DUNGARVAN: Blackcap at garden feeder, Abbeyside (Patrick Veale).

BUNMAHON: 3 Common Scoters (2 flew west and one female on sea) (MC).

DERRIGAL: 230 Greylag Geese, 14 Whooper 2 Mute Swans (MC).

RIVER CLODIAGH: Green Sandpiper (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Black Brant & 3 Barnacle Geese at Ballyneety (MC); Black-necked Grebe off Abbeyside soccer pitch (MC Sr).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: Buzzard (BH).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Barnacle Geese with Brent flock, Duckspool, just off road (MC). Female Blackcap at Strandside, Abbeyside (DC).

FERRY POINT: 5 Black Redstarts (CF, MC).

RINCREW: 2 4th-winter Yellow-legged Gulls, 1st-winter Glaucous Gull & 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls (CF, MC).

HELVICK: M & F Blackcap (CF, MC).

TRAMORE BEACH: 4 Black Redstarts at town end on the rocks (Barry Howell). TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Smew again present (BH). WATERFORD CITY CENTRE: Also a Black Redstart at Kilcohan shopping centre (BH). DUNGARVAN: Adult Black Brant @ Ballyneety. (MC & CF) CLONEA: Adult Dark-bellied Brent, 1 Whimbrel & 4 Purple Sandpipers @ Ballinclamper. (MC & CF) RING: Whimbrel & Chiffchaff @ Knockanpower Lower. (MC & CF)

WATERFORD CITY: 22 Lapwing over Ballybricken (DS).

EAST WATERFORD: Buzzard south of Waterford city (DMcG).

DUNGARVAN: 4 male Tufted Ducks feeding with 3 Goldeneye south of Ballyneety Bridge, 2 Great Northern Divers in the harbour (EB).

DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart @ Abbeyside Church. (MC); female Blackcap at peanut feeder, Abbeyside (June Hayes).

VILLIERSTOWN: Male Brambling just below Villierstown School (MC Sr). DUNGARVAN: Black-necked Grebe off Ballinacourty Pier. (MC)

WATERFORD CITY: 2 Blackcaps (male & female) & a Fieldfare in garden at St Herblain Park, the female Blackcap also yesterday, at peanut feeder (Ken & Breda Brennan); male Blackcap at Statoil on the Dunmore road near Ardkeen (DMcG).

DUNGARVAN HARBOUR: 2 Great Northern Divers (EB).


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

DUNGARVAN: 10 Little Grebes just downstream of Ballyneety Bridge (flock of 6 more usual here), also 3 Goldeneye (EB).

LITTLE ISLAND: Common Sandpiper near the ferry (DMcG).


Monday, December 21, 2009

DROMANA BRIDGE: Otter 100 m upstream, then swam down to Blackwater (EB)

DUNGARVAN: BLACK-NECKED GREBE off Ballynacourty pier (MC).

DUNGARVAN TOWN: Black Redstart in garden (FO'C).

RINCREW (Tourig estuary): Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1st-winter Glaucous Gull & 2 Iceland Gulls (1st-w & 2nd-w) (Paul Moore).

DUNGARVAN: Merlin, Green Sandpiper & 4 Goldeneye (1 male) at Ballyneety, Great Northern Diver at Ballynacourty (DC); 4 Great Northern Divers off Ballynacourty (Eugene Burke).

Nr BALLYDWAN: Merlin at Ballynahila (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Black Brant @ Ballyneety. (MC) CLONEA: 2 Purple Sandpipers @ Ballinclamper. (MC) BALLYVOONEY COVE: Female-type Black Redstart. (MC)

Nr LEMYBRIEN: Merlin, Ballylinch (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Dark-bellied Brent at the Sports Centre. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Pygmy Sperm Whale stranded at the Cunnigar (AM).

HELVICK HEAD: 50 Common Dolphins (AM).

RAM HEAD: 2 Red-throated Divers & 30 Common Dolphins (AM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Female Merlin, Water Rail heard and Chiffchaff at the new racecourse, Lisselan (DMcG).

WATERFORD CITY: Black Redstart at Waterford Crystal visitor centre (DC).

ARDMORE BAY: Adult or 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull in gull roost, also 110 Lesser Black-backed, 700+ Common, 430+ Black-headed & 6+ Herring Gulls, 10+ Kittiwakes; 35 Sanderling on beach (16:05-16:30, PMW).

PORTLAW: 138 Greylag Geese including the returning neck-collar ringed bird (NBX). (MC) DUNMORE-EAST: 5 Purple Sandpipers outside the pier wall. (MC) TRAMORE: Smew and Tufted Duck still on the boating lake. (MC)

BALLYVOYLE COVE: Dipper at Ballyvoyle Bridge, Chiffchaff 1 km upstream (PMW).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier (AM).

WATERFORD PORT (Co Kilkenny): Black Redstart (AA).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: SMEW still present with Tufted Duck (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Female-type Tufted Duck off the Pitch & Putt Club. Female-type Common Scoter off Abbeyside promenade. (MC) BALLINACOURTY: Female/immature Black Redstart @ Ballinard. (MC)

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: 1st-winter male SMEW still present (PA).


DUNGARVAN: 2 Whimbrels at Knockanpower, Ring; adult BLACK BRANT & adult dark-bellied Brent at pitch & putt course (MC).

Nr MOUNT STEWART: 2 Woodcock (JAP, BS, RAW).

CLASHMORE: 25+ Stock Doves (").

DUNGARVAN: 80+ Snipe at Ballyneety (").

Nr ARDMORE: Buzzard (MC, CF).

Nr WHITING BAY: : 20+ Tree Sparrows, probably many more, at usual farm (Ballysallagh / Springfield area (MC, CF).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: Drake Green-winged Teal, Lismore (MC, CF).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Female-type SMEW seen again (AA).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: Buzzard (DMcG).

GREAT NEWTOWN HEAD: Merlin (DMcG).

WATERFORD CITY: Flock of 14 Long-tailed Tits at Francis Street (D. Sinnott).

HELVICK HEAD: Juv/1st-winter SABINE'S GULL, Great Skua & 5 Manx Shearwaters (seawatch 11:40-12:30, CF).

DUNGARVAN: Water Rail calling near the Cunnigar car-park (CF, PMW).


Monday November 23rd, 2009

DUNGARVAN: LESSER YELOWLEGS again at the Cunnigar (per CF).

DUNGARVAN TOWN: Black Redstart in garden (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK BRANT & Curlew Sandpiper at pitch & putt course (MC, RMcL); LESSER YELLOWLEGS at pools near the Cunnigar car-park (S. Cronin, RMcL).

DERRIGAL CROSS ROADS (nr Coolfin): Shoveler (CF).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: SMEW still present (MC, CF).

CLONEA: 2nd Winter Mediterranean Gull in flooded field between Ballinard and Ballinclamper along old railway line. (MC)

CLONEA: Whimbrel & 10+ Purple Sandpipers. (MC)

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Grey Phalaropes, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Manx Shearwater & 1 Red-throated Diver (seawatch 12:30-13:30), also a Black Redstart at the cove (CF).

