood, Ballycar.
Three Goldeneye were still at Lough Bunny.
Monday 4th April 2011
Over 200 Sand Martins were at Ballyallia Lake and among them were two Swallows.
Three Blackcap were singing at Lees Road Wood and another at Ballyallia.
Two Kingfishers were one the River Fergus in the middle of Ennis.
Saturday 2nd April 2011
There is a drake and one female Surf Scoter at Lahinch (Howard Williams). This is probably the pair from Doonbeg.
Friday 1st April 2011
One Little Gull was at Liscannor along with 50 Brent Geese and a large mixed flock of gulls.
Leave a comment March 2011
L
Thursday 31st March 2011
There were four Common Terns at Poulnasherry Bay this morning.
One Swallow was at Applewood, Ballycar.
Wednesday 30th March 2011
There was one Yellowhammer singing at Tubber with another male at Mullaghmore, The Burren.
Willow Warblers were recorded to be widespread throughout the county today with numberous
birds calling in the Burren.
Tuesday 29th March 2011
Four Pink-footed Geese, 32 White-fronted Geese, six Greylag Geese and one female Hen Harrier
were at Lough Muckanagh.
One Willow Warbler and a male Blackcap were singing at Applewood, Ballycar this morning.
Monday 28th March 2011
Two Whimbrels were at Blackweir Bridge, Poulnasherry Bay this morning.
Two Kingfishers were on the River Fergus in the middle of Ennis Town.
One male Wheatear was on the New Line, the Burren.
A Blackcap was singing at Ballyallia Lake this evening.
Three Little Egrets were on the River Fergus at Clareabbey.
One male Blackcap was singing at Applewood, Ballycar.
Sunday 27th March 2011
The six Pink-footed Geese were at Lough Muckanagh along with 53 White-fronted Geese.
A Willow Warbler was singing at Darragh, this was the first recorded in the county this year.
Two Swallows were on Canon Island in the Fergus Estuary.
One Swallow was just outside Miltown Malbay.
One Crossbill and a male Blackcap were at Gort Coirce.
Two Kingfishers were on a river near Quin.
Four Yellowhammers were at Mullaghmore in the Burren.
One male Blackcap was at Applewood, Ballycar.

Yellowhammer at Mullaghmore © Dave McNamara
Saturday 26th March 2011
Two Kingfishers were on a River near Quin.
Four Little Egrets were at Clare Abbey.
One male Blackcap was singing at Applewood, Ballycar.

Kingfisher © John N Murphy
Friday 25th March 2011
One Crossbill was at Gort Coirce, Corofin.
The first Swallow was seen near Kilneagh with two Sandmartins.
Two Kingfishers were at a river near Quin.

Crossbill at Gort Coirce © Dave McNamara
Thursday 24th March 2011
One adult Ring-billed Gull was at Clarecastle Quay (Finbarr MacGabhann).
There were 20 Sandmartins on the River Fergus in the middle of Ennis.
Wednesday 23rd March 2011
Chiffchaffs were heard singing today at Ennis, Clarecastle, Shannon, The Honk, Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus and many more locations throughout the county.

Chiffchaff singing at Applewood, Ballycar © John N Murphy
Tuesday 22nd March 2011
The first year male Surf Scoter was off Finvarra Point (Paul Traoke).
Also off North Clare there were 25 Black-throated Divers, 120 Great Northern Divers and 19 Long-tailed Ducks.
Two Whimbrel and four Great Northern Divers were at Seafield, Quilty.
Puffins have returned to the Cliffs of Moher this morning.
One Merlin was seen flying over the Cooraclare River at Shragh.
A flock of 27 Whooper Swans flew over Querrin this evening.
One Little Egret and two Ravens were at Moyasta.
Monday 21st March 2011
There were three Ring-billed Gulls (two adult summers and one adult winter) at Clarecastle Quay this afternoon, along with one singing Chiffchaff, two Sandmartins and one Raven.
One first-winter Iceland Gull was at Clahane.
One Little Egret was on the stream near Ballygriffey Castle.
One Chiffchaff was singing at Lough Gash.
One Dipper was at Kilfenora.
A Raven was at Lees Road Wood.




Ring-billed Gulls at Clarecastle Quay © John N Murphy

Iceland Gull at Clahane © Dave McNamara
Friday 18th March 2011
A flock of 20 Golden Plover was seen flying north over the Slieve Barnagh Mountains.
Two Ravens were seen at Shragh Bog.
Thursday 17th March 2011
There were 29 Black-throated Divers off Black Head.
Two Wheatears and 11 Chough were on the cliff drive west of Kilkee.
Twenty Sand Martins were at Athlunkard/Shannon Banks.
A flock of 70 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Wednesday 16th March 2011
The 2nd year Surf Scoter was at Gleninagh castle, North Clare again today (Jeff Copner).
There were four Wheatears at Chimney Bay, Kilkee.
Tuesday 15th March 2011
The WATER PIPIT was still at Clahane today (John N Murphy), along with 26 Brent Geese.
A count of 50 Black-throated Divers, 50 Great Northern Divers, 30 Red-breasted Mergansers, 40 Common Scoter and 30 Brent Geese were had between Black Head and Ballyvaughan.
A flock of 56 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen.
One Chiffchaff was singing at Carrigoran, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A Merlin was at Furglans between Inagh and Ennistymon.
A male Blackcap was seen at a peanut feeder at New Road Ennis this morning.
Monday 14th March 2011
The two Goosanders were still at Roo Lough (John N Murphy & Brian Finnegan).
At nearby Lough Muchanagh there were 36 White-fronted Geese and a small group of
six Pink-footed Geese.
One female Hen Harrier was at Ballyporty, Corofin.
A flock of 14 Goldeneye were at Lough Bunny.
Ten Sand Martins were at Ballyallia Lake with one Little Egret and three Whooper Swans at Drumcliff.
There were two Peregrines at Lough Atedaun.
A flock of 50 Rock Doves were at New Quay.
Sunday 13th March 2011
Two Goosanders were at Roo Lough (Jeff Copner).
The first Spring migrants of the year were a small flock of 12 Sand Martin seen over Ballyallia Lake this evening.
A small flock of six Yellowhammers were at Mullaghmore in the Burren.
Saturday 12th March 2011
The female redhead Smew was still at Lough Bunny (Jeff Copner).
The two female/immature Goosanders were at Roo Lough (Dave McNamara).
Friday 11th March 2011
A female redhead Smew was at Lough Bunny (Dave McNamara).
Two immature/female Goosanders were at Roo Lough, north of Tubber (Dave McNamara).
There were 30 Black-throated Divers off Finvarra Point.
A flock of 43 Pochard were at Lough Murree.
Over 100 Barnacle Geese were on Illaunonearaun.
One Little Egret was at Clareabbey, Ennis.
One Little Egret was at Moyasta.
Thursday 10th March 2011
The GOLDEN EAGLE was see again at Kilbane, Broadford (David Lyons).
A flock of 90 Barnacle Geese were at Illaunonearaun.
Two Little Egrets were at Blackwier Bridge, Poulnasherry.
Wednesday 9th March 2011
The WATER PIPIT was at Clahane (Jeff Copner), along with the colour ringed Redshank.
The Tufted x Ring-necked Duck hybrid was still at Lough Inchiquin.
Two Dippers were seen once more at Moananagh Cross between Inagh and Ennistymon.
A flock of 90 Pochard were on a small Turlough, just North of Tubber on the Clare/Galway border.
Tuesday 8th March 2011
Two Dippers were between Inagh and the Falls, Ennistymon.
Two Woodcock were at Roxton, Corofin.
One Peregrine was at Cregg Beach, Lahinch.
Monday 7th March 2011
There were two Water Rails and two Greylag Geese at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Sunday 6th March 2011
The WATER PIPIT and two Chough were at Clahane (Dave McNamara).
One Dipper was at Ballynacarghan Bridge, Kilfenora.
One Water Rail was at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Saturday 5th March 2011
One immature Iceland Gull was at Kilbaha.
Friday 4th March 2011
There was one male and one female Surf Scoter at Doughmore Bay today (Jeff Copner), along with 16 Great Northern Divers,
two Red-throated Divers and four Black Guillemots.
One ring-tailed Hen Harrier was between Cross and Kilbaha.
A flock of 60 Golden Plover were at the Skivileen River.
Thursday 3rd March 2011
The WATER PIPIT was still at Clahane (John N Murphy).
Between Black Head and Ballyvaughan there was one 2nd year Surf Scoter (John N Murphy), along with 57 Black-throated Divers, 116 Great Northern Divers, three Red-throated Divers, 12 Gannets, 340 Razorbills, 106 Common Scoter, 47 Red-breasted Mergansers, 28 Brent Geese and one Little Egret.
A small flock of 14 Barnacle Geese were on Mutton Island.
A group of 27 Brent Geese were at Quilty Beach.
Leave a comment February 2011
Monday 28th February 2011
The Forster’s Tern was off Doorus (Dave McNamara).
Off Finvarra Point there was one Eider Duck, two Long-tailed Ducks and an adult Mediterranean Gull.
There were 21 Black-throated Divers off the Flaggy Shore.
One Yellowhammer was on the New Line.
A flock of 36 White-fronted Geese were at Lough Muchanagh.
Saturday 26th February 2011
The WATER PIPIT was at Clahane (John N Murphy & Brian Finnegan).
The male and female Surf Scoter were still at Doughmore Bay (John N Murphy & Brian Finnegan).
A Jay was at Lees Road Wood this morning.
Friday 25th February 2011
One Barn Owl was at Rath, Corofin.
Two Dippers were making a nest at the Rine River near Quin.
Thirty two Whooper Swans were at Drumcliffe.

