DUNGARVAN: Male Velvet Scoter & Slavonian Grebe off Ballynacourty pier @ 15:40 (JAP, BS).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Adult Ring-billed Gull (").

STRADBALLY: Dipper (").

BALLYVOYLE: 10+ Great Northern Divers, 8+ Red-throated Divers & a Dipper (").

BOATSTRAND: 4 Common Scoters flew east (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 45 Gadwall (including 8 at Lisselan); 2 Greylag Geese, 4 White-fronted Geese, 5 Pochard, 18 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler & 4 Coot at Lisselan (MC).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Adult Mediterranean Gull (").

DUNMORE EAST: 3 Purple Sandpipers (JAP, BS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose, 5 White-fronted Geese, also Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, at new racecourse area, Lisselan (").

DUNGARVAN: Female Tufted Duck in park opposite McDonalds (present all year), female Blackcap on feeder at Abbeyside (EB).

TRAMORE: Adult Ring-billed Gull (Mark Roper per www.irishbirding.com).

WATERFORD CITY: Siskin on bird feeder at King's Channel (DMcG).

LOWRY BRIDGE: Red Squirrel (").

DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe & 2 BLACK-NECKED GREBES off Ballynacourty pier (MC, DW).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 13 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall (2 male), 2 male Pintail, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Coot & 13 Whooper Swans (MC).

COOLFIN: 17 Whooper Swans, 7 Greylag Geese, 52 Cormorants & a Chiffchaff (PMW).

ANNESTOWN: Male Shoveler, 36 Teal & a Great Crested Grebe on river, 45 Skylarks on stubble fields (").

BUTLERSTOWN: Long-eared Owl (Paul O'Donoghue).

TRAMORE: Black Redstart at west end of beach (Barry Howell per irishbirding.com).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK BRANT & 5 Shoveler (3 female, 2 male) off pitch & putt (MC, CF).

COLLIGAN WOOD: Jay (PMW).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 2 drake Pintail, 9 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall & a Kingfisher (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Male & 2 female Blackcaps at Strandside, Abbeyside, Blackcap & 14 Siskins at Springmount (DC); Waxwing at Ballynacourty (Sharon Hogan); dark-bellied Brent Goose at Quann's, male & female Shoveler in Western Bay (MC); Pintail off pitch & putt (Patrick Veale).

RINCREW: Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Tourig estuary, roosting Cork side, flew inland Waterford side (MC).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: c280 Whooper Swans; Coot & 2 male Tufted Duck at Ballyneroon (MC).

BUNMAHON: 55 Teal & 20 Wigeon (high counts for River Mahon), a Coot (site first?) and 3 Bar-tailed Godwits (locally scarce) (DW).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 3 Pintail (2 male + 1 female), 3 Gadwall & 8 Shoveler; lakes partly frozen (CF).

DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe with 2 BLACK-NECKED GREBES off Ballynacourty pier (CF, Sharon Hogan, MC).

WATERFORD CITY: Male Blackcap in garden at Collins Avenue; also from Christmas Eve onwards, 1-3 Redwings in garden & larger numbers on open areas of estate (TO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 2 BLACK-NECKED GREBES off Ballynacourty pier, 2 male Tufted Duck & 3 Goldeneye at Ballyneety (JAP, BS).

STRADBALLY: 2 Dippers & a Mink (").

DUNGARVAN: 2 BLACK-NECKED GREBES off Ballynacourty pier - distant & very choppy (MC). Male & female Blackcap at feeder, Abbeyside, for the last 3 weeks (JH).

TRAMORE: Blackcap in garden again (Anne Phelan).



Saturday, December 25, 2010

DUNGARVAN: Grey Plover in garden at Seapark, Abbeyside (BS); Redwing in garden at Abbeyside (June Hayes).

Nr BALLYDWAN COVE: Bar-tailed Godwit feeding with Snipe in garden just above the turning to the cove (George Munday).

TRAMORE: Blackcap, several Long-tailed Tits and a Mistle Thrush among other species in garden over the last week (Anne Phelan).

DUNGARVAN: Coot & male Tufted Duck at Ballyneety, 6 Shoveler (5 male 1 female) at Quann's (MC); female Tufted Duck across from Lidyl, also yesterday (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Blackcaps (2 males & a female), town centre (FO'C).

Thursday, December 23, 2010

DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart at Country Life store car-park, Park Hotel roundabout (MC); 2 BLACK-NECKED GREBES off Ballynacourty (MC Sr); Coot at Dungarvan quay (EB).

WATERFORD CITY: Male Blackcap at nut feeder, King's Channel (DMCG).

WATERFORD CITY: 3 Blackcaps (2 males & a female) & a Redwing in garden (1st Redwing of the winter here) at Francis Street (DS).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 7 Gadwall & 8 Shoveler amongst small numbers of commoner duck; both lakes frozen except for small area on each lake (CF).

DUNGARVAN: Male & female Blackcap in town-centre (FO'C).

Nr BUNMAHON: 20 Yellowhammers & a Merlin at Seafield (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Female Blackcap in garden in Southways, Abbeyside (EB).

DUNGARVAN: 3 BLACK-NECKED GREBES & female Eider off Ballynacourty pier (CF).

Nr CARRICK-ON-SUIR: 6 female or immature Goosanders just upriver (Fons Jaspers).

DUNGARVAN: Water Rail, Sparrowhawk & 9 Redpolls behind Nissan garage at Springfield (DC).

DUNGARVAN: Male Blackcap at Southways, Abbeyside (EB).

DUNGARVAN: Male & female Blackcap at Strandside, Abbeyside (DC).

ANNESTOWN: Chiffchaff (DMcG).

DUNGARVAN: 3 BLACK-NECKED GREBES off Ballynacourty (MC sr).

DUNMORE EAST: Merlin near Black Knob (DMcG).

DUNGARVAN: Blackcap at Strandside, Abbeyside (DC).

BUNMAHON: Kingfisher (").

Nr KILMANAHAN (SW of Clonmel): c45 Whooper Swans at Ballydonagh (").




Monday, December 13, 2010

WATERFORD CITY: Male Blackcap, Goldcrest & 4 Lesser Redpolls in garden (DS).

WATERFORD CITY: Goldcrest & 2 Lesser Redpolls in garden near Ballybricken (DS).

Nr BALLYDWAN: Jack Snipe (DW).

BALLYVOYLE BRIDGE: 2 Dippers (MC).

BRICKEY RIVER: Kingfisher (").

DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart & Waxwing at Abbeyside, Waxwing feeding on berries then flew towards the park (FO'C); Barnacle Goose, dark-bellied Brent Goose & 6 Shoveler (2 male, 4 female) off pitch & putt course (MC); BLACK-NECKED GREBE off Gold Coast, male Gadwall at Killongford (CF).

RINCREW: Yellow-legged Gull on Youghal/Cork side among good numbers of large gulls (CF).

HELVICK HEAD TO BROWNSTOWN HEAD: c9 Fin Whales including 1 off Helvick & 2 off Clonea; 45 Common Dolphins off Bunmahon (DC).

STRADBALLY: 5 Red-throated Divers (").

DUNGARVAN: BLACK-NECKED GREBE off Ballynacourty, Barnacle Goose at Ballyneety, 2 male Shoveler off pitch & putt course (MC).

BALLINARD: Female Eider (MC).

PORTLAW: Water Rail (DC).

Nr BUNMAHON: 20-30 Stock Doves at Seafield (DW). 4 Fin Whales & 2 Minke Whales less than 1 km off the Tankardstown mine buildings (DC).

BALLINLOUGH: Kingfisher & Water Rail (DW).