DUNGARVAN: Female type Black Redstart, Black Guillemot & 15 Great Northern Divers @ Ballinagaul. (MC, CF, MC Sr.) BLACK BRANT @ Pitch & Putt Club. (MC, CF) LESSER YELLOWLEGS & Chiffchaff (metal ringed) @ The Cunnigar. (MC, CF)

DUNGARVAN: 1st-winter Grey Phalarope at Ballynagaul (JAP, BS).

DUNGARVAN: LESSER YELLOWLEGS still present at the Cunnigar, dark-bellied Brent Goose at the pitch & putt course (MC).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK BRANT (first report this winter) at pitch & putt course (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: LESSER YELLOWLEGS again at pools near the Cunnigar car-park (DC).

DUNGARVAN: LESSER YELLOWLEGS at the Cunnigar again (JAP, DC).

DUNGARVAN: LESSER YELLOWLEGS (3rd county record) at pools just left/west of the Cunnigar car-park (Pat Smiddy, CF, DC et al).

DUNGARVAN TOWN: Black Redstart in garden (FOC).

COOLFIN: Canada Goose (large-type feral bird?), 38 Greylag Geese, 20 Whooper Swans, 23 Cormorants & 70+ Fieldfares (PMW).

Nr FIDDOWN BRIDGE : Water Rail calling on Co Waterford side of Suir (PMW).

TIBBERAGHNY (Co Kilkenny): 7 Little Egrets (MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Female-type SMEW still present (confirmed as unringed) also an adult Mediterranean Gull, female Tufted Duck & several Little Grebes (MC, MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Female or immature SMEW (3rd county record) @ 13:30, also 1st-winter Ring-billed Gull & a female Tufted Duck (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: 7 Purple Sandpipers at Ballinclamper (MC Sr).

WHITING BAY: Female or immature Hen Harrier at Whiting Bay (DK).

DUNGARVAN: Swallow at Abbeyside (FO'C).


Sunday, November 08, 2009

RAM HEAD: 8 Fin Whales (AM).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher on wall opposite Park Hotel (JAP, BS).

CLONEA: 2 Purple Sandpipers (").

KILMURRIN COVE: Female/immature Black Redstart (").

DUNGARVAN TOWN: Black Redstart (FO'C).


Monday, November 02, 2009

WHITING BAY: Black Redstart & female or immature Hen Harrier (Dervilla Keating).

ARDMORE: Juv Black Redstart, 2 Mediterranean Gulls & 2 Chiffchaffs, a.m. (SH).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Tree Sparrow, 2 Blackcaps (male + female) & 2 Chiffchaffs (PMW).

WATERFORD CITY: Swallow over King's Channel this morning (DMcG).

HELVICK HEAD: Totals now 5 fem/imm Black Redstarts & 2 Lesser Whitethroats (MC, CF).

BALLYVOONEY COVE: Great Skua & 2 f/imm Black Redstarts (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK-NECKED GREBE at Ballynagaul (JJC, BS, JAP, RA Wheeler).

BALLYQUIN to GLENCORRIN: 4 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults, 1st-winter & 2nd-winter), 2nd-w Iceland Gull, 2 Black Redstarts, Wheatear & Dipper (JJC, BS, JAP).

ARDMORE: Male Blackcap & 2 Swallows (").

RINCREW: 3 Otters (").

HELVICK HEAD: Juvenile RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (1st county record), 9 Swallows, 1 House Martin, Lesser Whitehroat, 2 female/imm Black Redstarts, 2 Tree Sparrows & 3 Chiffchaffs (MC, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male Ring Ouzel, Lesser Whitethroat (same bird since 23rd Oct), female / immature Black Redstart, Great Skua (flew east @ 16:45), Great Northern Diver (east overhead), 3 Blackcaps (2 males & a female), 5+ Redwings, 16 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 30+ Skylarks, 24 Golden Plover, 7 Lapwing, 3 Painted Ladies & a Red Admiral (AA, PMW).

BALLYQUIN (nr Ardmore ): 2 Black Redstarts (SH).

Friday, Oct 30 2009

ARDMORE: 1 Swallow (SH).

DUNHILL: 3-4 Water Rails calling in marsh this afternoon (JAP, JJC, BS).

DUNGARVAN: Swallow at Gold Coast (").

CLONEA: Wheatear & Purple Sandpiper (").

BONMAHON: Kingfisher (").

BALLINACOURTY: 4 Swallows & 1 House Martin @ Ballinard. (MC)

CLONEA: Swallow & 12 Fieldfares at Ballinclamper (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, Little Egret, 16 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, Snipe, 6 Swallows (flew E), c20 Skylarks, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (near main gardens), 4 Bullfinches, 8+ Tree Sparrows (later flew W, followed by another 10+ sparrow sp.), 11 Lesser Redpolls (10 ringed) & 4 Siskins (MAD,PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, Garden Warbler (apparently same bird since 12th Oct or earlier) & 4+ Chiffchaffs (PA, MAD, PMW); a Scarce Bordered Straw & a Vestal were the best of the migrant moths caught overnight.

DUNGARVAN: Whimbrel nr Ballynagaul (JAP, BS).

CLONEA STRAND: Black Redstart (DC), also 20 Fieldfares at Ballinclamper (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Yellow-browed Warbler & Lesser Whitethroat at back of main gardens (PA) , also 2 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Bullfinches & 2 Ravens (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 22 Golden Plover, Garden Warbler, male Blackcap, 18 Meadow Pipits, Bullfinch & 50 Linnets (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: 2 Great Northern Divers at Ballinclamper (DC).

BALLYVOYLE BRIDGE: 2 Dippers (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: Black Redstart, Swallow, 800+ Black-headed Gulls, 35 Ringed Plover & 20 Dunlin at Ballinclamper (DC).

LISMORE: Hoopoe in a private garden (per E. Dempsey).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Total of 555 Brent Geese, with very few juveniles (4 in a sample of 139 = 2.9%); also a Sandwich Tern off Saleen (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, Snipe, 2 Lapwing, Garden Warbler, female Blackcap, Goldcrest & 4 Lesser Redpolls (MAD, PMW).

HELVICK: Swallow, female Blackcap & 1 Chiffchaff. (MC) CLONEA: Up to 20 Swallows, 1 House Martin & 1 Chiffchaff @ Ballinard. (MC)

CLONEA: 1st winter Mediterranean Gull & 5 House Martins @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Common Sandpiper at Clohernagh (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Tree Sparrows at farm buildings near top of main lane, Common Sandpiper at Coolum cove, 11 Brent Geese west, Willow Warbler in Coolum valley, Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrests, 5 Siskins, 5 Bullfinches & 6 Lesser Redpolls (AA, MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Garden Warbler along the main lane (DC), 90+ Skylarks in stubble fields near Coolum valley, 1 Chiffchaff (PMW).