A Dipper with nesting material on the Rine River © John N Murphy
Thursday 24th February 2011
The WATER PIPIT was still at Clahane (Brian Finnegan).
The drake and hen Surf Scoter were at Doughmore (Dave McNamara).
One Long-eared Owl was at Glendree, east Clare.
There was a flock of 20 Scaup on the Fergus Estuary.
One ring-tail Hen Harrier was at Doonbeg Village.
One ring-tail Hen Harrier was at Lough Atedaun.
There were ten Gadwall at an Riasc, Ruan
Wednesday 23rd February 2011
One female Surf Scoter was at Gleninagh Castle North Clare today (John N Murphy & Andy Smith).
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour along with one adult Ring-billed Gull (Andy Smith & John N Murphy).
Between Black Head and Doorus on the North Clare coast there were 18 Black-throated Divers, six Red-throated Divers, 100 Great Northern Divers, six Long-tailed Ducks, 80 Common Scoter, one Sandwich Tern, nine Whooper Swans, one Little Egret, one Merlin, 80 Bar-tailed Godwits, 50 Turnstone, 30 Red-breasted Mergansers and 60 Brent Geese.
There were 30 Goldeneye, six Scaup, one Brambling and a Dipper near Ardclooney.
Tuesday 22nd February 2011
One female Surf Scoter was off Ballyvaughan Bay (Norwegian birders).
Monday 21st February 2011
One male and female Surf Scoter were at Doughmore Bay, Doonbeg (Paul Troake),
along with a female Velvet Scoter.
One Little Egret and three Water Rails were at the Shannon Airport Lagoon.
A flock of 24 Whooper Swans were at Drumcliff, Ballyallia Lake, Ennis.
Sunday 20th February 2011
Two immature/female Goosanders were on the Shannon River near Shannon Banks on the Clare/Limerick border (Paul Troake).
Two Black-throated Divers and 60 Common Scoter were near Gleninagh Castle.
A flock of 37 White-fronted Geese were at Lough Muchanagh.
Saturday 19th February 2011
The Water Pipit was still at Clahane (Dave McNamara).
One 2nd cal Surf Scoter was near Black Head (Wilton Farrelly).
One Green Sandpiper was at Ballycorick Bridge with one Little Egrert at Ballycorick Creek., along with one Merlin and one Peregrine.
At Liscannor Bay today there were 46 Brent Geese, ten Common Scoter, four Red-throated Divers, 125 Dunlin, 14 Knot and the colour ringed Redshank.
One Brambling was at Mount Vernon, North Clare.
Five Sandwich Terns were at the Flaggy Shore.
One ring-tailed Hen Harrier was at Doonagore Bog.
Three Yellowhammer were at Mullaghmore.
Four Whooper Swan were on Lake Inchiquin.
Eleven Goldeneye were seen at Lough Muckanagh.
Friday 18th February 2011
There were nine Whooper Swans at Ballycar Lough today, at nearby Applewood there was a flock of 160 Fieldfares.
Thursday 17th February 2011
A GOLDEN EAGLE was spotted at Kilbane, Broadford (David Lyons). This bird was colour tagged and originated from Donegal.
One adult Ring-billed Gull was at Creg Beach, Liscannor.
A female Hen Harrier was at Lough Muchanagh.
A male Blackcap was New Road Ennis and a female at Oak Park.
Wednesday 16th February 2011
An Eastern Jackdaw was at Doonbeg Golf Course.
One Little Egret was at Ballymacahill, Ennis.
One Woodcock was at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus this evening.
Tuesday 15th February 2011
A Common Sandpiper was at Liscannor harbour.
Monday 14th February 2011
The immature/2nd cal year male Surf Scoter was between Finvarra Point and Black Head again today (Niall T Keogh, Stephen King, John N Murphy & James Hayes).
Also between Finvarra and Black Head were 26 Black-throated Divers, one Red-throated Diver, 70 Great Northern Divers, 90 Common Scoter, five Long-tailed Ducks, two Sandwich Terns, 140 Razorbills, 50 Black Guillemots, three Gannets, one Little Egret and a Peregrine.
One first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Quilty.
One Merlin was at Lough Atedaun.
There were two female Hen Harriers and 44 White-fronted Geese at Lough Muchanagh.
Sunday 13th February 2011
The PACIFIC DIVER was still off Finvarra Point this morning (Dave McNamara).
One male Surf Scoter was also off Finvarra Point (Michael Davis).
The six immature/female Goosanders were still at Roo Lough.
One albino Great Northern Diver was at Black Head.
Two Kingfishers were on the River Fergus near Willow Park, Ennis.
Saturday 12th February 2011
The PACIFIC DIVER was off Finvarra Point this morning (John Power & Denis O Sullivan).
Six immature Goosanders were at Roo Lough north of Tubber.
Also off Finvarra point were 12 Black-throated Divers, ten Long-tailed Ducks and one first-winter Common Eider.
Between Doorus and Black Head there were 90 Great Northern Divers, 100 Razorbills, five Sandwich Terns, 40 Black Guillemots, 40 Red-breasted Mergansers and 80 Brent Geese.
One dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Fanore along with 45 Pale-bellied Brent Geese.

Black-throated Diver North Clare © John N Murphy

Cormorant in North Clare showing characteristics of the sinensis race © John N Murphy

Distant shot of Dark-bellied Brent Goose with pale-bellied birds at Fanore © John N Murphy
Friday 11th February 2011
The PACIFIC DIVER and seven Black-throated Divers were at Finvarra Point (Neal Warnock).
The first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck was at Lough Gash (John N Murphy) along with 84 Tufted Ducks and 19 Gadwall.
Six immature/female Goosanders were at Roo Lough north of Tubber.
At Ballyallia Lake today the three White-fronted Geese were still present along with 28 Whooper Swans, 450 Wigeon, 100 Tufted Ducks, 200 Teal, two Pintail, six Shoveler, 35 Little Grebes and 20 Curlew.
One Little Egret was at the Shannon Airport Lagoon.
Two Dippers were at Gillogue.
Two Dippers were at Gillogue.
Thursday 10th February 2011
A male Blackcap was in a garden at New Road Ennis.
A Jay was at Lees Road Wood.
Wednesday 9th February 2011
One Water Pipit was at Clahane (Dave McNamara), along with one Peregrine and the colour ringed Redshank.
Ten Woodcock were at Rath, Corofin.
A flock of 90 Barnacle Geese were at Illaunonearaun.
One Peregrine was at the Cliff Walk Kilkee, while a small flock of 25 Whooper Swans were near Kilkee Reservoir.
One Peregrine and ten Goldeneye were at Lough Muchanagh.
There were 11 Greylag Geese and one Water Rail at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Tuesday 8th February 2011
There were four Crossbills and three Ravens at Kilnacreagh, Sixmilebridge.
One female Hen Harrier was near Lough Muchanagh.
Four Yellowhammers were between Lough Muchanagh and Lough Bunny.
A female Blackcap was at Oak Park Ennis and a male was at New Road
Monday 7th February 2011
One Little Egret was near Drumcliff, Ballyallia.
Two Jays were at Dromore Nature Reserve.
Sunday 6th February 2011
One Water Pipit was still near Seafield (John N Murphy).
One Water Pipit was at Clahane (James Hayes, John N Murphy & Clodagh Glasgow).
One Eastern Jackdaw was near Seafield (John N Murphy).
An adult Ring-billed Gull was at Quilty Beach.
One Black-throated Diver, 86 Great Northern Divers, 30 Long-tailed Ducks, 200 Brent Geese and two Sandwich Terns were at Aughinish Island.
There were lots of waders at Seafield that included 600 Dunlin, 400 Sanderling, 80 Purple Sandpipers, 280 Turnstones, 40 Knot and one Merlin.
Nine Red-throated Divers were at Liscannor Bay along with 25 Common Scoter, over 200 Golden Plover were near the Pitch & Put course at Liscannor.
A small flock of 50 Barnacle Geese were at Moveen.
Thirteen Whooper Swans were at Kilkee Reservoir.
One Little Egret was on the River Fergus near Clareabbey.
There were 14 Goldeneye at Lough Bunny with another ten Goldeneye at Lough Muchanagh.
One Jay was at Kileen, Corofin.


Jay at Corofin © Jim Nolan
Saturday 5th February 2011
One Water pipit was at Clahane and the second Water Pipit was still near Seafield (Dave McNamara).
There was also on Merlin and three Chough at Clahane.
A flock of 100 Golden Plover were near O’Brien’s Bridge, Lahinch.
Friday 4th January 2011
A flock of 28 Greylag Geese came to roost at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus late this evening.
Thursday 3rd February 2011
The Water Pipit was still at Clahane today (John N Murphy), along with two Chough and 11 Brent Geese.
One adult Ring-billed Gull and a Merlin were at Cregg Beach, Lahinch.
Wednesday 2nd February 2011
A Water pipit was found on the shore between Lough Donnell and Seafield (Dave McNamara).
The first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck was still at Lough Gash (John N Murphy).
The first-winter Iceland and Glaucous Gulls were at Clahane along with nine Brent Geese.
One adult Iceland Gull was at Lough Donnell, along with 183 Curlew, 14 Grey Plover, one Merlin and one Peregrine.
Two immature/female Goosanders were still on the Shannon River near Shannon Banks on the Clare/Limerick border (see photos in the Limerick section).


Water Pipit near Seafield © Dave McNamara

Iceland Gull at Clahane © Jeff Copner

Glaucous Gull at Clahane © Jeff Copner
Tuesday 1st February 2011
The Water pipit was still at Clahane again today (John N Murphy & Howard Williams).
One first-winter Iceland Gull and on first winter Glaucous Gull were at Liscannor. They were later seen at high tide roost at Clahane.
There were 15 Brambling in a private garden at Lemenagh Mor, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Merlin and three Chough were also at Clahane.

Iceland Gull with adult Herring Gull at Liscannor © John N Murphy


Glaucous Gull on beach at Liscannor © John N Murphy

Iceland (foreground) & Glaucous Gull together at Clahane late in the evening © Dave McNamara
Leave a comment January 2011
List of Contributors:
Dermot Breen, Austin Cooney, Jeff Copner, Ciaran Cronin, Chris Cullen, Clodagh Glasgow, Tim Griffin, Kathy & Dave Gorman, Brian Finnegan, James Hayes, Barry Howell, Nuala Lynch, Tom Lynch, Finbarr MacGabhann, Dave McNamara, John N Murphy, Frank O ‘Duffy, Bill Ryan, Pearse Ryan, Ercus Stewart , Tom Tarpey, Paul Troake and Howard Wiliams.
Monday 31st January 2011
The Water Pipit was still at Clahane (Dave McNamara & John N Murphy).
Also at Clahane were two Chough, 90 Curlew and the colour ringed Redshank.
One Little Egret was at Lahinch Marsh.
Two Dippers were on the river at Ennistymon.


Water Pipit at Clahane © John N Murphy
Sunday 30th January 2011
The Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour this morning (James Hayes & Clodagh Glasgow).
There were two Black-throated Divers, eight Long-tailed Ducks, one Red-throated Diver and a Peregrine at the Flaggy Shore.
A flock of 49 Whooper Swans were at Kilkee reservoir.
Saturday 29th January 2011
The Water Pipit was at Clahane (Dave McNamara).
The first-year drake Ring-necked Duck was at Lough Gash (John Power & Denis O Sullivan).
One first year male Eider was off the Flaggy Shore near Lough Murree along wth six Long-tailed Ducks.
At Lough Murree there were 150 Brent Geese, two of whom were colour banded while the Black Swan was on the lake.
Two female Goosanders, initially seen on the Limerick side of the Shannon at Corbally, were last seen at St Thomas’s Island, Parteen.
Two female Goosanders, initially seen on the Limerick side of the Shannon at Corbally, were last seen at St Thomas’s Island, Parteen.

