Smew Geoff Hunt

A drake Smew was seen at Cooonagh (Geoff Hunt). This record follows on quickly from the pair seen in Clare last week. The origin of the bird is uncertain as Smew would normally be on their breeding grounds in northern Sweden, Finalnd or Russia at this time of year.
A flock of 2500 Starlings went to roost in the reed beds in the upper lagoon at Coonagh. Two drake Gadwall, two pairs of Great Crested Grebes, a Swift and a Reed Warbler were also present (TT).