Nr BUNMAHON: 2 Whooper Swans NE overhead at Seafield (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Skylark feeding on garden patio with sparrows & finches at Kilmurray this morning during the cold conditions (JAP).

DUNGARVAN: Female Pintail, BLACK BRANT & Barnacle Goose off the pitch & putt course (DW). 16 Blackbirds feeding on apples in garden at Shandon (BS).

CLONEA / BALLYVOYLE HEAD: 2 Fin Whales (EB).

DUNGARVAN: Great Northern Divers & 2 Goldeneye, Western Bay; 10 Little Grebes at Ballyneety (").

Off BUNMAHON: 6 Fin Whales & a smaller whale (DW).

Off MINE HEAD: Male Eider flying east 1 mile offshore, seen from boat (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 7 Pintail flying over, 50+ Skylarks, 100s of Knot at the Cunnigar, Water Rail calling near Cunnigar car-park (JAP, BS).

CARRIGLEA (nr Dungarvan): Trecreeper (").

DUNGARVAN: BLACK BRANT, Barnacle Goose & female Shoveler off pitch & putt course (MC).

CLONEA: Fin Whale heading west (").

DUNGARVAN: Male + female Pintail, 2 female Shoveler, & Barnacle Goose (with Brent) near pitch & putt course (MC).

KILMURRAY (nr Dungarvan): Snipe feeding in garden (JAP).

BRICKEY CANAL (nr Dungarvan): Chiffchaff & Kingfisher (JAP).

DUNGARVAN: Barnacle Goose & BLACK BRANT with Brent Geese near pitch & putt course (FO'C).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): Blackcap & Snipe in garden, Otter, 2 Kingfishers, 6-7 Yellowhammers (in stubble), Merlin & Brambling (DW).




Monday, November 29, 2010

Nr BUNMAHON: Male Blackcap again at Seafield (DW).



Sunday, November 28, 2010

WATERFORD CITY: 50+ Goldfinches in garden near Ballybricken ,also 2 Bullfinches, Lesser Redpoll but no Blackcap yet (DS).

Nr BUNMAHON: Kingfisher, c100 Snipe & male Blackcap at Seafield (DW).

Nr DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl see at 17:40 (EB).

CLONEA STRAND: 3 Purple Sandpipers, Snipe & 8 Choughs at Ballinclamper (DC).

HELVICK HEAD: Great Black-backed Gull with colour-ring '1CA' (").

Off BUNMAHON: 4 Fin Whales & a smaller whale, possibly Minke (DC).

Nr STRADBALLY: Female Brambling (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Female Pintail off the sports centre, 38 Skylarks in off sea/estuary at pitch & putt course (MC).

Nr BUNMAHON: Male Blackcap again in garden at Seafield (DW).

Nr BUNMAHON: Male Blackcap & 2 Lesser Redpolls in garden at Seafield (DW).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK BRANT at the Cunnigar (per www.irishbirding.com).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: c400 Brent Geese (and daily for the last week) (John Griffin).

PORTLAW: Kingfisher (DC).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher also at Barnawee, 2 SPOONBILLS at pitch & putt area of bay (").

DUNGARVAN: SPOONBILL at the Cunnigar, Kingfisher at Barnawee (DC).

Nr STRADBALLY: Brambling (DW).

Nr WATERFORD CITY bypass: Long-eared Owl tonight, Buzzard earlier today (JAP).

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Nr WATERFORD CITY: Long-eared Owl at new bypass early tonight (JAP, NS).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS at the Cunnigar, back from the point (FO'C).

Nr BUNMAHON: 2 Green Sandpipers at Seafield (DW).

DUNGARVAN: 3 SPOONBILLS off end of pitch & putt course (FO'C).,

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS at the Cunnigar (FO'C).

NEWRATH (Co Kilkenny): Large Starling flock displaying (DC).

Nr STRADBALLY: Brambling (DW).

Nr ARDMORE: Hen Harrier (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT & WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at Ballinclamper (FO'C).

CLONEA STRAND: WATER PIPIT at Ballinclamper (Owen Foley), also WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER & 4 Purple Sands (MC, MCy).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS at tip of Cunnigar (FO'C), Black Guillemot off Ballynacourty pier (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT & WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at Ballinclamper (MC et al) - conclusion today is that the pipit is a new bird, not the bird seen 17th-24th October; also 3 Great Northern Divers on sea (PMW); a Swallow flew east at Ballinard (MC); Slavonian Grebe & Curlew Sandpiper (John Diggin per irishbirding.com).

DUNGARVAN: Black Guillemot off Ballynacourty pier (MC).

WHITING BAY: 3 Tree Sparrows (JAP).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull & 260+ Brent Geese at Saleen (PMW).

RATHMOYLAN: Female Hen Harrier (").

DUNMORE EAST: 540 Kittiwakes on sea near pier, large numbers of gulls feeding on Wexford side of Waterford Harbour (").

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT on beach below carpark at Ballinclamper (Davy Farrer, Mark Carmody) - apparently different from bird present 17th-24th October - but no sign of White-rumped Sandpiper. Also 4 Purple Sandpipers (MCy), 1 Whimbrel & 31 Chough (JJC).

WHITING BAY: 4 Yellowhammers by new graveyard, 3-400 mixed Redwings & Fieldfares in off sea, & 3 Kestrels (DC).

Nr KILMACTHOMAS: Barn Owl flew across road at 18:15 (JAP).

RAM HEAD: Red-throated Diver, 200 Common Dolphins & 2 Red Admirals (AM).

CLONEA STRAND: WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER still showing well this evening at Ballinclamper (MC sr).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS by pitch & putt course (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: Swallow at Abbeyside (FO'C).

Nr STRADBALLY: 1+ Brambling with c500 Chafinches, also 3 Red Admirals (DW).

RAM HEAD: 5 Red-throated Divers, 100+ Common Dolphins, 2 Porpoises, Minke Whale & a large whale species (AM).

ANNESTOWN - BUNMAHON: 2 distant Fin Whales, between Helvick Head & Mine Head (JAP, BS).

CLONEA STRAND: WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER still present & Purple Sandpiper, at Ballinclamper (CF, MC).

ARDMORE: 2 Med Gulls (1st-w & 2nd-w) (").

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 145 Whooper Swans & a Kingfisher at Ballyneroon (").

PORTNASCULLY / DERRIGAL: 41 Greylag Geese & 3 Greenshank on Co Kilkenny side (PMW).

CORBALLY BEG (nr Tramore Backstrand): 1 Swallow (PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose, 7 White-fronted Goose, 3 Whooper Swans & a female Scaup (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Lapland Bunting feeding along main lane @ 11:30, also a Merlin, 1+ White-fronted Goose (heard flying east overhead), 3 Blackcaps (2 male & 1 female), a Chiffchaff & 40+ Skylarks (PMW).

Nr BUNMAHON: Chiffchaff at Seafield (DW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin (JJC, Clifford Miles).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Gadwall (").

DUNGARVAN: Swallow at the Quay (").

KILLOWEN: Lesser Redpoll (").

STRADBALLY COVE: 2 Dippers (").

DUNGARVAN: Mediterranean Gull & 20 Snipe at Ballyneety bridge (DC).

DERRIGAL (nr Coolfin/Portlaw): 40+ Greylag Geese (").



Thursday, November 04, 2010

WATERFORD CITY: 2 late Swallows at King's Channel (DMcG).

DUNGARVAN: 3 SPOONBILLS high over pitch & putt course going north (FO'C).