Water Pipit at Clahane © Dave McNamara

Redshank at Clahane with colour rings a returning bird © Dave McNamara
Friday 28th January 2011
The Water Pipit was back at Clahane (Dave McNamara).
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Howard Williams).
Four Black-throated Divers, 19 Long-tailed Duck and a Merlin were at Finvarra Point.
There were 145 Barnacle Geese at Killard, Doonbeg.
Three Tree Sparrows were near Doonbeg Golf Club.
One adult Mediterranean Gull and a Peregrine were at Doughmore Bay.
At Ballyallia Lake the three White-fronted Geese were with the Greylags and one Water Rail was showing well near the slipway.
One Little Egret was a the Killow West attenuation Pond.
A flock of 110 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen.
A male Blackcap was on the banks of the Fergus at New Road Ennis.

Green-winged Teal at Bell Harbour © Howard Williams

Water Rail on the slipway at Ballyallia Lake © John N Murphy
Thursday 27th January 2011
The Green-winged Teal was at Bell Habour again today (John N Murphy & James Hayes).
Between Finvarra Point and Aughinish Island there were 12 Black-throated Divers, two Velvet Scoter, 21 Long-tailed Ducks, 62 Great Northern Divers, one Sandwich Tern, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers, 40 Black Guillemots, 300 Wigeon, two Little Egrets, 400 Brent Geese, 420 Teal, 85 Shellduck, 42 Common Scoter, 126 Rock Dove (of which 116 were in one field together near Lavella Farm) and one Black Swan at Lough Murree.
Four Water Rails were near Tubber.
Wednesday 26th January 2011
A WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew across the main road just north of Crusheen this morning (John N Murphy).
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Howard Williams & Chris Cullen).
Off Finvarra Point there were 11 Black-throated Divers, two Red-throated Divers, six Long-tailed Duck, 42 Brent Geese, 48 Common Scoter and one Peregrine.
Tuesday 25th January 2011
The PACIFIC DIVER was back off Finvarra Point today (Ciaran Cronin) along with 18 Black-throated Divers.
There were 16 Brent Geese and three Chough at Clahane.
Monday 24th January 2011
One Green Sandpiper was at Ballycorrick, Bridge, Ballynacally.
There were 2,500 Dunlin, 300 Redshank and 85 Shellduck on the mudflats at Islandavanna.
Five Chough and eight Brent Geese at Clahane.
One male Blackcap was in Willow Park, Ennis.
A female Blackcap was at Oak Park Ennis.

Green Sandpiper at Ballycorrick © John N Murphy
Sunday 23rd January 2011
One Water Pipit was at Clahane this lunchtime (Dave McNamara).
One Kingfisher was seen on the Fergus River at Willow Park, Ennis.


Water Pipit at Clahane © Dave McNamara
Saturday 22nd January 2011
A PACIFIC DIVER was off the Martelloe Tower at Finvarra Point today (Tim Griffin).
Also off the North Clare coast were 24 Black-throated Divers and one Whimbrel.
There was one Water Rail, 100 Tufted Duck, 24 Greylag Geese and 38 Black-tailed Godwits at Ballyallia Lake. One of the Black-tailed Godwits was colour ringed.
Friday 21st January 2011
There were 32 White-fronted Geese at Tullagher Bog.
One Peregrine and eight Purple Sandpipers were at Kilkee Beach.

Purple Sandpiper at Kilkee © John N Murphy
Thursday 20th January 2011
One Short-eared Owl was at Deelin Moor, the Burren.
A female Blackcap was at Oak Park Ennis and a male on the banks of the Fergus at New Road, Ennis.
One male Hen Harrier was near Miltown Malbay.
One female Hen Harrier was at Querrin.
Wednesday 19th January 2011
There were 100 Golden Plover and six Great Northern Divers at Doonbeg.

Redpoll at Doughmore © Jeff Copner
Tuesday 18th January 2011
The first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck was at Lough Gash (John N Murphy & James Hayes.)
One Waxwing flew over Kilbaha, while two tree Sparrows were in the gardens and a Peregrine was seen hunting the headland.
One Lapland Bunting was heard calling near Ross Bay.
Three White-fronted Geese, over 200 Tufted Ducks and a Water Rail were at Ballyallia Lake.
One Little Egret and a Water Rail were at Shannon Airport Lagoon.
One Common Sandpiper and four Turnstone were at the Quay in Clarecastle.
Monday 17th January 2011
There were seven Waxwings on the Gort Road, Ennis this morning.
One Lapland Bunting was at Loop Head, along with a 2nd/3rd winter Glaucous Gull and one Merlin.
Some seabirds were observed on the cliffs, 1900 Guillemots and 140 Fulmars.
One Brambling was seen near Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Six Chough were at Clahane and 15 Red-throated Divers were on Liscannor Bay.


Waxwings gorging themselves on the last few remaining berries, Gort Road, Ennis © John N Murphy

Waxwing in Ennis © Dave McNamara
Sunday 16th January 2011
One Black-thoated Diver near Doorus on the north coast.
One Brambling was within a flock of 200 Chaffinches at the Shannon Industrial Estate.
One Merlin, one Little Egret, three Sandwich Terns, 20 Great Northern Divers and 80 Ringed Plovers were at Aughinish Island.
A flock of 38 Greylag Geese were at Fenloe Lake.
Saturday 15th January 2011
The first-winter Ring-necked Duck was still at Lough Gash this morning (John N Murphy & Finbarr MacGabhann).
The drake Green-winged Teal was still at Bell Harbour (Clodagh Glasgow & James Hayes).
One Short-eared Owl and a female ring tailed Hen Harrier were at Lough Muchanagh.
Eight Barnacle Geese were near the White Strand, Doonbeg.
A small flock of 30 Purple Sandpipers were at Seafield, Quilty along with 120 Turnstones, 40 Sanderling and 50 Dunlin.
Friday 14th January 2010
The first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck was at Lough Gash (John N Murphy), along with 160 Tufted Ducks and 28 Gadwall.
This Ring-necked Duck at Lough Gash looks to be the same individual from Ballyallia in late 2010.
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (James Hayes & Clodagh Glasgow).
Three White-fronted Geese were at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis.
There were three Greater Scaup and the Black Swan at Lough Murree.
One Water Rail was at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus, while a flock of 20 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen.

Drake Tufted Duck (left) and first winter Ring-necked Duck (right) at Lough Gash © John N Murphy

First-winter drake Ring-necked Duck at Lough Gash © John N Murphy
Thursday 13th January 2011
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Tim Griffin).
A first-winter male Ring-necked Duck was at Lough Gash, Newmarket-on-Fergus (Paul Troake), this is probably the bird from Ballyallia Lake.
Also at Lough Gash were 24 Gdawall, four Woodcock and a female Blackcap was in a nearby garden.
There were four Crossbills near Coolmeen, Sixmilebridge.
A flock of 17 Greylag Geese were at Fenloe Lake.
Wednesday 12th January 2011
There were a flock of 22 Whooper Swans at Ballycar Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Tuesday 11th January 2011
There were two Jack Snipe at Tullyvarraga Marsh, Shannon.
Five Little Egrets and one Water Rail were at the Shannon Airport Lagoon.
One Little Egret was at the attenuation pond near the Killow West Roundabout, Doora.
Monday 10th January 2011
The WHITE-TAILED EAGLE is still at Lough Atedaun (Dave McNamara).
One Velvet Scoter was at Lahinch along with 48 Common Scoter.
One female Goosander was at Ardclooney along with five drake Greater Scaup.
One Buzzard was at Inisculllen Hill, Shannon.
Two adult and two immature Bramblings were at St. Flannan’s College Ennis.
Two Chough were at Clahane.
A Jay was at Lees Road Wood.
Sunday 9th January 2011
One male Blackcap was at Willow Park, Ennis.
Saturday 8th January 2011
One female Smew was showing well at Lake Inchiquin this morning (Dave McNamra et al).
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Finbarr MacGabhann).
A Goosander and a Peregrine were seen at Dromore Nature Reserve.
A Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver and a Merlin were at the Rine.
Two Black-throated Diver and a Red-throated Diver were reported from Bishops Quarter.
A female Blackcap was at Oak Park Ennis.
Friday 7th January 2011
The WHITE-TAILED EAGLE (Star) was at Dromore Nature Reserve along with three Goosander.
One female Velvet Scoter, a pair of Long-tailed Duck, four Great Northern Diver, eleven Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Diver and forty Common Scoter were at Lahinch.

White-tailed Eagle at Dromore © Dave McNamara

White-tailed eagle Dromore © Jeff Copner
Thursday 6th January 2011
The WHITE-TAILED EAGLE (Star) was at Dromore Nature Reserve (Finbarr MacGabhann), along with
a Kingfisher, three Jays and a Water Rail.
The immature Velvet Scoter, Slavonian Grebe, 30 Common Scoters, 14 Knot and five Red-throated Divers were at Liscannor Bay.
One female Hen Harrier, two Little Egrets, three Water Rails and ten Gadwall were at the Shannon Airport Lagoon.
One Green Sandpiper was at Ballycorick Bridge, Ballynacally.
One female Hen Harrier was near Fort Fergus along with 37 Whooper Swans.
Another 20 Gadwall were at Lough Gash, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One male Blackcap was at a garden in Moanreel, Ennistymon.
A flock og 20 Whooper Swans were also along the riverside near Moanreel.
One Chough was at Clahane.
A female Blackcap was at Oak Park Ennis.

Male Blackcap at Jeffs garden in Moanreel © Jeff Copner
Wednesday 5th January 2011
Two Waxwing were seen this afternoon close to Hogan’s Shop on the Gort Road, Ennis.
Two Brambling were at St. Flannan’s College, Ennis.
One female Hen Harrier and 25 White-fronted Geese were at Lough Muchanagh.
There were two Chough and a Merlin at Clahane.
One Peregrine and 30 Whooper Swans were at Mullaghmore.
A flock of 40 Whooper Swans were at Kells Lake, the Burren.
One Little Egret was at the Killow West attenuation pond near Doora.
A female Blackcap was at Oak Park, Ennis.
One male Blackcap was in a garden at Moanreel.

