Monday 31st March 2008
One male and one female Blackcap were at Oak Park, Ennis.
There was one female Blackcap at Ballymacahill, Ennis.
One Little Egret was at Islandavanna, Clarecastle. 
A flock of 90 Brent Geese were at Gooleen, Barrtra, Lahinch.
One bird was wearing the following colour combination;
Right Leg Green 4.  Left Leg Yellow 2.

Sunday 30th March 2008
The two Yellow-legged Herring Gulls were at Lough Donnell today with a flock of 100
Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  There was also one second-winter Ring-billed Gull in the flock.
The hybrid Herring  x Glaucous Gull was at Quilty.
A male Blackcap was at Ballycar this morning. 

Saturday 29th March 2008
A first-winter American Herring Gull was in a field near Cloghaun Lough, Loop
Head (John N Murphy & Finbarr MacGabhann). This is a first Clare Record.
One Green Sandpiper was at Brewer's Bridge, Poulnasherry Bay.
One Chiffchaff was at Dysart.
Five Little Egrets were at Moyasta.
Seven Great Northern Divers were at Carrigaholt.
A small flock of 29 Brent Geese were at Querrin.
Two Little Egrets were at Kilcredaun Marsh.
There were two Tree Sparrows at Kilbaha.
One first winter Iceland Gull and one Manx Shearwater were seen off Kilbaha.
One first-winter Iceland Gull was within a flock of 100 Herring Gulls at Ross Bay, Loop Head.
One first-winter and one second-winter Iceland Gulls were at Illaunonearaun, Kilkee.
One Carrion Crow was on the Strand Line Kilkee.
Three Common Gulls wearing leg bands were on the beach at Kilkee:
Left Leg Yellow Band 269V  This bird was ringed as a juvenile in Lough Mask in June 2007
Left Leg Yellow Band 286V  This bird was also ringed as a juvenile on Lough Mask in June 2007
Left Leg Yellow Band 246Z  This bird was ringed as a juvenile on Lough Mask in June 2006
Two Yellow-legged Herring Gulls and a Herring Gull with yellowish legs were amongst a
flock of 160 Herring Gulls at Lough Donnell.
The albino Diver was back off Black Head along with 35 Great Northern Divers.
Three Black-throated Divers, 55 Great Northerns and three Long-tailed Ducks were at 
Aughinish Island.   



Smithsonianus Herring Gull at Loop Head John N Murphy

In the left of the picture one of two Yellow-legged Herring Gulls at Lough Donnell John N Murphy

Carrion Crow at Kilkee John N Murphy

Albino Diver off Black Head possibly a Red-throated Diver Dave McNamara

First year Iceland Gull Kilbaha John N Murphy

Friday 28th March 2008
There was one male Blackcap at Oak Park Ennis and another at Ballycar
Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Thursday 27th March 2008
One male Blackcap was singing at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Another male Blackcap was at Oak Park. Ennis.

Wednesday 26th March 2008
One male Blackcap was at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Tuesday 25th March 2008
One Peregrine and a singing male Blackcap were at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A flock of 120 Brent Geese and ten Great Northern Divers were at Liscannor Bay.

Monday 24th March 2008
A Blackcap was at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Skylark Dave McNamara

Sunday 23rd March 2008
A Chiffchaff was heard singing this morning between
Darragh and Inch. This is the first of the Spring.
Three Greylag Geese were at Fenloe Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A male Blackcap was still singing at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus. 

Saturday 22nd March 2008
There were six Little Egrets and one Green Sandpiper at
Moyasta, Poulnasherry Bay.
Two Manx Shearwaters were at Loop Head.
There was also two Little Egrets and one dark-bellied Brent
Goose at Querrin.
Two Iceland Gulls went past Castle Point, near Kilkee.
One first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Quilty.
A Peregrine, one second-winter Ring-billed Gull and the
Common Gull wearing the Yellow leg Band (232V) were at 
Seafield, Quilty.
One male Blackcap was singing at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus. 

Friday 21st March 2008
One adult and one first-winter Iceland Gull were feeding with a flock
of 500 Kittiwakes at Clahane, Liscannor Bay.
One Jay was at Clifden Hill Corofin.
A flock of 60 Sandmartins were at Fenloe Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Thursday 20th March 2008
One male Blackcap was singing at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A flock of 200 Kittiwakes were at Liscannor Bay.

Wednesday 19th March 2008
There was one Green Sandpiper at the atenuation pond near Latoon Bridge.
A flock of 20 Sandmartins were at Ballyallia Lake.
One male Blackcap was singing at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus. 