CLONEA STRAND: WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER still at Ballinclamper, also Curlew Sandpiper, Merlin & White Wagtail (DW).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 48 Tufted Duck, 3 female Scaup, 2 female Goldeneye & 8 Coot (MC).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 24 Whooper Swans at Ballyduff (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Saleen, 13:45 (MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs & 3 Swallows (").

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: tern species (JmP), 5 Gadwall (3m, 2f) (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose & 4 White-fronted Geese (2 ad, 2 juv) at Lisselan (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS off Pitch & Putt course (JAP, BS).

STRADBALLY: Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher & 2 Dippers (").

BUNMAHON: Kingfisher (").

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Adult Mediterranean Gull & 3 Gadwall (").

DUNMORE EAST: Tern species flew past the seawall (").

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 5 Scaup (").

Nr BUNMAHON: Chiffchaff at Seafield (DW).

CLONEA STRAND: Juv/1st-winter WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER again present at Ballinclamper, with 58 Sanderling briefly @ 17:55 (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult BLACK BRANT & juv Common Tern at the Cunnigar (FO'C).

HELVICK HEAD: 7+ Blackcaps & a Swallow (MC, CF).

CLONEA STRAND: Black Redstart & 2 Blackcaps at Ballinclamper (MC, CF, JAP, BS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male Blackcap & a Chiffchaff (PMW).

Nr BALLYLANEEN: 20+ mixed Swallows & House Martins (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Swallow (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 2 House Martins at Abbeyside (FO'C).

CLONEA STRAND: WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER still at Ballinclamper (DC).

Nr BALLYLANEEN: Jack Snipe (DW).

Nr BUNMAHON: Chiffchaff at seafield (").

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Bonxies west (seawatch 17:20-17:50, MAD, PMW), faded.leucistic Herring Gull at the pier.

CLONEA STRAND: Short-eared Owl (Graham Clarke), 2 juv Curlew Sandpipers, Merlin, 20+ Choughs, no sign of Buff-bellied Pipit but WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER still present @16:40 (MC, JAP, BS et al.).

DUNGARVAN: Wheatear at Ballynacourty, Whimbrel at Ballynagaul (presumed returning overwintering individual) (JAP, BS).

Nr CROHAUN: 12+ Ravens (").

Nr STRADBALLY: Merlin at Carrickahilla (MAD, PMW).

STRADBALLY : Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher & 2 Dippers (JAP, BS).

Nr CROHAUN: 12 Ravens (").

CAMPHIRE BRIDGE: 130 Whooper Swans & a dead Merlin (roadkill) (DC).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 2 female/immature BLUE-WINGED TEAL (JAP, BS).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 7 Whooper Swans & a Shoveler (", MC, CF).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 6 Scaup with the Tufted Duck (MC, CF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Scaup & Pink-footed Goose at Lisselan (MC, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin (DW, PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: Juvenile/1st-winter WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (2nd county record) on seaweed at Ballinclamper, 13:00 (Ciaran Cronin, Paul & Andrea Kelly), also BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, a flyover Lapland Bunting, Merlin, Swallow & Tree Sparrow (MC et al.).

DUNGARVAN: Yellowhammer (dropped in with Reed Buntings) at the Cunnigar (MC).

WHITING BAY: CloudedYellow butterfly (MC).

BALLYLANEEN: 2 Fieldfares & a Redwing (DW).

MID WATERFORD: Buzzard (MAD, DW, PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT still at Ballinclamper (DC).

DUNGARVAN: At Cunnigar, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at pool again & adult
BLACK BRANT (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 2 juv Curlew Sandpipers at Ballyneety (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Another 2 juv Curlew Sands at Ballinclamper (").

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT at Ballinclamper @ 12:15 (MC).

Nr BUNMAHON: Woodcock at Seafield (DW).

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER showing well at the Cunnigar, 13:30 (Mark Carmody per irishbirding.com).

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT at Ballinclamper, on beach at right of car-park @11:20 (MC sr); still showing well @ 14:10 per irishbirding.com.

North of DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl flew across road @ 22:45 last night (JJC).

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER now on beach in front of car-park at the Cunnigar, @ 15:45; back at pool by 16:40, also 280 Brent Geese, a Merlin & a Wheatear at the Cunnigar
(FO'C).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper @ 16:25 (MC sr).

EAST OF RAM HEAD: Short-eared Owl seen flying parallel to the coast c1 km offshore during an Irish Whale & Dolphin Group ship survey (details including photo).

BALLYMACAW: 2 Yellowhammers (JAP, JJC, BS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 20 Greylag Geese flying over, 1 Tree Sparrow (").

STRADBALLY: 4 Dippers (").

CLONEA STRAND: 3 Curlew Sandpipers (").

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at the Cunnigar; 60+ Little Egrets & 2 SPOONBILLS at Killongford (").

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT still at Ballinclamper, 14:55 (DW)

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT again present on seaweed near Ballinclamper car-park (08:00-08:30, Chris ten Bohmer per irishbirding.com; PA).

WHITING BAY: 20+ Choughs at west end (Dervilla Keating).

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at the Cunnigar (Philip Clancy).

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT again at Ballinclamper, also 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 200 Dunlin, 4 Sandwich Terns & 300 Starlings (DC).

CLONEA STRAND: BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT (1st county record) at Ballinclamper, on seaweed left if carpark, 17:10-17:50 then disturbed by walkers & flew inland with other pipits, returned to beach @ 18:20 (PMW, MC, MAD, CF, FO'C, JAP, BS).

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER & 2 hybrid Ruddy Shelduck at the Cunnigar (MC), 2 SPOONBILLS at Killongford.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 9 Red-throated Divers W, 4 Great Northern Divers E, 23 Common Scoter W (19 E), 8 Brent Geese W, 7 Sandwich Terns W & 4 Porpoises (seawatch 08:25-11:25, JB, PMW, DW); 2+ White-fronted Geese heard, another 2 Brent W, Water Rail (ran across road by main gardens), 3 Reed Warblers (along road by main gdns), male Blackcap, Chiffchaff & unidentified phyllosc (probably Willow Warbler) (MAD, DW, PMW).

TRAMORE BAY: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Black Guillemots & a Porpoise (DW, PMW).

AGLISH: 7 Redwings (MF).

DUNGARVAN: Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Ruddy Shelduck (probably hybrids) & Lapland Bunting (on beach) at the Cunnigar, but no sign of the dowitcher (PK).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Spoonbills at Killongford, including a "new" colour-ringed bird (white over green ring on right leg, yellow flag on left leg (Paul Kelly).

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at the Cunnigar pools still (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: total 314 Brent Geese, also 8 Little Grebes on
lake at Lisselan (DMcG).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Reed Warbler (juvenile ringed), 125 Skylarks, Fieldfare, Stock Dove (west), 24 Magpies (west @ 08:15), 2 Tree Sparrows, 2 Siskins & 6 Lesser Redpolls (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Reed Warbler & male Blackcap near main gardens (MAD, PMW).

RAM HEAD: 3-5 Fin Whales, 6-8 Bottlenose Dolphins & 20-30 Swallows (AM).

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER still at the Cunnigar (PA per irishbirding.com).

Nr LISMORE: Fieldfares at Carrignagour this morning (AM).

Nr BUNMAHON: 3 Green Sandpipers at Seafield, also 5 Yellowhammers, 4 Reed Buntings & 10+ Lesser Redpolls (DW).

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER still at the Cunnigar (Sean Cronin per www.irishbirding.com)

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER still present at the pools near car-park @ 17:30 (JAP).



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER still at the Cunnigar (RAW).

TRAMORE SANDHILLS: Short-eared Owl & Water Rail (TB).