Brambling at St.Flannan’s College © John N Murphy

Chough at Clahane © Dave McNamara
Tuesday 4th January 2011
One male Hen Harrier was in Shragh Bog earlier this morning.
There were three White-fronted Geese at Ballyallia Lake, along with 14 Greylag Geese at Drumcliff, 132 Coot, 160 Tufted ducks and 43 Gadwall.
A female Blackcap was in a garden in Oak Park, Ennis.
The Black Swan was still at Lough Murree.
One male Blackcap was ina garden at Moanreel.
Monday 3rd January 2011
The WHITE-TAILED EAGLE (Star) was at Dromore Nature Reserve, Ruan today. This bird came back into Clare from Limerick on 28th December 2010, made its way across the Shannon Estuary, roosted near Kilrush before heading north-east to Dromore woods where it has stayed since. To follow the movements of Star log onto www.goldeneagle.ie for more details.
One female Marsh Harrier was at Lough Cullaun, the Burren.
Sunday 2nd January 2011
There were ten Black-throated Divers off Finvarra Point and one first-winter male Eider was at Carrickadda.
One Black Swan was still at Lough Murree.
Saturday 1st January 2011
There were two Water Rails at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Water Rail was at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis.

Water Rail © Barry Howell
Leave a comment January 2011
List of Contributors:
John Archer, Penny Bartlett, Garry Baron, Roy Beddard, Keith Bennet, Sinead Biggane, Richard Bonser, Dermot Breen, Phil Brennan, John Joe Cahill, Victor Cashera, Padraic Callinan, Bruce Carrick, Florence & Kevin Carey, Dixie Collins, Austin Cooney, Jeff Copner, Dermot Cosgrove, Gerry Coughlan, Andrew Dale, Matthew Deans, Kris De Rouck, PJ Donnelly, Joe Doolan, Jim Dowdall, Jamie Durrant, Shane Farrell, Davey Farr, Peter Farbridge, Liam Feeney, Brian Finnegan, Mike Flannagan, Donal Foley, Owen Foley, Kieran Grace, Mark Gibson, Paul Gaughran, Sean Geraghty, Raymond Griffin, Adrian Glasgow, Clodagh Glasgow, Chris Harbard, Niall Hatch, James Hayes, Margaret Hanrahan, Mark Helmore, Barry Howell, Geoff Hunt, Josh Jones, Aidan Kelly, Aileen Lynch, Nuala and Tom Lynch, Steve Millar, Stephen McEvoy, Frank & Darragh McDermott, Finbarr McGabhann, Joy & Martin McKeown, Dave McNamara, Pat Lonergan, David Lyons, Frank O’ Duffy, Kathy & David O Gorman, Mick O’Neill, Elaine O’Malley, Tony Mee, Maeve Meehan, Christy Meehan, Dominic Mitchell, Killian Mullarney, Edel Murphy, John N Murphy, Jim Nolan, Chris Pappiet, Colin Perkins, Brian Porter, Chris Power, John Power, Pat Pykett, Bill Ryan, Pearse Ryan, Brendan Ross, Tom Shevlin, Will Soar, Christian Staunton, Tom Tarpey, Paul Troake, Darrach Turley, Robert Vaughan, Stephen Ward, Howard Williams & Mark Wilson.

© John N Murphy
Friday 31st December 2010
One Long-tailed Duck, 119 Coot, 86 Little Grebe, 29 Gadwall, and 11 Whooper Swans were at Lough Inchiquin.
A female Blackcap was in a garden at Oak Park Ennis.
Thursday 30th December 2010
One Long-tailed Duck was at Lough Inchiquin., along with 14 Goldeneye.
A flock of 50 Whooper Swans were at Tullagher Bog.
There were 140 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Two Jay were in Lees Road Wood.
Wednesday 29th December 2010
One Buzzard was between Manusmore and the Killow Roundabout at Clarecastle.
At Lough Murree there was one Little Egret, the Black Swan, 178 Brent Geese, eight Whooper Swans, eight Red-breasted Mergansers and 240 Wigeon.
At Doorus there was one Long-tailed Duck, one Little Egret, 72 Brent Geese, 150 Wigeon, five Greenshank and 20 Bar-tailed Godwits.
Two Long-tailed Ducks wee at Liscannor Bay.
There were eight Whooper Swans and 12 Shoveler at Burrin Lake, New Quay.

Shoveler at Burrin Lake © John N Murphy
Tuesday 28th December 2010
One drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (John N Murphy, Brian Finnegan & Austin Cooney), along side 250 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 34 Shelduck and 20 Little Grebes.
At Lough Inchiquin there were two Goosanders (Howard Williams), also at Inchiquin was one Long-tailed Duck..
One Brambling was at the Spa, Lisdoonvarna.
One drake adult Common Eider was off the Flaggy Shore, New Quay.
At Lough Murree there was one Little Egret, the Black Swan, 140 Brent Geese and 240 Wigeon.
Along the Flaggy Shore there were 28 Bar-tailed Godwits and 50 Dunlin.
A flock of 160 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus this Morning.
Another nine Whooper Swans were at Burrin Lake, New Quay.

The drake Geen-winged Teal is still showing well at Bell Harbour © John N Murphy

Little Egret on the Flaggy Shore, birds were very scarce during the harsh weather © John N Muphy
Monday 27th December 2010
A female/redhead Smew was at Lough Inchiquin (Dave McNamara, Howard Willliams et al).
Also at Lough Inchiquin were 25 Goldeneye and 40 Pochard.
The drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (Dave McNamara & Howard Williams).
At Liscannor Bay today there were four Long-tailed Ducks.
One Merlin was at Rath Lough.
Saturday 25th December 2010
One Black-throated Diver and one Woodcock were at Black Head.
One Woodcock, one male Blackcap, two Water Rails and three Ravens were at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One male Blackcap was in the garden of Mount Vernon, New Quay.

Woodcock at Black Head © Jeff Copner
Friday 24th December 2010
There were two Woodcock, one Jay and three Water Rails at Dromore Nature Reserve this morning.
Two more Woodcock were in a garden at Barefield.

One of the two Woodcocks in a garden at Barefield © Dave McNamara
Thursday 23rd December 2010
Three Goosanders were still at Dromore Nature Reserve earlier today (Jeff Copner), along with five Whooper Swans, ten Goldeneye and 60 Tufted Ducks.
One Brambling was at the Shannon Industrial Estate while one female Blackcap was in Shannon Town.
One Woodcock was at Barefield, while another was near Fountain cross, Ennis.
A female Hen Harrier was at Gort Coirce, Dysert.

Snipe are foraging throughout many town gardens © John N Murphy

This female Blackcap was eating remaining apples on a tree in Shannon © John N Murphy

Redwings are really struggling to survive this cold winter © John N Murphy
Wednesday 22nd December 2010
There were five immature/female Goosanders at Dromore (John N Murphy), along with two Water Rails, one Jay and 45 Tufted Ducks.


Goosanders at Dromore Nature Reserve © John N Murphy

Water Rail on the Fergus River at Dromore Nature Reserve © John N Murphy
Tuesday 21st December 2010
Three immature/female Goosanders were seen early this morning on the river Fergus near Dromore Nature Reserve (David Lyons).
Also at Dromore was one Water Rail and one Jay.
At Ballyallia Lake there were 200 Tufted Ducks, 100 Gadwall. 100 Wigeon, 20 Shoveler and two Pintail.
Monday 20th December 2010
There were two White-fronted Geese and 14 Pintail at Ballyallia Lake.
A flock of 140 Gadwall were at Lough Inchiquin.
Three Woodcock were at Rath Lake, Corofin.
Sunday 19th December 2010
Six Goosanders were seen near Dromore Nature Reserve (per David Lyons).
There were 177 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Saturday 18th December 2010
One Slavonian Grebe and one Velvet Scoter were at Liscannor (John N Murphy & Howard Williams).
Also at Lisscannor were 30 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Divers and seven Great Northerns.
One returning drake Green-winged Teal was at the Shannon Airport Lagoon along with two Water Rails (James Hayes & Clodagh Glasgow).
One Brambling was at St.Flannans College, Ennis.
Over 140 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A small flock of ten Whooper Swans were near Ennistymon.
Thursday 16th December 2010
At Seafield, Quilty this evening there was on first-winter Iceland Gull, 280 Dunlin, 36 Purple Sandpipers, 50 Sanderling, 80 Turnstone and a flock of 100 Barnacle Geese were on nearby Mutton Island.
One Great Northern Diver and eight Goldeneye were at Lough Atedaun.
One Peregrine was at Clahane.


Iceland Gull at Seafield © John N Murphy
Wednesday 15th December 2010
Four Black-throated Divers were at Aughinish Island.
One Eastern Jackdaw was at Rossbracken, Shannon Town this morning (John N Murphy).
One female Hen Harrier and a Merlin were at Lough Cullaun, the Burren.
Six Yellowhammers were at Mullaghmore.
Three Turnstones and two Little Egrets were near Inishcullen Hill, Shannon.
Tuesday 14th December 2010
There was a Water Pipit at Doonaha earlier today (Paul Troake).
At Lahinch there was one Slavonian Grebe, one Velvet Scoter, 60 Common Scoter, 13 Great Northern Divers, 11 Red-throated Divers and ten Brent Geese.
One male Blackcap was at Bunratty.
A flock of 29 Greylag Geese were at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Blackcap at Bunratty © John N Murphy
Monday 13th December 2010
The three Goosanders were back at Lahinch this morning (Jeff Copner).
The drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyalli Lake (Finbarr MacGabhann).
Over 140 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus today.
There were 34 Greylag Geese at Applewood, Ballycar.
Sunday 12th December 2010
One Slavonian Grebe was at Liscannor (Frank O’Duffy).
One Common Buzzard was opposite Saints Island, the Shannon Estuary between Bunratty and Shannon.
One Snow Bunting was on the Green Road at Abbeyhill, the Burren.
One Little Egret was at Oilean na Managh, Shannon.

Common Buzzard near Saints Island © John N Murphy
Saturday 11th December 2010
A WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE (STAR) was seen flying from Limerick towards Bunratty at approximately 15.00 today (Tom Tarpey et al).
The drake Green-winged Teal was still at Bell Harbour (John N Murphy & Brian Finnegan).
A Buzzard was seen on the main Ennis Galway road near Killow/Clarecastle this morning.
One Waxwing flew North-east over Rehy near Kilcredaun today along with one Merlin.
There were 15 Black-throated Divers, two immature Common Eiders, ten Long-tailed Duck, 64 Great Northern Divers, 50 Black Guillemots , 48 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 Common Scoter, three Little Egrets and 150 Brent Geese between Aughinish and Ballyvaughan.
There were 133 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Black Swan was still at Lough Murree, along with 94 Mute Swans and 160 Wigeon.
At Lough Inchiquin today there were 25 Goldeneye, 120 Little Grebe, 140 Gadwall, 350 Tufted Duck and 15 Pochards.