Tuesday 18th March 2008
Two Common Sandpipers and a Kingfisher were at the Quay
 in Clarecastle this evening.
One Merlin, two Wheatears and 1,000 Golden Plover and a
Raven were at Lough Donnell.
One Long-eared Owl and two Woodcock were at Clifden Hill, Corofin.
One first-winter Iceland Gull was at Clahane.
A flock of 20 Common Scoter, ten Red-throated, four Black-throated and
five Great Northern Divers were at Liscannor Bay.
One Peregrine was at Tullagher.
A flock of 13 Chough, three male Wheatears and four Ravens were at Loop Head.  
One male Blackcap at Ballycar.

Monday 17th March 2008
Six Sandmartins were at Seafield, Quilty todat the first for the year.
Two male Wheatears were on the Cliff walk at Kilkee.
One male Blackcap was still singing at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A flock of 13 Chough were at Castle Point, Kilkee.
There was a flock of 106 Brent Geese at Barrtra, Lahinch with a number of colour
banded birds amongst them with the combinations as follows:
Bird 1. Right Leg Yellow 7, Left Leg Yellow V.
Bird 2. Right Leg Green 3, Left Leg Yellow 9.
Bird 3. Right Leg Green T, Left Leg Yellow H.
Bird 4. Right Leg Green 4, Left Leg Yellow 2.

Sunday 16th March 2008
Two male Wheatears were at Loop Head today, the first for the spring.
There were also two Peregrines, five Chough, three Raven and 46 Golden
Plover on the headland.
Two Tree Sparrows were at Kilbaha.
The 20 White-fronted Geese and one Pink-footed Goose were at Tullagher Bog.
A flock of 26 Whooper Swans were at Tullabrack.
On Illaunonnearaun there were 64 Barnacle Geese and 16 Cormorants nesting.
One Little Egret was at Kilcredaun Marsh.
One Little Egret was at Querrin.
One male Blackcap was singing this morning at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Jay was seen this evening at Dromoland.

Saturday 15th March 2008
There were 200 plus Brent Geese, three Little Egrets, one Great Northern Diver
and one Red-throated Diver in Poulnasherry Bay.
One male Blackcap was singing at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Two Raven were at Booltiagh Bog, Ben Dash.

Friday 14th March 2008
One Dipper was seen making a nest on the Claureen River near Kilmaley.
A small group of 10 Whooper Swans were at Rabbit Island, Dromore Lake.

Thursday 13th March 2008
A male Velvet Scoter and six Black-throated Divers were seen
near Doorus on the Clare/Galway border.
A count of 70 Great Northern Divers and 20 Black-throated Divers
was had at Aughinish Island.
A flock of 23 Whooper Swans were at Carron Turlough.
There were two male Blackcaps at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Two Jays were at the Lees Road Wood in Ennis.

Wednesday 12th March 2008
There were two Ravens and one Peregrine at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Tuesday 11th March 2008
One adult Kumlien's Iceland Gull was at Lough Donnell.
Three Snow Buntings were at Seafield Quilty, along with
110 Purple Sandpipers and over 200 Turnstone.
The male Blackcap was still singing this morning at
Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
There were 11 Brent Geese near Quilty one wearing a set of colour
 bands as can be seen from the photo below.
This bird was ringed on 14th May 2006 at K.Kot, Alfanes South West Iceland.

Colour- ringed Brent Goose Dave McNamara

Monday 10th March 2008
One male Blackcap was singing this morning at Ballycar,
Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Sunday 9th March 2008
One Black-throated Diver, one second-winter Mediterranean Gull,
two Long-tailed Duck and 342 Brent Geese were at Aughinish Island.
A flock of 74 Brent Geese were at Lahinch.
There were a flock of 200 Knot and 45 Shellduck at the Shannon Airport Lagoon.
A small flock of eight Greylag Geese were at Fin Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Saturday 8th March 2008
The Foster,s Tern was back near Doorus on the Clare/Galway border (Finbarr MacGabhann),
between 2.30 and 3.00pm along side two Sandwich Terns.
A Water Pipit was at the Flaggy Shore (Finbarr MacGabhann & Tom Lynch).
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Finbarr McGabhann et al).
A  count of 10 Black-throated Divers were off the Flaggy Shore.
One Sandwich Tern was at New Quay.
One Little Egret was at Ballyvaughan.

Friday 7th March 2007
Fourty Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Thursday 6th March 2007
An all white albino Great Northern Diver was seen off Black Head.
There were 15 Black-throated Divers between Black Head and Aughinish Island.
One Little Egret was at Blackweir, Poulnasherry Bay.
One Peregrine was near Donegal Point, Farrihy. 
One second-winter Glaucous Gull and 150 Brent Geese were at Auhinish Island.
One Merlin, one Peregrine, one Long-tailed Duck and one Little Egret were near Dooras
on the Clare/Galway border.  