HELVICK HEAD: Female Hen Harrier, Redstart, 2 Black Redstarts, Whinchat, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler & Pied Flycatcher (CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2+ Sand Martins, 5 House Martins,25+ Swallows, Spotted Flycatcher, Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcaps (2 male), 6+ Chiffchaffs, 6 Tree Sparrows, 2 Siskins & 2 Lesser Redpolls (MC, MAD, PMW).

GREAT NEWTOWN HEAD: Redwings heard tonight (TB). BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Jack Snipe, 2 Red-throated Divers (on sea), female/immature Hen Harrier, 2 Wheatears, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaffs, & 15 Lesser Redpolls (ringed) (MAD, PMW, DW). DUNGARVAN: Long-billed Dowitcher @ The Cunnigar.(MC)

ARDMORE: Whinchat in fields behind the beach. 4 Mediterranean Gulls (1st W, 2nd W & 2 Adults) @ Whiting Bay. Adult Mediterranean Gull on Ardmore Beach and another @ Curragh Beach. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Jack Snipe (along main lane), ringtail harrier species (flew NE), Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Wheatears, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 14 Swallows NE, 75 Meadow Pipits, & 14 Lesser Redpolls (ringed) (MAD, JmP, PMW, DW).

WHITING BAY: WRYNECK c200 m east of east car-park, feeding on middy cliff-face along beach, also Little Stint nr the car-park (MC, CF).

HELVICK HEAD: Long-eared Owl, Arctic Skua, 3 Bonxies & 8 Common Scoter (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Black Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatchers & Whitethroat in main garden, late Willow Warbler in valley, 4+ Chiffchaffs, 75+ House Martins east & 45+ Swallow east (AA, MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE TOWN: Firts Redwing heard tonight (Tony Bryant).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, 2 Wheatears, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, a Chiffchaff & 14 Red Admirals; 2 Arctic Skuas west (seawatch 17:40-18:20, wind 4-5 SE) (MAD, PMW).

RATHMOYLAN: Female/immature Hen Harrier, 110+ Skylarks & 120+ Woodpigeons (").

EAST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Tree Sparrows, a Chiffchaff & 2 Lesser Redpolls (MD, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Green Sandpipers at Clohernagh (").

CLONEA: 2 Adult Mediterranean Gulls @ Ballinclamper. (MC, MC Sr.)

NW WATERFORD: 2 Buzzards & a dead Long-eared Owl (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose (inside seawall at Lisselan), 255 Brent Geese, 195 Wigeon, 45 Little Egrets, 290 Oystercatcher, 335 Black-tailed Godwit, 480 Curlew, 350 Dunlin, 215 Redshank & 8 Greenshank (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Arctic Skua west (seawatch 10:20-11:20, wind 5 SW; PMW).

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

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Arctic Skua west (seawatch 11:55-12:55, wind 4 SW), 2 Tree Sparrows (MAD, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Balearic Shearwater, Pomarine Skua, Arctic Skua, 3 Bonxies & an Arctic Tern (CF, MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 150 Gannets & 7 Manx Shearwaters west (seawatch 16:40-17:40, wind 7 SW; PMW).

DUNMORE EAST: Juvenile Arctic Tern feeding inside pier (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 15 Lesser Redpolls (ringed), 2 Tree Sparrows & 1 Chiffchaff & 1 Wheatear (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher @ Ballyneety. (MC) KILLONGFORD: Juvenile Ruff & juvenile Curlew Sandpiper. (MC, MD, FD)

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose & 130 Brent Geese at Lisselan (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 45+ Skylarks, 5 Lesser Redpolls, Siskin,23+Red Admirals, a Painted Lady & 3 Migrant Hawker dragonflies (MAD, PMW, DW).

DUNMORE EAST: Porpoise off the seawall (").

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: 5 Little Grebes, 39 Mallard + 12 small ducklings (MAD, PMW).

Nr BUNMAHON: HOBBY chasing Swallow at Seafield (DW).

DUNMORE EAST: Adult SABINE'S GULL off base of seawall/pier then flew slowly south/west around Black Knob @ 17:40 (PMW).

BUNMAHON: Kingfisher. (MC, CF)   DUNGARVAN: 6 Curlew Sandpipers @ Killongford. (")   HELVICK: 5 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 6 Grey Phalarope, 1 Puffin & 3 Pom/Arctic Skuas (Too distant to Id) all west. Seawatch approx. 12pm-1pm. (")

BALLYNACOURTY POINT: 3 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua & 10 Manx
Shearwaters off the lighthouse (FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 1 Balearic Shearwater W, 1 Sooty Shearwater W, 103
Manx Shearwaters W, 1 Common Scoter E, 4 Great Skuas W, 2 Arctic Skuas
E & 3 W (seawatch 08:05-10:05 & 10:15-12:15, wind 6 SW; JB, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Mediterranean Gulls & a Ruff at Ballyneety (FO'C).

KNOCKADERRY RESEERVOIR: 2 female/immature BLUE-WINGED TEAL still at the small lake (JAP, BS).

Nr BUNMAHON: Green Sandpiper at Seafield (DW).

DUNGARVAN TOWN: Crossbill drinking by pumphouse at Silversprings, behind Nissan Garage, also a Redpoll & 5 Chiffchaffs there (DC).

WATERFORD CITY: Chiffchaff in garden at Francis Street (DS).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Ruff at Ballyneety (MC).

CALISO BAY: Whinchat (Ken Preston) & female Blackcap (MC).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 2 female/imature BLUE-WINGED TEAL at the small/backwater lake (Denis O'Sullivan) c18:00, 1 there earlier (PA).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Juvenile BARRED WARBLER still present near south end of main lane, also Grasshopper Warbler at Coolum valley, Spotted Flycatcher, 8 Common Scoter (west), 35+ Lesser Redpolls (28 ringed), 2 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 14+ Red Admirals & a Migrant Hawker dragonfly (MAD, DW, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose at Lisselan (JmP, DW), 60+ Brent Geese off Saleen (DS).

WEST WATERFORD: 2 Buzzards (separately) (MC sr).

BALLYNEETY: 3 Ruff (Adult & 2 Juveniles), Curlew Sandpiper & 1 Green Sandpiper. (MC, CF) BALLYSHUNNOCK: Female/1st Winter Blue-winged Teal. (MC, CF) TRAMORE: Pink-footed Goose @ Lisselan. (MC, CF)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Barred Warbler, Female Blackcap, 2 Tree Sparrows & 1 Spotted Flycatcher. (MC, CF) HELVICK: Willow Warbler. (") KILLONGFORD: Kingfisher. (")

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: BARRED WARBLER seen again 14:20 (DW). Also a female Blackcap (MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-foot Goose with Mute Swans on mudflats off Lisselan seawall, also 95+ Brent Geese & 270 Mallard there (PMW).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: Female or immature BLUE-WINGED TEAL on the smaller lake (CF, MC) - 2nd county record (1st was a bird shot on the Blackwater Callows in autumn 1994).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Juvenile BARRED WARBLER along west (wet) ditch of field right of gate halfway down main lane; also good nos of phylloscs(CF, MC).

OLD PARISH: Whinchat (DC).

WHITING BAY: 8 Wheatears (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose still present at Lisselan (DC, CF, RM).

CLONEA STRAND: Juvenile Ruff at Ballinclamper (MC sr).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose still present at Lisselan (DC, CF, RM).

CLONEA STRAND: Juvenile Ruff at Ballanclamper (MC sr).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Mediterranean Gull & >1000 Black-headed Gulls at Ballinclamper, juvenile Black Tern west at sea (CF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pink-footed Goose at Lisselan, on the pool behind seawall at new/planned racecourse (Rick Mundy).