Buzzard near Clarecastle © John N Murphy

Black-throated Diver off North Clare coast © John N Murphy
Friday 10th December 2010
The drake Ring-necked Duck was still at Ballyallia Lake today (Howard Williams).
One Brambling was at the Shannon Industrial Estate.
One adult Mediterranean Gull was at Cloghaun Lough, Loop Head, while on the headland there were three Tree Sparrows, one ring-tailed Hen Harrier, one Merlin, two Peregrine and 200 Snipe.
Three Water Rails, 3,000 Dunlin, 800 Knot, 400 Golden Plover and 50 Teal were at Shannon Airport Lagoon.
Two Woodcock were at Applewood, Ballycar.

Redpoll at the Shannon Airport Lagoon © John N Murphy

Many Snipe have turned up in gardens during this cold snap © John N Murphy
Thursday 9th December 2010
Three famale Goosanders were at Clegg Beach, Lahinch this morning along with ten Red-throated Divers and 60 Common Scoter (Howard Williams, Dave McNamara & Jeff Copner).
One immature drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (John N Murphy & Howard Williams), along with one imamature Scaup, 260 Tufted Ducks, 20 Pochard, 34 Gadwall and over 300 Coot.
There were two male Hen Harriers, one Merlin and two Woodcock at Doo Lough.
At Ardclooney earlier today there were 22 Whooper Swans, 14 Goldeneye, 200 plus Tufted Ducks, ten Pochard, three Scaup, 100 Cormorants and two Jays.


Goosanders at Lahinch © Dave McNamara



Immature male Ring-necked Duck at Ballyallia with female Tufted Ducks © John N Murphy

Male Goldeneye Ardclooney © James Hayes
Wednesday 8th December 2010
The drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia again today (Nuala and Tom Lynch) along with 54 Gadwall 15 Pintail and 37 Shoveler.
The Long-tailed Duck was still at Lough Inchiquin.
One Peregrine, one female Hen Harrier and 11 Goldeneye were at Lough Atedaun.
Tuesday 7th December 2010
The drake Ring-necked Duck was still at Ballyallia Lake (Howard Williams), along with two White-fronted Geese, 19 Pintail, 26 Gadwall, and over 200 Coots.
A flock of 49 Common Scoter and two Red-throated Divers were at Lahinch.
One male Blackcap was in a garden on the Lahinch Road Ennis.
Monday 6th December 2010
The first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (Dave McNamara & John N Murphy).
The male and one female Goosander Ardclooney (James Hayes & Paul Troake), along with 250 Tufted Ducks, 15 Goldeneye and three Scaup.
The first-winter male Velvet Scoter is still at Lahinch this morning (Jeff Copner).
Two Brambling were at St Flannan’s College, Ennis.
One male Blackcap was at a garden on the Lahinch Road, Ennis.

Red-throated Diver at Lahinch © Jeff Copner

Drake Shovelers and Wigeon flying over Ballyallia Lake © John N Murphy
Sunday 5th December 2010
A drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (Dave McNamara), along with two White-fronted Geese and nine Greylag Geese.
One Green Sandpiper was at the attenuation pond near the Killow West Roundabout, Doora.
One Long-eared Owl was at Rath.
Five Bramblings were at St.Flannan’s College.
Six Crossbills flew over Inagh.
One Long-tailed Duck was at Lough Inchiquin.
One Hen Harrier was at Lough Muchanagh.
Six Woodcock were at Clifden Hill, Corofin.
A flock of 176 Whooper Swans were at Kells Lake.
A male Blackcap was in a garden at Oak Park Ennis.
There were 41 Whooper Swans at Shragh.

Green Sandpiper near Killow West, Doora © John N Murphy

Bramblings are still at St. Flannan’s College © John N Murphy
Saturday 4th December 2010
One Black-throted Diver, 12 Red-throated Diver and 60 Common Scoter were at Liscannor Bay.
One Brambling was caught and Ringed at the Shannon Industrial Estate.
Three Jays were at the Lees Road Wood.
At the branch outing 58 Gadwall 40 Black-tailed Godwit and over 300 Coot were seen at Ballyallia Lake.
Thirteen Whooper Swan were also present on the partially frozen lake.
Friday 3rd December 2010
One "tristis" Chiffchaff and one Ruff were at Ardclooney, both good winter records.
One Short-eared Owl and seven Woodcock were at the Burren Perfumery in Carron.
The Long-tailed Duck was still at Lough Inchiquin along with 300 Tufted Ducks, 109 Little Grebes, 130 Gadwal and ten Goldeneye.
There were 100 Whooper Swans at Kells Lake with another 30 just on the approach road to Corofin village from Ennis.
There were 17 Goldeneye at Lough Muchanagh.
A flock of 25 Whooper Swans, two Woodcock and ten Fieldfare’s were near Barry’s Orchard, Moanreel.
Thursday 2nd December 2010
There were three Jack Snipe, one Woodcock, two Merlins and a Peregrine at Loop Head.
One Woodcock was at Ballyea, Inagh.
One Long-tailed Duck, 230 Tufted Duck, 127 Gadwal and two Jays were at Lough Inchiquin.
A flock of 60 Common Scoter were at Lahinch.

Woodcock in Snow © Dave McNamara
Wednesday 1st December 2010
A herd of 60 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Leave a comment December 2010
List of Contributors:
John Archer, Penny Bartlett, Garry Baron, Roy Beddard, Keith Bennet, Sinead Biggane, Richard Bonser, Dermot Breen, Phil Brennan, John Joe Cahill, Victor Cashera, Padraic Callinan, Bruce Carrick, Florence & Kevin Carey, Dixie Collins, Austin Cooney, Jeff Copner, Dermot Cosgrove, Gerry Coughlan, Andrew Dale, Matthew Deans, Kris De Rouck, PJ Donnelly, Joe Doolan, Jim Dowdall, Jamie Durrant, Shane Farrell, Davey Farr, Peter Farbridge, Liam Feeney, Brian Finnegan, Mike Flannagan, Donal Foley, Owen Foley, Kieran Grace, Mark Gibson, Paul Gaughran, Sean Geraghty, Raymond Griffin, Adrian Glasgow, Clodagh Glasgow, Chris Harbard, Niall Hatch, James Hayes, Margaret Hanrahan, Mark Helmore, Barry Howell, Geoff Hunt, Josh Jones, Aidan Kelly, Aileen Lynch, Nuala and Tom Lynch, Steve Millar, Stephen McEvoy, Frank & Darragh McDermott, Finbarr McGabhann, Joy & Martin McKeown, Dave McNamara, Pat Lonergan, David Lyons, Frank O’ Duffy, Kathy & David O Gorman, Mick O’Neill, Elaine O’Malley, Tony Mee, Maeve Meehan, Christy Meehan, Dominic Mitchell, Killian Mullarney, Edel Murphy, John N Murphy, Jim Nolan, Chris Pappiet, Colin Perkins, Brian Porter, Chris Power, John Power, Pat Pykett, Bill Ryan, Pearse Ryan, Brendan Ross, Tom Shevlin, Will Soar, Christian Staunton, Tom Tarpey, Paul Troake, Darrach Turley, Robert Vaughan, Stephen Ward, Howard Williams & Mark Wilson.

© John N Murphy
Friday 31st December 2010
One Long-tailed Duck, 119 Coot, 86 Little Grebe, 29 Gadwall, and 11 Whooper Swans were at Lough Inchiquin.
A female Blackcap was in a garden at Oak Park Ennis.
Thursday 30th December 2010
One Long-tailed Duck was at Lough Inchiquin., along with 14 Goldeneye.
A flock of 50 Whooper Swans were at Tullagher Bog.
There were 140 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Two Jay were in Lees Road Wood.
Wednesday 29th December 2010
One Buzzard was between Manusmore and the Killow Roundabout at Clarecastle.
At Lough Murree there was one Little Egret, the Black Swan, 178 Brent Geese, eight Whooper Swans, eight Red-breasted Mergansers and 240 Wigeon.
At Doorus there was one Long-tailed Duck, one Little Egret, 72 Brent Geese, 150 Wigeon, five Greenshank and 20 Bar-tailed Godwits.
Two Long-tailed Ducks wee at Liscannor Bay.
There were eight Whooper Swans and 12 Shoveler at Burrin Lake, New Quay.

Shoveler at Burrin Lake © John N Murphy
Tuesday 28th December 2010
One drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (John N Murphy, Brian Finnegan & Austin Cooney), along side 250 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 34 Shelduck and 20 Little Grebes.
At Lough Inchiquin there were two Goosanders (Howard Williams), also at Inchiquin was one Long-tailed Duck..
One Brambling was at the Spa, Lisdoonvarna.
One drake adult Common Eider was off the Flaggy Shore, New Quay.
At Lough Murree there was one Little Egret, the Black Swan, 140 Brent Geese and 240 Wigeon.
Along the Flaggy Shore there were 28 Bar-tailed Godwits and 50 Dunlin.
A flock of 160 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus this Morning.
Another nine Whooper Swans were at Burrin Lake, New Quay.

The drake Geen-winged Teal is still showing well at Bell Harbour © John N Murphy

Little Egret on the Flaggy Shore, birds were very scarce during the harsh weather © John N Muphy
Monday 27th December 2010
A female/redhead Smew was at Lough Inchiquin (Dave McNamara, Howard Willliams et al).
Also at Lough Inchiquin were 25 Goldeneye and 40 Pochard.
The drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (Dave McNamara & Howard Williams).
At Liscannor Bay today there were four Long-tailed Ducks.
One Merlin was at Rath Lough.
Saturday 25th December 2010
One Black-throated Diver and one Woodcock were at Black Head.
One Woodcock, one male Blackcap, two Water Rails and three Ravens were at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One male Blackcap was in the garden of Mount Vernon, New Quay.

Woodcock at Black Head © Jeff Copner
Friday 24th December 2010
There were two Woodcock, one Jay and three Water Rails at Dromore Nature Reserve this morning.
Two more Woodcock were in a garden at Barefield.