ARDMORE: Chiffchaff & 2 Goldcrests (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 850 Black-tailed Godwit opposite Park Hotel, 550 at Barnawee bridge (DC).

MINE HEAD: Chiffchaff (DC).

HELVICK HEAD: Whinchat (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, Tree Sparrow (ringed) & 3 Lesser Redpolls (PMW).

BRICKEY CANAL (nr Dungarvan): Water Rail (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: Very quiet at Ballinclamper - Whimbrel, 2 Little Egrets, 9 Sanderling, 12 Bar-tailed Godwits (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 male Long-tailed Ducks & 80 Ringed Plover off Saleen (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Common Sandpiper (Coolum Cove), 5 Lapwing, 25 Skylarks, 3 Swallows, 5 Redwings (1st of the autumn?), 4 Tree Sparrows, Garden Warbler, male Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Song Thrushes & 5 Bullfinches (MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 male Long-tailed Ducks & 480 Brent Geese visible from Saleen carpark @17:15 (half-tide), 21 Knot at Ballinattin, and 42 Little Egrets (including 31 at Ballinattin) (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Tree Sparrows, male Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 1 Siskin, 8 Lapwing, 6 Swallows & 25 Skylarks (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Tree Sparrow, 120 Swallows, 110 Skylarks, 70 Meadow Pipits, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 30 Lesser Redpolls (ringed), 4 Siskins, 15 Reed Buntings & 12 Red Admirals (DC, MAD, PMW).

SOUTH of WATERFORD CITY: Buzzard (Ken Brennan).

RINNESHARK / LISSELTY (nr Brownstown Hd): Wheatear, 26 Goldfinches & 110 Brent Geese (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Female Blackcap, 2 Tree Sparrows, 2 Lesser Redpolls, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 2 Snipe, Common Sandpiper, 30 Skylarks, 55 Swallows & a Migrant Hawker dragonfly (PA, MAD, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: RADDE'S WARBLER (2nd county record) & Yellow-browed Warbler along eastern road to high carpark (CF), Firecrest further out head (MC), also Willow Warbler, 5+ Chiffchaffs, 6 Mistle Thrushes, several Siskins, Sandwich Tern, good numbers of Swallows & 15+ Red Admirals.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Yellow-browed Warbler in Coolum valley (AA), also female Blackcap there & Common Sandpiper at Coolum Cove (PMW); Manx Shearwater west & 3 Snipe (MAD); 5 Chiffchaffs & 5 Lesser Redpolls.

BALLYVOONEY COVE: Whinchat (MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Pied Flycatcher in main garden, male Blackcap & 2
Tree Sparrows (AA, PMW).

BALLYVOONEY COVE: 1st winter male Redstart. (MC & MC Sr.)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 4 Common Scoters east, 2 Swallows west, Common Sandpiper (Coolum Cove at end of valley), 5 Lapwing north, female Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest & 5 Long-tailed Tits; a Scarce Bordered Straw caught in the moth-traps last night (MAD, PMW).

BRICKEY CANAL (nr Dungarvan): Green Sandpiper (DC).

WHITING BAY: 3 Wheatears & 4 Swallows (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 3 Curlew Sandpipers, over 200 Redshank & 8 Snipe at Ballinattin / Pickardstown creek (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, 2 Swallows (east), Goldcrest & 14 Red Admirals (MAD, PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper this evening (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 45 Little Egrets flying to roost @ 17:55 (MAD, PMW).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 2 Fieldfares (FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male Hen Harrier (hunting over stubble fields near Coolum valley), 2 Common Scoter (flew W), 60 Swallows (flew E), 150 Skylark (140 in stubble near valley), Golden Plover, 2 Lapwing, Tree Sparrow, Garden Warbler, male Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaffs (8 in valley), 3 Goldcrests, 6+ Song Thrushes, 6 Bullfinches, & 9 Lesser Redpolls (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Garden Warbler & 2 Chiffchaffs (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Fieldfares (1st of the autumn) (FO'C).

CLONEA STRAND: Curlew Sandpiper (DC) & 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 1st-winter, MC) at Ballinclamper (DC).

RATHMOYLAN COVE: Wheatear, 8+ Rock Pipits (MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Merlin hunting over saltmarsh west of spits, adult male Long-tailed Duck, 3 Gadwall & 2 Whimbrel just east of spits, also totals of 42 Little Egrets, 580 Brent Geese, 180 Mallard & 95 Wigeon visible from south spit, high tide, 17:45-19:00 (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 170+ Swallow (flying E or NE), Snipe, Spotted Flycatcher, male Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 3 Lesser Redpolls, a Siskin & 2 Migrant Hawker dragonflies (MAD, PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: White Wagtail, Wheatear & 2 Ravens (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Swallows, 35 Skylarks (flying W), 5 Bullfinches, 1 Siskin& 15+ Lesser Redpolls (14 ringed) (MAD,PMW).

WHITING BAY: Buzzard & Merlin (MC, CF).

RAM HEAD: Blackcap nr St Declan's Well (MC, CF).

ARDMORE: 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull with LBB Gulls at Curragh beach (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: 80+ Little Egrets at Killongford (JP, JJC, BS, PS); Whimbrel & 6 Wheatears at the Cunnigar (SH); 1350 Black-tailed Godwit, 165 Knot & 2 Stock Doves at Ballyneety (MC, CF,PMW).

BALLINARD: Merlin.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Goldcrest & 2 Chiffchaffs (MAD, PMW).

Friday, October 02, 2009

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper (MC).

WHITING BAY: Adult Mediterranean Gull, & Wheatear (SH).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Mediterranean Gull & a Wigeon at Ballinclamper (MC).

WHITING BAY: Merlin (MC).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 3 Wigeon (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 277 Brent Geese around channel north of the sandhills, including 5 young in a flock of 206 (2.4%) (DMcG).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Wheatear, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4-5 Goldcrests & 3 Bullfinches in a brief (half-hour) check this morning (CF).

BALLINACOURTY: 2 Black Guillemots & 3 Red-throated Divers from the pier. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: 1st-winter CITRINE WAGTAIL still showing very well near Abbeyside prom (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 1st-winter CITRINE WAGTAIL again present near Abbeyside prom (HH, JAP).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile / 1st-winter CITRINE WAGTAIL again in flooded field near Abbeyside prom (MC, DC et al.).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER still present (MC).

ARDMORE: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls with Belgian metal-rings (each with 4 digits read) (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Whimbrel at Clohernagh (JiP).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile / 1st-winter CITRINE WAGTAIL in flooded field near Abbeyside prom, just NE of Abbeyside church (MC et al) - 1st county record.

CLONEA STRAND: Adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER again at Ballinclamper (R.
McLaughlin et al), also a Whimbrel, 70+ Ringed Plover, 11 Sanderling.

HELVICK HEAD to ARDMORE: Seen from boat - 6 Great Skuas, Minke Whale, Basking Shark &, off Ardmore, Storm Petrel & 2 Puffins (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, male Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest (very scarce so far this autumn), 6 Song Thrushes (apparent small arrival), 10+ Lesser Redpolls 100+ Linnets & (mainly flying E) 30+ Swallows (AA, PMW).