ARDMORE: 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls (MC).

WHITING BAY: 2nd-calendar-year Glaucous Gull (MC).

FERRY POINT: Immature Glaucous Gull (Sean Cronin per www.irishbirding.com) - same bird as Whiting Bay?

CLONEA STRAND: Curlew Sandpiper, 45 Sandwich Terns, 4 Arctic Terns, 1 Wheatear & c25 White Wagtails (DC).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher at Barnawee (MC sr).

HELVICK HEAD: Balearic Shearwater W (very dark individual), 8 Bonxies W, 2 Arctic Skuas (1 W + 1 on sea), a juv Arctic Tern & 3 Bottlenose Dolphins (calf + 2 adults) (seawatch 17:45-19:15, MC, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 6 Curlew Sandpipers at Killongford (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: 24 Bonxies, juv Pomarine Skua, ad dark Arctic Skua & 4 Bottlenose Dolphins, no shearwaters (seawatch 10:20-11:20, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Balearic Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, 7 Bonxies, 3 Arctic Skuas & 200 Gannets west, no Manx Shearwaters (seawatch 07:50-10:50, 11:05-12:05, wind 5-6 SW, J. Bulfin & PMW).

WHITING BAY: Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper again at extreme west end, 08:45 (RMcL).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper @ Killongford (MC, CF, FO'C.). Adult

Mediterranean Gull at Ballyneety (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: 15 White Wagtails & a Wheatear at Ballinclamper (PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Great Skua E + W, adult summer Red-throated Diver W, 3 Wigeon W & 2 Tufted Duck or Scaup W, no Manx Shearwaters (seawatch 14:20-15:20, wind 5 W, PMW).

WHITING BAY: Juv Pectoral Sandpiper again at far west end of beach, adult Mediterranean Gull at east end (PMW).

BUNMAHON: 2 Whinchats (DW).

HELVICK: 5 Arctic Skuas. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: A Swift at Abbeyside being chased by a Swallow (FO'C).

CLONEA: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper @ Ballinard. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND: Up to 60 White Wagtails at Ballinard (FO'C).

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Bonxies, 1 Pomarine Skua & 1 Arctic Skua, also 1 adult summer Red-throated Diver & 2 juv Arctic Terns, only 2 Manx Shearwaters (CF).

CLONEA: 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ The Cunnigar. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper @ Barnawee. (MC, NW)

ARDMORE BAY: 5 adult & 1 calf Bottlenose Dolphin heading east late this morning (AM).

ARDMORE: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper @ Whiting Bay & Adult and 1st winter Mediterranean Gull @ Curragh Beach. (MC) 5 Med Gulls (4 adults & a 1st-winter) (Neal Warnock)

WHITING BAY: Pectoral Sandpiper again at extreme western end of beach (MC).

Nr YOUGHAL BRIDGE: Glaucous Gull (DC).

WHITING BAY: Pectoral Sandpiper at west side of beach (DC).

WHITING BAY: Wood Sandpiper fly-over c1330 (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Ruff, 5 Curlew Sandpipers & a 2nd-summer Mediterranean Gull at Killongford (MC, MC sr, CF).

WHITING BAY: 2 Whinchats (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: 3 juv Little Stints, 20+ Curlew Sandpipers & a juv Mediterranean Gull at the Cunnigar (MC, CF).

BALLINCLAMPER: Many White Wagtails, 2 fly-by adult Mediterranean Gulls & a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper (MC).

ANNESTOWN: Hummingbird Hawk Moth. (MC) ARDMORE: Juvenile Mediterranean Gull @ Whiting Bay & 7 Mediterranean Gulls @ Curragh Beach. (MC, FO'C) CLONEA: 4 Mediterranean Gulls @ Ballinclamper. (MC) DUNGARVAN: 5 Curlew sandpipers @ Killongford. (MC, FO'C)

CLONEA STRAND: 3 Black Terns & c45 White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (DC).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Spoonbills & 7 Curlew Sandpipers at the Cunnigar (Alan Brown per irishbirding.com).

ARDMORE: 5 Curlew Sandpipers (including a moulting adult) & 4 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adult & 2 2nd-summer) at Curragh beach (MC).

WHITING BAY: Wood Sandpiper at flooded field by east car-park, Whinchat in same field, adult & juvenile Mediterranean Gull on beach (MC).

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Whinchat, 2 Curlew Sandpipers & adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper; male & female Blackcap along track between Ballinard & Ballinclamper (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: 7 Tree Sparrows (MC sr).

CLONEA STRAND: 2 juv Black Terns west & adult Mediterranean Gull on water at Ballinclamper this evening (MD, DC).

CLONEA STRAND: 2 juv Curlew Sandpipers at Ballinclamper at lunchtime (CF).

RAM HEAD: 4 Bottenose Dolphins, 1 Risso's Dolphin & 1 Minke Whale on an early pm watch today (AM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 3 Wheatears & 3 Willow/Chiffs (DC).

DUNGARVAN: Otter among boats in front of Anchor Bar / library (JAP).

BALLYNACOURTY POINT / BALLINARD: 35+ Wheatears, 4 Whimbrel & 1 Roseate Tern between lighthouse and Ballinard car park (JAP, BS).

KILMURRAY (nr Dungarvan): Female Merlin & a Wheatear (JAP).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): A Wheatear hit a window here but recovered (DW) - maybe more evidence of a big arrival of disoriented birds?

DUNGARVAN: 3 Little Stint, Ruff, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Kingfisher & 1 Water Rail at Killongford (MC, CF, DC).

CLONEA STRAND: 2nd-summer Glaucous Gull at Ballinclamper (MC sr).

MINE HEAD: 70 Manx Shearwaters, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warblers & 6 Wheatears (DC).

HELVICK HEAD: 4 Wheatears ("").

CLONEA STRAND: Wheatear at Ballinclamper (").

DUNGARVAN: Female Gadwall below Ballyneety bridge & Wheatear on the Cunnigar (EB).

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

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Green Sandpiper at Clohernagh (MAD).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Lesser Whitethroat (FO'C), Whinchat & updated totals 8+ Chiffchaffs & 3 Sedge Warblers (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Lapland Bunting (just west of gate halfway down maintrack @ 11:35), 2 Reed Warblers (1 juv ringed in garden, 1 by chalet along main track), 2 Sedge Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 5+ Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher & 2 Sedge Warblers in main garden; Convolvulus Hawk-moth caught last night (PMW).

BALLYVOILE: 2 juvenile Arctic Terns late this evening. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Turtle Dove along main track late afternoon, Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaffs & 2 Migrant Hawker dragonflies (MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE: Adult Mediterranean Gull in field near the prom (Jim Power).

HELVICK HEAD: Spotted Flycatcher, decent exodus of hirundines, & a Clouded Yellow butterfly (MC, CF).

CLONEA STRAND: At Ballinclamper, 6+ Roseate Terns (MC, CF), pale Balearic Shearwater on water c250 m offshore (CF), 2 Arctic Skuas west & 20+ White Wagtails (MC).

DUNGARVAN: single Brent Goose at Ballynagaul (DC), 4 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers at Killongford (MC, MC sr, CF).

ARDMORE: Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap, 2 Whitethroats, Swift & adult Mediterranean Gull (MC, CF).

WHITING BAY: 2nd-summer Mediterranean Gull & colour-ringed Sandwich Tern (MC, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 3 Bonxies W (2 E) & 5 Common Scoters E, only 12 Manx E (11 W) (seawatch 08:05-11:05, wind 4 S-SSE; PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Death's-head Hawk-moth caught at mercury-vapour trap overnight (PMW).