One of the two Woodcocks in a garden at Barefield © Dave McNamara
Thursday 23rd December 2010
Three Goosanders were still at Dromore Nature Reserve earlier today (Jeff Copner), along with five Whooper Swans, ten Goldeneye and 60 Tufted Ducks.
One Brambling was at the Shannon Industrial Estate while one female Blackcap was in Shannon Town.
One Woodcock was at Barefield, while another was near Fountain cross, Ennis.
A female Hen Harrier was at Gort Coirce, Dysert.

Snipe are foraging throughout many town gardens © John N Murphy

This female Blackcap was eating remaining apples on a tree in Shannon © John N Murphy

Redwings are really struggling to survive this cold winter © John N Murphy
Wednesday 22nd December 2010
There were five immature/female Goosanders at Dromore (John N Murphy), along with two Water Rails, one Jay and 45 Tufted Ducks.


Goosanders at Dromore Nature Reserve © John N Murphy

Water Rail on the Fergus River at Dromore Nature Reserve © John N Murphy
Tuesday 21st December 2010
Three immature/female Goosanders were seen early this morning on the river Fergus near Dromore Nature Reserve (David Lyons).
Also at Dromore was one Water Rail and one Jay.
At Ballyallia Lake there were 200 Tufted Ducks, 100 Gadwall. 100 Wigeon, 20 Shoveler and two Pintail.
Monday 20th December 2010
There were two White-fronted Geese and 14 Pintail at Ballyallia Lake.
A flock of 140 Gadwall were at Lough Inchiquin.
Three Woodcock were at Rath Lake, Corofin.
Sunday 19th December 2010
Six Goosanders were seen near Dromore Nature Reserve (per David Lyons).
There were 177 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Saturday 18th December 2010
One Slavonian Grebe and one Velvet Scoter were at Liscannor (John N Murphy & Howard Williams).
Also at Lisscannor were 30 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Divers and seven Great Northerns.
One returning drake Green-winged Teal was at the Shannon Airport Lagoon along with two Water Rails (James Hayes & Clodagh Glasgow).
One Brambling was at St.Flannans College, Ennis.
Over 140 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A small flock of ten Whooper Swans were near Ennistymon.
Thursday 16th December 2010
At Seafield, Quilty this evening there was on first-winter Iceland Gull, 280 Dunlin, 36 Purple Sandpipers, 50 Sanderling, 80 Turnstone and a flock of 100 Barnacle Geese were on nearby Mutton Island.
One Great Northern Diver and eight Goldeneye were at Lough Atedaun.
One Peregrine was at Clahane.


Iceland Gull at Seafield © John N Murphy
Wednesday 15th December 2010
Four Black-throated Divers were at Aughinish Island.
One Eastern Jackdaw was at Rossbracken, Shannon Town this morning (John N Murphy).
One female Hen Harrier and a Merlin were at Lough Cullaun, the Burren.
Six Yellowhammers were at Mullaghmore.
Three Turnstones and two Little Egrets were near Inishcullen Hill, Shannon.
Tuesday 14th December 2010
There was a Water Pipit at Doonaha earlier today (Paul Troake).
At Lahinch there was one Slavonian Grebe, one Velvet Scoter, 60 Common Scoter, 13 Great Northern Divers, 11 Red-throated Divers and ten Brent Geese.
One male Blackcap was at Bunratty.
A flock of 29 Greylag Geese were at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Blackcap at Bunratty © John N Murphy
Monday 13th December 2010
The three Goosanders were back at Lahinch this morning (Jeff Copner).
The drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyalli Lake (Finbarr MacGabhann).
Over 140 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus today.
There were 34 Greylag Geese at Applewood, Ballycar.
Sunday 12th December 2010
One Slavonian Grebe was at Liscannor (Frank O’Duffy).
One Common Buzzard was opposite Saints Island, the Shannon Estuary between Bunratty and Shannon.
One Snow Bunting was on the Green Road at Abbeyhill, the Burren.
One Little Egret was at Oilean na Managh, Shannon.

Common Buzzard near Saints Island © John N Murphy
Saturday 11th December 2010
A WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE (STAR) was seen flying from Limerick towards Bunratty at approximately 15.00 today (Tom Tarpey et al).
The drake Green-winged Teal was still at Bell Harbour (John N Murphy & Brian Finnegan).
A Buzzard was seen on the main Ennis Galway road near Killow/Clarecastle this morning.
One Waxwing flew North-east over Rehy near Kilcredaun today along with one Merlin.
There were 15 Black-throated Divers, two immature Common Eiders, ten Long-tailed Duck, 64 Great Northern Divers, 50 Black Guillemots , 48 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 Common Scoter, three Little Egrets and 150 Brent Geese between Aughinish and Ballyvaughan.
There were 133 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Black Swan was still at Lough Murree, along with 94 Mute Swans and 160 Wigeon.
At Lough Inchiquin today there were 25 Goldeneye, 120 Little Grebe, 140 Gadwall, 350 Tufted Duck and 15 Pochards.

Buzzard near Clarecastle © John N Murphy

Black-throated Diver off North Clare coast © John N Murphy
Friday 10th December 2010
The drake Ring-necked Duck was still at Ballyallia Lake today (Howard Williams).
One Brambling was at the Shannon Industrial Estate.
One adult Mediterranean Gull was at Cloghaun Lough, Loop Head, while on the headland there were three Tree Sparrows, one ring-tailed Hen Harrier, one Merlin, two Peregrine and 200 Snipe.
Three Water Rails, 3,000 Dunlin, 800 Knot, 400 Golden Plover and 50 Teal were at Shannon Airport Lagoon.
Two Woodcock were at Applewood, Ballycar.

Redpoll at the Shannon Airport Lagoon © John N Murphy

Many Snipe have turned up in gardens during this cold snap © John N Murphy
Thursday 9th December 2010
Three famale Goosanders were at Clegg Beach, Lahinch this morning along with ten Red-throated Divers and 60 Common Scoter (Howard Williams, Dave McNamara & Jeff Copner).
One immature drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (John N Murphy & Howard Williams), along with one imamature Scaup, 260 Tufted Ducks, 20 Pochard, 34 Gadwall and over 300 Coot.
There were two male Hen Harriers, one Merlin and two Woodcock at Doo Lough.
At Ardclooney earlier today there were 22 Whooper Swans, 14 Goldeneye, 200 plus Tufted Ducks, ten Pochard, three Scaup, 100 Cormorants and two Jays.


Goosanders at Lahinch © Dave McNamara



Immature male Ring-necked Duck at Ballyallia with female Tufted Ducks © John N Murphy

Male Goldeneye Ardclooney © James Hayes
Wednesday 8th December 2010
The drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia again today (Nuala and Tom Lynch) along with 54 Gadwall 15 Pintail and 37 Shoveler.
The Long-tailed Duck was still at Lough Inchiquin.
One Peregrine, one female Hen Harrier and 11 Goldeneye were at Lough Atedaun.
Tuesday 7th December 2010
The drake Ring-necked Duck was still at Ballyallia Lake (Howard Williams), along with two White-fronted Geese, 19 Pintail, 26 Gadwall, and over 200 Coots.
A flock of 49 Common Scoter and two Red-throated Divers were at Lahinch.
One male Blackcap was in a garden on the Lahinch Road Ennis.
Monday 6th December 2010
The first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (Dave McNamara & John N Murphy).
The male and one female Goosander Ardclooney (James Hayes & Paul Troake), along with 250 Tufted Ducks, 15 Goldeneye and three Scaup.
The first-winter male Velvet Scoter is still at Lahinch this morning (Jeff Copner).
Two Brambling were at St Flannan’s College, Ennis.
One male Blackcap was at a garden on the Lahinch Road, Ennis.

Red-throated Diver at Lahinch © Jeff Copner

Drake Shovelers and Wigeon flying over Ballyallia Lake © John N Murphy
Sunday 5th December 2010
A drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake (Dave McNamara), along with two White-fronted Geese and nine Greylag Geese.
One Green Sandpiper was at the attenuation pond near the Killow West Roundabout, Doora.
One Long-eared Owl was at Rath.
Five Bramblings were at St.Flannan’s College.
Six Crossbills flew over Inagh.
One Long-tailed Duck was at Lough Inchiquin.
One Hen Harrier was at Lough Muchanagh.
Six Woodcock were at Clifden Hill, Corofin.
A flock of 176 Whooper Swans were at Kells Lake.
A male Blackcap was in a garden at Oak Park Ennis.
There were 41 Whooper Swans at Shragh.

Green Sandpiper near Killow West, Doora © John N Murphy

Bramblings are still at St. Flannan’s College © John N Murphy
Saturday 4th December 2010
One Black-throted Diver, 12 Red-throated Diver and 60 Common Scoter were at Liscannor Bay.
One Brambling was caught and Ringed at the Shannon Industrial Estate.
Three Jays were at the Lees Road Wood.
At the branch outing 58 Gadwall 40 Black-tailed Godwit and over 300 Coot were seen at Ballyallia Lake.
Thirteen Whooper Swan were also present on the partially frozen lake.
Friday 3rd December 2010
One "tristis" Chiffchaff and one Ruff were at Ardclooney, both good winter records.
One Short-eared Owl and seven Woodcock were at the Burren Perfumery in Carron.
The Long-tailed Duck was still at Lough Inchiquin along with 300 Tufted Ducks, 109 Little Grebes, 130 Gadwal and ten Goldeneye.
There were 100 Whooper Swans at Kells Lake with another 30 just on the approach road to Corofin village from Ennis.
There were 17 Goldeneye at Lough Muchanagh.
A flock of 25 Whooper Swans, two Woodcock and ten Fieldfare’s were near Barry’s Orchard, Moanreel.
Thursday 2nd December 2010
There were three Jack Snipe, one Woodcock, two Merlins and a Peregrine at Loop Head.
One Woodcock was at Ballyea, Inagh.
One Long-tailed Duck, 230 Tufted Duck, 127 Gadwal and two Jays were at Lough Inchiquin.
A flock of 60 Common Scoter were at Lahinch.