Friday September 25, 2009

CLONEA STRAND: No sign of American Golden Plover this evening; Whimbrel at Ballinclamper, 90+ Ringed Plover south of Ballyvoyle, just 2 Manx Shearwaters feeding/resting offshore (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER at Ballinclamper, 12:40 (AA) & 17:50 (MC Sr).

CLONEA: 2 Balearic Shearwaters offshore with Manx Shearwater flock. ( MC & MC Sr. )

CLONEA STRAND: Adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER present again, 18:20 (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER at Ballinclamper (17:40), also a Whimbrel & 230 Turnstone there; 3 Balearic Shearwaters feeding with Manx Shearwaters offshore.

HELVICK HEAD: 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler & 1 Whitethroat (DC).

DUNGARVAN: 68 Brent Geese & 4 Wheatears at the Cunnigar (DC).

BALLYvoyle: 8 Chiffchaffs & 2 Blackcaps (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: 3 Balearic Shearwaters feeding offshore with 80+ Manx Shearwaters (18:30-19:00); Whimbrel & 120 Turnstones at Ballinclamper; 2 Whimbrel at Ballinard (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 12 Wheatears (again), 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Whitethroat, male Blackcap, 6+ Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Siskin, 2 Redpolls (PMW).

CLONEA: Adult American Golden Plover opposite hotel and juvenile Ruff at Ballinclamper. (MC & FO'C)

CLONEA: A moulting adult American Golden Plover was found this morning at Ballinclamper and continued to show well along the beach for the rest of the day. Also, 8 White Wagtails, 1 Balearic Shearwater offshore, 2 male Blackcaps and 1 juvenile Ruff. (MC,CF, DC, PA & MC Sr.) In evening, 5 Balearic Shearwaters feeding (with 360+ Manx), 12 White Wagtails. 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults & a 1st-winter) & 3 Whimbrel, Ballinclamper/Ballinard (MC, PMW). HELVICK: 1 Willow Warbler and good numbers of Chiffchaffs. (MC & CF)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 12 Wheatears, Spotted Flycatcher, 60+ Swallows (west), 3 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers & 8 Choughs (PMW).

CLONEA: 2 Balearic Shearwaters offshore with Manx Shearwater flock (MC & CF); 120 Sandwich Terns & 4 White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (DC). BALLINACOURTY: 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 adults & 1 1st W flyovers). (MC & CF)

DUNGARVAN: 78 Great Crested Grebes & 45 Brent Geese outside the Cunnigar, high tide (19:20) (PMW).

CLONEA: 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 2ndW & 1 1stW ) @ Ballinclamper. (MC) BALLINACOURTY: Yellow Wagtail with large Pied/White Wagtail flock on the Gold Coast golf course opposite sewage treatment plant late this evening. (MC & DC)

CLONEA STRAND: 140 Sandwich Terns & 4 White Wagtails at Ballinclamper, 280 Manx Shearwaters feeding offshore (PMW); later 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2nd-winter) (MC Sr).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroat, 7 Wheatears, 6 Chiffchaffs (one a "wee-oo, wee-oo" caller present since last weekend) & 4 Willow Warblers; also 40+ Swallows mainly heading east/ENE, 40+ Meadow Pipits, 25 day-flying Silver Y moths (PMW).

75 moths trapped at Brownstown Head last night (including 6 Silver Y) were marked with orange paint on left upper wingtip, as part of a marking experiment at British & Irish coastal sites in the week leading up to National Moth Nights (Friday 18th & Sat 19th September). Details at:
http://www.nationalmothnight.info/events/colour_marking.php

CLONEA: 1 Balearic Shearwater & 1 Great Skua associating with Manx Shearwater feeding flock offshore. 15 Teal & 2 White Wagtails on the shore @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers & a Wheatear; also 70 Silver Y moths (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 10 Brent Gese at the Cunnigar (FO'C).

WHITING BAY: 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull (CF, MC).

Nr DUNGARVAN: Buzzard (MC Sr).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Great Crested Grebes & 3 Red-breasted Mergansers (JJC, JAP, BS).

BALLYQUIN (nr Ardmore): Kingfisher & 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull (JJC JAP BS).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Buzzard (JJC JAP BS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: single Spotted Flycatcher, Sedge Warbler, Wheatear, Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs; also 57 Painted Ladies, 11 Red Admirals & 615 day-flying Silver Ys (MAD, PMW).

BELLE LAKE: 19 Sedge Warblers & 6 Chiffchaffs ringed, Water Rail heard (PMW).

ARDMORE: Adult Mediterranean Gull. (MC & CF) BALLYMACART: Male & female Blackcap. (MC & CF)

WHITING BAY: 2 1st-winter Mediterranean Gulls & 4 Sanderling, also
c50 Manx Shearwaters on sea just offshore (MAD, PMW).

Nr DUNGARVAN: Buzzard (JAP).

CLONEA: 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 1 adult Roseate Tern and many White Wagtails. (MC)

TRAMORE SANDHILLS: Short-eared Owl (Tony Bryant).

East of MINE HEAD: Grey Phalarope, Arctic Skua, 69 Manx Shearwaters & 20 Storm Petrels (DC).

DUNGARVAN: 6 adult Roseate Terns & 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper @ The Cunnigar. (MC) BALLYVOYLE: Spotted Flycatcher (DC).

CLONEA: 4 Mediterranean Gulls (adult, 2nd w and 2 1st w's), 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers and adult & juvenile Roseate Tern at high tide roost. Other Roseates feeding off shore and numerous White Wagtails along the beach this evening. (MC)

HELVICK HEAD: 1 juv SABINE'S GULL, 2 Balearic & 26 Sooty Shearwaters, 1 juv Little Gull, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Bonxies & 49 Roseate Terns (seawatch 6-8 pm, CF).

CLONEA: Juvenile Little Gull, 5 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults, 1 2nd w & 2 1st W) & 1 juvenile Arctic Tern late this evening @ Ballinclamper. (MC & DC)

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Sooty Shearwaters in feeding flock of 200+ Manx Shearwaters, 1 Storm Petrel west & 2 Roseate Terns (adult feeding juvenile) (seawatch 15:40-18:10, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 175 Manx Sheawaters west (1 hr seawatch 09:10-10:10) (PMW).

NEWPORT EAST: 20+ Stock Doves & 1 Whimbrel (JAP, BS).

CLONEA: Juvenile Little Gull, 3 White Wagtails, 3 juvenile Arctic Terns, adult Roseate Tern @ Ballinclamper. (MC & CF) DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Ruff @ Ballyneety & 2 White Wagtails @ The Cunnigar. (MC & CF) ARDMORE: 5 Mediterranean Gulls ( 3 adults, 1 juvenile & 1 2nd winter). (MC & CF) CLONEA: 10 Roseate Terns (8 adults & 2 juveniles) & 2 juvenile Arctic Terns @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Sooty Shearwater west, Common Scoter east (seawatch 11:60-12:50) (PMW).

