Scarce resident.
Mount Callan: a flock of up to 16 were seen around mid January.
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Widespread and common.
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
Scarce resident.
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Widespread and common resident.
Coot Fulica atra
Common resident.
Oystercatcher Haematopus osttralegus
Common winter visitor, scarce breeder.
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Common resident and winter visitor.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Common winter visitor.
The highest count was of 100 on 17th December at Poulnasherry Bay.
Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Common winter visitor.
Loop Head: 21 on 30th October; a total of 100 at The Fodry and near the Lighthouse on 2nd November.
21 on 30 October; a total of 100 at The Fodry and near the Lighthouse on 2 November.
Poulnasherry Bay: 3,000 were present on 17th December.
Shannon: 4,000 on the mudflats near the airport on 17th November. 2,500 were observed at Tullyvarragh Marsh on 25th December.
American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (6,1)
Rare North American vagrant.
Loop Head: one juvenile near the Lighthouse on 30th October (Christy Meehan); seen again, 4th November (Tom Tarpey).
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Common winter visitor and breeder.
High Counts:
Kilkee: 400 on 22nd January.
400 on 22 January.
Poulnasherry Bay: 3,000 were seen on 17th December.
3,000 were seen on 17 December.
Ennis: 100, Ballyallia Lake, on 7th November
100, Ballyallia Lake, on 7 November
Shannon: 2,000 on the mudflats near the airport, on 17th November
: 2,000 on the mudflats near the airport, on 17 November
Knot Calidris canutus
Common winter visitor.
Poulnasherry Bay: a high count of 200 on 17th December.
a high count of 200 on 17 December.
Shannon: 40, Airport Lagoon, on 7th September; 400 on the mudflats near the airport, on 17th November.
40, Airport Lagoon, on 7 September; 400 on the mudflats near the airport, on 17 November.
Sanderling Calidris alba
Scarce winter visitor.
The two main sites are Lurga Point, Quilty and Kilkee Beach with smaller numbers at Liscannor Bay and Ballyvaughan.
Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.
This species is found at one main site on the beach at Lurga Point/Seafield just outside Quilty. Here the flock is of international importance with numbers, with few records from other sites around the county emphasising the importance of this site for this species.
Quilty: twenty, Seafield, on 16th November; thirty on 22nd November.
: twenty, Seafield, on 16 November; thirty on 22 November.
Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Common winter visitor.
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Common winter species.
High counts:
Poulnasherry Bay: 200 were seen on 23rd July. 2,000 were observed on 17th December
: 200 were seen on 23 July. 2,000 were observed on 17 December
Shannon: 400, Airport Lagoon on 8th September; 8,000-10,000 on the mudflats near the airport, 17th November.
: 400, Airport Lagoon on 8 September; 8,000-10,000 on the mudflats near the airport, 17 November.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Scarse passage migrant.
Doonbeg: single birds on 15th and 23rd September.
: single birds on 15 and 23 September.
Kilkee: three on the beach on 7th September.
three on the beach on 7 September.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: two, Lough Gash on 25th September.
: two, Lough Gash on 25 September.
Quilty: 31, Seafield, on 4th September; five at Seafield and three at Lurga Point on 19th September; six on 20th September, six, at Seafield on 23rd and 24th September, five on 20th October. There were six at Lurga Point on 28th October.
31, Seafield, on 4 September; five at Seafield and three at Lurga Point on 19 September; six on 20 September, six, at Seafield on 23 and 24 September, five on 20 October. There were six at Lurga Point on 28 October.
Shannon: at the Airport Lagoon there was one on 21st August and two on 31st August. In September there were 40 on 2nd, one on 3rd, 30 daily from 5th – 7th September, ten on 12th, fourteen on 15th and 16th, 8 on 18th, two on 19th, 8 on 22nd, one on 24th.
: at the Airport Lagoon there was one on 21 August and two on 31 August. In September there were 40 on 2, one on 3, 30 daily from 5 – 7 September, ten on 12, fourteen on 15 and 16, 8 on 18, two on 19, 8 on 22, one on 24.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Scarce autumn passage migrant.
Kilkee: four, on 10th September.
: four, on 10 September.
Quilty: singles, on 4th and 12th September, increasing to 25 at Lurga Point from 15th-17th. There were only five at Lurga Point on 19th September.
singles, on 4 and 12 September, increasing to 25 at Lurga Point from 15-17th. There were only five at Lurga Point on 19 September.
Shannon: one, Airport Lagoon, on 5th September, two on 8th, and four on 12th.
: one, Airport Lagoon, on 5 September, two on 8, and four on 12.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Scarse passage migrant, occasionally winters.
Ballynacally: one, Ballycorick Bridge on 13th September
: one, Ballycorick Bridge on 13 September
Loop Head: one, Kilbaha on 4th November
: one, Kilbaha on 4 November
Newmarket-on-Fergus: one, Lough Gash, from 3rd–11th September, one on 30th September. It was still there on 16th October.
one, Lough Gash, from 3–11September, one on 30 September. It was still there on 16 October.
Page 13
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Rare North American vagrant.
Non breeding birds were as follows.
Ballynacally: six at Ballycorick Bridge on 27th July.
six at Ballycorick Bridge on 27 July.
Clarecastle: three, at the pier, on 14th February and a single bird on 8th November.
: three, at the pier, on 14 February and a single bird on 8 November.
Labasheeda: one on 23rd January.
one on 23 January.