Wednesday 5th March 2008
A flock of 32 Whooper Swans and a Peregrine were at Tullagher Bog.
A first-winter Iceland Gull and 10 Great Northern Divers were at Quilty.
A flock of 110 Barnacle Geese were on Mutton Island.

Tuesday 4th March 2008
The Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.

Monday 3rd March 2008
A firts-winter Glaucous Gull  was at Liscannor along with one
first-winter and one second winter Ring-billed Gulls.
A Merlin was at Lahinch Marsh.

Sunday 2nd March 2008
The Black Redstart is still at Cahercalla Beg, near the Rocky Road, Ennis.
The Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.

Saturday 1st March 2008
One female Black Redstart was at the Ball Allies near the beach in Kilkee.
A flock of 80 Barnacle Geese were on Illaunonearaun, Kilkee.
There were 60 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

This yellow banded Common Gull was at Clahane Dave McNamara
This bird was ringed as a chick on the nest at Lough Mask in June 2007.

Friday 29th February 2008
A second-winter Ring-billed Gull was at Clahane, Liscannor.
The Iceland Gull is still at the Post Office Field, Enins.
A flock of 115 Black-tailed Godwits and 18 Pintail were at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis.

Ring-billed Gull at Clahane Dave McNamara

Thursday 28th February 2008
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field, Ennis.

Wednesday 27th February 2008
The Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
Two Little Egrets were at Shannon Town earlier today.
Two Jays were on the Lees Wood Road in Ennis.

Tuesday 26th February 2008
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (John N Murphy)
There were large seabird flocks from Black Head to inner Galway Bay today.
Counts from Black Head to Aughinish Island were:
Gannet 26, Razorbill 1,200, Guillemot 800 plus, Black Guillemot 83, Great Northern Diver 76,
Black-throated Diver six, Red-throated Diver five, Long-tailed Duck seven, Brent Geese 134,
Red-breasted Merganser 48, Common Gull 600, one Little Egret near Corronroo and one 
Merlin near Aughinish.
There was also one second-winter and one adult Iceland Gull off Aughinish Island.
The first-winter Iceland Gull was back in the Post Office Field, Ennis.
Two Hen Harriers were at Islandavanna.
One first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Liscannor.
A flock of 112 Whooper Swans were at Lough Atedaun, Corofin.
A group of 60 Brent Geese were at Goleen, Barrtra, Lahinch.
One Little Egret was in a channel near Ashford House, Shannon Industrial Estate.

Glaucous Gull at Liscannor Dave McNamara


Monday 25th February 2008
Six Greylag Geese and 36 Whooper Swans were at Ballycar Lough,
Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Merlin was at the back of Willow Park, Ennis today. 

Sunday 24th February 2008
Over 80 Barnacle Geese were at Illaunonearaun, Kilkee.
Two Little Egrets were along the shore near Querrin.
One Water Rail was at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Saturday 23rd February 2008
One Woodcock was seen near Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One male Blackcap was at Carroweragh Kilshanny again today.

Friday 22nd February 2008
The drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Barry Howell).
A count of 37 Black-throated Divers were off Gleninagh Castle, North Clare
alongside 14 Great Northern Divers and three Raven in nearby fields.
Three Little Egrets and 30 Brent Geese were at Ballyvaughan. 
One male Blackcap is still frequenting a bird table at Carroweragh, Kilshanny.

Green-winged Teal (top left of picture) Bell Harbour Barry Howell

Thursday 21st February 2008
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One male Blackcap was at Carroweragh, Kilshanny. 

Wednesday 20th February 2008
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis 
There were 48 Whooper Swans at Ballygireen.
One male Blackcap was at Carroweragh, Kilshanny
A flock of 38 Whooper Swans were at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Jay and one Raven were at the Lees Road Wood.

Tuesday 19th February 2008
The water levels had dropped and the one of the only few
birds at the Post Office Field in Ennis was the first-winter Iceland Gull.

Tuesday 18th February 2008
The Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field.

Monday 17th February 2008
The Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One male Blackcap was on the Gort Road in Ennis.

Sunday 16th February 2008
There were two Kingfishers on the River Fergus at Willow Park, Ennis.

Saturday 15th February 2008
The Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Finbarr MacGabhann).
The female Velvet Scoter was off Aughinish Island.
Over 30 Black throated Divers were seen between Aughinish Island and
Finvarra Point.
The Iceland Gull was still at the Post Office Field in Ennis.