BELLE LAKE: Water Rail heard, only 4 Sedge Warblers ringed.

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Mediterranean Gull & 15 White Wagtails at
Ballinclamper (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 3 White Wagtails & 4 Wheatears at the Cunnigar.

HELVICK HEAD: 130 Great Black-backed Gulls.

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull & 9 Brent Geese at The Cunnigar. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Ruff at Ballyneety (DC).

CLONEA: 4 juvenile Arctic Terns @ Ballinclamper. (MC, MC Sr.)

CLONEA: 3 White Wagtails @ Ballinclamper(MC); also 78 Ringed Plover & a Whimbrel (PMW).

BALLYNACOURTY POINT: 9 Arctic Skuas (DC).

ARDMORE: 1 juvenile Arctic Tern & 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults and 1 juvenile) on the beach. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Single Great Skua, Arctic Skua & Common Scoter W, 905 Manx Shearwaters W (15E), 115 Fulmars W, 65 Sandwich & 14 Commic Terns W (seawatch 07:50-10:20, wind f.4-5 SW) (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Balearic Shearwaters with feeding flock of 200+ Manx Shearwaters close inshore (08:30) (PMW).

CLONEA: Arctic Skua offshore & 3 White Wagtails @ Ballinclamper this evening. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 650 Manx Shearwaters west in 1 hr (seawatch 18:45-19:45, wind f. 5 WSW-SW), also 80+ Guillemots feeding close inshore including fledglings still being fed by parents (MAD, PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: 5 early Brent Geese (DC).

DUNGARVAN: Ruff and (well inshore) Fulmar at Ballyneety (DC).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper @ The Cunnigar. Adult Mediterranean Gull, Green Sandpiper & juvenile Ruff @ Ballyneety. (MC & CF)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 850 Manx Shearwaters west in half-hour seawatch (13:10-13:40) (MAD, PMW).

BELLE LAKE: 28 Sedge Warblers ringed, 2 Water Rails heard (AA, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Barnawee Bridge. (MC)

DUNGARVAN TOWN: A Mink seen walking down main street around lunchtime (JAP).

HELVICK HEAD: A seawatch 06:50-08:20 noted westward passage of an adult SABINES GULL, 3 Sooty Shearwaters, an unidentified petrel species, 2 Arctic Skuas, juvenile Pomarine Skua , 2 Great Skuas, juv Little Gull, 2 Puffins, Common Scoter, 9000+ Manx Shearwaters (plus c500 on sea), c450 Gannets, c900 Fulmars, c1500 Sandwich Terns & c700 'Commic' Terns. A further Arctic Skua & 2 Great Skuas later in morning.


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Pomarine Skua off Ballinclamper tonight (CF, MC, MC Sr).

ARDMORE HARBOUR: 4 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults, 2 juveniles) - one juv had a green ring, midday today (SH).

MINE HEAD: Estimated 1500 Manx Shearwaters feeding off the head, 7.30 pm (SH).

HELVICK HEAD: 485 Manx Shearwaters W (5 E) in 1 hr (seawatch 18:55-19:55) (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Seawatch totals (3 hrs 08:55-12:55): 3 Sooty Shearwaters W, 6400 Manx Shearwaters W (75 E), 1 Great Skua E, 1 Arctic or Pomarine Skua W, 3 Common Scoters E & 4 W (PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 3 Puffins, 1 Bonxie west (seawatch 09:15-09:45) (MC).

HELVICK: 3 Storm Petrels west (Seawatch 17:55-18:30). (MC) CLONEA: 7 Roseate Terns (1 Adult at roost & group of 6 later flying west), Adult Mediterranean Gull & 2 Storm Petrels offshore. (MC & MC Sr.)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Great Skua & 2 Storm Petrels east (seawatch 19:20-20:05, wind 5 S-SSE); also 2 Whimbrel (PMW).

CUNNIGAR: 3 Green Sandpipers & 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper. (MC & CF) CLONEA: 40+ Common Terns @ Ballinclamper. (MC & CF) DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper @ Ballyneety. (MC & CF)

BELLE LAKE: 2 juv Reed Warblers & 24 Sedge Warblers ringed this
morning, Water Rail calling (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 90-100 Ringed Plover, 2 Knot, 9 Grey Plover & over 100 Dunlin at the Cunnigar (7 pm on, high tide) (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: 66 Sandwich Terns at Ballinclamper (DC).

HELVICK HEAD: 310 Manx Shearwaters west (65 east) in 1-hr seawatch (18:15-19:15) (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull & 11 Great Crested Grebes off the Cunnigar, 17:50 (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Wood Sandpiper, juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, juv Mediterranean Gull & 2 juv Arctic Terns at the Cunnigar (MC).

CLONEA: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (Adult & Juvenile) @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Ruff, 6 Knot, 140 Dunlin, 9 Sanderling, 50 Ringed Plover, 120+ Bar-tailed Godwits, c190 Lesser Black-backed Gulls & 200+ Black-headed Gulls at the Cunnigar, 7.30 pm (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: Mediterranean Gull, 5 Little Egrets & 42 Sandwich Terns at Ballinclamper (DC).

HELVICK: 2 Storm Petrels & 1 Great Skua. (MC)

BELLE LAKE: 3 juvenile Reed Warblers, 14 Sedge Warblers & a Blackcap ringed this morning (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: 37 Ringed Plover at Ballinclamper including a colour-ringed juvenile (yellow above, red below right 'knee'; white above & below left) (MAD, PMW).

BALLINARD: 2 Wheatears; also an Otter feeding here for the last week (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Saleen. (MC)

CLONEA: Juvenile Arctic Tern at Ballinclamper. (MC)

COLLIGAN WOOD: Minimum of 13 Purple Hairstreaks (6-8 pm), also 4 Silver-washed Fritillaries on Buddleia (JAP, BS).

DUNGARVAN TOWN: Migrant Hawker (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Juvenile Mediterranean Gull west at Ballinclamper (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Single Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler (PMW).

BELLE LAKE: Water Rail calling, only 3 Sedge Warblers ringed (PMW).

CLONEA: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Ballinclamper. (White darvic ring but not read). (MC & CF)

DUNGARVAN: Mediterranean Gull at the Cunnigar, also dozens of Cinnabar Moths & their larvae on ragwort (June Hayes).

BELLE LAKE: Adult Reed Warbler & 12 Sedge Warblers ringed (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl near Dungarvan tonight. (MC)

CLONEA: Adult, juvenile Mediterranean Gulls and 11 Common Sandpipers @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

Nr CLASHMORE: 2 Long-eared Owls (AM).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper (MC Sr).

WATERFORD BREEDING BIRD ATLAS update:

Total known coverage during April-July 2006-2009 is mapped below. Of the c540 2-km tetrads in the county, at least 70% have now had 2 or more hours of timed coverage (red dots), the minimum target for each 'full' tetrad. In total, records have been collected / submitted from at least 490 tetrads (91%). Click here for further details.