CLONEA: 4 Arctic Terns (Adult & 3 juveniles). (MC)

CLONEA STRAND: Arctic Skua chasing Sandwich Terns & 2 Mediterranean Gulls (2nd-summer & adult or 2nd-s) on sea, off Ballinclamper (PMW, 20:00).

DUNGARVAN: Adult male Common Scoter off Cunnigar point then inside Cunnigar
(FO'C).

CLONEA: 4 Roseate Terns (2 adults & 2 juveniles) & 2 juvenile Arctic Terns @ Ballinard. (MC, CF)

CLONEA: Adult & juvenile Roseate Tern and 2 juvenile Arctic Terns @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND: 2 colour-ringed Sandwich Terns & 2 juvenile Arctic Terns at Ballinclamper (MC).

WOODSTOWN: 3 Jays in the woods at south end of beach (DMcG).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper @ Ballyneety. (MC) CLONEA: 2 2nd summer Mediterranean Gulls @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

BRICKEY CANAL (nr Dungarvan): Spotted Flycatcher (DC).

BELLE LAKE: 14 Sedge Warblers, a juvenile Reed Warbler & 10 Chiffchaffs ringed, Water Rail heard (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: 2 White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Spoonbills @ Killongford. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Great Skuas E, 55 Manx E (10 W) & a Porpoise (seawatch 19:00-20:00, wind 3 NW; MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Green Sandpipers at Clohernagh (@18:00, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: 130+ Swallows north over the sea (13:30-13:45) & a juv/1st-winter Mediterranean Gull off mouth of Dungarvan bay (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper @ Ballyneety (MC, CF), later 2 (MC, MAD,PMW). White Wagtail at the Cunnigar (SH).

CLONEA STRAND: 10 White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (MC); later 17+ White Wagtails & 84+ Ringed Plover (MC,PMW).

WEST WATERFORD: Two sightings of Buzzard (MC & SH).



Friday August 27, 2010

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS still at Killongford (SH).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Female/immature Hen Harrier (AM).

WEST WATERFORD: 3 Buzzards (Richard Thorney).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Single Long-eared owlet still squeaking tonight! (AM).

HELVICK HEAD: 1 juvenile Black Tern east @ 19:25, small passage of 'Commic' Terns also (CF).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): 3 Green Sandpipers & 2 Kingfishers (DW).

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Arctic Skuas, very large feeding flock of c3000 Manx Shearwaters & another 1000+ Manx west (seawatch 19:15-20:30; CF).

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

WHITING BAY: Juvenile Wheatear (SH).

Nr LISMORE: Long-eared Owl chicks/fledglings heard calling again (AM) - click here to listen. CLONEA: Adult Mediterranean Gull, Arctic Tern & 2 Roseate Terns (Adult & Juvenile). (MC, DC)

HELVICK HEAD: Juvenile Black Tern west @ 18:57, 145 Manx W (110 E) (seawatch 18:30-19:30; PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: Another juv Black Tern west c10 mins later past Ballinclamper (MC); Balearic Shearwater feeding with 130+ Manx @ 17:45 (MC, PM

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper@ Ballyneety. Ruff & 5 Wigeon @ Killongford. (MC)

BELLE LAKE: 3 juvenile Reed Warblers & 25 Sedge Warblers ringed, also 2+ Water Rails heard (1 caught but escaped unringed!) (AA, PMW).

ARDMORE: 2 Mediterranean Gulls, apparently 2nd-summer (DC).

PILTOWN (nr Ardmore): 2 Kingfishers at small stream (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Balearic Shearwater W, 480 Manx W (110 E) with up to 110 feeding close inshore (seawatch 18:55-20:35, wind 5 SW; PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Ruff, juvenile Mediterranean Gull & 2 Spoonbills @ Killongford. (MC, MC Sr., CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: An OSPREY flew W @ 11:07 (watched until 11:13) over the sea, also Great Skua & Storm Petrel W, 540 Manx W (230 E) in 4-hr seawatch (07:30-10:30, 10:40-11:40, wind 2-3 SW); Sedge Warbler & Whitethroat on land (PMW).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Family of young Long-eared Owls heard at 3 a.m. (AM).

HELVICK HEAD: Another Balearic Shearwater W at 18:51 (very pale bird), 345 Manx W (80 E) & an Arctic Tern feeding (seawatch 17:05-19:05, wind 4-5 WSW, DW,PMW); Black Guillemot in the next hour (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS & 5 Ruff at Killongford (MC, DW, PMW); 10+ Whimbrel, 3 + White Wagtails & 5 Wheatears at the Cunnihar (DW, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Balearic Shearwater (fairly dark individual), 610 Manx, 9 Storm Petrels, 4 Bonxies, small skua sp & a Puffin west (seawatch 10:30-13:00, wind 4 SW-W); also 2 Porpoises & a Common Lizard (DW, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: 3 juvenile Little Gulls, 3 Bonxies, 3 Storm Petrels, 2 Common Terns, c3500 Manx Shearwaters & a Sunfish (seawatch 18:20-20:00, CF, MC).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Green Sandpipers @ Ballyneety. (MC)

Balearic Shearwater totals by site 2010

A quick tally from Irish Birding, Bird Forum's Seawatch 2010 thread, Bird Forum's Galway thread & Waterford Birds gives the following totals of birds (or bird-days) by seawatch site since January, up to midday today:

Carnsore Point / Carne Beach (Wexford) 45 (41 on 8/8)
Bridge of Ross (Clare) 23
Balbriggan (Dublin) 11
Cape Clear (Cork) 11
Brownstown Head (Waterford) 10
Helvick Head (Waterford) 10
Galley Head (Cork) 8
Dalkey (Dublin) 3
Greystones (Wicklow) 3
Old Head of Kinsale (Cork) 2
Malin Head (Donegal) 2
Dublin Bay (Dublin) 2
Baile na hAbhainn (Galway) 2
Annagh Head (Mayo) 2
Ballycotton (Cork) 1
Dursey Island (Cork) 1 (1st Jan)
West Cork pelagic (Cork) 1
Annagh Head (Mayo) 2
Kilcummin Head (Mayo) 1
Ross Strand (Mayo) 1
Hook Head (Wexford) 1
Rosslare (Wexford) 1
total 143

Doubtless various others unreported or not included in above webpages. Waterford not doing too badly but some catching up to do - and maybe a further chance of Yelkouan-type Shearwater. Seawatching conditions looking good for later this week too...

Nr BUNMAHON: Barn Owl @ 10 pm (DW).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Green Sandpipers @ Ballyneety. (MC)

ARDMORE: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls at the harbour (SH).

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Balearic Shearwaters, 1000+ Manx Shearwaters & a Puffin (seawatch 19:15-20:30, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 5 Balearic Shearwaters W, 5200 Manx Shearwaters W (1005 E) & 7 Common Scoters W (1 E) (seawatch 17:35-19:05, wind 1 S or variable, MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 650 Manx Shearwaters feeding, 12:15-13:30; Tree Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Willow Warblers & 2 Wheatears on land m(MAD, PMW).

BELLE LAKE: Green Sandpiper & Water Rail heard, 17 Sedge Warblers ringed (AA, JmP, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 500+ Manx Shearwaters feeding, resting or circling, 20:20-21:05, plus a YELKOUAN-type SHEARWATER watched on the sea 20:30- 21:05 (MAD, PMW) - further details.

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS at Killongford this morning(CF), 2 Water Rails showing well there later (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: 100+ Manx Shearwaters (mostly west), adult summer Red-throated Diver & a Puffin (seawatch 09:30-10:20) (CF).