Friday 14th February 2008
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis again today.
Two male and two female Blackcaps were at Ballymacahill, Ennis. 
The Barn Owl that was taken into care last week is still making a good recovery.
There were three Greylag Geese at Lough Bridget near Broadford.

Wednesday 13th February 2008
A WATER PIPIT was back at Lough Muree today (Paul Troake).
There was also on Little Egret at Lough Murree and off shore
over 59 Great Northern Divers.
One Velvet Scoter was at Aughinish Island.
A hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull was at Quilty (see picture below).
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One male Blackcap was at Applewood, Ballycar.

Hybrid Gull at Quilty Dave McNamara.

Tuesday 12th February 2008
The Black Redstart was back at Cahercalla Beg, the Rocky Road, Ennis.
There were 12 Yellowhammers in a garden at Derry, Barefield.
Four Greylag Geese were at Fenloe (Fin) Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Monday 11th February 2008
A drake Ring-necked Duck was at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis (Finbarr MacGabhann).
One Black Redstart was back at Cahercalla Beg, the Rocky Road, Ennis.
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.

Sunday 10th February 2008
The darke Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Dermot Breen).
One Velvet Scoter was off Aughinish Island along with
12 Black-throated Divers, five Long-tailed Duck
and one Snow Bunting.
One Little Egret was seen along the River Fergus at the back
of Willow Park, Ennis.
There were 22 White-fronted Geese and one Pink-footed Goose
at Tullagher Bog.
One Tree Sparrow and a Merlin were at Killard.
Ten Great Northern Divers were at Quilty.
A flock of 90 Barnacle Geese were on Mutton Island.
A group of 500 Golden Plover and 300 Lapwing were at Lough Donnell.

Saturday 9th February 2008
A Fosters Tern, probably the Galway bird was seen along the north Clare
coast flying back and forth between the Clare/Galway border near
Doorus (Finbarr MacGabhann).
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis

Iceland Gull at the Post Office Field John N Murphy

Friday 8th February 2008
A Green Sandpiper was at one of the attenuation ponds on the new main road
near Latoon Bridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
The first-winter Iceland Gull was still at the Post Office Field, Ennis.
An injured Barn Owl was picked up at Cooraclare and is now in care.
Two males and one female Blackcaps were near the Abbey Street Car
Park along the banks of the River Fergus.  One male was in full song.
One male Blackcap was on the Lifford Road in Ennis.

Thursday 7th February 2008
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field, Ennis.
A flock of 45 Gadwall and 60 Shovelor were at Ballymacrogan
Turlough, Ruan along with one female Blackcap.
The 20 Greylag Geese were still at Fenloe (Fin) Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Wednesday 6th February 2008
A flock of 22 White-fronted Geese and one Raven were near Lough
Muckanagh.
One Iceland Gull flew over the Kilrush Raod, Ennis this afternoon.
One female Hen Harrier was near Kilfenora.
Two male and one female Hen Harriers were near Tubber.
Two Merlins were at Seafield, Quilty.
There were eight Yellowhammers at Ballycarroll, Barefield. 
One Little Egret was at Knock, Clonderlaw Bay.
One Little Egret was at Kilimer.
Three Little Egrets were at Moyasta.
One Little Egret was at Querrin.
One Little Egret was at Kilcredaun.
One Iceland Gull was at Moneypoint.


Tuesday 5th February 2008
Two Common Sandpipers were at the Quay at Clarecastle.
A flock of 45 Whooper Swans, one Merlin and 20 Reed Buntings
were at Ballyallia Lake today.
One female Hen Harrier was near Cross village, Loop Head.
A group of 20 Greylag Geese were at Fenloe (Fin) Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A small party of 12 Whooper Swans were at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Monday 4th February 2008
The first-winter Black Redstart was at Cahercall Beg, Ennis.
One first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field, Ennis.
Six Greylag Geese were at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Sunday 3rd February 2008
There was a flock of 26 Whooper Swans at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Little Egret was in fields near Carrigerry House, Clenagh, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
There were over 200 Sanderling at Seafield, Quilty.
A flock of 60 Whooper Swans were at Lough Cullaun, the Burren.
One Merlin was at Cliften, Corofin.
Five Ravens were at Doonagore Bog. 

Saturday 2nd February 2008
One Common Sandpiper was at the Quay in Clarecastle.
The male Black Redstart was at Clahane, Liscannor.
One first-winter Common Eider was far out off the Pier at Liscannor.
Over 100 Barnacle Geese were on Mutton Island.
One Little Gull was seen of the North Clare coast.
A flock of 92 Purple Sandpipers were on the beach at Seafield, while a
small group of 20 Skylarks fed in nearby fields at Quilty.
The flock of 20 White-fronted Geese and one Pink-footed Goose was at Tullagher.
Two Little Egrets were in a field with horses on the road to Brewer's Bridge, Poulnasherry.
One Peregrine and two Ravens were at Cappa, Kilrush.
Four Raven were on the coast road south of Kilkee.