Loop Head: three, Cloghaun Lough, Kilbaha on 23rd July, one on 15th-18th September, and two on 18th October.
: three, Cloghaun Lough, Kilbaha on 23 July, one on 15-18 September, and two on 18 October.
Greenshank
Common winter visitor and passage migrant.
High count:
Poulnasherry Bay: 43 were present at this location on 17th December.
: 43 were present at this location on 17 December.
Redshank Tringa totanus
Common winter visitor, scarce breeder.
Poulnasherry Bay: a total of 400 were observed on 17th December. This was the highest count received.
a total of 400 were observed on 17 December. This was the highest count received.
Shannon: one luecistic bird at the Airport Lagoon on 31st July.
one luecistic bird at the Airport Lagoon on 31 July.
Spotted Redshank Tringa nebularia
Regular passage migrant.
Ballyvaughan: one on 12th February and 5th April.
: one on 12 February and 5 April.
Shannon: one at the Airport Lagoon on 13th August. Singles were also recorded on 14th, 15th 16th and 24th September. There were two there on 17th September.
one at the Airport Lagoon on 13 August. Singles were also recorded on 14, 15 16 and 24 September. There were two there on 17 September.
Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa limosa
,
Common winter visitor.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Common winter visitor and passage migrant.
Ennis: 100, Ballyallia Lake
: 100, Ballyallia Lake
Shannon: about 2,000 were seen on the mudflats near the airport on 17th November.
: about 2,000 were seen on the mudflats near the airport on 17 November.
Curlew Numenius arquata
Resident and common winter visitor.
Poulnasherry Bay: an albino bird returned for the fifth season and was seen on 23rd July, 2nd and 13th August.
: an albino bird returned for the fifth season and was seen on 23 July, 2 and 13 August.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Passage migrant.
Spring:
Clarecastle: eight at Islandavanna on 22nd April.
eight at Islandavanna on 22 April.
Autumn:
Bridges of Ross: 1,100 passed on 4th August, and 75 were noted on 21st August and were the highest counts.
: 1,100 passed on 4 August, and 75 were noted on 21 August and were the highest counts.
Doonbeg: two were seen in the bay on 15th September.
: two were seen in the bay on 15 September.
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
Scarce under-recorded resident and winter visitor.
Corofin: six, near Dysart O’Dea Castle on 15th February.
six, near Dysart O’Dea Castle on 15 February.
Lissycasey: one on 27th November.
: one on 27 November.
Page 14
Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Common resident and winter visitor.
High Counts:
Loop Head: twenty, The Fodry, on 7th November.
: twenty, The Fodry, on 7 November.
Poulnasherry Bay: sixty, on 17th December.
: sixty, on 17 December.
Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius
Regular autumn passage migrant.
It was a good year for this species with a total of 190 birds were observed on autumn passage seventeen dates between 11th August and 1st October. The highest counts were fifty on 1st October, forty-five on 23rd September and nineteen on 27th of September. In addition to the records below, one of this species was seen flying along a wet road near Quilty on 26th September.
Bridges of Ross:
August: one, on 18th, two on 13th, three on 26th, six on 24th and 25th, three on both 26th and 29th.
one, on 18, two on 13, three on 26, six on 24 and 25, three on both 26 and 29.
September: nine on 1st, one on 2nd, seven on 3rd, 45 on 23rd, two on 24th, 19 on 27th, two on 28th.
nine on 1, one on 2, seven on 3, 45 on 23, two on 24, 19 on 27, two on 28.
October: 50 on 1st and thirteen on 13th.
50 on 1 and thirteen on 13.
Illaunaneareann: 20 on 11th August.
: 20 on 11 August.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (0,2)
Rare passage migrant.
Shannon: one, Airport Lagoon, from 15th –17th September (Tom Lowe, John N Murphy, John Rattigan).
one, Airport Lagoon, from 15 –17 September (Tom Lowe, John N Murphy, John Rattigan).
Cross: one was found freshly dead in a field at Tullig on 23rd September (D. Keane, Bill Ryan).
: one was found freshly dead in a field at Tullig on 23 September (D. Keane, Bill Ryan).
These are the first and second records for Clare. The Shannon bird proved very elusive, appearing for short periods at high tide. The second record was found by a very observant farmer after a period of stormy weather and was most unexpected.
Page 15
Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii (3,1)
(3,1)
Rare North American vagrant.
Shannon: one, juvenile, Airport Lagoon on 12th September (Tom Lowe). This is the fourth county record.
: one, juvenile, Airport Lagoon on 12 September (Tom Lowe). This is the fourth county record.
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (2,2)
Rare North American vagrant.
The records listed below take the total for Clare to four.
Poulnasherry Bay: one on 16th August (Mattias Gierdan, Matti Eriksson, Mans Grundster).
: one on 16 August (Mattias Gierdan, Matti Eriksson, Mans Grundster).
Quilty: one from 12th –20th October (Gerry Bilbao, John N Murphy).
: one from 12 –20 October (Gerry Bilbao, John N Murphy).
White-rumped Sandpiper at Quilty © John N Murphy
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (4,1)
Rare North American vagrant.
This is the fifth county record.
Shannon: a juvenile was present at the Airport Lagoon from 14th –18th September (Brian Finnegan, John N Murphy, Stan Nugent, John Rattigan).
a juvenile was present at the Airport Lagoon from 14 –18 September (Brian Finnegan, John N Murphy, Stan Nugent, John Rattigan).