Woodcock in Snow © Dave McNamara
Wednesday 1st December 2010
A herd of 60 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Leave a comment November 2010
L
Tuesday 30th November 2010
A WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE that was released at Killarney National Park in 2009 roosted overnight at Cahercon, Kildysert before heading south the next day towards County Limerick.
One Hen Harrier and five Little Egrets were near the Falls, Ennistymon.
Monday 29th November 2010
A small flock of 40 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A flock of 60 Collared Doves were under the beach trees at St. Flannan’s College, Ennis.
Sunday 28th November 2010
Three Bramblings were at St.Flannan’s College, Ennis.
A flock of 17 Greylag Geese flew over Applewood, Ballycar this afternoon, while
three Water Rails were calling at Ballycar Lough.
Saturday 27th November 2010
One male Velvet Scoter was at Lahinch today (Geoff Pearson).
One Black Redstart and one Peregrine were at Cregg Beach, Lahinch.
One Green Sandpiper was in a flooded Field near Toonagh.
Also at Lahinch were 18 Common Scoter, four Red-throated Divers and five Great Northern Divers.
A flock of 60 Gadwall were at Lough Inchiquin.
There were 35 Greylag Geese and three Water Rails at Ballycar Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Black Redstart at Clegg Beach © Dave McNamara
Friday 26th November 2010
A WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE was seen flying high over Doora, Ennis (Garry Baron).
One immature/female Garganey was at Killimer.
At Ardclooney today there were 240 Tufted Ducks, 30 Pochard and nine Whooper Swans.
Thursday 25th November 2010
Two Crossbills were at Cragganowen.
Four Snow Buntings were at Tralagaun, North Clare.
Wednesday 24th November 2010
Four Greylag Geese and two Water Rails were at Ballycar Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A flock of 30 Whooper Swans were between Mount Shannon and Scarriff.
Tuesday 23rd November 2010
One Green Sandpiper, 85 Teal and two Ravens were on a Flooded field near Toonagh.
Three Jays were at Ballygriffey Wood.
A flock of 60 Whooper Swans were at Lough Cullaun, the Burren.
There were 45 Gadwall at Lough Inchiquin.
Monday 22nd November 2010
One Dipper and one Chiffchaff were at the Falls, Ennistymon.

Over wintering Chiffchaff at Ennistymon © John N Murphy
Sunday 21st November 2010
A WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE was seen being harrased by four Hooded Crows near Moy, Lahinch (PJ Donnelly).
Two Snow Buntings were at Baltard Bay, Doonbeg.
One Green Sandpiper and a flock of 95 Teal were in a flash flooded field near Toonagh Quarry on the Corofin Road.
A flock of 25 White-fronted Geese were at Lough Muchanagh.
One very late Swallow and a Jack Snipe were at Boolyneaska east Clare.
One Hen Harrier was seen on the road between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.
Five Woodcock were on the East Clare Way at Lough Graney.
Two Jays were at Ballygriffey Wood.
Nine Whooper Swans were at Doo Lough.
Twenty six Whooper Swans were at Ballyallia Lake along with 62 Black-tailed Godwit.
Six Gadwall were at the back end of the lake.
Five Jay and a Raven were in the wood nearby.
Sixteen Brambling were at St. Flannan’s College Ennis.

Redpoll showing a lot of white feathering in the wing © Jim Nolan
Saturday 20th November 2010
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Jeff Copner), along with one Ring-billed Gull, 200 Teal and 18 Shellduck.
Between the Flaggy Shore and New Quay there were eight Black-throated Divers, 50 Great Northern Divers, two Long-tailed Ducks 16 Brent Geese and one Peregrine.
One adult Ring-billed Gull was at Lahinch Marsh with over 300 Golden Plover, 200 Lapwing and 60 Dunlin.
One Merlin was at Seafield Quilty, along with 200 Dunlin, 25 Purple Sandpipers, 120 Turnstone, four Great Northern Divers and one Red-throated Diver.
Six Brambling were at St. Flannans College, Ennis.
One Jay was near Inch.
Friday 19th November 2010
One Black-throated Diver, 35 Great Northern Divers and five Long-tailed Ducks were at Finvarra Point.
There were 12 Long-tailed Ducks and 30 Great Northern Divers off the Flaggy Shore.
Thursday 18th November 2010
One Grey Phalarope was off Lisscannor Pier.

Grey Phalarope at Liscannor © Dave McNamara
Wednesday 17th November 2010
Ten Bramblings were at St. Flannans College, Ennis.
One Peregrine, 500 Lapwings, ten Black-tailed Godwits, nine Whooper Swans and 11 Dunlin were at Lough Atedaun.
There were 59 Whooper Swans, 200 Lapwing and 30 Curlew at Lough O’Grady.
Tuesday 16th November 2010
A flock of 100 Whooper Swans were at Kells Lough, the Burren.
One Merlin and six Goldeneye were at Lough Cullaun.
Four Woodcock were at Clifden Hill, Corofin.
Monday 15th November 2010
Five Bramblings were under the beech trees on the grounds of St.Flannans College, Ennis with a flock of 200 Chaffinches and 30 Collared Doves.
One Long-tailed Duck was at Liscannor.
One Merlin and one Whooper Swan were at Clahane.
There were five Jays and 11 Gadwall at Lough Inchiquin.
At Ballyallia Lake there were 70 Tufted Duck, 300 Wigeon, 200 Teal, one Water Rail and one Jay.
A flock of 75 Greylag Geese were at Doon Lough, Broadford.
Over 300 Coots were at Lough Cullaunyheeda, near Kilkishen.



Bramblings at St.Flannans College, Ennis © John N Murphy
Sunday 14th November 2010
There were five Snow Buntings near Ballinalacken Castle.
Over 2,500 Dunlin, 80 Knot, 800 Golden Plover, 20 Shelduck, three Water Rail and a Little Egret at Shannon Airport Lagoon at lunchtime.
One male Blackcap was at Willow Park, Ennis.
The flock of 22 Whooper Swans were still at Lough Gash, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Saturday 13th November 2010
Nine Black-throated Divers and one Snow Bunting were at Finvarra Point.
There was one female Hen Harrier, one Manx Shearwater and a Jack Snipe at Loop Head.
Five Scaup and one Little Egret were at Carrigaholt.
One Kingfisher was one the River Fergus at Willow Park, Ennis.
Friday 12th November 2010
One first-winer Mediterranean Gull was at Quilty today along with 120 Dunlin, 40 Sanderling, 60 Turnstone, 30 Purple Sandpiper and ten Great Northern Divers.
At Lough Gash, Newmarket-on-Fergus there were 22 Whooper Swans, 12 Gadwall and 40 Tufted Ducks.

First-winter Mediterranean Gull at Seafield © Dave McNamara
Wednesday 10th September 2010
There were 30 Purple Sandpipers, over 100 Dunlin, 50 Sanderling plus the Great Northern Divers at Seafield, Quilty.
One Little Egret was at Lahinch Marsh.
A Jay was at Lees Road Wood this afternoon.
Tuesday 9th November 2010
At Loop Head and Kilbaha today there was one Snow Bunting, one Lapland Bunting, three Bramblings, one Turtle Dove, one female Blackcap, one Chiffchaff, two Tree Sparrows, one Merlin, one Long-tailed Duck, two Great Northern Divers, one Red-throated Diver, one Purple Sandpiper and one Eastern Jackdaw.
A flock of 24 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Tullagher Bog this evening.

Adult winter Brambling at Kilbaha one of three birds there today © John N Murphy

Snow Bunting near the tip of Loop Head Lighthouse © John N Murphy

Purple Sandpiper on cliffs near Fodry, Loop Head © John N Murphy

One Turtle Dove was still at Gibson’s Garden, Kilbaha © John N Murphy

Great Crested Grebe juvenile in Kilbaha Harbour © John N Murphy

Great Northern Diver in Kilbaha Harbour © John N Murphy
Monday 8th November 2020
There was a flock of 48 Whooper Swans and 23 Greylag Geese on flooded field near Scarriff Bay.
Sunday 7th November 2010
A male Hen Harrier was in fields near the Bridges of Ross.
One Kingfisher was seen near Doora.
Five Whooper Swans were at the Drumcliff end of Ballyallia Lake.
Saturday 6th November 2010
There were two Storm Petrels and three Great Northern Divers off the Bridges of Ross.
A flock of 14 Greylag Geese were at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
There were 11 Brent Geese and two Little Egrets at Querrin.
One Little Egret was at Latoon Bridge.
There were two Jays at Willow Park, Ennis.
Friday 5th November 2010
One Carrion Crow was near Shannon Airport.
One Little Egret was at Bishop’s Quarter, Ballyvaughan.
Thursday 4th November 2010
One Long-eared Owl was seen hunting near Applewood, Ballycar.
Wednesday 3rd November 2010
One Swallow was seen near Mount Vernon, New Quay.
Monday 1st November 2010
There were 16 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Lough Muckanagh, the Burren.
A flock of 120 Chaffinches were at Querrin.
A small group of 18 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A Jay was at Lees Road Wood in Ennis.
Leave a comment October 2010
L
Sunday 31st October 2010
There was an Eastern Jackdaw and two Turtle Doves at Gibson’s garden Loop Head today along with
one male and one female Blackcap, four Chiffchaffs, two Merlin. two Peregrines,
three Kestrels, 40 Chaffinches, six Snipe and one Robin at the Lighthouse compond.
At the Bridges of Ross there were three Bonxies and two Grey Phalaropes.
A flock of 29 Whooper Swans and 25 Black-tailed Godwits were at Lough Gash.

Two Turtle Doves at Kilbaha © James Hayes

Eastern Jackdaw at Loop Head © Tom Tarpey
Saturday 30th October 2010
Five Greenland White-fronted Geese were seen flying North over Lisdeen Church, Kilkee.
The Turtle Dove was still at Loop Head, along with one Brambling, one female Blackcap, one Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, three Chiffchaffs, four Tree Sparrows, five Siskins, one male Hen Harrier, one Peregrine, one Great Northern Diver and two Merlins.
One Green Sandpiper was in a flooded field east of Doonbeg.
There were over 100 Snipe and one Water Rail at Kilcredaun Marsh.

Turtle Dove on a shed roof at Kilbaha © John N Murphy
Friday 29th October 2010
Today on flooded Turloughs between Tubber and Beagh there were 120 Little Grebes, 140 Tufted Ducks, 80 Shoveler, 22 Pochard, 70 Lapwings and seven Whooper Swans.
Thursday 28th October 2010
The Turtle Dove and three Tree Sparrows were at Kilbaha today.
Two Green Sandpipers, one Kingfisher and two Little Egrets were at Ballycorrick Bridge, Ballynacally.
One Green Sandpiper was at the Claureen River Attenuation Pond in Ennis.
One Wheatear and one Jack Snipe were at Seafield.
One female Hen Harrier was at Lough Donnell.
One male Hen Harrier was at Lough Muckanagh.
One Merlin was at Doonagore Bog.
One female Scaup and one Greylag Goose and the two Black Swans were at Lough Murree.

A colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit at Ballycorick Bridge © John N Murphy


Ringed Whooper Swans at Lough Murree © Dave McNamara
Wednesday 27th October 2010
The Black Redstart and Turtle Dove were still at Kilbaha today, along with three Chiffchaffs, four Tree Sparrows, one Hen Harrier and two Merlin at Loop Head Lighthouse.
At the Bridges of Ross this evening there were six Pomarine Skuas, two Bonxies, one Arctic Skua, three Leach’s Petrels, six Manx Shearwaters, four Grey Phalaropes, three Red-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, two Brent Geese, one Common Scoter and hundreds of Razorbills, Guillemots and Kittiwakes.
There were 42 Greylag Geese at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Black Redstart near Keatings Pub, Kilbaha © John N Murphy
Monday 25th October 2010
The WATER PIPIT was at Seafield (Dave McNamara), along with one Wheatear, one Merlin and three Great Northern Divers.
There were 66 Whooper Swans at Lough Atedaun.
Three Jays and 55 Gadwall were at Lough Inchiquin.
Twenty eight Whooper Swan including four juveniles were at Lough an Lionáin on the road to Carron.
One Little Egret was at Lahinch Marsh.
One Woodcock was at Gort Coirce, Corofin.
Two Raven were at Eagle’s Rock.
Sunday 24th October 2010
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Tom & Nuala Lynch), along with one Little Egret.
Four Chough were at Alliwee Cave.
There were four Whooper Swan at Lough Muree.
Saturday 23th October 2010
The drake Green-winged Teal has returned to Bell Harbour for the winter (Gerry Butler).
At Loop Head today there was one Turtle Dove, one Black Redstart, one Brambling, one male Blackcap, four Tree Sparrows, one Fieldfare, six Chiffchaff, one Willow Warbler, two Short-eared Owls, two Merlin, one Hen Harrier while 60 Magpies and 200 Jackdaws flew out over the sea at Loop Head.
One Green Sandpiper and one Kingfisher were at Moyasta.
Four Whooper Swans flew over Applewood, Ballycar this evening.
One Little Egret was at Kilcredaun Marsh.
Twelve Gadwall were at Ballyallia and also a Raven.

A Turtle Dove at Kilbaha wearing a green metal wire band on its right leg © John N Murphy


One of the two Short-eared Owls being mobbed by crows at Loop Head Lighthouse © John N Murphy

A Green Sandpiper at Moyasta © John N Murphy
Friday 22nd October 2010
One immature male Ring-necked Duck was at Ardclooney (Paul Troake), along side
two Scaup and nine Goldeneye.
There were one Green Sandpiper at Doonbeg.
Thursday 21st October 2010
A small group of Whooper Swans flew over Dromoland Castle Estate while in the woods there were three Jays.
Wednesday 20th October 2010
Three Green Sandpipers were at the Claureen River Attenuation Pond.
A flock of 16 Black-throated Diver were seen near Black Head.
There were 38 Whooper Swans, one Scaup and 18 Little Grebe at Ballyallia Lake.
There were two Whooper Swans at Lough Murree today.
Three Jays were at Dromoland Estate.
The two Black Swans were still at Lough Murree.

The first Whooper Swans in the county this Autumn were seen today with Mutes at lough Murree © Jim Nolan
Tuesday 19th October 2010
One Grey Phalarope was off the Bridges of Ross along with thousands of Kittiwakes, one Red-throated Diver, a flock of Wigeon and
a mixed passage of waders.
One Hen Harrier was near Cross Vilage.
One Merlin was at Doonbeg.
There was one Merlin and two Chough at Clahane.
One female Scaup, 20 Gadwall and three Jays were at Lough Inchiquin.
Monday 18th October 2010
Three Little Stints, one Curlew Sandpiper and a Peregrine were at Seafield, Quilty.
One second-winter Mediterranean Gull was at Doonbeg Lough.
Three Jay and 16 Gadwall were at Lough Inchiquin.
Seven Little Egrets were at Blackweir Bridge.
One Little Egret was at Manusmore, Clarecastle.
One male Blackcap was in a garden in Ennis today.
There were 44 Greylag Geese at Appewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus this morning.
Saturday 16th October 2010
The Blue-winged Teal was at Shannon Airport Lagoon this afternoon (James Hayes, Clodagh Glasgow, Geoff Hunt et al).
Also at the Shannon Airport Lagoon there was the immature Garganey and two Hen Harriers.
One Slavonian Grebe was at Clahane, Liscannor.
One Wheatear was on the cliff walk Kilkee.
A flock of 22 Greylag Geese were at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Another small flock of Greylag Geese were at Darragh.
A male and female Blackcap were in a garden at Oak Park Ennis.
Friday 15th October 2010
The Blue-winged Teal was at the Shannon Airport lagoon this morning (Finbarr McGabhainn), along with the immature Garganey, one Barn Owl, one Peregrine and ten little Egrets.
Thursday 14th October 2010
There were two Little Stints and three Curlew Sandpipers at Seafield, Quilty.
Seven Jays were at Clifden Hill, Corofin.
Ten Gadwall and 55 Little Grebes were at Lough Inchiquin.

Little Stint with Dunlin at Seafield © Dave McNamara
Wednesday 13th October 2010
At Loop Head today were two Lapland Buntings, one Blackcap, one Tree Sparrow, two Willow Warblers, one Merlin, one Hen Harrier, 22 Chough, over 100 Golden Plover, five Redwing and a flock of 51 Magpies at the Lighthouse.
At Kilcredaun the Pink-footed Goose was still present along with two Snow Buntings at the Lighthouse and one Willow Warbler near the O’ Curry Irish speaking college.
One Ruff and a Little Stint were at Lough Donnell.
Four Curlew Sandpipers were at Seafield, Quilty.

Hen Harrier at Loop Head © John N Murphy

Pink-footed Goose at Kilcredaun © John N Murphy

Willow Warbler at Kilcredaun © John N Murphy
Tuesday 12th October 2010
One Garganey, seven Water Rails and 27 Little Egrets were at the Shannon Airport Lagoon.
At Loop Head today there were 12 Lapland Bunting, one Buzzard, one Short-eared Owl, four Willow Warblers, three Chiffchaff, two Twite, three Merlin, one Peregrine, a Pied Flycatcher, one Blackcap, a Redwing and one Fieldfare.
Twenty Chough and 125 Golden Plover were at the Fodry.
One Barn Owl was near Doonbeg.
Another Barn Owl was near Mount Callan.
At Moyasta there were 470 Golden Plover.
Monday 11th October 2010
The Paddyfield Warbler was still at Loop Head Lighthouse compound today (Brian Haslam, Dermot O Mahony, Sean Farrell et al).
A Red-throated Pipit was found near Loop Head lighthouse (Brian Haslam). This is a first county record of this rare eastern European vagrant.
The Nightingale was also still at the lighthouse (Sean Farrell et al), along with one Redstart, three Pied Flycatchers, one Lesser Whitethroat, three Whinchat, one Blackcap, one Spotted Flycatcher, four Chiffchaff, one Short-eared Owl, one Hen Harrier and one Lapland Bunting.

Lesser Whitethroat at Loop Head Lighthouse © Jeff Copner
Sunday 10th October 2010
At Loop Head Lighthouse today there was one Paddyfield Warbler (John N Murphy, Finbarr McGabhann, Tony Mee et al), one Nightingale was also in the lighthouse garden (John N Murphy, Finbarr McGabhann, Tony Mee, Frank O’ Duffy et al). Both these are new species and first time records for the county. There have only been 5 previous records of Paddyfield Warbler in the country.
Other migrants at Loop Head Lighthouse were; one Pectoral Sandpiper, one Redstart, four Pied Flycatcher, two Lesser Whitethroats, two Whinchat, two Spotted Flycatchers, one Ringed Ouzel, one Garden Warbler, four Blackcap, one Willow Warbler, one Hobby, one Short-eared Owl, two Merlin, four Redwing, one Tree Sparrow, three Lapland Buntings and one Snow Bunting.
The two Black Swans were still at Lough Murree.


Paddyfield Warbler at Loop Head Lighthouse © John N Murphy

Nightingale at Loop Lighthouse © John N Murphy

Redstart in Loop Head Lighthouse © John N Murphy

A very pale looking Pied Flycatcher in the compound of Loop Lighthouse © John N Murphy

Pied Flycatcher at Loop Head © John N Murphy

Whinchat at Loop Head © John N Murphy
Saturday 9th October 2010
One immature Blue-winged Teal was at the Shannon Airport Lagoon (John N Murphy), along
with one immature Garganey and three Little Egrets.
Two Pied Flycatchers,one Lesser Whitethroat, two Wheatears and a Merlin were at Loop Head.
The two Black Swans were still at lough Murree.

Blue-winged Teal bottom right with Teal at Shannon Airport Lagoon © John N Murphy

Blue-winged Teal at Shannon Airport Lagoon © John N Murphy

Garganey at Shannon Airport Lagoon © John N Murphy

Pied Flycatcher Loop Head Lighthouse © James Hayes

Pied Flycatcher Loop Head © Barry Howell
Friday 8th October 2010
There was one juvenile Arctic Tern, a Purple Sandpiper and four White Wagtails at Clahane.
There was one juvenile Arctic Tern, a Purple Sandpiper and four White Wagtails at Clahane.

Juvenile Arctic Tern at Clahane © Jeff Copner
Wednesday 6th October 2010
One Lesser Whitethroat was seen at the Lighthouse at Loop Head.
A first-winter Turtle Dove was at Gibson’s garden in Kilbaha.
Also seen in the Loop Head area today were two Great Skuas, a Willow Warbler, one Wheatear, seven Golden Plovers and nine Snipe.
Also seen in the Loop Head area today were two Great Skuas, a Willow Warbler, one Wheatear, seven Golden Plovers and nine Snipe.
Two Jay were at Lees Road Wood.

Turtle Dove at Kilbaha © Tom Tarpey

Lesser Whitethroat near Loop Head Lighthouse © Tom Tarpey
Sunday 3rd October 2010
There were five Curlew Sandpiper, 250 Dunlin, 16 Knot, 120 Golden Plover, 700 Black-tailed Godwits and 200 redshank on the mudflats at at the Shannon Airport this afternoon.
A pair of Black Swans were at lough Murree today, probably the pair that have been frequenting Limerick City over the past few weeks.

Black Swans Lough Murree © Christian Staunton
Saturday 2nd October 2010
The Pink-footed Goose was at Kilcredaun earlier today.
At Loop Head today there were 12 Lapland Buntings, three Snow Buntings, one Twite, ten Redpolls, one Willow Warbler, one Merlin, one Peregrine and four Chough.
One Curlew Sandpiper was at the Bridges of Ross.
One Green Sandpiper was at Moyasta along side two Little Egrets.
One colour wing tagged Hen Harrier was at Querrin.


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