HELVICK HEAD: Balearic Shearwater (fairly pale individual) feeding with 75 Manx Shearwaters (17:00-17:20); 80 Manx E & 10 W (16:20-16:50) (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 1 SPOONBILL visible at Killongford, 16:00 (").

CLONEA STRAND: Bonxie & distant Sooty Shearwater off Ballinclamper (CF).

DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl @11:30 tonight (Eugene Burke).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS at Killongford; 3 Arctic Terns, 2 Ruffs & adult Mediterranean Gull at the Cunnigar (MC, CF); also a Spotted Redshank at Killongford (Chris Cullen).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Barnawee. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: 2 Spoonbills @ Killongford(MC); 25+ Whimbrel, 2 Knot, 20+ Sanderling, 150+ Ringed Plover, 250+ Dunlin & 50+ Turnstone at the Cunnigar (CF).

CLONEA: 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull @ Ballinclamper. (MC) DUNGARVAN: 2 Spoonbills @ Killongford. (MC)

CLONEA: Adult Arctic Tern & adult Mediterranean Gull @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): 2 Green Sandpipers (DW).

BELLE LAKE: Water Rail heard & 10 Sedge Warblers ringed (AA, DW, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull (White Darvic Ring 3H97) off the pitch & putt course. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Pomarine Skua W, 8 Common Scoters E & 105 Manx Shearwaters E (25 W) (seawatch 19:55-20:25, wind 2 NW, PMW).

BELLE LAKE: 2 Water Rails calling (").

RINCREW: A colour-ringed adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (blue ring 'YJ31' or possibly 'YJ37' on left leg) here had been ringed as an adult Hvaleyrarlón, Hafnarfjörður, SW Iceland (N64 02.00 W22 39.00) on 1st August 2008 (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper along Brickey River and another @ Ballyneety. 2 adult and 1 2nd summer Mediterranean Gulls at Ballyvoile Beach. 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull at Killongford (Green darvic ring on left leg but too distant to read) and yet another 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull @ Ballinacourty. Finally, juvenile Ruff @ Killongford. (MC, CF)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Balearic Shearwater, 5 Common Scoter, Arctic Skua & 2 Great Skuas E, Sanderling & 2 Black Guillemots W, 197 Manx Shearwaters W (152 E), 27 Commic Terns W (19 E) incl 4+ Arctic Terns & 2+ Common Terns W, 1 Sanderling W, also 250 Gannets E (206 W), 28 Fulmars W (5 E), 115 Kittiwakes W (78 E), 32 Sandwich Terns W (23 E), 1 Razorbill E & 2 Black Guillemots W (seawatch 07:05-09:05 & 09:20-11:20, wind 3-4 NW, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Balearic Shearwater (fairly pale) & 3 Storm Petrels west, also a Common Sandpiper on rocks (CF, DW, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Balearic Shearwater (dark bird, came west then returned east @ 20:05) & up to 10 Storm Petrels (seawatch 19:45-20:15, MC).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher & 4 Green Sandpipers, Ballyneety (MC Sr).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): Green Sandpiper (DW).

BRICKEY RIVER (nr Dungarvan): 3 Green Sandpipers & a Dipper (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: 4 Balearic Shearwaters (including 3 together at 18:45), 3 Storm Petrels & 52 Manx Shearwaters west, seawatch 18:00-19:00 (almost calm) (MAD, PMW).

RAM HEAD: 7 Fin Whales (AM).

Nr FERRY POINT: Immature Glaucous Gull (probably 1st-summer) roosting inside the point (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper & 2 Kingfishers at Killongford (JAP, BS).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Kingfisher at Cooper's Quay; Treecreeper, 2 Holly Blue & 7 Silver-washed Fritillary at Dromana (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Balearic Shearwater E, 9+ Bonxies (7 E, 2 W 2 feeding), 2 Common Scoter E, Puffin E, 2 Porpoises W, 277 Manx Shearwaters E (22 W), 282 Gannets E (119 W), 85 Kittiwakes E (39 W), 84 Sandwich Terns W (30 E), 21 Commic Terns W (16 W), 5 Fulmars E (1 W) (seawatch 07:35-09:35, wind 1-2 NW, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS showing well at Killongford (MC).

WEST WATERFORD: A Corncrake heard calling by day today.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Balearic Shearwaters (1 east then 2 west), a Great Skua, a 1st-summer Little Gull & 9 Common Scoters west, also 197 Manx Shearwaters west (93 east), 102 Sandwich Terns west (3 east), 11 'Commic' Terns east (8 west) (seawatch 18:45-20:15, wind 1-2 SW, MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Green Sandpipers at Ballyneety (SH).

HELVICK HEAD: 3+ Storm Petrels & a flock of 31 Common Scoter west (AM).

RAM HEAD: 10-12 Fin Whales; also the same 31 Common Scoter west (AM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 8 Common Sandpipers & a Whimbrel at Clohernagh (PMW).

BALLYVOILE: Adult and two 2nd summer Mediterranean Gulls. (MC) BALLINCLAMPER: Whimbrel (PMW).

BALLYQUIN STRAND (nr Ardmore): 10 Common Sandpipers (JAP, BS).

BALLYSCANLON: 8 Ravens, Sparrowhawk & 11 Gatekeeper butterflies (").

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS roosting at Killongford, 12:00, visible from Helvick Road; also an adult Mediterranean Gull in field bordering Killongford estuary; Green Sandpiper at Ballyneety (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Mediterranean Gulls at Barnawee - 1st-summer & 2 adults including darvic-ringed 3H97 (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper @ Ballyneety. (MC) SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): 2 Swifts (DW).

COLLIGAN WOODS: 9 Purple Hairstreak & 3 Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies (JAP, BS).

Nr DUNGARVAN: Long-eared Owl fledgling (per JAP).

DUNGARVAN: Male Tufted Duck off the pitch & putt club. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Little Tern, 10+ Common Terns (2 juvs) & a juvenile Mediterranean Gull off pitch & putt course (MC, DC).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper @ Ballyneety. (MC)

BALLYSCANLON: 4 Choughs & a Gatekeeper butterly (JAP).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Mediterranean Gulls at Barnawee - 1st-summer & 2 adults including darvic-ringed 3H97 (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Flock of 15-20 Common Scoter west past Ballinclamper @ 18:15 (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper & 20+ Common Sandpipers at Ballyneety; 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Barnawee, both unringed (earlier bird off pitch & putt had a white darvic ring) (MC, CF).

HELVICK HEAD: Storm Petrel, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Bonxies, 2 Arctic Terns & 7 Puffins west (seawatch 07:30-09:20), also 240 Manx Shearwaters west 07:30-08:30 & 4 adult Black Guillemots on sea (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS at Western Bay, adult Mediterranean Gull off pitch & putt course (MC, CF).

Nr WHITING BAY: Juvenile Tree Sparrow at Ballysallagh (JAP, BS).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): Reed Warbler & Stoat (DW).

SEAFIELD (nr Dungarvan): Long-eared Owl in garden c22:30 (DW).