Black Redstart at Clahane Beach © John N Murphy.

Purple Sandpiper Barry Howell

Friday 1st February 2008
One Black Redstart was at Cahercalla Beg, Ennis.

There was also one Black Redstart at Clahane, Liscannor.

The fisrt-winter Eider was still off Liscannor Pier.

Four Male and three female Hen Harriers were seen near Tubber.

Two Woodcock were near Corofin.

Thursday 31st January 2008
The first winter-Iceland Gull was still at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One Barn Owl was seen again this evening near Barefield.
One Raven was near Ballymacahill, Ennis.

Wednesday 30th January 2008
The Black Redstart was showing well this morning at Cahercalla Beg,
the Rocky Road, Ennis.
One first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.

Tuesday 29th January 2008
There were four Little Egrets near the Falls in Ennistymon.
One Black Redstart and one first-winter Glaucous Gull were at Clahane.
One Barn Owl was seen near barefield.
One fisrt-winter Common Eider was at Liscannor Pier.

Glaucous Gull at Clahane © Dave McNamara.

Monday 28th January 2008
One first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One Green Sandpiper was near Latoon Bridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Two Green Sandpipers were at Ballycorick Bridge, Ballynacally.
One female ring-tail Hen Harrier was at Islandavanna.
There were two Raven and large numbers of Redwings near Mullaghmore,
the Burren late this evening with over 600 birds counted. 

Sunday 27th January 2008
The Black Redstart was still at Cahircalla Beg, the Rocky Road in Ennis.
One Ring-billed Gull and one Little Egret was at Ballyvaughan today.
The Eider was still off Liscannor Pier.
One Woodcock was at Dysert.
There were 28 Great Nortrhern Divers, two Black throated and two
Red throated Divers off the Rine, Ballyvaughan.
The flock of 21 White-fronted Geese and one Pink-footed Goose were at
Tullagher Lough.
A flock of 24 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A group of 20 Whooper Swans and two Greylag Geese were at Ballycar Lough,
Newmarket-on-Fergus.
A large flock of 5,000 Golden Plover were near the Shannon Airport Lagoon.

Saturday 26th January 2008
One Black Redstart was seen near the Rocky Road, on the outskirts of Ennis.
Two Common Sandpipers were seen at the Quay in Clarecastle along with
one first-winter Iceland Gull.
Three Jack Snipe were at the Shannon Wetlands Area in the middle of the
Shannon Town.
A flock of 28 Whooper Swans were at the Shannon Airport Lagoon,
along side 1,000 Dunlin and a flock of 60 Knot.
One male Blackcap was in Sixmilebridge.
One Barn Owl was seen near Cullaun Woods, Kilkishen.
One Barn Owl was in Ballynacally.
Three Crossbills were at Woodcock Hill, Cratloe along with one Jay.
Another five Crossbills were seen at Kilnacreagh Wood with 
two more on the top of Knockaunnamoughilly, east of Sixmilebridge.
Three male and three female Hen Harriers were near Tubber.
A new first-winter male Eider different to the one last week was at Liscannor Pier.
Two Little Egrets were at Ballyvaughan Pier.
One Long-eared Owl and seven Woodcock were at Clifden Hill, Corofin. 
Two Little Egrets were at Poulnasherry Bay.
Two Jays were at the Vandaleur Wood in Kilrush.

Friday 25th January 2008
One first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
Two Common Sandpipers were at the Quay at Clarecastle.
Two Long-tailed Ducks were off the Flaggy Shore, North Clare.
Two Long-eared Owls, two Woodcock and a roosting flock
of 500 Hooded Crows were at Clifden Hill, Corofin.
One Jay was at the Lees Road Wood.

Thursday 24th January 2008
One Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One Long-eared was seen crossing the road near Leminagh Castle on the
Carran side.
A Woodcock was seen near Corofin.
A flock of 40 Whooper Swans were seen at Killeenmacoog North Turlough in the Burren.

Wednesday 23rd January 2008
There were two first-winter Iceland Gulls at the Post Office Field in Ennis today.
Two Long-eared Owls and two Woodcock were at Clifden Hill, Corofin.
One fisrt-winter Iceland Gull was at Seafield, Quilty.
A flock of 82 Barnacle Geese were on Illaunonearaun and four Chough were
seen over Bishops Island, both near Kilkee.