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Scarce passage migrant.
Doonbeg: one was present on 16th August.
one was present on 16 August.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: one was seen at Lough Gash on 30th September.
: one was seen at Lough Gash on 30 September.
Quilty: four at Lough Donnell on 16th August.
: four at Lough Donnell on 16 August.
Shannon: one from 30th July – 8th August. A single bird was also present 2nd September, increasing to three on 8th and four on 22nd September, five, 13th August, 31st August and seven, 21st August.
: one from 30 July – 8 August. A single bird was also present 2 September, increasing to three on 8 and four on 22 September, five, 13 August, 31 August and seven, 21 August.
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Rare North American migrant.
Shannon: one, Airport Lagoon on 18th –19th August, one on 5th September, three on 14th –15th September, and one on 17th September.
one, Airport Lagoon on 18 –19 August, one on 5 September, three on 14 –15 September, and one on 17 September.
Page 16
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes(1,1)
(1,1)
Rare North American vagrant.
Doonbeg: one adult at the Doonbeg River estuary from 15th –20th August (Brian Finnegan, Jacques-A Leclerq, Nicolas Selosse)
one adult at the Doonbeg River estuary from 15 –20 August (Brian Finnegan, Jacques-A Leclerq, Nicolas Selosse)
This is the second county record. The last was in 1996.
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia (0,1)
Rare North American vagrant.
Doonbeg: one, juvenile, near Golf Course Club House from 27th –30th August (Nick Hallam, Ian Lewington, Tom & Nuala Lynch, John N Murphy).
: one, juvenile, near Golf Course Club House from 27 –30 August (Nick Hallam, Ian Lewington, Tom & Nuala Lynch, John N Murphy).
Spotted Sandpiper at Doonbeg © John N Murphy
There has been an increase in the number of Spotted Sandpipers found in the country over the couple of years and this first county record was eagerly anticipated.
Page 17
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (4,4)(4,4)
Rare North American vagrant.
It was an exceptional year for this species with four records, doubling the total for the county.
Doonbeg: two juveniles, Doonbeg River estuary from 22nd –23rd September (John Wright).
: two juveniles, Doonbeg River estuary from 22–23 September (John Wright).
Shannon: one, Airport Lagoon on 30th July (Owen Foley, Harry Hussey). It was joined by a second individual in summer plumage from 5th – 6th August (John N Murphy), with one remaining until at least 16th September (Finbarr Mac Gabhainn, John N Murphy, Stan Nugent, John Rattigan).
: one, Airport Lagoon on 30 July (Owen Foley, Harry Hussey). It was joined by a second individual in summer plumage from 5 – 6 August (John N Murphy), with one remaining until at least 16 September (Finbarr Mac Gabhainn, John N Murphy, Stan Nugent, John Rattigan).
Great Skua Stercorarius skua
Common Autumn passage migrant.
A total of 121 Bonxie’s were recorded on 26 dates between 23rd July and 8th October. High counts were of twelve on 27th September and twenty-six on 26th August.
Bridges of Ross:
July: one on 23rd.
one on 23.
August: one on 4th, three on 5th, one on 12th, six on 13th, single birds on 15th and 18th, five on 20th, seven on 23rd, ten on both 24th and 25th, 26 on 26th, ten on 29th,
one on 4, three on 5, one on 12, six on 13, single birds on 15 and 18, five on 20, seven on 23, ten on both 24 and 25, 26 on 26, ten on 29,
September: one on 1st, two on both 3rd and 7th and again on 10th, singles on 15th, 20th, 24th, and 25th, 12 on 27th, four on 28th.
: one on 1, two on both 3 and 7 and again on 10, singles on 15, 20, 24, and 25, 12 on 27, four on 28.
October: nine on 1st and one on 8th.
nine on 1 and one on 8.
Illaunaneareann: two, 11th August
: two, 11 August
Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus
Regular Autumn passage migrant.
It was a below average year, with a total of 73 birds observed on 13 dates between 6th August and 1st October. The highest daily count was 46 on 1st October.
Bridges of Ross:
August: singles on 6th, 13th, and 21st, two on 23rd and 29th and two juveniles on 31st.
singles on 6, 13, and 21, two on 23 and 29 and two juveniles on 31.
September: two adults on 1st, one on 19th, six on 23rd, one on 25th, seven on 27th,
: two adults on 1, one on 19, six on 23, one on 25, seven on 27,
October: 46 on 1st, one on 8th.
: 46 on 1, one on 8.
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
Regular Autumn passage migrant.
It was a below average year for this species with a total of 306 birds observed on 37 dates from 19th July to 1st October. A peak count of twenty-five was made on 1st October.
Bridges of Ross:
July: one on 19th with five on 23rd.
one on 19 with five on 23.
August: one on 4th, six on 5th, four on 6th, six on 7th, four on 12th, six on 13th, five on both 15th and 18th, one on 20th, nine on 21st, four on 23rd, 15 on 24th, 20 on 25th, two on 26th, 23 on 29th, 22 on 30th and 23 on 31st.
one on 4, six on 5, four on 6, six on 7, four on 12, six on 13, five on both 15 and 18, one on 20, nine on 21, four on 23, 15 on 24, 20 on 25, two on 26, 23 on 29, 22 on 30 and 23 on 31.
September: 17 on 1st, three on 3rd, five on both 4th, four on 5th, five on 7th, three on 10th, one on 15th, one on 19th, six on 20th, one on 22nd, 19 on 23rd, one on 24th, two on 25th, 24 on 27th, 14 on 28th, and five on 29th.