DUNGARVAN: A Great Skua flew west over the town @ 7.30 pm, seen from Cunnigar tip (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Hen Harriers (Paddy Dwan).

WATERFORD CITY: Comma butterfly (apparently first for Co Waterford) & Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Collins Avenue (Tadhg O'Carroll per Michael O'Meara).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: OSPREY at Saleen this morning (Peter Fitzgerald); last confirmed c3 pm, fishing in main channel at low tide.

HELVICK HEAD seawatches: Balearic Shearwater & Sooty Shearwater west (19:45-20:30) (CF, MC). 30+ Storm Petrels, 1 Great Skua, 1 Common Tern & 3 Puffins west (18:15-19:45) (MC). Balearic Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 235 Manx Shearwaters, 10+ Storm Petrels, 1 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Puffins & 12+ Common Scoters west (17:00-18:00) (MAD, PMW)

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Killongford. (MC & CF)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas west & 60 Manx Shearwaters
west (25 Manx east) (seawatch 10:05-11:10, wind f.3-5 SW) (PMW).

BELLE LAKE: Juvenile Reed Warbler ringed (PMW); also 1 Blackcap, 4 Sedge Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Redpoll & 2 Wrens ringed.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Storm Petrels tape-lured & ringed last night (23:15 & 00:30), also a pipistrelle bat species accidentally caught (Adrian Allen, Mary Duggan, PMW).

CLONEA: 1st Summer Mediterranean Gull @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

HELVICK: 2 Great Skuas, 3 Arctic Terns, approx. 25 Puffins & approx 12 Storm Petrels west. (Seawatch 17:30-19:30) (MC & CF).

RAM HEAD: 100 Manx Shearwaters west (seawatch 15:00-15:30) (SH).

HELVICK HEAD: Arctic Skua, Storm Petrel & Black Guillemot west (seawatch 19:15-19:40) (MC).

BALLYMACARBRY: Dipper at Ballymacarbry Bridge, flock of 35+ Mistle Thrushes a half-km west of village (PMW).

ARDMORE: 2 Mediterranean Gulls at Curragh beach this evening (Sean Hogan).

HELVICK HEAD: 2 1st-summer SABINE'S GULLS, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 5 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 4 Storm Petrels & 2 Black Guillemots west (seawatch 18:56-20:30) (MC & CF).

WATERFORD CITY: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (same 1st-summer & a 2nd-winter) near King's Channel, below Blenheim Heights) (PA).

HELVICK: 1 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Storm Petrels & 4 Puffins flew west. (Seawatch 19.05-20.05). (MC)

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Pomarine Skuas (2 adult & a 2nd-summer), 1 Common Scoter & 1+ Arctic Tern west (seawatch 17:40-18:40) (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Ballyneety. (MC)

WATERFORD CITY: 3 Mediterranean Gulls (juvenile, 1st-summer & adult winter) just off King's Channel, below Blenheim Heights (Paul Archer).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Common Sandpiper on main boreen; 390 Manx Shearwaters west (190 east) in a 1-hr seawatch (08:15-09:15) (PMW).

RAM HEAD: 98 chicks (most large & a few flying) at Kittiwake study plots - not as poor as some years; also 24 Silver Y, 2 Rush Veneer & 2 Painted Ladies along clifftops (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull and a Wheatear at The Cunnigar. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Barnawee. (MC)

CLONEA: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

CLONEA: Arctic Skua & 3 Common Sandpipers @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

HELVICK: 1 Great Skua, 4 Storm Petrels & 1 Black Guillemot west. (Seawatch 19.10-20.10) (MC)

CLONEA: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Ballinclamper (3H97 & unringed bird). (MC & MC Sr.)

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: Adult Great Crested Grebe on main lake (PMW).

RAM HEAD: 500+ Manx Sheawaters, 4 Porpoise; 52 Common Scoter in 3 groups headed towards Youghal Bay (AM).

CARROWGARRIFF: Spotted Flycatcher.

LISROE: Singing Grasshopper Warbler.   (BL)

CLONEA: White ringed 3H97, green ringed 3AV8 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, adult Arctic Tern and 1st summer Common Tern @ Ballinclamper later this evening. (MC)

CLONEA: Black-headed Gull (yellow ring 238B), adult (green ring 3AV8) Mediterranean Gull and 1st summer Mediterranean Gull @ Ballinclamper. (MC) DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Barnawee Bridge. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Water Rail @ Killongford and 3 Common Sandpipers at Ballyneety. (MC & CF) CLONEA: Adult Mediterranean Gull (white ring 3H97), 1st Summer Mediterranean Gull and yellow ringed 238B Black-headed Gull (originally reported as 2388 & 238S). (MC & CF)

CLONEA STRAND: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Ballinclamper (MC Sr).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull ( white ring on right leg; probably 3H97) & 2 Common Sandpipers @ Ballyneety. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: 11 Common Sandpipers between Park Hotel & Ballyneety Bridge (DC).

CURRAGHMORE ESTATE (nr Portlaw): Jay & 2 separate Spotted Flycatchers, also 6 singing Blackcaps (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull, yellow ringed 238S Black-headed Gull & 2 Common Sandpipers at Barnawee Bridge. (MC) CLONEA: 4 Common Sandpipers at Ballinclamper. (MC)

CLONDONNELL FOREST (nr Rathgormuck): Woodcock roding @ 21:50 &. 22:40 (PMW).

MOUNT MELLERAY: Jay in tetrad S00W (PMW).

KNOCKAUN: 2 Jays during Bird Atlas T.T.V.(BL)

GLEN BRIDGE (nr Kilsheelan): 3 Jays & a Spotted Flycatcher; also a Spotted Flycatcher nr Glen Poer retreat house (PMW).

NORTH COMERAGHS: Buzzard, male Hen Harrier & Jay (PMW).

CURRAGHTAGGART LAKE (nr Clonea Power): 3 Emperor dragonflies (2 males & ovipositing female) (PMW).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: Adult Whooper / Mute Swan hybrid (PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: 425 Manx Shearwaters W (45 E), a Storm Petrel W & an Arctic Skua chasing Kittiwakes offshore (seawatch 21:00-21:30, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (1st-summer & 2nd-summer) at Ballyneety (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Arctic Skua west & Common Sandpiper at Ballinclamper this evening (MC).

BALLYNEETY: Adult Mediterranean Gull ( White darvic ring-probably Danish bird ) and 2 Common Sandpipers. (MC) BARNAWEE BRIDGE: Adult Mediterranean Gull (MC)

DUNGARVAN: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2nd-summer) at Barnawee (MC Sr).

DUNGARVAN: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Ballyneety bridge, both ringed birds - 3h97 white ring right leg (Danish-ringed as seen at ballinclamper 30/6), 3AV8 green ring right leg; also 2 Common Sandpipers there (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: 3 Mediterranean Gulls (1st-summer, 2nd-summer & ringed adult) at Ballinclamper; adult had ring number 3H97, Danish-ringed, previously seen at Ballinclamper 1st Sept 2007 (MC Sr).