Tuesday 22nd January 2008
The first-winter Iceland Gull was again at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One Black Redstart was at Clahane Beach along with a first-winter Iceland Gull.
Two Jays and ten Gadwall were at Dromore Woods, Ruan.
A flock of 91 Barnacle Geese and five Chough were at Illaunonearaun, Kilkee.

Iceland Gull at the Post Office Field © Ennis Barry Howell

Iceland Gull at Clahane Dave McNamara

Monday 21st January 2008
The drake Green-winged Teal was once again at Bell Harbour (Dave McNamara).
Five Black-throated Divers were at Bishops Quarter, Ballyvaughan. 
The Common Eider was still off Liscannor Pier.
A first-winter Iceland Gull and 12 Purple Sandpipers were at Clahane, Liscannor.
The first-winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One male and one female Blackcap were at Oak park, Ennis. 
One Jay was at the Leese Road Wood.
Two Greylag Geese were at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Sunday 20th January 2008
There was one first-winter and one second-winter
Iceland Gulls at Clahane, Liscannor.
Seven Woodcock were at Cliffden Hill Corofin.
One male Hen Harrier was at Boolynagleeragh Bog.
Two Jays were at the Lees Road Wood.
One Peregrine and one Raven were at Lahinch.
One Raven was at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Saturday 19th January 2008
There was a Water Pipit at Clahane (Finbarr MacGabhann & John N Murphy).
The male Black Redstart was also at Clahane along side ten Purple Sandpipers
a Merlin and one second-winter Iceland Gull.
The first-winter male Common Eider was still off the pier at Liscannor.
One Little Egret was at Lahinch Marsh.
A Long-eared Owl was near Darragh.
Sixteen Whooper Swans were at Lough Atedaun, Corofin.
One Jack Snipe was at Tullagher Bog.

Common Eider off Liscannor Pier © Dave McNamara 

Friday 18th January 2008
There was a first-winter Eider Duck off Liscannor Pier this evening.
A small party of six Greylag Geese were at Ballycar Lough, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Thursday 17th January 2008
The Long-eared Owl was seen again this evening at Cliffden
Hill, Corofin along with four Woodcock and two Jays.

Wednesday 16th January 2008
There were reports of a CATTLE EGRET today near Kilshanny (Hugh Kevlehan).
This could possibly be the same bird that was originally at Clahane.
The first winter Iceland Gull was at the Post Office field in Ennis.
There were seven Woodcock at Cliffden Hill, Corofin.
One male Blackcap was at Ballymacahill, Ennis.

Tuesday 15th January 2008
The Iceland Gull was still at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
One adult Little Gull and one second-winter Mediterranean Gull
were at Cregg beach, Lahinch.
One male and one female Blackcap were near the Club Bridge in Ennis.

Adult Little Gull at Cregg Beach Lahinch © Dave McNamara

Monday 14th January 2008
The Iceland Gull was still at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
The Lanner was seen at Lough Atedaun, Corofin.
There was a dark-bellied Brent Goose within a flock of 130 Brents
on the Rine Ballyvaughan.

Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the Rine © Dave McNamara

Sunday 13th January 2008
The Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Finbarr MacGabhann).
A group of 16 Black-thoated Divers and one Long-tailed Duck were
off the Rine Ballyvaughan.
One male Blackcap was at the end of the track to the Rine.
A Lanner wearing jessie straps was at Lough Inchiquin, obviously
an escaped bird. 
There was also one Long-eared Owl, six Woodcock and
a Jay at the woods on the Hillside near Lough Inchiquin.
One adult and one first-winter Mediterannean Gulls were at Killimer.
A flock of 20 Barnacle Geese were on Illaunoneraun.

Adult Med Gull seen flying between Killimer and Tarbert © John N Murphy

Saturday 12th January 2008
One female Hen Harrier and a Woodcock were at Boolynagleeragh Bog.
Two males and one female Blackcap were at Oak Park, Ennis.
One Dipper was on the Claureen River, Kilmaley. 

Friday 11th January 2008
The Iceland Gull was still at the Post Office Field in Ennis.
A Long-eared Owl, six Woodcock, one Water Rail, one Raven,
one Great Northern Diverand a Scaup were at Lough Inchiquin,
Corofin.  
Two Jays were at the Lees Road Wood.

Thursday 10th January 2008
A first-winter Iceland Gull was in the Post Office Field, Ennis.
One female Blackcap was at Oak Park, Sixmilebridge with
another female at Ballyallia Lake, Ennis.
A small flock of 29 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen.

Iceland Gull with Black-headed Gulls © John N Murphy

Wenesday 9th January 2008
One Little Egret was at Moyasta with another near Rinville Bay,
Kilcredaun.
One male Blackcap was in the school grounds of Kilmurry National School.
A group of six Whooper Swans were near Kilfenora.