17 on 1, three on 3, five on both 4, four on 5, five on 7, three on 10, one on 15, one on 19, six on 20, one on 22, 19 on 23, one on 24, two on 25, 24 on 27, 14 on 28, and five on 29.
October: 25 on 1st.
25 on 1.
Kilkee: eight at Illaunaneareann on 11th August.
eight at Illaunaneareann on 11 August.
Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus
Rare autumn passage migrant.
A total of 14 birds were recorded passing the Bridges of Ross between 19th July and 1st October. Most were single birds though four were seen on 1st October and two passed on both 18th and 25th August.
Bridges of Ross:
July: one on 19th.
one on 19.
August: singles on 13th and 14th, two on 18th and 25th, one on 29th.
: singles on 13 and 14, two on 18 and 25, one on 29.
September: one on 10th, one on 23rd.
one on 10, one on 23.
October: four on 1st.
four on 1.
Page 18
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Common and widespread.
Common Gull Larus canus
Common winter visitor, small breeding numbers.
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Rare winter visitor.
Quilty: one second year was seen from 14th –24th May, two were there on 28th July, one on 9th August and two on 12th August.
one second year was seen from 14 –24 May, two were there on 28 July, one on 9 August and two on 12 August.
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Scarce winter visitor.
A total of thirteen birds recorded made it a good year for this species. All records fell between 12th August and 25th November and came mostly from the west and north coasts of the county. There was one record from the Shannon estuary and one inland sighting.
Bridges of Ross: two juveniles on 14th August
: two juveniles on 14 August
Kilkee: one first winter and a second winter at the GAA pitch on 5th October
one first winter and a second winter at the GAA pitch on 5 October
Killimer: one first winter and two adult winter on 30th September
one first winter and two adult winter on 30 September
Kilmihil: one second year bird, Knockalough on 20th September;
one second year bird, Knockalough on 20 September;
Loop Head: one, juvenile, Kilbaha on 12th August, and one juvenile on 27th August
: one, juvenile, Kilbaha on 12 August, and one juvenile on 27 August
Moneypoint: two juveniles and one adult on 17th August
: two juveniles and one adult on 17 August
New Quay: one adult on 25th November
: one adult on 25 November
Quilty: one adult at the beach at the village from 19th –21st September, one adult, on 13th October.
: one adult at the beach at the village from 19 –21 September, one adult, on 13 October.
Treacht Beach: two adults were seen feeding with a large party of gulls on the shore on 30th December.
: two adults were seen feeding with a large party of gulls on the shore on 30 December.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Resident.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
Common summer visitor, breeding in small numbers.
Cross: 40, near the village on 16th April.
40, near the village on 16 April.
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus
40, near the village on 16 April.
Common resident.
Little Gull Larus minutus
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.
A total of eighteen birds were seen during the year with only one of those observed during the in spring.
Bridges of Ross: one juvenile on 22nd September; another juvenile on 25th September; two on 29th September, seven on 1st October, and one on 8th October
: one juvenile on 22 September; another juvenile on 25 September; two on 29 September, seven on 1 October, and one on 8 October
Ennis: one at Ballyallia Lake from 9th –16th April (Dermot Breen)
: one at Ballyallia Lake from 9 –16 April (Dermot Breen)
Shannon: one juvenile at the Airport Lagoon on 16th September with two juveniles and one adult on 22nd September. Two juveniles were seen there on 23rd September.
one juvenile at the Airport Lagoon on 16 September with two juveniles and one adult on 22 September. Two juveniles were seen there on 23 September.
Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
Common resident and passage migrant.
Page 19
Sabines’ Gull Larus sabini
Regular autumn passage migrant.
A total of 41 were observed from the Bridges of Ross on 13 dates between 5th August and 1st October. High counts were ten on 25th August and seven on 1st October.
August: one on 5th, six on both 23rd and 24th, ten on 25th, two on 29th, one on 30th.
: one on 5, six on both 23 and 24, ten on 25, two on 29, one on 30.
September: one on 1st, 23rd and 25th, two on 27th and 28th.
: one on 1, 23 and 25, two on 27 and 28.
October: seven on 1st October.
: seven on 1 October.
Kilkee: one off llaunaneareann on 11th August.
one off llaunaneareann on 11 August.
Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
Scarce winter visitor.
A total of 27 birds were observed on 11 dates during the year.
Bridges of Ross: one on 19th September.
: one on 19 September.
Kilkee: three 2nd winter birds on the beach on 21st January with another 12 (all 2nd winter) birds in a field at Dunlickey Road on the same date. One, Castle Point, on 24th September.
: three 2 winter birds on the beach on 21 January with another 12 (all 2 winter) birds in a field at Dunlickey Road on the same date. One, Castle Point, on 24 September.
Liscannor: one adult and three 2nd winter birds, Clahane, 26th January.
one adult and three 2 winter birds, Clahane, 26 January.
Loop Head: one 2nd winter at Ross Bay on 6th April; one on 16th April. one first year on 24th May, and one near Kilbaha on 28th September.
: one 2 winter at Ross Bay on 6 April; one on 16 April. one first year on 24 May, and one near Kilbaha on 28 September.
Quilty: one 2nd winter, on 6th January. One at Lurga Point, on 11th April.
: one 2 winter, on 6 January. One at Lurga Point, on 11 April.
Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides
Scarce winter visitor.
A total of 24 birds were seen during the year.
Ballyvaughan: a 2nd winter on 12th February.
: a 2 winter on 12 February.
Illaunaneareann: one in flight on 16th April.
: one in flight on 16 April.
Kilkee: one 2nd winter on the beach on 10th January with eleven there on 21st.
one 2 winter on the beach on 10 January with eleven there on 21.
Liscannor: six at Clahane on 26th January.
: six at Clahane on 26 January.
Loop Head: two, 2nd winter birds were seen feeding in a field near Kilbaha on 6th April. One there on 16th April. A first year was present on, 24th May.
: two, 2 winter birds were seen feeding in a field near Kilbaha on 6 April. One there on 16 April. A first year was present on, 24 May.
Quilty: one adult, 13rd January.
: one adult, 13 January.
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Common summer visitor and passage migrant.
Ballyvaughan: one on 22nd January.
one on 22 January.
Bridges of Ross: sixty on 31st August.
: sixty on 31 August.
Loop Head: one flew across the headland near the lighthouse on 7th November.
: one flew across the headland near the lighthouse on 7 November.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Common summer visitor and passage migrant.
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Common summer visitor and passage migrant.
Bridges of Ross: 84, on 1st September, 43 on 3rd, 32 on 5th, 143 on 27th, 80 on 28th.
84, on 1 September, 43 on 3, 32 on 5, 143 on 27, 80 on 28.
Black Tern Chlidonias niger
Scarce passage migrant.
It was an average year for this species. All records came from the Bridges of Ross and corresponded with a period of easterly winds.
Bridges of Ross: five, on 3rd September; four on 4th, three on 5th, six on 7th.
: five, on 3 September; four on 4, three on 5, six on 7.
Page 20
Little Auk Alle alle
Rare winter visitor.
Bridges of Ross: one on 27th September.
: one on 27 September.
Puffin Fratercula arctica
Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant.
Breeds at the Cliffs of Moher. Autumn passage was light however.
Bridges of Ross: four on 31st August and 11 on 23rd September
four on 31 August and 11 on 23 September
Black Guillemot cepphus grylle
Scarce breeder and winter visitor.
AughinishFinvarra Point: 112, all seen between these two locations on 19th November. This was the highest count received during the year.
112, all seen between these two locations on 19 November. This was the highest count received during the year.
Guillemot Uria aalge
Common breeder and passage migrant.
Razorbill Alca torda
Common breeder and passage migrant.
Aughinish Island to Finavarra Point: 200 were seen between these two locations on 20th November.
200 were seen between these two locations on 20 November.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Scarce resident.
Loop Head: 65, in a freshly sown field near Kilbaha on 27th July was the highest count received.
65, in a freshly sown field near Kilbaha on 27 July was the highest count received.
Stock Dove
Scarce summer visitor.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: one was observed at Ballycar on 25th July.
one was observed at Ballycar on 25 July.
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus
Common resident.
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Common resident.
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Summer visitor.
Ennis: one was heard calling on the Gort Road on 24th April. This was the first record of the year and corresponded with a period of southerly winds.
one was heard calling on the Gort Road on 24 April. This was the first record of the year and corresponded with a period of southerly winds.
Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Scarce resident.
Ennis: one heard calling from the grounds of Newpark House, Cappahard on 16th October.
one heard calling from the grounds of Newpark House, Cappahard on 16 October.
Lissycasey: one juvenile at Darragh on 12th August.
one juvenile at Darragh on 12 August.
Loop Head: one, Kilbaha on 8th October.
one, Kilbaha on 8 October.
Newmarket on Fergus: one, Ballycar on 5th April, two chicks were heard calling there on 24th July.
one, Ballycar on 5 April, two chicks were heard calling there on 24 July.
Shannon: one, Inishcullen Hill on 13th April and again on 22nd April.
one, Inishcullen Hill on 13 April and again on 22 April.
Page 21
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Rare winter visitor or passage migrant.
Kilkee: one was seen flying over a bog during the first week of November.
: one was seen flying over a bog during the first week of November.
Lisseycasey: one at Boolynagleragh Bog on 20th November.
: one at Boolynagleragh Bog on 20 November.
Quilty: one was seen flying over the sea on 18th November.
: one was seen flying over the sea on 18 November.
Shannon: one was present at the Airport Lagoon on 29th March with another was seen on the evening of the 17th December at the same location.
one was present at the Airport Lagoon on 29 March with another was seen on the evening of the 17 December at the same location.
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Scarce resident.
Ennis: one was present on the Watery Road on 17th February and another at Newpark House on 23rd November.
one was present on the Watery Road on 17 February and another at Newpark House on 23 November.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: one heard calling in the early evening at Ballycar on 8th October. One was found injured in the Main Street of the village and taken into care on 26th November.
: one heard calling in the early evening at Ballycar on 8 October. One was found injured in the Main Street of the village and taken into care on 26 November.
Swift Apus apus
Summer visitor.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: three at Dromoland Castle on 22nd April were the first recorded for the year. These arrived following a period of southerly winds.
: three at Dromoland Castle on 22 April were the first recorded for the year. These arrived following a period of southerly winds.
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Scarce resident.
None was seen at the Moyasta site, where up to two birds were seen together on several occasions in 2004.
Ballynacally: one at Ballycorick Bridge on 13th September.
one at Ballycorick Bridge on 13 September.
Doonbeg: one on 15th August and again on 29th August in the river estuary.