Nr KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: 3 Woodcock roding, Grasshopper Warbler singing & a pair of Spotted Flycatchers in Boggaghbaun / Boggaghduff area, 21:55-23:00 (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: Sooty Shearwater (first of year), 4000 Manx Shearwaters (a lot of which flew west), 4 Minke Whales & a Porpoise (AM).

Nr KILMACTHOMAS: Buzzard & Spotted Flycatcher (PMW).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: 2 pairs of Mute Swans, with broods of 6 & 4 cygnets (Jim Power).

DUNABRATTIN HEAD (west of Boatstrand): 2500+ Manx Shearwaters & 70+ Gannets on sea or feeding within a mile offshore @ 08:00 (PMW).

TANKARDSTOWN / KNOCKMAHON (east of Bunmahon): 650+ Manx Shearwaters on sea @ 08:40 (PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling @ 00:15 (PMW).

KILCLOONEY FOREST: Woodcock roding, 22:18 (PMW).

Nr LEMYBRIEN: Spotted Flycatcher at Ballylinch (PMW).

Nr KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Cuckoo & Spotted Flycatcher in tetrad S00N, below Knockmealdown (DMcG).

CLONEA STRAND: 4 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 Adults including green darvic ringed bird, 1 1st Summer & 1 2nd Summer ). (MC)

CLONEA STRAND: @ Ballinclamper: 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 1st Summer and one Adult). Adult bird had green darvic ring but code not read. Arctic Skua chasing Kittiwakes offshore also. Noticeable arrival of Black-headed Gulls this evening including some juvenile birds. (MC)

NIER VALLEY: Jay & Spotted Flycatcher at Knockalisheen Bridge (DMcG).

BOHADOON MOUNTAIN (nr Crohaun): Woodcock (MC).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling @ 22:20 (DMcG).

CLONEA POWER (nr Rathgormuck): Spotted Flycatcher (DMcG).

Off BALLYVOYLE: c2000 Manx Shearwaters & 5 Minke Whales, 2 miles offshore (DCl).

CROHAUN: 2 Woodcock seen & 2-3 Snipe heard, 22:25-22:55 (MC).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE (apparently 2 males) calling tonight (Noel Rockett).

CLONEA STRAND: 1st Summer Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper. (MC)

HELVICK HEAD: 4 Minke Whales (AM).

BALLYMACMAGUE area (nr Ballylemon): Water Rail & 5+ Sedge Warblers (BL).

Nr BALLINLOUGH: Male Emperor dragonfly & a brood of Moorhen chicks on pond at north side of Ballinlough Cross Roads @ S440330 (PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling again this morning (BL).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling c22:00 (Brian Lynch).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Tree Sparrow at old farm buildings at top if boreen; 50+ Manx Shearwaters feeding or circling offshore (PMW).

Nr KILROSSANTY: Pine Marten seen well, along track same in same forest, 09:45 (PMW).

Nr KILROSSANTY: 4 Crossbills in spruce/fir forest @ S317026, 09:30; later 5 (3 males & 2 females) at Briska Wood, further north (PMW).

TOURIG RIVER: 3 CATTLE EGRETS on Co Waterford side (John Power, Bernie Sheridan).

Yesterday:
MOUNT STEWART: 20 Painted Ladies & 3 Wood Whites (JP).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling @ 22:55 (PMW).

Nr LiSMORE: Male Hen Harrier (AM).

Tuesday, June 16 2009

FINISK RIVER: Kingfisher (DCl).

RAM HEAD: Sunfish (quite small individual), breached twice (AM).

DUNMORE EAST & PORTALLY: Early June total of 679 apparently occupied Kittiwakes nests at the 4 main east Waterford colonies (3 at Dunmore East), a 44% increase from last year (DMcG).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling @ 23:00 (DMcG).

SE COMERAGHS: 5 Wheatears (4 apparent territories) on Davmore (PMW).

Nr KILROSSANTY: Spotted Flycatcher near Aughatriscar Bridge (PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling again last night from same (new) field as previous two nights.

ANNESTOWN BOG: Water Rail calling & 3 Sedge Warblers singing, 22:40 23:40 (PMW).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Common Buzzards. KNOCKANORE: 1 Yellowhammer & 2 Spotted Flycatchers. BALLINVELLA: 4 Yellowhammers (MC & CF)

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Pair of Tufted Duck on the backwater but no ducklings seen; breeding was (last?) confirmed here in the 1970s (PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling @ 23:45 last night from same (new) field as 11/6 (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: 1st-summer Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper (found by D Clarke). (MC)

NEWPORT REEDBED: Water Rail calling, Moorhen & Stock Dove (PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: Male CORNCRAKE calling @ 22:40 but from a different field (DMcG).

CLONEA STRAND: Colour-ringed Black-head Gull - yellow ring right leg "2388", metal ring left leg (MC sr).

NEWPORT: Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Yellowhammers along road between Newport and Knockanore. (MC)

RAM HEAD: 2 Basking Sharks; also an as-yet unidentified largeish raptor species flew in over sea into Ardmore Bay (AM).

Near WOODSTOWN: Buzzard (DMcG).

HELVICK HEAD: Minke Whale & 7 Basking Sharks (AM).

DRUM HILLS: In Garrynagree / Scordaun area, male Cuckoo calling nr Scordaun, and totals of 10 Whitethroats (8 singing), 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Blackcap & 7 Chiffchaffs singing, 18 Willow Warblers (16 singing), & 62 Painted Ladies (PMW).

RAM HEAD: Total of 169 apparently occupied Kittiwake nests in annually-monitored study plots covering most of the colony - a substantial (47%) increase compared with 115 nests in the same plots last year (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 35 Little Egret nests at colony (Pat Smiddy).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: 33 Little Egret nests at main colony (PS).

DUNGARVAN BAY: 9 Great Crested Grebes & 1 Red-breasted Merganser off White Strand. (MC)

NEXT BREEDING SPECIES FOR CO WATERFORD?


Nearest breeding Cettis' Warblers in SW Wales are only 150 km (90 miles) from east Waterford (today's 'bird of the day' map from Bird Atlas 2007-2011 website). Species is spreading in England & Wales, and two Irish records (east Cork and Wicklow) in spring since 2001.

Other possibilities that might beat Cetti's: Cattle Egret (recorded in Co Waterford as late as June this year for the first time) or Great Spotted Woodpecker (reported in Co Kilkenny this year, and confirmed breeding in Wicklow and elsewhere on east coast).

HELVICK: At least 4 Bottlenose Dolphins off the pier this evening. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND: 2nd-summer Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper (Mick Cowming Sr; photo (c) Micheal Cowming).

EAST WATERFORD: CORNCRAKE calling again in early afternoon (Jim Power).

Nr KILSHEELAN (R.Suir): Upriver from Kilsheelan bridge: a Kingfisher at Gurteen Lower, on Co Waterford bank; recently fledged Blackcap and good scatter of both Banded & Beautiful Demoiselles (damselflies) along Co Tipperary bank (PMW).