Tuesday 8th January 2008
The Pink-footed Goose was still with the flock of 20
White-fronted Geese along with one Peregrine and
three Raven all at Tullagher Bog.

Monday 7th Jauary 2008
There were nine Yellowhammers at Ballycarroll, Barefield.

Sunday 6th January 2008
One Black Redstart was near the golf course in Kilkee.
Four Snow Buntings were on George's Head, Kilkee.

Saturday 5th January 2008

One Pink-footed Goose was with a flock of 20 Greenland.

White-fronted Geese at Tullagher Bog.
The flock of Whooper Swans at Ballygireen was up to 64 birds.
The Black Redstart was still at Clahane with another near the handball allies at Kilkee.
The first winter Iceland Gull was at Liscannor.
A group of 38 Barnacle Geese were on fields opposite Illaunonearaun,
along with one Merlin.
One Little Egret was at Blackwier Bridge with another at Islandavanna.
Three Ravens were at Kilbaha.
Two males and one female Blackcap were at Oak Park, Ennis.
Two Blackcaps were in Corofin village.
Three male Hen Harriers were at Lough Muckanagh near Tubber.
A Long-eared Owl and three Woodcock were at Inchiquin Hill, Corofin.

Colour ringed Brent Goose at Lahinch © Dave McNamara

Friday 4th January 2008
A Red-necked Grebe was at Doonbeg.
The Black Redstart and first-winter Iceland Gull were at Clahane. 
One male Blackcap was at Oak Park Ennis.
One adult Mediterannean Gull, three Raven and 43 Brent
Geese were at Liscannor Bay.
One Peregrine and two Jays were at Toonagh, Ennis.
A flock of 36 Barnacle Geese were in fields opposite Illaunonearaun.
Eight Chough were at the Fodry, Loop Head.
Seven Little Egrets were at Poulnasherry Bay. 

Thursday 3rd January 2008
One Greylag Goose was at Ballycar Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus. 

Wednesday 2nd January 2008
The Green-winged Teal was reported again today at Bell Harbour (per John Coveney).
The Black Redstart was at Clahane again today along with a

first-winter Iceland Gull.

One male Blackcap was at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket on Fergus.

Black Redstart at Clahane © Dave McNamara.

Tuesday 1st January 2008
The Green-winged Teal was still at Bell Harbour (per John Coveney).
One Little Egret was at Islandavanna, Clarecastle with another at

the creek in Kildysert.

One Kingfisher was at Islandavanna and a second bird was at

Ballycorick Bridge, near Ballynacally.

A flock of 260 Knot were on the mudflats at Islandavanna.

A flock of 47 Whooper Swans were at the waether station near Ballygireen.

A small group of 12 Greylag Geese were at Ballycar Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Jay was near the Rocky Road in Ennis.

List of Contributors: Paul Archer, Lorraine Benson, Richard Bonser, Hugh Delaney, Simon Berrow, Dermot Breen, Pat Brennan, Gerry Butler, Ed Carty, Andy Clifton, Austin Cooney, John Coveney, Patsy Cronin, Tom Cuffe, Jamie Darrant, Mike Davis,  Jimmy Dowdall, Brian Egan, Brian Finnegan, Donal Foley, Tom Foley, Mick Frosdick, Sinead Garvey, Phill Grosse, Dermot Harney, Brian Haslam, Barry Howell, Marc Hughes, Geoff Hunt, Harry Hussey,  Mary Kearns, Aidan Kelly, Noel Keogh, Niall Keogh, Sean McEnery, Finbarr MacGabhann,  Eamonn MacLochlainn, Stephen McAvoy, Phil McInerney, Dave McNamara, Brian Lynch, Tom & Nuala Lynch, Tony Mee, Andrew Meehan, Christy Meehan, Maeve Meehan, Paul Moore, Nelson Morrison, John N Murphy, Pat Murphy, Killian Mullarney, Kevin Nuan, Stan Nugent, Barry O Donoghue, Aonghus O'Donnell, Sharon Parr, Geoff Pearson, John Rattigan, Andre Robinson, Seán Ronayne, Tom Tarpey, Bill Ryan, Andy Smith, Danny Smith, Ger Walsh, Stephen Ward, Paul Troake, Mick Woreland, Andy Woods, John Wright, Iza Zawadzka.

Monday 31st December 2007
The Black Redstart was still at Clahane Beach, Liscannor.