HELVICK HEAD: Balearic Shearwater (very dark bird) passed c19:40 (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: c30 Storm Petrels, 8 Bonxies, 2 Arctic Skuas, 6 Arctic Terns & 30-40 Puffins all west (seawatch 11:15-1:30). Another Bonxie, 17 Storm Petrels, 230+ Manx Shearwaters & 8 Puffins west 14:05-15:35 / 16:15-17:15 (DW, PMW). Also a juvenile Swift feeding along cliffs at cove, 17:10 (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 sub-adult SPOONBILLS at Killongford (viewed from Helvick road) @ 10:15; one bird colour-ringed (lime green over yellow tag on right leg, red over dark green/blue on left leg) - one of the Spoonbills seen at Timoleague, Co Cork recently (MC). Also an Arctic Tern there briefly. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls & a Green Sandpiper at Ballyneety bridge, also good numbers of Common Sandpipers around Dungarvan (MC, DMcG). Spooonbills still present @ 13:35, also 750+ Black-tailed Godwit at Killongford (DW, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Balearic Shearwater on sea, feeding then flew west @09:35; also 80 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Storm Petrels & 4 Puffins all west (seawatch 09:00-10:00, wind f.5 SW, vis moderate / poor, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Barnawee Bridge. (MC) CLONEA: Common Tern, adult Arctic Tern, Whimbrel and Black Guillemot @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

Nr CLONMEL: 3 Jays & 2 Treecreepers in spruce forest at Kilnamack East, also Spotted Flycatcher nearby (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult Roseate Tern at Ballinclamper, 6:50 pm (MC).

CLONEA: Common Sandpiper @ Ballinclamper. (MC) DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ Barnawee Bridge. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND: 3 Spotted Flycatchers at Ballinclamper (DC).

KILMACTHOMAS: Green Sandpiper, riverbank at Mahon Mills apartments (Gerry Walsh).

CLONEA: 6 Mediterranean Gulls ( 4 Adults including returning white darvic ring 3H97 for its 4th year and 2 juvenile birds) & 1 Common Sandpiper @ Ballinclamper. (MC, MC Sr.)

KILBARRY BOG (Tramore Road): Reed Warbler singing, 3 Water Rails calling, & 11 Sedge Warblers, also 35 Swifts feeding overhead, 07:30-08:50 (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Tree Sparrow nest with chick in farm building; 145 Manx Shearwaters west (25 east) in 1-hr seawatch (19:20-20:20, wind f. 6 SW) (MAD, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Adult LONG-TAILED SKUA flew east & into Dungarvan Bay 13:35 then out again & west 10 mins later; also 6 Great Skuas, 11+ Storm Petrels, 7 Common Scoter & 4 Common Terns all west, & 33+ Puffins west or on sea or cliffs ( seawatch 11:00-14:30) (CF, MC, MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull & 4 Common Sandpipers at Ballyneety, & Common Tern at the Cunnigar (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: 4 Storm Petrels & 20+ Manx Shearwaters flew south (15:35-16:05) off Ballinclamper, also 3 Common Scoters (2 males & a female) on sea there (MAD, PMW).

BALLYVOYLE: 4 Common Sandpipers (DC).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Common Sandpipers at Ballyneety Bridge (DC).

RAM HEAD: Minimum of 12 Fin Whales (AM).

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

Nr LEMYBRIEN: Kingfisher at Fox's Castle Bridge & Spotted Flycatcher near Curraheen (DMcG).

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

HELVICK HEAD: 1 Great Skua west & 15 Puffins (14 west, 1 east) (seawatch 7-8 pm) (MC).



Monday, July 05, 2010

RAM HEAD: Fin Whale, probable Humpback Whale & 200+ Manx Shearwaters, evening (AM).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): Water Rail squealing @ 22:40 (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpipers & 10 Lapwing @ Ballyneety. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 3 Storm Petrels & a Puffin flew west (seawatch13:00-13:30, wind f. 5-6 SW/WSW); pair of Tree Sparrows at old farm buildings (PMW).

Nr CLONMEL: 3 Woodcock roding, Raven's Rock to Burnt Rock, 22:15-22:50, also 14+ Fallow Deer (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull, Barnawee bridge (MC). Adult Med Gull, Abeyside beach to Cunnigar (FO'C). 10 Lapwing, 7 Common Sandpipers & 2nd-summer Med Gull, Ballyneety (MC).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: Dead Barn Owl on new ring road on Co Kilkenny side, between Slieverue and new bridge (DMcG).

MID-WATERFORD: Buzzard (DW).

SEAFIELD, nr BUNMAHON: Treecreeper (DW).

Nr BALLYMACARBRY: 3 Jays, 2 Siskins & a Treecreeper just east of Boolabrien Lower (PMW).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: 3 Green Sandpipers at Ballycanvan, behind Beckett's, Dunmore Road (PA).

CLONEA STRAND: 1st-summer Mediterranean Gull & returning colour-ringed Black-headed Gull adult "238B" darvic-ringed at Ballinclamper (MC).

BUNMAHON: Common Sandpiper (MC).

CROHAUN: Long-eared Owl young calling @ 10:30 p.m. (DC).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier (per DMcG).

CLONEA: 2nd Summer Mediterranean Gull, male Tufted Duck, 3 Common Sandpipers at Ballinclamper, and 1 Arctic Skua offshore. (MC, D Clarke, M Clarke).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Spotted Flycatcher at Rincrew wood (PMW).

Nr KILROSSANTY: Long-eared Owl @ 11 p.m. (DC).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: 1 Cuckoo, 1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Woodcock at Knockadav; 1 Cuckoo Waterford side of the Vee (JAP, BS).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: 2 recently-fledged Wheatear broods just E of Glentaunemon Bridge near the Vee (PMW).

Nr LISMORE: 3 male Yellowhammers SE of Lismore including one carrying food to nest (PMW).

Thursday, June 24, 2010

ARDMORE: 4-6 Mediterranean Gulls at beach, including 3+ 2nd-summer & 1+ 1st-summer (AM).

RAM HEAD: Minke Whale (AM).

Nr KNOCKMEALDOWN mountains: Woodcock roding nr Glentaunemon Bridge @ 23:05; Cuckoo calling after 22:00, Boggaghbaun / Boggaghduff forest; Spotted Flycatcher, Boggaghbaun, and 3+ birds (3 pairs present this year) & a Siskin, Moneygorm / Knockaungarriff; (DC, DW, PMW).

YOUGHAL BRIDGE: Glaucous Gull at Waterford side (FO'C).

CAMPHIRE: 7 singing Reed Warblers along the Blackwater / Bride loop, also a Lapwing & 4 Spotted Flycatchers (MC, CF).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): Cuckoo calling today; also a Spotted Flycatcher nest & 2 pairs of Kingfishers along River Mahon recently, in same area (DW).

POLLRONE (Co Kilkenny, opposite Coolfin): Pair of Tree Sparrows nesting in old barn just north of Pollrone quay (PMW).

MOONVEEN (Co Kilkenny, opposite Mt Congreve): 3 Jays (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Chiffchaff juv (PMW).

ARDMORE: 1st-summer Mediterranean Gull at Curragh beach (SH).

TOWER HILL (nr Portlaw): 1+ Woodcock roding @ 22:17 & 22:40 (MAD, PMW).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Female Hen Harrier & 4 Crossbills (DC).

Nr THE VEE: Male Cuckoo calling just west of Glentaunemon Bridge, also 2 Siskins (MAD, PMW).

KILMEADEN POOLS: Painted Lady butterfly. (MC, CF)   FENOR BOG: Grasshopper Warbler in song. (")   BALLYSCANLON LAKE: Spotted Flycatcher. (")

MT MELLERAY: Adult male Crossbill @S097047 along track up to cross on hill above the monastery (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: No sign of yesterday's Iberian Chiffchaff.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF (1st Irish record) singing from willows and pine around back of main willow garden (PMW et al.). Also a Willow Warbler in same garden.

ANNESTOWN BOG: Grasshopper Warbler singing just downstream from Dunhill Castle @ 22:40 (PMW).

BALLINTLEA (nr Crohaun): 2-3 Woodcock roding tonight (MC).