: one on 15 August and again on 29 August in the river estuary.
Ennis: one at Drehednagowan on 3rd February.
one at Drehednagowan on 3 February.
Skylark Alauda arvensis
Common resident.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Common summer visitor.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: one seen at Ballycar on 21st March was the first of the spring.
one seen at Ballycar on 21 March was the first of the spring.
Swallow Hirundo rusticata
Common summer visitor.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: two, Ballycar, on 4th April.
: two, Ballycar, on 4 April.
Quilty: a pair was still feeding young still at the nest near the pier in late September.
a pair was still feeding young still at the nest near the pier in late September.
Spanish Point: four on 31st March. These were the first for the year.
four on 31 March. These were the first for the year.
House Martin Delichon urbica
Common summer visitor.
Loop Head: one flew in off the sea at the point on 19th March and was the first of the Spring.
: one flew in off the sea at the point on 19 March and was the first of the Spring.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: the breeding colony at Dromoland Castle had returned in good numbers by 19th April.
the breeding colony at Dromoland Castle had returned in good numbers by 19 April.
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratenis
Common resident.
Inch: a flock of 70 were seen at Gortmore in late September.
a flock of 70 were seen at Gortmore in late September.
Page 22
Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellialba
Common resident.
Loop Head: one of a. alba race was seen at Cloghaun Lough on 16th April, and two were there on 18th August.
one of race was seen at Cloghaun Lough on 16 April, and two were there on 18 August.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Common resident.
Loop Head: one was seen in and around the pond in Kilbaha from 29th July to 30th August. A different bird was present nearby at Cloghaun Lough from 17th –20th September.
one was seen in and around the pond in Kilbaha from 29 July to 30 August. A different bird was present nearby at Cloghaun Lough from 17 –20 September.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (0,1)
(0,1)
Rare vagrant.
Shannon: a juvenile bird moved between the Airport Lagoon and the greens around the Golf Clubhouse from 15th to 19th September, and was seen by many observers. (Brian Finnegan, Tom Lowe, Finbarr Mac Gabhainn, John N Murphy, Stan Nugent, John Rattigan).
: a juvenile bird moved between the Airport Lagoon and the greens around the Golf Clubhouse from 15 to 19 September, and was seen by many observers. (Brian Finnegan, Tom Lowe, Finbarr Mac Gabhainn, John N Murphy, Stan Nugent, John Rattigan).
Citrine Wagtail at the Shannon Airport Lagoon © John N Murphy
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Scarce resident.
Page 23
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Common resident.
Dipper Cinclus cinclus
Localised resident.
Birds seen regularly throughout the year at the Falls in Ennistymon, Doolin, Broadford and Sixmilebridge.
Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus
Rare vagrant.
The irruption of Waxwings reached Clare in force in early February. The highest numbers recorded together were 34 on 26th February and 30 on 21st February. The last birds were seen on 22nd March.
Cratloe: 16, one mile south of village, on 22nd March.
16, one mile south of village, on 22 March.
Ennis: six, Gort Road on 5th –6th February, 30, The Hermitage, on 21st February with 10 there, on 22nd February. This number increased to 30 again on 26th February. There were 26 on ClonroadGlór Car Park on 22nd –23rd March, six on the Lahinch Road on 29th –30th March, with 5 there on 5th March. One at Cahercalla on 10th December.
six, Gort Road on 5 –6 February, 30, The Hermitage, on 21 February with 10 there, on 22 February. This number increased to 30 again on 26 February. There were 26 on ClonroadGlór Car Park on 22 –23 March, six on the Lahinch Road on 29 –30 March, with 5 there on 5 March. One at Cahercalla on 10 December.
Shannon: 34 were seen in the Industrial Estate on 26th February.
34 were seen in the Industrial Estate on 26 February.
Waxwing in Ennis © John N Murphy
Page 24
Dunnock Prunella modularis
Common resident.
Robin Erithacus rubecula
Common resident.
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.
Aughinish Island: one on 21st January.
: one on 21 January.
Kilrush: one was seen at the Marina on 5th February.
: one was seen at the Marina on 5 February.
Quilty: two females were seen on the pier at Seafield on 26th December.
: two females were seen on the pier at Seafield on 26 December.
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Common summer visitor and summer migrant.
The earliest date was 19th March for the Spring migrants and 18th October was the latest for the Autumn passage.
Quilty: four, Seafield on 19th March.
: four, Seafield on 19 March.
Loop Head: one, 19th March. 60 were present on 4th September, 25 on 7th and six on 16th. One was present on 18th October.
: one, 19 March. 60 were present on 4 September, 25 on 7 and six on 16. One was present on 18 October.
Whinchat Saxicola torquata
Scarce passage migrant.
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
Common resident and winter visitor.
Flaggy Shore: up to 80 birds, a notable increase, seen on the road-sides in this area in December.
up to 80 birds, a notable increase, seen on the road-sides in this area in December.
Redwing Turdus iliacus
Common winter visitor.
Clooney: a flock of 250 were seen feeding in a field between Clooney and Quin on 31st December.
a flock of 250 were seen feeding in a field between Clooney and Quin on 31 December.
Ennis: migration noted with a bird heard calling in Cappahard, Tulla Road, on the night of 14th October.
: migration noted with a bird heard calling in Cappahard, Tulla Road, on the night of 14 October.
Loop Head: 30 on 2nd November.