Sunday 30th December 2007
A drake Green-winged Teal was at Bell Harbour (Finbarr MacGabhann).
One drake Ring-necked Duck was at Lough Atedaun, Corofin (Finbarr MacGabhann).
One Black Redstart was at Clahane beach.
There was one Little Egret at Ballyvaughan.
Three Scaup were at Lough Murree.
There was six Black-throated Divers and a flock of 223 Brent Geese
off the Rine, Ballyvaughan.
A flock of 47 Whooper Swans were at Ballyallia Lake. 
One male Blackcap was at Oak Park, Ennis.
A group of 16 Whooper Swans were at Kilkee Reservoir.
A large flock of 100 plus Chaffinches were at Lees Road Wood, Ennis.

Saturday 29th December 2007
One male and one female Hen Harrier were at Muckanagh Lough along
with one Water Rail.
Two Jays were at Lough Inchiquin.
One female Merlin was at lough Donnell.

Friday 28th December 2007
There were 25 Greylag Geese at Ballycar Lake, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One male and one female Blackcap were at Oak Park, Ennis.  

Thursday 27th December 2007
A WATER PIPIT was at Clahane (John N Murphy, Finbarr MacGabhann, Austin Cooney
& Brian Finnegan), along with one adult  Mediterranean Gull. 
One first-winter Ring-billed Gull was at Kilkee.
Over 86 Barnacle Geese were on Illaunonearaun, Kilkee.
A flock of 26 Whooper Swans were at Lough Donnell.
A group of 23 Scaup were in the bay at Carrigaholt.
Two Little Egrets were near Moyasta.

Wednesday 26th December 2007
There was one female Blackcap at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
One Little Egret was at IslandMcGrath, Clarecastle with another at Ballycasey,
in Shannon Town.

Fieldfare John N Murphy

Sunday 23rd December 2007
A small flock of 43 Barnacle Geese were at the Long Field, Doonbeg.

Saturday 22nd December 2007
There were six Snow Buntings a Doonagore Bog.
One male Crossbill was at Boolynagleeragh Bog, Lisseycasey.
One male Blackcap was at Ballymacahill, Ennis.
One male Blackcap was at Oak Park, Ennis.
One Jay was at the Lees Road Wood.
Two Raven were at Ballycar.

Friday 21st December 2007
There were seven Snow Buntings at Georges Head.
A flock of 60 Whooper Swans were at the Ballygireen Weather Station.

Wednesday 19th December 2007
There was one male and one female Blackcap at Ballymacahill, Ennis.
One male Blackcap was at Oakwood, Sixmilebridge.
A flock of 55 Whooper Swans were at Ballygireen Weather Station.

Tuesday 16th December 2007
Four Greylag Geese flew over Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
The Eastern Jackdaw was back at Applewood, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Monday 17th December 2007
The CATTLE EGRET was seen late this evening flying from the land
towards the sea at Clahane (Tom & Nuala Lynch). 
The Common Eider was still at Liscannor.

Sunday 16th December 2007
The CATTLE EGRET was still at Clahane this morning (Brian Finnegan, Austin Cooney,
John Rattigan & Dave McNamara).
The WATER PIPIT was on the beach at Clahane (Dave McNamara).
The Common Eider is also still off the pier at Liscannor.
There was also a Black-throated Diver on Liscannor Bay.  
One Twite was at the White Strand, Doonbeg. 

Saturday 15th December 2007
A CATTLE EGRET turned up at Clahane outside Liscannor late
this afternoon (John N Murphy, Dave McNamara & Geoff Pearson).
This is the first county record of this species.
A WATER PIPIT was at Clahane beach (John N Murphy).
 One first-winter male Eider was off the pier at Liscannor.



Cattle Egret at Clahane Videograbs © John N Murphy

Eider off Liscannor Pier Videograb © John N Murphy


Wednesday 12th December 2007
Three Woodcock were at Gortcoirce, Dysart.
A group of 73 Whooper Swans were near Kilfenora.
There were over 70 Brent Geese at Querrin.

Tuesday 11th December 2007
One male Blackcap was at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Monday 10th December 2007
One female Blackcap was at Ballyallia Lake and one male
Blackcap was singing at Ballymacahill, Ennis.

Saturday 8th December 2007
There was no sign of the Bonapartes Gull at Liscannor today,
but there was one first-winter Iceland Gull, one adult and
two second winter Mediterranean Gulls.
One Little Egret was near the old church at Liscannor.
One first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Quilty.

Friday 7th December 2007
There was a first-winter BONAPARTES GULL off the Pier in Liscannor
this evening (Dave McNamara).

Monday 3rd December 2007
The WATER PIPIT was still at Clahane (Dave McNamara),
along with three Purple Sandpipers and two Jack Snipe.
One Little Egret was at Liscannor.
A flock of 70 Purple Sandpipers were at Seafield, Quilty.