TIBBERAGHNY / TINHALLA area (R. Suir): Kingfisher & 4 Little Egrets at Tibberaghny (Co Kilkenny), Spotted Flycatcher nr Tinhalla (Co Waterford), also 6 Blackcaps & a Sedge Warbler singing (PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: Male CORNCRAKE calling, early evening (Jim Power).

TOURIG ESTUARY: 4 CATTLE EGRETS feeding on Waterford side of river (MC). . NEWPORT: Male Yellowhammer. (MC)

KILCLOONEY (east Comeragh foothills): Dipper nr Kilclooney Bridge; 5 Blackcaps singing, 6 Whitethroats (3 singing), 20 Willow Warblers (16 singing) & 7 Chiffchaffs (6 singing) around forest, also 5 Painted Ladies (PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: Male CORNCRAKE still calling last night (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: STRIPED HAWK-MOTH (new individual) caught in moth-trap last night (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Seawatch 20:45 - 21:15 (wind f.1-2 S) produced 1 Great Skua E, 136 Manx Shearwaters E (23 W) & 80 Gannets circling / foraging (PMW).

DRUM HILLS: Male Cuckoo calling SW of Pulla Cross Roads (PMW).

Nr DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl tonight (MC).

MINE HEAD: 20 Common Dolphins, 2 Porpoises & 7 Basking Sharks (AM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 10 Painted Ladies, 2 Red Admirals & 10 Silver Ys (MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: A late Whimbrel at Ballinattin, 135 Oystercatchers feeding east of the spits (PMW).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Spotted Flycatcher (AM).

EAST WATERFORD: 1 CORNCRAKE calling briefly this morning in same area, then again after 10 pm (Paul Archer, JJ Cahill).

EAST WATERFORD: 2 male CORNCRAKES calling tonight from adjacent silage fields at a confidential site (MC, CF, MAD, PMW). 1 male calling here for almost a week, 2 birds (possibly a pair) seen c3 nights ago (Noel Rockett).

CASTLETOWN FEN: 2 Grasshopper Warblers singing, & a Cuckoo calling (MC,CF).

RAM HEAD: Pomarine Skua, 3-400 Manx Shearwaters, 20 Common Dolphins & a Basking Shark (AM).

Near POULDREW (R. Suir): Reed Warbler singing on Waterford bank, same place as in early May = 'Territory' (probable breeding) for Atlas (PMW).

FIDDOWN (R. Suir): 3 singing Reed Warblers - 1 on Waterford bank, 1 on W tip of Fiddown island (Co Kilkenny) & 1 on Kilkenny bank; also 8 Blackcaps, 4 Sedge Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs & 4 Willow Warblers, all singing (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 3 STRIPED HAWK-MOTHS caught last night (PMW).

RAM HEAD: 50+ Common Dolphins, 3 Porpoises & a breaching Basking Shark (A. Malcolm).

Nr CROHAUN: 3 or 4 Grasshopper Warblers singing this evening (MC).

PORTLAW/CURRAGHMORE AREA: Dipper at Portlaw Bridge, Jay near Lowry Bridge, 6 singing Blackcaps, 90 Painted Ladies & a Silver Y (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 25 Painted Ladies, 83 Silver Y & a Rush Veneer, mostly along clifftops. 2 Silver Y & a Rush Veneer trapped last night (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD (update): Totals for migrant Lepidoptera now 138 Painted Ladies, 81 Silver Ys & 7 Red Admirals, the first two mostly feeding/resting along clifftops. A Chiffchaff was the only apparent bird migrant (MAD, PMW).

Nr MAHON BRIDGE: Major passage of Painted Ladies heading NNW especially since 12:00: sample count 375 NNW in 15 mins 12:35-12:50 (1500/hr!) over a c250 m wide silage field. Passage apparently less dense across a wider front, with several other sample counts suggesting up to 250-300/hr across 100-200-m bands but less than this at times or from some vantage points. Including incidental observations throughout tetrads S30 G, H, L & M, minimum total 785 Painted Ladies counted in Lemybrien / Mahon Bridge area today (08:30-14:15). 4 migrant Silver Y moths also recorded, & a Spotted Flycatcher SE of Mahon Bridge (PMW).

LEMYBRIEN to TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: A further 30 Painted Ladies flying N or NW across road, 14:30-15:10 (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: A Silver Y caught in moth-traps last night (PMW).

Nr LEMYBRIEN: 2 Spotted Flycatchers & 50 Painted Ladies, mostly feeding/resting, Ballylinch area (tetrad S30L) (PMW).

Ballyvoyle: Painted Lady (MC)

Nr WATERFORD CITY: 10 Painted Ladies (Liam Lysaght).

TRAMORE: 11 Painted Ladies (Tony Bryant).

YOUGHAL-to-WATERFORD main road: 11 Painted Ladies flying W or NW, this evening - part of delayed arrival after huge influx of PLs to Britain last weekend (PMW).

NIER VALLEY: Dipper near Knockaunbrandaun & Jay north of Graignagower (DMcG).

ATLANTIC CHARTS (c) Met Eireann: Looking good for migrants (insects at least...)


CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Spotted Flycatcher (Andrew Malcolm).

DRUM HILLS: Totals of singing warblers in & around young forestry, Garrynagree / Scordaun area (tetrads X28I & N mainly): 4 Sedge Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 20 Willow Warblers & 9 Chiffchaffs, 09:45-13:15 (PMW).

WATERFORD BREEDING BIRD ATLAS update: Known coverage since 1st April this year is mapped below by 2-km tetrad - 1+ hr coverage x71 tetrads (13%, largest dots), all records x 169+ tetrads (31% of county total). This includes localities for all records submitted here or to main website. Click here for further details & larger map, also species maps from previous years.



Monday May 25, 2009

NIER VALLEY / COMERAGHS: Spotted Flycatcher near Knockalisheen, Cuckoo near Moanyarha (DMcG).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Red Grouse & Cuckoo, Ballysaggart area (John Power & Bernie Sheridan).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Some lingering or late passage waders still about - 15 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew & 90+ Oystercatcher at Ballinattin & spits, 4 Redshank at Clohernagh (PMW).

DUNHILL CASTLE: Spotted Flycatcher (Declan McGrath).

CARRIGCAUM FOREST (SE of Kilsheelan): 3 Jays, a Spotted Flycatcher & 7 singing Whitethroats (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 1 Red-throated Diver W, 740 Manx Shearwaters W (47 E) & 164 Gannets W (21 E) in a 1-hr evening seawatch (20:10-21:10, wind f.3 W); 2 Swifts W over the head @ 21:30. Migrant insects - a Painted Lady on clifftop today, while 2 Dark Sword-grass & a Diamond-back Moth trapped tonight were the first migrant moths here this spring (PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Choughs at Lisselan (new racecourse), also 3 Swifts & 20+ House Martins feeding low over the lake there (PMW).