: 30 on 2 November.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: a large number noted passing through on migration in the morning of 14th October.
: a large number noted passing through on migration in the morning of 14 October.
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
Common Resident
Ennis: a flock of 22 was seen at Cappahard, Tulla Road on 20th December.
a flock of 22 was seen at Cappahard, Tulla Road on 20 December.
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
Common winter visitor.
Blackbird Turdus merula
Common resident and winter visitor.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Increasingly common winter visitor, scarce breeder.
Winter:
Clarecastle: a male was seen on 2nd December.
a male was seen on 2 December.
Ennis: a male seen at Cappahard, Tulla Road, on 3rd November was seen again on 28th November; a female was seen regularly in a garden at Ballymacahill from 23rd November to 15th December and on into 2006. Another female was seen at Pine Grove on 10th December.
: a male seen at Tulla Road, on 3 November was seen again on 28 November; a female was seen regularly in a garden at from 23 November to 15 December and on into 2006. Another female was seen at on 10 December.
Loop Head: One at Kilbaha on 2nd November.
: One at Kilbaha on 2 November.
Spring:
Ennis: a single bird was seen at Ballyallia on 19th and 24th March.
: a single bird was seen at Ballyallia on 19 and 24 March.
Loop Head: one male on 5th October.
one male on 5 October.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: a singing male was heard in the grounds of Dromoland Castle on 27th –28th March and again on 31st March, 3rd and 20th April. Two were heard singing there on 19th and 22nd April. One was present at Granaghan Castle on 4th April. A singing male was also heard at Ballycar on 10th, 16th, and 18th April. This bird was joined by a second on the 19th and 22nd April. Three singing males were recorded at Fenloe Lake on 22nd April.
: a singing male was heard in the grounds of on 27 –28 March and again on 31 March, 3 and 20 April. Two were heard singing there on 19 and 22 April. One was present at on 4 April. A singing male was also heard at on 10, 16, and 18 April. This bird was joined by a second on the 19 and 22 April. Three singing males were recorded at on 22 April.
Ruan: four singing males at Dromore Wood on 16th April.
: four singing males at Dromore Wood on 16 April.
Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Scarce summer visitor.
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Common summer visitor and passage migrant.
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
Scarce summer visitor.
Newmarket on Fergus: two birds seen at Fenloe Lake on 22nd April were the first of the year and arrived on southerly winds.
: two birds seen at Fenloe Lake on 22 April were the first of the year and arrived on southerly winds.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Common summer visitor.
Newmarket on Fergus: one at Ballycar on 26th March was the first spring record.
: one at Ballycar on 26 March was the first spring record.
Loop Head: one on 2nd October with a later bird trapped at Kilbaha on 15th October. These were the latest records received.
: one on 2 October with a later bird trapped at Kilbaha on 15 October. These were the latest records received.
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybitta
Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Occasionally winters.
Spring:
Clarecastle: one on 21st March.
one on 21 March.
Winter:
Ennis: one at Oak Park, 28th – 29th January, with another or the same bird seen there on 29th March. A single bird was also observed at Ballyallia on 29th January.
one at Oak Park, 28 – 29 January, with another or the same bird seen there on 29 March. A single bird was also observed at Ballyallia on 29 January.
Newmarket on Fergus: one at Ballycar on 15th February.
one at Ballycar on 15 February.
Autumn
Loop Head: Three at Kilbaha on 8th October. Seven were seen there on 11th, and four on 18th. Two were observed in Kilbaha on 2nd November.
Three at Kilbaha on 8 October. Seven were seen there on 11, and four on 18. Two were observed in Kilbaha on 2 November.
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (1,1)
Rare vagrant.
Loop Head: one was watched in a farmyard between Kilbaha and the Lighthouse on 16th September (Christy Meehan, Maeve Meehan). This is the second county record and the first since 1986.
one was watched in a farmyard between Kilbaha and the Lighthouse on 16 September (Christy Meehan, Maeve Meehan). This is the second county record and the first since 1986.
Firecrest: Regulus ignicapullus (3,1)
Rare vagrant.
This is only the fourth county record.
Loop Head: one in the garden in Kilbaha, from 28th –29th September (Killian Mullarney, John N Murphy).
: one in the garden in Kilbaha, from 28 –29 September (Killian Mullarney, John N Murphy).
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
Common resident and passage migrant.
Loop Head: twelve was the highest count recorded in the Autumn on 11th October.
: twelve was the highest count recorded in the Autumn on 11 October.
Red-breasted Flycatcher
Rare vagrant.
Loop Head: one immature Red-breasted Flycatcher was found across the road from Keating’s Pub in Kilbaha from 2nd –4th October (Aidan Kelly).
: one immature Red-breasted Flycatcher was found across the road from Keating’s Pub in Kilbaha from 2 –4 October (Aidan Kelly).
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Summer visitor.
Loop Head: one near the Lighthouse on 7th September was the only bird recorded on Autumn migration.
: one near the Lighthouse on 7 September was the only bird recorded on Autumn migration.
Great Tit Parus major
Common and widespread resident.
Coal Tit Parus ater
Common and widespread resident.
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Common and widespread resident.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Common resident.
Magpie Pica pica
Common and widespread resident.
Jay Garrulus glandarius
Scarce resident, in decline.
Cratloe: one was seen at Woodcock Hill, 16th December and again on 20th December.
: one was seen at Woodcock Hill, 16 December and again on 20 December.
Labbasheeda: one was seen in woodland near the village on 4th December.
: one was seen in woodland near the village on 4 December.
Ennis: two at Lees Road Wood on 19th October. One at Ballyallia on 23rd October and again on 7th November. Two at Lees Road Wood on 4th November, with three there, 19th November.
two at Lees Road Wood on 19 October. One at Ballyallia on 23 October and again on 7 November. Two at Lees Road Wood on 4 November, with three there, 19 November.
Feakle: one on 9th April.
one on 9 April.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: one at Carrigoran House on 17th October.
: one at Carrigoran House on 17 October.
Sixmilebridge: one was seen at Kilnacreagh on 27th December.
: one was seen at Kilnacreagh on 27 December.
Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Common and widespread resident.
A bird of the eastern race was seen in Shannon on 23rd March (Stan Nugent).
Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Resident
Loop Head: high counts were of ten on 30th March, 27 on 5th September, and 35 on 16th September.
: high counts were of ten on 30 March, 27 on 5 September, and 35 on 16 September.
Illaunaneareann: 14 on 29th October.
14 on 29 October.
Rook Corvus frugilgus
Common and widespread resident.
Carrion Crow Corvus corone
Rare vagrant.
Lough Murree: one on 22nd October.
: one on 22 October.
Newmarket-On-Fergus: one, in the grounds of Ballycar National School on 17th November.
: one, in the grounds of Ballycar National School on 17 November.
Hooded Crow Corvus corvix
Common resident.
Raven Corvus corax
Resident.
Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common and widespread resident.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common and widespread resident.
Tree Sparrow Passer Montanus
Scarce resident.
Numbers of this species has declined dramatically in the last decade.
Loop Head: seven at Kilbaha on 20th March. one, in the gardens in Kilbaha from 28th September – 9th October
: seven at Kilbaha on 20 March. one, in the gardens in Kilbaha from 28 September – 9 October
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Common resident and winter visitor.
Loop Head: 50 were present in Kilbaha on 4th November.
: 50 were present in Kilbaha on 4 November.
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
Scarce winter visitor.
A poor year for this species.
Loop Head: one male was seen on 18th October.
: one male was seen on 18 October.
Linnet Cardeulis cannabina
Common winter visitor.
Twite Carduelis flavirostis
Scarce winter visitor.
Ballyvaughan: one was seen at Bishop’s Quarter on 13th February.
one was seen at Bishop’s Quarter on 13 February.
Loop Head: 30 on 4th September is a large number and an early date.
: 30 on 4 September is a large number and an early date.
Redpoll Cardeulis flammea
Resident and winter visitor.
This species was under reported during the year.
Kildysart: two were seen on the pier on 23rd January.
: two were seen on the pier on 23 January.
Loop Head: "numerous" in Kilbaha on 4th November.
"numerous" in Kilbaha on 4 November.
Goldfinch Cardeulis carduelio
Scarce resident.
Ennis: up to nine fed daily at a bird feeder at Cappahard, Tulla Road, throughout November and December.
: up to nine fed daily at a bird feeder at Cappahard, Tulla Road, throughout November and December.
Greenfinch Cardeulis chloris
Common resident and winter visitor.
Inch: up to 49 were seen in a garden at Gortmore
: up to 49 were seen in a garden at Gortmore
Siskin Cardeulis spinus
Scarce resident and winter visitor.
Clarecastle: "a small flock" was reported on 8th November.
: "a small flock" was reported on 8 November.
Crossbill Loxia Curvirostra
Scarce breeder and winter visitor.
Cratloe: two were seen at Gallowshill and Woodcock Hill on 16th December; another four were seen north of Woodcock Hill on 20th December.
: two were seen at Gallowshill and Woodcock Hill on 16 December; another four were seen north of Woodcock Hill on 20 December.
Kilmaley: two, Letteragh Wood on 28th December.
: two, Letteragh Wood on 28 December.
Sixmilebridge: 20, near Kilnacreagh, Fisherman’s Hill, just east of the town on 21st December with eight there on the 23rd, 12 on 24th and five on 27th. Another two were seen near Oatfield, also on 27th.
: 20, near , Fisherman’s Hill, just east of the town on 21 December with eight there on the 23, 12 on 24 and five on 27. Another two were seen near , also on 27.
Bullfinch Pyrrula pyrrhula
Common and widespread resident.
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
Common resident.
Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus
Rare passage migrant.
Loop Head: one was heard calling at the Lighthouse on 18th September. Two were seen at The Fodry on 29th with another two present on 5th October.
Snow Bunting Plectorphenax nivalis
Regular passage migrant and winter visitor.
Ballyvaughan: a flock of 18 were seen at The Rine on 18th November.
Kilkee: ten were seen together at Castle Point on 23rd January.
Loop Head: two, near the Lighthouse, on 3rd October. A second pair was seen near Kilbaha on 6th October.
Yellowhammer Emberisa citrinella
Scarce resident.
The only records received were of eight birds seen together near Mullaghmore in May and a single bird was seen near Quilty in July.
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Eva Andreu
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Michael Davis
Hugh Delaney
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Lee Evans
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Colum Flynn
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Nick Hallam
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Tom Hayes
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Jacques-A Leclerq
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Pat Lonergan
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Nuala Lynch
Finbarr Mac Gabhann
Franco Mareovic
Christy Meehan
Grace Meehan
Maeve Meehan
Paul Milne,
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Rick Mundy
John N Murphy
Gabriel Noonan
Stan Nugent
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